Capital Strategic Solutions’ Senior Project Manager Ken Calder recently acted as interim director for Plainville, Massachusetts’ department of public works. While assisting the department, Ken worked to complete many outstanding projects, including the transformation of a stormwater control area that had become an eyesore into a neighborhood benefit. Ken began his role as Interim Public Works Director for the town in July 2024.
Prior to Ken’s involvement, Plainville’s Department of Public Works (DPW) had identified a large problem area as a collection point of stormwater for several surrounding neighborhood blocks and installed drains and a control system to help correct the issues, but the job still needed to be “finished,” according to Town Administrator Brian Noble.
For decades this area was an eyesore and a breeding ground for mosquitos and pests. It was also a common spot for dumping yard debris and dog waste, clogging the drainage system.
In July, Ken suggested transforming this area into a pollinator garden to provide an appropriate use of the space’s functionality, while mitigating longstanding stormwater issues and supporting a greener community.
In August, Ken met with Bekah Sojka, a member of the facilities department who is also studying to become a conservation agent. Bekah and her coworkers in the facilities department worked together to create a planting plan with a variety of low-maintenance perennials, like Butterfly Bush, Rose of Sharon and clover for ground cover. The facilities team went to work preparing the plantings while local contractors helped to finalize the grading, loam, fencing and signage. The result is the first pollinator garden in Plainville that is a sustainable and visually appealing space that everyone is happy to have, including the town’s bees and butterflies.
“Working on the pollinator garden has been a truly rewarding experience,” Ken added. “It was an opportunity to not only address a long-standing stormwater issue but also to create something beautiful and beneficial for the environment and the community. Seeing the transformation of this space into a thriving habitat is a source of pride for the neighborhood and it has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m grateful for the collaboration with the team and the support from the town to bring this vision to life.”
The pollinator garden project was completed in late November. The town looks forward to spring and seeing the garden come to life.
“At CSS, we are dedicated to providing innovative, sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and the environment,” said CSS Chief Executive Officer Nichol Figueiredo. “Ken’s leadership in transforming a challenging stormwater issue into a thriving pollinator garden is a perfect example of how we turn ideas into reality. His efforts have not only addressed immediate concerns but also created a lasting positive impact for the town of Plainville.”
Harvard St Pollinator Garden
Harvard St Pollinator Garden Sign
