Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary is looking for volunteers to “adopt” a wildflower garden plot along our Butterfly Mosaic Interpretive Trail!
The Butterfly Mosaic Interpretive Trail consists of 10 native wildflower “plots” located along a ¼ mile trail in our open field habitat. Each plot consists of the most utilized nectaring and host plants for native butterfly species. Using native plants is the ultimate environmentally-friendly garden practice. Wildflowers use fewer resources because they are adapted to tolerate normal regional conditions, and they don’t require intervention with pesticides and fertilizers. Native plants are a part of the local food web and provide nectar for insects, shelter for birds, and food for wildlife.
The purpose of Long Pasture’s Butterfly Mosaic Trail is to:
1. Educate through the establishment of an inspiring habitat feature suitable for educational programming.
2. Increase biodiversity: Enhance the habitat value of our open fields through the establishment of native wildflowers, thus supporting species in decline such as butterflies and other pollinators such as bees and birds.
3. Inspire the community to become environmental stewards and provide an enhanced visitor experience.
Responsibilities:
1. Volunteers will “adopt” a 12’x30’ plot and be responsible for the care of that plot.
1. Ensuring plants receive adequate water
2. Weeding to reduce encroachment of surrounding vegetation
3. Mulching around plants to maintain moisture
4. Ensuring visibility and proper location of plant ID tags
5. Plant propagation and movement of plants to ensure visibility and function
Commitment: Two 2-hour visits pr month (evenly spaced) from May through September.
