Mount Sinai, NY - August 21, 2015 - With the rapid decline of our local pollinators, including monarch butterflies and bees, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, with the help of local volunteers, will plant an Educational Agriculture Support Initiative (EASI) pilot garden on Tuesday, August 25^th at the Mt. Sinai Heritage Park.  In addition to the garden planting, an educational presentation on native plant pollinators will take place. The pilot garden will provide an example of how and what to plant to assist in sustaining local pollinators.

Suffolk County is one of the largest producing agricultural counties in New York State, and with the decline of local pollinator species needed for farm production, Legislator Anker is addressing this issue by providing not only a sample garden but an educational program for our residents. By establishing this pilot program, Legislator Anker and Suffolk County are helping to raise awareness and educate residents about the importance of supporting our pollinator habitats. With over 90% of the decline in the Monarch butterfly population and the rapid decline of bees and other pollinating insects that support our farm community, Suffolk County encourages residents to provide sustainable landscapes which support our local environment.

Volunteers from the Mount Sinai Garden Club, Girl Scout Troops 227, Girl Scout Troop 3017, Girl Scout Troop 1234 and the Miller Place Little Scientists program will be assisting in the planting of the garden. Members of the Educational Agriculture Support Initiative (EASI) including Long Island Native Plant Initiative, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Suffolk County’s Soil and Water Conservation district, Suffolk County Department of Public Works and Suffolk County’s Parks Department will also be at the event to provide information and educational materials to residents who are interested in creating their own native pollinator garden.

Who:
Sarah Anker, Suffolk County Legislator, 6th District

Lori Baldassare, President of Heritage Trust

Walter Becker, Vice President of Heritage Trust and President of Mt. Sinai Garden Club

Polly Weigand, Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District and Long Island Native Plant Initiative

Yvonne Grant, President and CEO for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Mary Garrote, Director of Development for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Thomas Flanagan, COO for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Little Scientist Director Michelle Skoblicki and the “Little Scientists”

Morgan Caufield and Girl Scout Troop 227, Jennifer Anzaldi and Girl Scout Troop 3017, Jan Stevens and Girl Scout Troop 1234

Karen Blumer, Author, LI Native Plants for Landscaping: A Source Book  Pat Loliscio, Owner, Pat’s Complete Landscaping

When:
Tuesday, August 25 at 10:00 am

Where:
Mount Sinai Heritage Park Community Center, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai, NY 11766