Town Takes Initiative to Save Native Pollinators

North Hempstead, NY – The Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board members committed to actions to help the declining monarch butterfly as well as other pollinators last year. Native pollinators like butterflies, bees, flower flies and beetles play an important role in pollinating the many plants in our community.

In June 2019, the Town of North Hempstead carried out the action of creating a pollinator habitat by building a 4,000 square foot pollinator garden located in Gerry Pond Park. The garden contains over 1,500 plants which have nectar and pollen that allow for native pollinators to feed themselves and their young. The Town plans to continue helping preserve the pollinator’s natural habitats by planting native plants and reducing the amount of pesticides used in local parks and gardens.

The Town urges community members to participate in the preservation of our native pollinator habitats. Here are some steps you can take within your own yard:

1. Building your own pollinator garden with native plants which will provide food to our pollinators.  Native pollinators need these plants which are accustomed to our soils and climate. These plants do not need fertilizer or water after they are established.  If you do not have space in your yard for a pollinator garden consider using a container.

2. Citizen Science is another way to help contribute. This year the town is currently participating in the Empire State Native Pollinator Survey (ESNPS). This survey aims to determine the conservation status of a wide array of native insect pollinators throughout New York.

For additional information on helping pollinators, as well as how you can participate in the ESNPS, visit: https://northhempsteadny.gov/pollinators.  Stop by Gerry Pond Park today to see the newest pollinator garden!

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Gerry Pond Park’s newest Pollinator Garden