New Pollinator Garden Coming to Great Patchogue Lake

A new pollinator garden is taking root on the south side of Great Patchogue Lake, bringing together environmental advocates, local government, and community volunteers for a project designed to protect vital pollinator species while reducing stormwater runoff.

 

The initiative, led by Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) in partnership with the Village of Patchogue, will feature native plant species selected with community input. The garden aims to provide crucial habitat for bees and butterflies including species that have faced significant population declines in recent years.

 

According to CCE, New York State beekeepers have reported losing between 40% and nearly 70% of their hives annually. Additionally, 38% of New York's native pollinators are at risk of extinction.

 

The project is funded by a grant from New York Attorney General Letitia James, awarded in June 2025 as part of a $3.2 million settlement with Monsanto and Bayer CropScience regarding deceptive marketing practices for Roundup. The settlement funds are being distributed to 34 organizations statewide for pollinator conservation projects.

 

Over 50 volunteers are expected to participate in the planting effort on Friday and Saturday. A press conference and groundbreaking ceremony will take place Friday, May 29th at 3:00 PM at the northeast corner of Main Street and Waverly Avenue in Patchogue.

 

Scheduled speakers include Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment; T.J. Hatter, Long Island Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the NYS Attorney General's Office; David Kennedy, Executive Director of the Patchogue Village Business Improvement District; and Lori Devlin, Clerk for the Village of Patchogue.