Friends of Rogers, the nonprofit group which operates Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne, has been awarded a two-year, $254,000 grant for pollinator habitat restoration and education.
According to a news release, the funding comes from the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund, with the express purpose of increasing pollinator habitat and educating people of all ages on the critical role pollinators play in ecosystem health and economic vitality.
With this funding, Rogers Center will commence a 25-acre habitat restoration project, inviting the public to participate in the process through school programs, public programs and community events. Native wildflower plantings and invasive species removal have already begun, the release stated.
“This is truly a dream come true,” Friends of Rogers Executive Director David Carson said in a statement. “Our team came together to draft an application that combines habitat restoration with outdoor education, and we are fortunate to have received this funding to support pollinator species in Central New York.”
Friends of Rogers will be promoting opportunities for public participation this summer. New pollinator-related educational exhibits are currently in the planning stages, including the return of an observation hive to the Visitor Center.
Rogers Center is one of the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s environmental education centers. Tom Shimalla, DEC Environmental Education Bureau Chief said, “This project, perfectly suited for this outdoor learning facility and recreational asset for the region, aligns well with the DEC’s mandate to reduce mowing on DEC lands.”
With support from the NY Community Trust, which is managing the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund, the Friends of Rogers will be offering free pollinator programs to the first five schools that sign up for fall programs. Any teachers or administrators interested in scheduling a program are encouraged to reach out to Friends of Rogers Senior Educator Erica Clark at erica@friendsofrogers.org.
Any members of the public interested in participating in the project are encouraged to contact Community Engagement Coordinator for Friends of Rogers Gil Polk at gil@friendsofrogers.org.