March 2026 Monthly Meeting Recap

3/17/2026

The March monthly meeting was held on 3/17/26 in person at the Rose Skating Center and

via Zoom. Shanna Hoffman presented the 2025 Audit Committee report. Laurel Watt

shared an update on the Plant Sale with Grow Team key dates. Susie DeShon

requested porcelain and terra cotta pots in good condition to be marketed at the sale.

Darren Lochner reminded members that Safety for Minors and Background checks

must be completed every three years. The 2026 Directory is now available online.

Our March program was a peer-to-peer learning event featuring RCGE members Olivia

Blanchflower and Amy Jay on the topic “Enhanced Scope of the Ramsey County

Monarch Waystation.” They explained the cultural and ecological importance of

providing habitat and food resources for monarch butterflies, but that this is the tip of the

iceberg, as these gardens are tied to outcomes for other pollinators and wildlife. They

linked the planning and planting of the demonstration garden at the Barn (Extension

office at 2020 White Bear Avenue) to our February presentation of Doug Tallamy’s “Four

Critical Functions of a Wildlife Garden.”

More information on guidelines for creating such a pollinator garden can be found at

www.monarchwatch.org. All RCGE members are invited to get involved at any of the

Barn gardens. Watch SUG for opportunities.

Recap provided by Susan Cathey

RCMG Volunteer