Community is the foundation for cultivating biodiversity. At Ashokan, that means building meaningful relationships—with people, with pollinators, and with the land that sustains us all.

Thanks to the efforts of friends and supporters from near and far, we are steadily transforming a simple patch of earth into a vibrant pollinator garden—a welcoming haven for butterflies, moths, bees, and countless other species.

Laying the Groundwork

Last Sunday, volunteers gathered to clear invasive species and prepare the soil for planting. Together, we’ve begun “meadow-morphizing” what was once a weedy, overlooked patch—removing what doesn’t belong and creating healthy space for native flowers, ferns, and flora to thrive.

Already, three River Birches now frame the garden, and the design is coming to life: drainage ditches, a dry hillside, open flatlands, and stepping stones winding their way through. Each area has its own character and purpose, forming a place of exploration and wonder for children and adults alike.

With the incredible support of the Friends of the Ashokan Center, past event participants, staff, educators, and maintenance crews, this vision is becoming a reality.

“Like a thriving community of people, every plant and animal species contributes something unique. It’s a dynamic ecological dance, as delicate and powerful as the beat of a hummingbird’s wings.”
— Del Orloske, Educator & Eco-Landscape Designer

Be Part of the Next Chapter

The work continues this weekend, and we’d love for you to join us:

📅 Sunday, September 14
🕐 1–4 pm
📍 Meet at the Blue Bathroom, The Ashokan Center

Whether you’re helping dig, plant, or simply share encouragement, your presence will make a difference. Together, we can create a pollinator haven that will bloom for years to come.

A heartfelt thank-you to Partners for Climate Action of Hudson Valley for believing in this project and helping bring it to life.

👉 Sign up to volunteer

Co – Author Del Orloske