By Grace Leightheiser, Adirondack Pollinator Project Intern

A new pollinator garden has been added to the beautiful oasis that is Camp Aldersgate in Greig. The property already attracted monarch butterflies thanks to some milkweed that popped up all on its own, but now there will be even more variety to hopefully draw a greater diversity of pollinators! The garden installation took place on July 13th with the help of many eager campers and staff members.

Pam Harris and Garrie Stevens, who go way back with the camp and now passionately run it, were so pleased to be selected as recipients for our Pollinator Garden Assistance Program. They are looking forward to incorporating new content in their campers’ STEM curriculum about the native plants growing in the new garden as they try to instill the importance of environmental stewardship in the children they get to host for portions of the summer. The garden is conveniently located right next to the windows of their naturalist classroom so campers will be able to observe it easily even when they are not playing outside on the grounds!

Pam explained that Aldersgate is positioned well to spread the word about supporting pollinators to the various church congregations they are associated with. They wish to celebrate the natural world and foster a deep love of the environment in the children they see at camp to promote ongoing conservation efforts. Everyone is excited to watch the garden grow, especially the many campers who got their hands dirty during the installation!