Friends of MNWR Help Create New Pollinator Garden at Red Brook Road.
Spring is eternal, and so are perennials! With relaxed pandemic restrictions and some cooperation from the weather, the Friends of MNWR (FMNWR) have been busy tending our Pollinator Gardens.
A new site was created on Red Brook Road connecting to the Jehu Pond Conservation Area. Initial work was led by Tom Eagle and a team from US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Mashpee Conservation Department and Department of Public Works, and FMNWR volunteers. Over the course of several initial weeks, the site was prepared and a new trailhead sign was installed. Then over the past month, FMNRW volunteers worked hard to create gardens at the new trailhead, planting native shrubs, trees, groundcover, wildflowers and other perennial flowers.
A wide variety of native species were planted, including:
- Dogwood
- Bearberry
- Virginia Rose
- Andromeda
- Wild Raisin
- Blue Stallion Holly
- Blue Shag
- Blue Prince and Princess Holly
- New York Aster
- Hollyhock
- Joe Pye Weed Chocolate
- Phlox
- Rose Campion
- Daisy Mum
- Cape Cod Poppy
- Anise Hyssop
- New England Aster
- Perennial Baby’s Breath
While planting one day, we observed a curious Painted Lady butterfly, flying by to see our progress and imagine the nectar that lies ahead.
Thank you to the Friends of MNWR who participated: Katelyn Cadoret, Glenn Davis, Neil and Joan Barkin, and especially to MaryKay Fox who researched and procured the appropriate varieties and nurtured seedlings until they could be put in the ground.
To the local community, please visit and enjoy what we have sown. If you’d like to help with future endeavors, please contact us. We welcome community involvement.
