Celebrate Trails Day on the OCA and Creation of a Pollinator Garden

April 25, 2022 | FOCAAdmin

by Jasena Sareil on behalf of the GPTF

Over 30 volunteers (ranging from 3 year-olds to seniors) gathered to remove invasive plants and to create a pollinator garden along the wall of the Irvington Estates on the Aqueduct.

We worked from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Peter Strom provided an excellent educational experience by helping the volunteers identify non-native invasive species in the designated area. Participants learned the plants’ names and why they need to be removed. Later, Pete spoke about each native plant that found a new home in the garden and explained how it will positively contribute to the local ecosystem. Leola Specht, Haven Colgate & Jasena Sareil provided additional guidance and answered questions. Leola Specht, Haven Colgate & Jasena Sareil provided additional guidance and answered questions.

Volunteers worked hard, patiently removed invasives, prepared soil for planting, added plants, placed mulch, and watered the garden. We filled 15 brown bags of organic waste and also collected trash, which was dropped off at the MSS. It was a wonderful community event. Here are some photos

Preservation

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct are committed to preserving the historic structures atop and underneath the trail. The Friends took part in the reopening of the High Bridge and undertook the complete renovation and reopening of the Keeper’s House in Dobbs Ferry.

Advocacy

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct advocate for the Old Croton Aqueduct and Tunnel, fighting to preserve the integrity of the park and to protect it from encroachments by private landowners. Please find below examples of our work.

Stewardship

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct work to maintain the beauty of the undeveloped trail and the integrity of the entire length of the tunnel from Croton into New York City. We are always looking for volunteers interested in getting involved with adopting a part of the trail for invasive management and native plant restoration. We also have an annual cleanup of the trail in Yonkers.TENDING THE TRAIL: INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT & RESTORING WITH NATIVE PLANTS HISTORIC WALL RESTORATION

Education

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct educate the public about the history or the tunnel and trail. SCHOOL TOURS LECTURES, WALKS AND TOURS NEWSLETTERS Please find below some of our educational content.