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Wings for Thomas: A Pollinator Haven - Community Planting Day

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM) (EDT)

Description

Join the Buzz

Wings for Thomas: A Pollinator Haven in Cashiers

The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with local partners to create a Certified Pollinator Waystation on the hillside west of the Chamber building. This project will transform unused space into a thriving habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators — while engaging the whole community in hands-on learning and fun.

"This Pollinator Haven is dedicated in memory of Thomas Taulbee, whose life continues to inspire beauty, growth, and community. With every bloom and every wing that visits, Thomas’ spirit takes flight." - Susan Sapienza

Campaign Goals

Create a thriving pollinator habitat with native plants.
Inspire community members to learn, dig in, and get involved.
Showcase Cashiers’ leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Build a model project to encourage other pollinator gardens across the region.

Together, we’re planting the seeds of beauty, biodiversity, and community.

Collaborators

Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce
Dargan Garden Design
Hagan-Binder Landscape
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Kintyre Design
Oconee Bell Chapter of the NC Native Plant Society
Susan & T.K. Heatley and Family
Valley Garden Club

Save the Dates – Community Engagement Events

Seed Saving at McKinney Meadow
Hosted by Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
McKinney Meadow | Monday October 27, 2025 | 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Native Plant ID & Non-Native Removal
Co-hosted by Oconee Bell Chapter & Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Food truck + hot beverages — fun for all!
Chamber | Tuesday November 18, 2025 | 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Design Workshop
Arielle McIntyre, Kintyre Design and Mary Palmer Dargan, Dargan Garden Design
Chamber | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Winter Seed Sowing
Hosted by Oconee Bell Chapter
Cashiers Library | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Wattle Staking for Terracing
Hosted by Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Chamber | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 9:30 –12:00
Community Planting Day Co-hosted by Oconee Bell Chapter, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Kintyre Design, Hagan-Binder Landscape & Valley Garden Club
Chamber | Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 9:30 –12:00
Grand Opening Co-hosted by Cashiers Area Chamber, Dargan Landscape, Hagan-Binder Landscape, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Kintyre Design, Oconee Bell Chapter, Susan & T.K. Heatley and Family, and Valley Garden Club
Chamber | Monday, May 25, 2026 | 11:00 - 1:00