A Garden for All: Growing a Pollinator Haven at the Library

by Sophia Vitela, 2024-2025 Young Texan Ambassador

Sophia, with leadership from Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) and Keep Wimberley Beautiful, at the 2025 KTB Conference.

In the fall of 2024, I began thinking of ideas for my beautification project as part of my role in the Young Texan Ambassador (YTA) program through Keep Texas Beautiful.

I was quickly connected with my local affiliate, Keep Wimberley Beautiful, which became an incredible source of guidance and support. I, along with others, began spending more time at the newly renovated Wimberley Village Public Library—a vibrant space filled with families, students, and seniors.

I realized it was the perfect place to bring the community together through a pollinator garden.

What started as a small idea turned into a truly collaborative effort. After speaking with the Hays County Master Naturalists, I learned there were local kids also passionate about helping monarchs and native pollinators. We connected with homeschool groups who were already working on similar projects and began reaching out to library officials to present the idea. Once we got approval to use a green space near the walking trails by the library’s glass doors, we began surveying the land and planning the layout.

To engage the community, I organized weekly planning meetings that were open to anyone interested. We discussed pollinator-friendly plants, garden design, and volunteer logistics. I spread the word through school announcements, National Honor Society opportunities, and social media posts. I also personally invited families, peers, and community leaders. The response was more than I expected; over 20 volunteers of all ages showed up on planting day in March.

Thanks to Keep Wimberley Beautiful, which generously approved $500 in funding, and additional support from YTA for tools like gloves and shovels, we had everything we needed to bring the garden to life. Seeing the sketch I had drawn transform into a living, blooming space was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life.

Today, the pollinator garden is a place where people stop, admire, and learn. Community members have told me how much the greenery was needed and, as the sun peaks out, of how beautiful it’s become.

Through this experience, I learned that community engagement starts with understanding what matters to people and finding ways to bring their interests into the project. It’s about building relationships, being consistent, and inviting people to take ownership alongside you. In reality, I didn’t do this alone; it was the shared enthusiasm and support from every group I worked with that made this successful.

Moving forward, I’m excited to continue with the YTA program for another year, especially as we work to establish a Youth Leadership Council for Keep Wimberley Beautiful. I’ve seen firsthand how youth-led efforts can inspire real change, and I want to help create more opportunities for others to get involved.

As I begin my freshman year at UT Austin in the fall, where I’ll be studying Climate System Science, I hope to shift my YTA membership to beautification initiatives in Austin. Though I’ll be based there, I plan to stay connected with Keep Wimberley Beautiful and help support future projects in my hometown.

Sophia Vitela

Sophia Vitela is a first-year student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she is pursuing a degree in Climate System Science. A dedicated scholar and communicator, she is an AP Scholar Award recipient and a standout competitor in speech and debate. Sophia was a Texas Forensic Association State Qualifier in World Schools Debate, earned 3rd place at the 2024 UIL State Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and placed 4th in UIL Informative Speaking as part of the 1st place team. As Debate Captain at WHS Speech & Debate, she led with passion and purpose. In 2025, she was selected as a PEC Youth Delegate, traveling to Washington, D.C. to represent her community.