POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A Hudson Valley nonprofit has been awarded a $9,000 grant to expand pollinator habitat and support public education on pollinator-friendly gardening practices in the city.
The grant to Eden Share in Poughkeepsie was announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James and is administered by The New York Community Trust. The funding is part of a statewide $505,000 initiative supporting 28 community organizations across New York.
The 2026 grant program targeted historically underserved and disadvantaged communities in New York. Eden Share said it will use the money to expand pollinator borders across its community garden spaces. The work will specifically support the revitalization and expansion of the gardens at the Family Partnership Center on North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie.
The nonprofit also plans to launch public education programs focused on pollinator-friendly gardening practices, noting that native pollinators, including bees, butterflies and other insects, are critical to local food systems. The group added that more than 40 percent of native pollinator species in New York are currently at risk of disappearing.
"We are deeply grateful to Attorney General Letitia James and The New York Community Trust for this support," said Scott Pidgeon, Executive Director of Eden Share. "Eden Share bridges the gap between regenerative agriculture, mental health, and community services while feeding our community. The expansion of our pollinator borders will protect vital ecosystems while creating vibrant, therapeutic gardens that also feed our community."
Eden Share said it promotes mental health, wellness and food security through shared community gardening. The organization was founded in 2024 and provides therapeutic gardening to underserved individuals and community-based organizations in the City of Poughkeepsie. Its work uses regenerative agricultural practices to support physical and mental wellness, community engagement and food security.
More information about Eden Share, its community initiatives, volunteer opportunities and ways to support its mission is available at edenshare.org.
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