Volunteers needed for High Falls’ annual Green-Up Day and Pollinator Garden

To commemorate Earth Day, residents of High Falls are pitching in to beautify the town during the High Falls Green-Up Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, throughout the town. This year, in addition to the annual cleanup of the roads and grassy areas, High Falls Green-Up Day is launching a new community venture: the High Falls Pollinator Garden. Green-Up Day starts at 10 a.m. sharp with a brief talk by Maraleen Manos-Jones, aka the Butterfly Lady. Manos-Jones is the expert consultant for pollinator plant selection. A pollinator garden is a powerful ally to the environment, at a time when butterflies and bees are in danger; being decimated by loss of habitat, removal of native plants, and use of pesticides. This garden is planted with flowers and plants that provide nectar or pollen for hard-working butterflies and bees. These humble but miraculous creatures play a lifesaving role in pollinating the fruit and vegetable plants that ensure our very survival. The High Falls Pollinator Garden is a new project from the High Falls Civic Association, in conjunction with the Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission. Garden design and volunteer coaching will be provided by Eric Stewart of Green Man Garden Design. Stewart is also a Town Board member and liaison to the Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission. Leslee Rachel Cooper, vice-president of the High Falls Civic Association, is the garden project manager. Topsoil and mulch is generously donated by Croswell Enterprises Ltd.