On a freezing, windy Friday in November, AdkAction’s Project Manager Kim Trombly and Project Coordinator Kailey Maher stood on the capped landfill in Indian Lake, envisioning the transformation of this stark, barren landscape into a vibrant pollinator meadow. Despite the chilly winds that swept across the site, it was easy to imagine a future filled with blooming wildflowers and butterflies fluttering in the sunshine—a thriving habitat where nature could reclaim its space.

Joining Kim and Kailey on this site visit were Jamila Page from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Hamilton County, Lenny Croote, District Technician with Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Christine Pouch, Economic Development Marketing & Events Manager for the Town of Indian Lake. Together, they conducted soil sampling, surveyed the terrain, and gathered invaluable insights, sharing ideas and excitement about what this unique restoration could bring to life. This collaborative field day was a testament to AdkAction’s mission of working hand-in-hand with partners to protect and revitalize the Adirondacks.

Funded by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation SmartGrowth grant, the Pollinator Meadow Capped Landfill Restoration project is the first of its kind in the Adirondack Park. By transforming this capped landfill into a thriving meadow for pollinators, AdkAction is setting an example for the potential of capped landfills to support biodiversity and enrich the environment. Not only will this project have a local impact, but it could become a model for other communities looking to repurpose their former landfills in meaningful, sustainable ways.

With the groundwork underway, AdkAction is now accepting bids for a Consulting Ecologist and/or Environmental Engineer to join the project team. For anyone interested in contributing their expertise to this innovative project, the full Request for Proposals (RFP) can be found here.