Learn how to attract pollinators at the ‘Plant Natives Fair’

Pollinators of all sorts help to the keep our gardens, farms and forests alive, healthy, and productive each year. They include birds, bees, butterflies, and other species that help to spread pollen and encourage flowers to fruit. For those looking to support these local pollinators and bring some of their beauty to your own yards, the Warwick Valley Plant Natives Alliance will be holding a “Plant Natives Fair” from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on April 6 in the Community Room at The Albert Wisner Public Library.

The fair is free and open to native plant enthusiasts at all skill levels. Participants will meet Warwick volunteer groups that are expanding the use of native plants throughout town. Presentations will showcase several projects scheduled for this spring, including plans for:

● The Warwick Valley Gardeners’ Railroad Green Garden and its Pine Island Butterfly Garden in the Pine Island Town Park.

● Creating a new pollinator meadow in Transformation Trails at Wickham Woodlands, starting by smothering weeds with a layer of fabric.

● Cultivating perennial native vegetables in the Greenwood Lake Community Garden.

● Orange Environment’s installation of native plant gardens throughout our communities that are designed to bloom throughout the growing season.

There will also be discussion groups to crowdsource ideas from the audience members as well as field questions about home plantings.

For event details, email Sally Greco (pollinators@sustainablewarwick.org).

The Albert Wisner Public Library is located at 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick.