The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) is excited to again work with our partners and volunteers to expand efforts to control terrestrial invasive species at the Upper Saranac Lake boat launch. What better way to control invasives than replace them with pollinators? A win-win, collaborative effort.
After one successful stormwater bioretention site was transformed into a pollinator garden last year, USF has furthered our efforts by planting pollinators at a second site. The first location has already seen flowering plants and a variety of pollinating butterflies and birds.
USF, working with AdkAction, Paul Smith’s College’s Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI), the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), have turned the launch from a home of non-native and invasive plants to a habitat of native flowering pollinators.
The bioretention sites that were developed to capture stormwater and prevent runoff into the lake were overrun with terrestrial invasive species. It is unknown how the invasive plants were introduced, but prior to our efforts invasives had become the dominant vegetation.
APIPP staff oversaw the pulling of the non-native and invasive weeds. USF removed over 3,000 pounds of invasive plants and contaminated soil. Mulch, provided by the DEC, was layered over an organic weed barrier.
The AdkAction Pollinator Program provided native wildflower pollinators that were planted by volunteers. AWI Watershed Stewards stationed daily throughout the summer at the Boat Launch, maintain and promote the usefulness of the pollinator gardens. Last year the Watershed Stewards interacted with 5,417 visitors launching boats at the launch.
