A PLACE FOR POLLINATORS There are many things that make Seward Park special, but one of our favorites also leaves a lot of park-goers confused! What is the big green space next to Library Plaza used for? An extra-large garden bed? An overgrown and cordoned-off lawn? In fact, this area is a native wildflower meadow, and was recently designated as an official Pollinator Place! The meadow was a key part of the Seward Park Without Borders renovation that was completed in 2019. It was designed not as a lawn or field, but a true meadow where local flora and fauna could grow unencumbered. This past summer saw the meadow bloom to its full potential for the first time. Grasses and wildflowers, especially an abundance of Black-eyed Susans, flourished throughout the season, at times growing taller than the encircling fence and pushing out onto the paths. The goal of the meadow was not just to add a beautiful green space to Seward Park, but to create a safe space for local pollinators to live. Pollinators are essential to New York City’s ecosystems, but are often threatened by the loss of food resources and habitat. Creating and nurturing this open space provides a safe haven for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths, who in turn help make our city a greener place to live. Now, with an official Pollinator Place designation, we’re excited to expand on what the meadow can offer to both our pollinators and community members. This spring, we will be adding new varieties of local plants to increase the meadow’s biodiversity and attract even more pollinators. We will also be adding more signage to the meadow’s fence, with the goal of educating park-goers on the meadow’s purpose and helping to identify the different plants and flowers. |
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