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.
Pelham, NY – A transformative environmental restoration effort is underway in Pelham, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Environmental Coalition of the Pelhams and the Girls Scouts Troop #2617 Silver Award Project, Plant Pelham Native.
The two organizations gathered at the Town of Pelham Public Library this past Saturday with more than 25 community members for a presentation and hands-on workshop: Plant Pelham Native: How to Create Wildlife Habitat on Public Lands, a project aimed to revitalize local green spaces while fostering biodiversity.
Pelham Heart of the Hudson Girl Scouts Evangelina Bellettieri, Jillian Caulfield, and Laila Sakhrani shared their journey in earning their Silver Award, detailing how they’ve been transforming unproductive grass spaces–such as passive parks and roadside right-of-ways into thriving ecosystems using bare root seedlings from the New York State Department of Conservation over the course of six months. (Silver Award Project member Abigail Hambright was unable to attend.)
Attendees learned about the crucial role of native plants in supporting local insects, birds, and small mammals, as well as their impact on mitigating flooding and preventing pollution in the Hutchinson River and Long Island Sound.
Following the presentation, participants stepped outside to apply their knowledge first hand–planting a small wildlife habitat in the Library parking lot. Scouts demonstrated techniques for removing grass patches and planting two nine-bark and twelve red osier dogwood shrubs, showcasing how even tight spaces can be transformed into vibrant natural habitats.
EcoPel is committed to expanding these efforts, officially incorporating the Plant Pelham Native campaign into its ongoing habitat restoration initiatives, which began in 2021 and recently gained momentum with the November launch of the Pelham Vine Squad, an invasive species management strike team.
Upcoming Event — Join the Movement!
EcoPel Micro-Forest Planting
Saturday May 10, 2025
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Exit 5 Northbound Hutchinson River Parkway (Corner of Colonial Avenue and Wolfs Lane)
Volunteers will plant over 100 bare root seedlings grown by the New York State Saratoga Tree Nursery, creating a micro-forest — a densely packed ecosystem designed to flourish in compost-enriched soil and provide essential habitat for local wildlife.
Stay informed about upcoming planting events by following us on Instagram and Facebook: @ecopelny @plantpelhamnative
For more details or to get involved, please contact [email protected]
