Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Celebrates New Pollinator Garden Along West Shore Trail

SYRACUSE, NY – On Tuesday, June 17, the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to have fun the opening of a brand new native plant and pollinator backyard alongside the West Shore Path at Onondaga Lake. The backyard represents a vibrant new addition to the lake’s ecosystem restoration efforts and offers important habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and different pollinators whose populations have been in sharp decline.

The brand new backyard includes a rigorously curated choice of native shrubs, flowers, and grasses, designed to bloom all through the rising season to assist a range of pollinators. These embrace Northern obedient plant, Lengthy-stalked coreopsis, Wild bergamot, Steeplebush, and lots of extra.

Interpretive plant indicators present instructional info for path guests, and new sustainability components—together with a rain barrel and composting station—spotlight the significance of inexperienced infrastructure and self-sustaining landscapes.

“Native crops imply extra native bugs, which is crucial meals that birds have to feed their younger,” stated Mike Burger, Govt Director of Audubon Connecticut and New York. “Native crops additionally want much less water and care, as they’re tailored to native circumstances. Much less mowing, fertilizing, and pesticide utility means cleaner air and water.”

“The backyard is small (for now), but it surely offers a little bit perception to the individuals who go to Onondaga Lake by the hundreds,” stated James Molloy, Senior Scientist at Parsons. “The perception we’re attempting to share is that in case you’re enthusiastic about birds, crops, or different wildlife, then you definately’re enthusiastic about pollinators. Anybody can take part within the motion to preserve them.”

“At Nationwide Grid, we love with the ability to assist organizations and native communities to make parks more healthy and greener,” stated Travis Glazier, Exterior Affairs Regional Supervisor. The corporate’s Sustainability Management Alliance offered the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps with an eight thousand greenback examine on the ceremony to assist fund the backyard’s enlargement.

The ceremony introduced collectively conservation leaders, scientists, park employees, and utility companions who’ve labored collectively to reestablish native vegetation and promote environmental stewardship in Central New York. 

“The introduction of this new asset on the West Shore Path aligns completely with Onondaga County Parks acknowledged Mission Assertion, and is a invaluable new amenity for all customers of Onondaga Lake Park to get pleasure from for years to return,” stated Eric Sopchak, Superintendent of Onondaga Lake Park.

“This backyard stands as a testomony to our collective dedication to sustainability and setting stewardship. As we speak, as we reduce this ribbon we have fun not simply the opening of a backyard, however the flourishing of our neighborhood’s dedication to a more healthy extra vibrant setting,” stated Gladys Garcia Mitton of CenterState CEO.

Thanks go to those that donated soil, mulch, compost, crops, and planning and upkeep assist, together with: Michaela Kenward (Parsons), Craig Millburn (Honeywell), Brian Cole (OCRRA), Molly Jacobson (SUNY ESF), Laurianne Fleming (Plantsmen Nursery), Mark Bremer (Nationwide Grid), and the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Advisory Board.