In a continued effort to turn a terrestrial infestation into a pollinator garden, the Upper Saranac Foundation is now planting flowers.
USF, in collaboration with the AdkAction, Paul Smith’s College’s Adirondack Watershed Institute, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), we are remediating stormwater bioretention sites at the Back Bay Boat launch.
The sites that were developed to capture stormwater and prevent runoff into the lake were overrun with terrestrial invasive species. Following last season’s efforts of removing invasives and installing an organic weed barrier, this spring a variety of native wildflower pollinators were planted with the assistance of the AdkAction Pollinator Project. These flowers will provide pollen and nectar to support pollinators.
The pollinator gardens will not only add to the aesthetics of the launch, it will aid in the health of our environment by attracting birds and butterflies. This project exemplifies how NGOs and government agencies can work in partnership to confront and resolve a host of integrated ecosystem challenges.
It is unknown how the invasive plants were introduced, but over the last few years invasives had become the dominant vegetation at the bioretention locations. APIPP staff oversaw the pulling of the non-native and invasive weeds done by USF and AWI watershed stewards.
Wild parsnip was among the eight invasive plants that were identified by APIPP at the launch. This plant can cause severe rashes and serious skin burns. Over 2,900 pounds of invasive plants and contaminated soil were removed in 2019.
