By Grace Leightheiser, Adirondack Pollinator Project Intern
The bustling boat launch at Upper Saranac Lake is now home to a second pollinator garden, positioned prominently among river birch trees in the lawn central to the parking area. “After one successful stormwater bioretention site was transformed into a pollinator garden last year, the USF (Upper Saranac Foundation) was excited to further our efforts,” said Guy Middleton who is the Lake Manager. “What better way to control invasives than replace them with pollinators?” He considers the collaboration with AdkAction to manage invasive species and support pollinators to be a win-win. “The pollinator gardens not only add to the aesthetics of the launch, it will aid in the health of our environment by attracting birds and butterflies. This project exemplifies how nonprofit and government agencies can work in partnership to confront and resolve a host of integrated ecosystem challenges.”
Guy also noted that the site planted last year has done well, with flowering plants and a variety of pollinating butterflies and birds spotted. Read about last year’s project with USF here.
The boat launch is an ideal location for a pollinator garden because stewards from the Adirondack Watershed Institute are stationed daily throughout the summer to inspect and decontaminate watercraft while also informing launch users about ways to prevent invasive spread. They are also responsible for maintaining and promoting the pollinator gardens. In 2020, the Watershed Stewards interacted with 5,417 visitors at this particular site, making them an invaluable source of information flow in our efforts to spread awareness about pollinators.
The Adirondack Pollinator Project empowers people to take individual and collective action to ensure a future where pollinators thrive, native habitat abounds, and Adirondack residents and visitors are engaged pollinator advocates. You can find resources for garden planning, take a tour of our community gardens, request free wildflower seeds, and more at our pollinator project page.
You can support our hands-on pollinator conservation efforts by making a gift to our Adirondack Pollinator Project Fund.
