NEW POLLINATOR PLANT GUIDES ADDED TO MEADOW

It’s been an exciting few months for the Seward Park Meadow. Since officially being designated as one of 13 New York City Pollinator Places earlier this year, we’ve been hard at work making improvements to the space. With the help of some amazing local volunteers, we transplanted non-native plants out of the meadow and put in about 150 new, native plants. We have 17 species of plants in our meadow specifically chosen for their pollinator-friendly properties — and now, you can learn all about them!

New signage featuring guides to each of our pollinator plant species was recently installed on the meadow’s fencing. These colorful and informative signs not only help identify each pollinator plant in the meadow, but also educate visitors on their role in our garden’s ecosystem. For example, some of our pollinator plants attract many pollinators, while others only attract one or two species. Some play a double role in helping our meadow thrive by fertilizing the soil, while others’ secondary purpose is to act as a host plant for pollinator larvae (such as our Pollinator Plant of the Month, Black-eyed Susans). Many of the plants not only provide food for pollinators, but seeds for our local birds as well. Bird-watchers take note — if you’re on the lookout for a specific feathered friend, these signs will help you identify which plants to keep an eye on!

Our Pollinator Place was originally designed as an eco-friendly space where local flora and fauna could grow and pollinators could live safely, with the hope of making both our park and city a greener place to be. We’re thrilled that not only has this original goal been accomplished, but that we also have the opportunity to share our knowledge and educate our neighbors on the importance of this community space. We hope you’ll stop by soon for a walk around the meadow — there’s a lot to see!

POLLINATOR PLANT OF THE MONTH

A popular wildflower that flourishes in our meadow throughout the summer, Rudbeckias, or Black-eyed Susans, are a favorite for a variety of pollinators! The bright yellow blooms attract many different pollinators, including bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths. Even better, Black-eyed Susans can act as a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae, ensuring a safe place for caterpillars to be born. We avoid pruning the stems and flower heads, instead letting them fade naturally — the blossoms eventually turn to seeds, which goldfinches and other birds will feast on during the fall and winter!

COMING UP IN THE PARK

Contaminated Landscapes is on view until August 12. Above artwork by Damien Hirst, photo via Marc Straus Gallery.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Last chance to see Contaminated Landscapes, currently on view at the Marc Straus Gallery. Curated by Aniko Erdosi and Florence Lynch and featuring the works of several artists, the exhibition closes on Friday, August 12.

Henry Street Settlement is bringing back their popular summer roller skating program with a Roller Disco. There will be free snacks and giveaways, and themed outfits are encouraged! August 20, 12:00pm - 6:00pm. 

The Museum at Eldridge Street is hosting a new Activism on the Lower East Side Building and Walking Tour. This 90-minute tour will explore the landmarks in the movement for social and economic reform on the Lower East Side at the turn of the twentieth century. Sunday, August 21, 11:30am - 1:00pm.

The Lower East Side Ecology Center and La Sala de Pepe are hosting a community mapping event to map the Lower East Side’s food-scape. Participants are encouraged to bring photos, artworks, and artifacts to contribute to the map, and screenings of the documentary Last One Standing will take place at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Thursday, August 25, 4:00pm - 8:00pm.

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