Jan Mooney of Baltimore, Maryland is a Xerces monthly donor who is passionate about urban green spaces and pollinator conservation. Jan’s love for nature began in childhood, inspired by the gardens of her mother and grandmother in Severna Park, Maryland. Jan recalls, “I was attracted to plants and invertebrates at a very young age. The tiny creatures were always on the move and hard at work, which always fascinated me!”

After a long career in human resources, Jan retired and dedicated herself to environmental stewardship and became an active volunteer at the Upper Fells Point Community Garden in Baltimore. “The garden is the only green space in our neighborhood boundaries,” says Jan. “It is not only an oasis for me but also for many birds and invertebrates. It is also a space where the community can come together as one.”

Jan’s favorite plants in the garden include crocus, bee balm, milkweed, aster and sedum, all key nectar sources for pollinators. “Monarchs love the sedum in late summer, and cosmos bloom from May through the first frost, providing nectar for months!” says Jan.

Jan has led as garden chair for the past eight years. Under her leadership, the garden has expanded to 26 plots with 34 gardeners and includes pollinator habitat. It has also gained recognition, earning awards from the Maryland Cooperative Extension and becoming a Monarch Waystation. Beyond growing food for themselves and wildlife, the gardeners donate produce to the community and lead beautification projects, including a mural and a mosaic sidewalk created with local school children.

Looking ahead, Jan hopes to expand the garden’s impact. “We want to keep providing habitat and food for invertebrates and birds while growing fresh produce right here in the city,” she says. “The Upper Fells Point Community Garden is a real gem, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Thank you, Jan, for your dedication to urban conservation and community engagement. Your work is a powerful reminder that even in the heart of a city, pollinators and people can thrive together!