Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Environmental Coalition of the Pelhams. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.
EcoPel Leads Conservation Efforts for Pollinators and Sustainable Landscaping
The first weekend of February was a hopeful one for pollinators, wildlife, and people, as scores of community members joined the Town of Pelham Public Library and the Environmental Coalition of the Pelhams (EcoPel) in inspiring programs aimed at creating wildlife habitats and a healthy, beautiful environment.
Winter Seed Sowing Workshop
On Saturday, February 1, the Pelham Library buzzed with activity as participants gathered for a winter seed sowing workshop to grow native perennial and annual flowers, including goldenrod, beardstongue, cutleaf coneflower, and cosmos. More than a dozen participants planted hundreds of seeds in milk gallon containers converted into mini winter greenhouses during a workshop led by EcoPel volunteer Stacy Peebles. Left outdoors, these seeds will undergo cold stratification, experiencing the cold and moist conditions required for most native seeds to germinate. With care, the seedlings can be transplanted into containers or directly into the ground come spring.
Invasive Species Management, Dead Hedge Construction, and Trash Removal
The following day, Boy Scouts of America volunteers joined the Pelham Vine Squad at the New York State Adopt-A-Highway site at Exit 4 of the Hutchinson River Parkway. Together, they freed trees from the suffocating grip of invasive English ivy and oriental bittersweet. The volunteers collected the vines along with invasive shrubs clippings such as multiflora rose and wineberry, using all the plant debris to construct a “dead hedge.” This dead hedge will decompose in place, enriching the soil, and create a pit stop for long-distance migratory birds foraging for seeds and worms. It will also serve as a habitat for insects and small mammals such as chipmunks and hedgehogs. Finally, two large garbage bags of litter were collected and disposed of.
The Hutchinson River and Long Island Sound watershed benefits greatly from these efforts, as removing invasive species, capturing floatable trash, and promoting native plants helps protect local waterways and supports a diverse ecosystem.
The Importance of Native Plants
Native plants provide food, shelter, and breeding spots for birds, insects, and other animals. By replacing unused grass in home gardens and state-maintained public roadsides, we provide much-needed habitat for imperiled species like the monarch butterfly, and reduce mowing and landscaping costs.This initiative is part of our broader community conservation efforts, encouraging everyone to take action and make a difference.
Get Involved with EcoPel: Pelham Vine Squad, Healthy Yards, and Plant Pelham Native
EcoPel, established in 2013, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing environmental information and education to the Pelham community. Our grassroots efforts are grounded in local actions that protect and improve the land, air, and water quality locally. The Pelham Vine Squad was recently launched to raise awareness about invasive plant species and manage them as part of the Healthy Yards initiative.
The Pelham Vine Squad is made possible with the support from the Junior League of Pelham Community Grants. For more information and to share ideas, email:
Plant Pelham Native is a campaign initiated by Cadette Girl Scouts Troop #2617. Learn more about Healthy Yards at https://www.healthyyards.org/westchester/
Sign up for the Pelham Healthy Yards mailing list and/or take the Pelham Healthy Yards pledge here: https://cutt.ly/takethepelhampledge
Follow @ecopelny, @sustainablepelham, and @climatesmartpelham on Facebook and Instagram
