Three stories above North Halsted Street, a 2,500-square-foot native garden thrives on the rooftop of the Center on Halsted LGBTQ community center in Lakeview, Chicago. This vibrant oasis, designed by retired environmental scientist Robert Sullivan, not only offers breathtaking views but also serves as a vital sanctuary for native pollinators like butterflies, bees, and finches.
Sullivan, on a mission to bolster pollinator habitats within the city, uses this garden to educate Chicagoans on the importance of supporting these unsung heroes of the food chain. He wholeheartedly embraces the vision of renowned author Doug Tallamy—a network of small native gardens across the nation, including rooftops, that play a crucial role in providing habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
Interest in pollinator gardens is on the rise, as demonstrated by the growing membership of Wisconsin-based native plant nonprofit Wild Ones, which increased from 4,300 individuals in January 2021 to 8,100 in January 2023.
Sullivan, 64, works tirelessly on the rooftop garden alongside his wife, Susan, who dedicates herself to growing organic vegetables for senior citizens and a culinary training program. Together, they have transformed the space into a flourishing garden that has already witnessed 110 species of insects, including fireflies, grasshoppers, and seven different types of dragonflies.
This rooftop garden holds special significance for the Sullivans, as they were drawn to it following the tragic loss of their transgender daughter, Sloane, to suicide in 2017. Sloane’s memory lives on in the garden, which the Sullivans maintain as part of the Center on Halsted’s “green team.”
Despite the challenging rooftop conditions, where soil is shallow and often subjected to harsh weather, the garden features 85 native species resilient enough to thrive in these conditions. From butterfly weed to purple coneflowers, this green oasis demonstrates the remarkable resilience of nature.
While the rooftop garden itself isn’t open to visitors due to preservation constraints, the Sullivans offer tours and share updates on their Facebook page, Center on Halsted Garden Space. The rooftop garden provides a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures throughout the year, serving as a source of hope and healing for all who encounter it.
In the midst of urban surroundings, this rooftop garden is a testament to the resilience of native plants and the vital role they play in supporting pollinators, reminding us that we can all contribute to preserving these essential species, one garden at a time.