History

In July 2021 a request was made to Parks & Rec. to create a learning Native Pollinator Garden and after discussion it was decided to create one at Pond Park.

Approvals required from the Select Board, Parks & Rec as well as the Conservation Commission since the area in the park is in a wetland area were completed in June 2022.

To keep this as an educational activity and involve the community, a winter sow project was held in January 2021. Seeds, soils, containers and guidance were given to the individuals that joined us at the town common. The seeds that were selected were ideal for the location at Pond Park and the ask for those who joined the program was to keep half of the plants to start their own personal native pollinators and return the other half for the community garden at Pond Park.

Our original location selected in Pond Park was in a more upland area but was moved to a gradual slope above the flat basin area. The reason for the move was due to having verified where electrical lines were located (always check before digging anywhere.)

In keeping with the idea that this garden is to help native species as well as demonstrating ways to reduce and /or negate chemical lawn additives, as well as increase water conservation, recycled/reused materials were used as much as possible in the area preparation. The area prep that was used for this particular garden was to remove the existing sod and cover with a plastic cover to solarize the location to prevent/kill any existing unwanted plants from propagating the garden area. Typically solarization for our New England location, dark tarps/plastic work best, but we used what was available and that was an old ice skating rink that was going to end up in the trash. In April we removed the existing sod, covered the area with the plastic, laid the removed sod onto the plastic and covered it over with the plastic. The idea was to start breaking down the sod and later remove it to compost.

Due to schedule conflicts the sod was not removed and in September the sod was noticed to have composted rather nicely, it was decided to return it back to the garden location and turn it over into the garden.

October 8th a number of volunteers showed up as did plants from the winter sow program. Approximately 70 plants were planted.

We now wait and start planning a second winter sow program and add plants that will help alleviate the gaps in bloom time to ensure that there are pollen and nectar sources throughout the seasons for the pollinators of our region.

Overview of Activities and Rough Timeline:

• January 2022-Winter Sow-Completed

• April 30, 2022 - Garden Area Prep- (dependent on weather conditions) Remove sod, cover area and remove invasive plants in the area.-Completed

• Sept/Oct 2022 - Plant seedlings from the Winter Sow-Completed

• Next steps:

  • temporary fencing to allow plants to establish

  • Winter Sow 2023

  • Observe Garden - weeding,watering if required while plants establish themselves, plant additional plants to ensure nectar and pollen sources are available at all times.