What do artificial turf (AT) playing fields and poured in place (PIP) playground surfaces have to do with Pollinator Pathway's mission? Installing large amounts of petroleum derived material (40,000 lbs of plastic per AT playing field) creates ecological dead zones in our landscape; damages soil health; pollutes the ground water our plants, pollinators and people rely on; and exacerbates the growing heat island effect from urban densification. PIP surface temperatures register at 158 degrees and higher on hot summer days.
This educational webinar will be hosted as a Special Meeting through the Parks and Recreation Commission via Zoom. Everyone is invited to listen. https://www.stamfordct.gov/government/boards-commissions/parks-and-recreation-commission
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Science Café: The Known & Unknown
Wildlife in Our Backyards
October 27, 2022
6-7:30PM
Ferguson Library, Lower Level, Teen Maker Area
Bedford & Broad Streets
At the inaugural Science Café, Stamford resident and biology professor Jason Munshi-South will discuss wildlife that shares the city with us, how they use our urban environment and how we can face the inevitable challenges of coexistence. Q&A to follow.
Registration required at fergusonlibrary.org/events.
For more information, call 203-351-8229.
Presented by Ferguson Library, Downtown Special Services District and Pollinator Pathway Stamford
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OCTOBER 8, 10AM-12PM KOSCIUSZKO PARK
Meander through the meadow to the beautifully restored pollinator rock garden. Join us for weeding and watering in Kosciuszko Park for the last time ... until next spring!
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Chestnut Hill Park
October 22, 11AM-1PM
Help plant and mulch around new bird-friendly shrubs. Work is underway, but we could still use strong helpers! Bring your own drink and snack.
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Stamford Land Conservation Trust 50th Anniversary
Stamford Museum & Nature Ctr. Knobloch Family Ed. Ctr.
October 12, 4-7PM
For all ages. Activities, refreshments. Learn about SLCT and more.
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Leave the Leaves...and Stems!
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Why would I want to do this?
Leaf litter is nature’s sanctuary and nursery. The vast majority of our pollinators overwinter right here in Connecticut:
- Caterpillars tuck themselves into the leaves.
- Some butterflies lay their eggs on fallen oak leaves.
- Luna moths and swallowtails disguise their cocoons and chrysalises as dried leaves.
- The queen bumblebee, the only survivor of her colony, burrows a few inches underground beneath a layer of leaves
- Stick insects drop their eggs from the treetops onto the leaf litter below where they overwinter.
- Leaf litter attracts lady beetles who eat aphids in the spring.
- Hollow stems from dead plants provide cavities in which bees can make a home or nest.
But I want my lawn to look neat and tidy!
- Mulch leaves into your lawn with the lawnmower--leaves will decompose into the soil. Free fertilizer!
- Rake excess leaves into garden beds and around tree bases. Wet to keep in place. Leaves will suppress weeds, retain moisture and boost nutrition.
- Not enough garden beds to rake your leaves into? Put them in a designated pile over winter. When spring rolls around and there is a consistent day and night temp over 50 after the insects have left, shred them for FREE mulch!
This year, take a moment to think about the pollinators who might be living in your garden. Read more about winter habitat protection for invertebrates at the Xerces Society.
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