A once-overlooked space between the El Monte Historical Museum and the El Monte Auditorium is now home to a new pollinator garden, thanks to the initiative of a local REI employee and the support of city staff.
The project was completed Thursday, September 8, when REI employees joined with the City of El Monte to plant a garden designed to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Local roots inspire project
The idea began with Johnny Gale, a Senior Sales Specialist at REI who grew up in El Monte and still lives in the city. Gale walked past the space for years and thought it could become something more. When REI’s “Yay Day” program, which gives employees paid time off for community service or outdoor projects, came up, he presented the concept. REI agreed, and the planning began.
Joining Gale for the planting were REI Department Managers Cara Ray and Victor Diaz, along with City Manager Alma Martinez, members of the El Monte Department of Public Works, and volunteers from the Historical Museum. Together, they transformed the area into a garden aimed at supporting pollinators and beautifying the community space.
Why pollinator gardens matter
Pollinator gardens provide critical habitats for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for the health of ecosystems and local food systems. Bees alone pollinate more than one-third of crops grown in the United States. Butterflies help pollinate flowers and serve as indicators of a healthy environment, while hummingbirds pollinate native plants that many other animals cannot.
By creating safe spaces filled with nectar-rich flowers, the new El Monte pollinator garden helps sustain these species and educates the public on their importance. Native plants, once established, will also require less water, which makes the project a sustainable addition to the community in the long term.
Community benefit and future use
City staff and museum members said the garden not only improves the appearance of the space between the Historical Museum and Auditorium, but also creates a place for visitors to learn about pollinators. The garden will be maintained with the support of the City of El Monte and volunteers.
The effort highlights how small community projects, supported by local partnerships, can make lasting contributions to both the environment and the people who live there. The El Monte pollinator garden stands as a model for how cities can repurpose unused spaces into areas that provide both ecological and educational value for residents.
