You may have wondered, why all the tall grass at Adelphi Field? University Park has converted Adelphi Field into a Pollinator Meadow with the help of the University of Maryland's vanEngelsdorp Bee Lab and the Anacostia Watershed Society to create a habitat for pollinators. According to the University of Maryland's Bee Lab (https://www.vanengelsdorpbeelab.com/pollinator-meadows.html), "there are more than 400 species of bees and more than 150 species of butterflies native to Maryland. These pollinators are crucially important to agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem function. Pollinators, however, struggle with habitat fragmentation and destruction." We are excited to offer pollinators a place in town and encourage residents to create their own pollinator gardens.
On Saturday, September 21, residents - including Councilmember Joe Schultz and members of the Sustainability Committee, Ariel Trahan from the Anacostia Watershed Society and graduate student Lindsay Barranco from the University of Maryland's vanEngelsdorp Bee Lab came together to weed out invasive plants and add seeds to bare patches in the Meadow. Armed with rakes and buckets the group worked for a couple of hours to help maintain the meadow. (Pictured above from left to right: Ariel Trahan, Tim Jenkins, Sarah Elder, Joe Schultz, Melissa Floyd, Rob Floyd and Leslie Jenkins. Photo credit to Lindsay Barranco)
There will be another opportunity in the spring to weed out invasive plants. If you are interested in volunteering, email Councilmember Joe Schultz who chairs the Sustainability Committee.