New Pollinator Pathway Opens Along Mother Brook In Dedham

DEDHAM, MA — A new pollinator pathway featuring native plants, public art and a community seed library has opened along Mother Brook.

Dedham celebrated the Sawmill Lane Pollinator Pathway with a ribbon-cutting earlier this month at 21 Sawmill Lane. The one-acre park includes a quarter-mile stone-dust trail, a rain garden, more than 100 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers and a bench for wildlife viewing, according to the town.

The Dedham Department of Public Works transformed the parcel, which had been affected by invasive plants and litter, into a public green space and wildlife habitat.

The project was supported by a $30,395 Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grant from the state Department of Fish and Game. Dedham was one of 12 grant recipients statewide, according to the Healey-Driscoll administration.

The rain garden is designed to treat stormwater runoff before it reaches Mother Brook, while the native plantings are intended to support pollinators and other wildlife.

A biodiversity-themed art exhibit on the Sawmill Lane bridge includes 40 works by local artists reproduced as weatherproof vinyl installations. Mother Brook Arts & Community Center organized the exhibit.

The park also includes a native seed-sharing library designed, built and installed by Dedham Troop 3 Eagle Scout Malachi Reed. Residents may take seeds from the library for their gardens and contribute seeds for others.

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