In 2014 and 2015, volunteers, along with NYC Audubon and the NYC Parks Dept., planted this .25 acre native garden with 22 species of native plants to enhance the biodiversity of the neighborhood. The plants include things like milkweed & Joe-Pye weed, which the birds & butterflies make the most of, lovely flowers like NY Aster and black-eyed Susans, and some edibles, such as blueberries and raspbe
rries. There’s a map with both Latin & common names posted as a profile picture. One of our “albums” has pictures of some of them; another shows the most widespread weeds. If you have better shots, please feel free to upgrade them. Even better, add your own pictures of anything in the garden, including yourself! Just enjoy the space, or help with its upkeep. Keep an eye out for the birds, bees & other insects who are finding a home there. If you spot anything unusual, or would like some guidance on how to help, please send an email to [email protected] or post it here. Bird sightings can also be posted at www.ebird.org. Watch this space for an ongoing list of chores that need to be done. Any time you have 10 minutes, you can do a walkthrough, picking up trash & bread left out for the birds. We love the birds, but would rather not be swamped by pigeons! Of course, there’s always weeding to be done. If you’re not sure what’s what, you can just weed along the path. Next step up is dandelions. Wherever they are, they can be removed. But dig deep; pulling up the stems just encourages them. FYI, the fencing is up to prevent dogs from digging, balls from scoring and kids from trampling, but our hopes are that it will be temporary. You can find learn more about it at: http://www.nycaudubon.org/wordpress/2014/08/01/transforming-greenpoints-mcgolrick-park-into-an-urban-oasis/?Itemid=224. Or post questions or comments here! NYC Audubon gives thanks to the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund, NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation & the Lutheran Church of the Messiah, as well as all our dedicated volunteers!
