Bee City Montclair: Learn How To Make Your Yard A Pollinator Haven

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Northeast Earth Coalition. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Interested in transforming your yard into a beautiful haven for pollinating insects and other native wildlife? Curious about nature-friendly gardening projects in local parks, schoolyards, churchyards – even sidewalks? Want to find out more about pollinators and native plants? If so, you will want to attend the Montclair Bee City kickoff organized by the Northeast Earth Coalition (NEEC) at the Firehouse at 1 Pine Street on March 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Montclair recently joined the Bee City USA initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a national nonprofit organization. Bee City USA’s mission is to galvanize communities to sustain pollinators by providing them with healthy habitat, rich in a variety of native plants, and free of pesticides. As the official facilitator of “Montclair Bee City,” the NEEC will be working with the Township’s Sustainability Officer, Dr. Lisa Johnson, and local environmental and gardening organizations to increase pollinator-friendly habitat in public spaces and to educate residents about steps they can take to make their property more supportive of these vital and fascinating insects. The Garden Club of Montclair, the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Montclair Community Farms, and the Montclair Parks and Recreation Committee are among the organizations that will be officially working alongside NEEC on this community effort.

The Montclair Bee City Kickoff will showcase inspiring local pollinator garden projects – including the Native Plant Society’s meadow at Eagle Rock, the schoolyard garden at Watchung School, NEEC projects in Crane and Brookdale Parks, Montclair Community Farm’s pollinator beds, and the Garden Club’s beautiful container gardens along Church Street. You will also get practical gardening advice -- find out about some key native plants that support pollinators and other desired wildlife year-round, get some tips on controlling mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects, and learn more about native bees and other key pollinators.

According to David Wasmuth, NEEC Board Chair and Montclair Bee City facilitator, “Whether you are an experienced native plant gardener or just curious about how to get started, this event is for you. You will find the Native Plant Society’s list of recommended plants, along with information about upcoming plant sales and area nurseries specializing in native plants. Montclair residents can even find out how to sign up for a free consultation on how to transform their yards with beautiful, ecologically valuable native plantings.” He adds, “No yard is too small to support pollinators; even a container, a window box, or a balcony garden can make a difference.”

This is a free event – all are welcome!

For more information about the Montclair Bee City USA program, contact David Wasmuth at dawasmuth@neearth.org, or Jose German at jgerman@neearth.org

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.