Phillips’ Mill is proud to take part in the Primrose Creek Initiative, a growing coalition committed to restoring the health of the Primrose Creek watershed. This effort addresses both a pressing environmental need and a deeply rooted belief in the power of place—a value that aligns with Phillips’ Mill’s nearly 100-year history as a creative hub located along the Primrose Creek, and surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The initiative began with a call from the Primrose Creek Watershed Association and environmental leader Robert McKuen, inviting Phillips’ Mill to join other local organizations in protecting the land, improving water quality, and building native habitats. As the Mill’s campus sits within the watershed, the collaboration felt natural. Not only does this initiative protect our beloved creek and stunning sycamores, but it also helps restore the beauty and biodiversity of our grounds—making the outdoor space more inviting for artists, visitors and wildlife alike.
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With support from environmental experts, local schools and partners like Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and the leadership of Francis Collins, the project uses best management practices (BMPs) to improve stormwater management, reduce erosion and reintroduce native plantings. Already, new trees, shrubs and even ferns have taken root thanks to community volunteers. Future plans include educational signage and interactive features so visitors can learn more about how nature and art are deeply interconnected.
At its core, this initiative is about more than planting—it’s about connection. Between people and place, art and environment, and one healthy habitat and the next. It’s our hope that the Mill’s involvement in the Primrose Creek Initiative will not only enhance our natural setting but also inspire a broader appreciation for conservation through creativity.
“People are more and more interested in the quality of the environment. And that’s great to see. It’s healthy for us as humans to spend more time in nature,” says Laura Womack, former President and current Board Member of the Phillips’ Mill Community Association. “The Mill has been a clubhouse for artists for almost a century. The arts are our mission. A sense of place is very important to our identity. It’s important for us to protect the environment for generations to come. I am grateful to the many volunteers who have embraced this initiative, joyfully planting wild native flowers that will grow and thrive here, helping to attract birds, insects and other wildlife.”
Native wildflowers have roots that help hold soil in place, reducing runoff and soil erosion, which in turn prevents sediment from washing into creeks and damaging aquatic habitats.
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