Harmar Riverbank Pollinator Planting and Solar Charging Bench Proposal

The Green Sanctuary Committee of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta has received a $7500 grant from Dupont for a sustainability project in Marietta. We are requesting permission to install a pollinator planting and a solar charging bench on city-owned riverbank adjacent to the 500 block of Fort Street.
�	The proposed area extends approximately 250 by 30 feet, from a burning bush near the old lock master's house to the city launch ramp sign.
�	The river bank will be restored with native plants. The plants will be designed to support local ecosystems, specifically pollinators, with a root system that improves resilience to erosion and flooding as well as filtering water runoff before entering the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. Converting the area from lawn to these native plants will also reduce lawn maintenance and add beauty to a popular public space (viewable from the Marietta River Trail). Another goal is a long bloom season with benefits for insect pollinators, hummingbirds, and  songbirds.
�	The grant budget includes the hiring of a Master Naturalist/Master Gardener to design the plantings. 
�	A solar charging bench will be installed for use by anyone in the community to charge their electronic devices with clean solar energy. 
�	The charging bench would be placed across Fort Street from the Gilman United Methodist Church parking lot, which would not interfere with visibility from any homes.
�	The grant budget includes funds for site preparation.
�	A team of volunteers from Dupont and Green Sanctuary will install the plantings and will maintain them in cooperation with neighborhood volunteers.