The weather was a little dreary this year at Kosciuszko Park, but that didn't stop 40 volunteers from showing up on Earth Day to help remove trash and to weed around the native plants in the rock garden. Shout out to Future 5, volunteers who have been involved with this park restoration project since the beginning.
Stefan Martin of The Connecticut Audubon Society led an exploration of wildlife that call the park home. Identifying native plants that provide food and shelter for birds and insects, Martin emphasized the importance of removing invasive plant species before they displace the essential plants pollinators depend on. He also shared ways to improve backyard habitats to encourage beneficial species. Pollinator Pathway Stamford will return to Kosciuszko Park on May 20, 10am-12noon. Come volunteer with us! Bring beverage and snack.
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PLANT SALES
Shop for Native Plants
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Are you ready to add more pollinator-friendly plants to your garden? Two plant sales -- both on Saturday, May 13 -- will give you plenty of options.
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Bartlett Arboretum Plant Sale. Saturday, May 13, 10:30am-3pm. Perennials, shrubs, herbs and vegetables.
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The Shippan Point Garden Club May Market. Saturday, May 13. 9am-3pm. At Our Lady Star of the Sea. Plants and planters.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Chestnut Hill Park Pollinator Garden
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Saturday, May 6, 9am-11am. Have you seen the new pollinator garden at Chestnut Hill Park? Would you like to help it grow? Join us on Saturday, May 6 for the kickoff, with subsequent work days on the third Saturday of every month through September. Bring a beverage. Long sleeves and pants advised.
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NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES
This sweet smelling honeysuckle is a stinker
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Invasive Asian Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, L. morrowii, L. tatarica) in the Honeysuckle family.
Several similar species of bush honeysuckles of Asian origin occur in our region. These shrubs leaf out early in the season and hold their leaves longer than most native deciduous shrubs, thus reducing light availability to other plants for a long period of the growing season. Recent studies have shown that chemicals in L. maackii are capable of inhibiting germination of other plants. The nesting success of birds nesting in Asian bush honeysuckles may be reduced because the plants provide less protection from nest predators. One quick ID to determine if the honeysuckle is the invasive or native species: cut a branch or stem in half and if it is hollow (hollow pith), the honeysuckle is invasive. Native alternatives: Northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), American fly honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis.)
Mistaken Identity? Find native plants and their invasive look alikes in the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center database.
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Tree Walk for High School Students at the Bartlett Arboretum
Students from Stamford high schools helped advocate for funding in the City's next budget for the Urban Forest. Many learned about the importance of an urban forest at PPS's TREE TALK last month and immediately took action by writing letters to the Mayor and Board of Finance. What's next? A student TREE WALK at Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens on Friday, May 5th at 3pm - 4pm. Learn how to ID trees and the plants surrounding them. Meet outside the Silver Center. Anyone interested in participating is welcome.
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Help Plant a Tree
Would you like to learn how to plant a tree, adopt a tree, or become a volunteer? Do you want to become involved in our Tree Group? Email us. We coordinate with the City and Stamford Downtown. The tree planting will take place in June. Look for next month's newsletter for the date. |
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STAMFORD PARKS STRATEGIC PLAN
Complete the survey. Share your ideas.
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The City of Stamford is developing a strategic plan for parks improvements that "aims to manage and invest in the sustainability of our parks, beaches, and trails." Residents are invited to complete the survey. Find out more here. Take a look at the Parks Strategic Plan Presentation Deck and the Parks Strategic Plan Engagement Timeline.
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SAVE THE DATE
Pollinator Week Meadow Project
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In celebration of National Pollinator Week we will join Stamford Land Conservation Trust to help with their ambitious project to transform an area formerly overrun with invasive weeds into a wildflower meadow. Saturday, June 24, 10am, Woods End Preserve, between 65 and 99 Woods End Road, Stamford. All are welcome to help plant native flowers. Some gloves and trowels will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own, and a beverage.
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BEE CONNECTED
Join Pollinator Pathway Stamford and add your property to the map.
Take the pledge to help bees and other pollinators.
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