On July 25th, AdkAction joined forces with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District to install two new pollinator gardens—one at each High Peaks Rest Area (North and South) on the Adirondack Northway (I-87). These eye-catching gardens feature three hexagonal raised beds filled with native flowering plants carefully chosen to support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other essential pollinators.
Even as our team constructed the beds and began the planting, curious travelers stopped to ask what we were up to. Some engaged in longer conversations about native species and pollinator habitat, while others simply called out on their way into the rest area: “What are you planting?” Our answer—“A garden for pollinators!”—was met with a big “YEAH!” and two enthusiastic thumbs up. It was clear that this project is already sparking interest and awareness.
The gardens are part of a broader public education initiative. Later this season, large informational signs designed by AdkAction will be installed at both rest areas. The signs will explain why protecting pollinators is so important—after all, one in every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators. They’ll also share why the Adirondacks matter in the larger pollinator picture: some monarch butterflies born here belong to the super-generation that migrates over 2,000 miles to Mexico each fall.
Finally, the signs will offer simple, effective actions that people can take at home to help pollinators thrive—such as planting native flowering plants, reducing or eliminating pesticide use, and converting lawn to pollinator-friendly habitat.
The project was made possible thanks to funding from NYSDOT, Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District, and a grant from the Adirondack Garden Club.
Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, we hope these gardens inspire you to help protect the pollinators we all depend on.
