MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — This successful collaboration by the National Audubon Society, Orange County Audubon Society (OCAS), and Orange County Master Gardeners brings a new, public, educational demonstration garden with a Plants for Birds theme to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Campus in Middletown. Partial funding from the National Audubon Society made this co-creation possible. The partnering organizations work to educate the public of the critical role native plants serve in our landscapes for birds, insects, and humans alike.
Melissa Peterson (left), Master Gardener and a member of the National Audubon Society was the coordinator of the garden project. (Courtesy Photo)On Saturday, September 22, 2018, approximately 18 Master Gardeners and OCAS volunteers renovated the 60’x15’ rain garden in front of the Campus building by adding an additional 250 bird friendly native plants. Brooke Goodman, an area high school student, expressed: “I volunteered to help the Audubon Society and the Master Gardeners plant a garden full of bird-friendly native plants because I want to do all I can to help birds thrive. Planting this garden seemed like a great way to give back and help the animals that bring me so much joy. This experience not only showed me the broad range of projects the Audubon Society takes on to aid in conservation, it showed me how interconnected all facets of life are. This garden will not just benefit birds, it will benefit the entire ecosystem.”
Educational opportunities at the new garden will be provided by the Orange County Master Gardeners and OCAS. The public is welcome to visit this demonstration garden at 18 Seward Ave, Middletown NY 10940. Questions about the garden, native plants, or how to start your own Plants for Birds garden can be directed to the Garden Helpline 845-343-0664.
Susan Ndiaye, Community Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County enjoys the garden with her daughter. (Courtesy Photo)OCAS is a volunteer bird and wildlife conservation organization working to foster appreciation and conservation of all aspects of the environment. In Orange County, we steward 5 bird and wildlife sanctuaries. OCAS is a Member Chapter of the National Audubon Society.
The Orange County Master Gardeners are a corps of volunteers with enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing horticultural knowledge and skill. Trained by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening, they garden, educate, advocate, and answer horticultural inquiries by telephone.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County is the premier research-based cooperative educational system focusing its resources on current and future issues to positively affect agriculture, families and youth, environment, and economic development in our county.
For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County at 845-344-1234 or visit www.cceorangecounty.org.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County
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