Bee City Committee schedules pollinator plantings, seeks donated mulch and web presence

The Bee City Committee met July 9, 2026, at the Brooklyn Community Center and set dates and tasks for fall pollinator projects, including volunteer workdays, plant storage and outreach plans. The meeting began at 6:30 p.m.; no public comment was recorded.

Committee members agreed to clear weeds and remove non-native plants at the Prince Hill site near the Michael Dragon sign. Volunteers are scheduled to work on Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m., with a rain date of August 22 at 10:30 a.m.; the group will plant purchased native and pollinator plants on Saturday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m. The plants were ordered from Ashford Garden Center and are expected around the third week of August; the committee will keep them in pots until planting.

The group also discussed establishing a lasagna-style garden at Riverside Park in early fall so seeds can establish before winter. The committee requested donations of grass clippings and leaves for compost layers; committee members Ray Patrylak and Diane Wimmer are seeking sources of donated mulch.

For outreach, members said Bee City requires a web page and agreed to contact the town IT director to request space on the town website. The committee also discussed participating in the Brooklyn Fair; Diane Wimmer will contact Sandy Brodeur to confirm whether the town will provide a site and to plan an informational display if available.

Members noted Sustainable CT offers matching funds for qualifying projects; the committee discussed pursuing matching funds if it holds a fundraiser. A draft resolution was distributed for review; members were asked to send suggested edits to the drafter before the next meeting. The committee plans to vote on the resolution at the next meeting and, if approved, submit it to the Board of Selectmen.

Under old business the committee confirmed its liaison is First Selectman Joe Bellivance and its sponsor is the Parks and Recreation Department. The Conservation Commission has purchased native pollinator seeds and plants that are expected to arrive around the middle of August. Ray Patrylak distributed information about the Joshua Trust and other seed catalogues.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Minutes were recorded as respectfully submitted by Diane Wimmer.