APIPP to Host Webinar Highlighting How to Plant Native Species

ADIRONDACKS – Native plants are important to the people and pollinators that call the Adirondack region home, and the public can help those relationships thrive by learning how to avoid planting invasive species on their properties.

From 10-11:30 a.m. on March 15, the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program and speakers with the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, Paul Smith’s College VIC, and ADK Action will discuss the cultural and ecological importance of native species, including gardening tips on how to select native plants, in a free webinar called “Pollinators, Plants, and Pests.” 

The event will kick off with a presentation by Akwesasne Mohawk Nation member Sateiokwen Bucktooth, consultant for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and owner of Snipe Clan Botanicals, who will speak about the importance of native species to Native people’s culture and medicine.

The focus will then shift to pollinators as Paul Smith’s College VIC Program Coordinator Martha Van der Voort talks about the important relationships between native plants and pollinators, and about how invasive species can harm those relationships.

“New York state is home to about 450 species of wild bees, many of which have been documented to contribute to apple production and other agricultural crops,” Van der Voort said. “Maintaining native habitat for our pollinators is critical—invasive plant species can interrupt habitat availability and, subsequently, the success of our native species.”

Lastly, ADK Pollinator Project Chairperson Lisa Salamon will provide an overview on how to avoid buying invasive species from garden centers, as well as instructions on how to choose native species for landscaping and gardening.

“One doesn't necessarily think of the Adirondack Park as a highly fragmented habitat, which is a serious threat for many of our native pollinators in the U.S.,” Van der Voort said. “Even in our large park, however, there are important ways that individuals can directly support pollinators when choosing plants for your garden, a large meadow or even a small spot on your front porch.” 

“Pollinators, Plants, and Pests” will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15. For more information or to register for the free webinar, visit www.adkinvasives.com /Events/Detail/1167. 

APIPP’s mission is to work in partnership to minimize the impact of invasive species on the Adirondack region’s communities, lands, and waters. Learn more at www.adkinvasives.com.  

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The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) serves as the Adirondack Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), one of eight partnerships across New York. APIPP is hosted by The Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and receives financial support from the Environmental Protection Fund administered by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.