Community effort brings new pollinator habitat to Great Patchogue Lake

More than 50 volunteers spent part of their weekend helping create a new pollinator garden along Great Patchogue Lake, a project designed to support struggling bee and butterfly populations while improving local water quality.

The garden, planted on the south side of the lake through a partnership between Citizens Campaign for the Environment and the Village of Patchogue, features native plants selected to provide habitat and food sources for pollinators.

Environmental advocates say pollinator gardens play an important role in protecting species that have seen significant declines in recent years. According to Citizens Campaign for the Environment, New York beekeepers report losing between 40 and 70 percent of their hives annually, while many native pollinator species remain at risk.

The project is expected to provide benefits beyond pollinator conservation.

Organizers said the garden will help filter polluted stormwater runoff before it enters Great Patchogue Lake, helping protect local water quality while adding a new natural feature to the area.

“The Village of Patchogue is proud to partner with Citizens Campaign for the Environment on this important project to support pollinators, improve water quality, and enhance the natural beauty of Great Patchogue Lake,” said Lori Devlin, village clerk and Climate Smart Communities coordinator. “We are grateful to the many volunteers, students, families, and community partners whose efforts reflect Patchogue’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship and civic engagement.”

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said the garden is expected to attract bees, butterflies, dragonflies and other pollinator species while providing a natural barrier to help keep pollutants out of the lake.

“The Patchogue community came together to protect our lovable bees and butterflies,” Esposito said. “Using locally grown, native plants, the garden is designed to beautify the area and provide critical habitat and food sources for pollinators.”

Funding for the project came through the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund, a grant program supported by the Office of the New York State Attorney General and The New York Community Trust. The funding stems from a settlement reached by Attorney General Letitia James with Monsanto and Bayer CropScience over the marketing of Roundup products.

All photos from the pollinator garden effort come courtesy of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.