This Spring, Plant Seeds for the Butterflies and Bees!

Great Neck, N.Y. (April 8, 2021) –This spring, the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) is planting wildflowers and milkweed on its Bayview Avenue property in order to attract and bolster the declining butterfly and bee populations. In addition, more bee and butterfly houses will be provided to shelter and to help these populations grow this spring. District commissioner Patty Katz was recently named to the Town of North Hempstead Climate Task Force, is leading this effort for the Great Neck peninsula.

“At the sewer district, we play such an important role in the stability and sustainability of our environment and its why we are always looking to maximize the benefits the District’s properties can provide to our overall community,” said GNWPCD Chairman Steve Reiter. “Most people look at these insects as a nuisance, but they play an invaluable role in the health of our trees, flowers and overall community.”

“This initiative is a simple, easy way for us and the overall Great Neck community to get involved to support the revitalization of the declining bee and butterfly populations,” said GNWPCD Commissioner Patty Katz. “We must continue to recognize the importance of the butterfly and bee species to the health of our community, and we are committed to strengthen their populations and fortifying our local environment.

According to Greenpeace, honeybees alone perform 80 percent of all pollinations worldwide, and 90 percent of the world’s nutrition. Furthermore, one in three bites of food we eat is the direct work of our bee populations. Bees are disappearing at an alarming rate, which, unless reversed, will continue to have a negative impact on our overall ecosystem. Bee colonies have decreased, per acre, by 90 percent.

Milkweed is the host plant for monarch butterflies and without milkweed, the larva would not be able to develop into a butterfly. These plants are disappearing as well, which is not allowing butterflies to develop and causing sharp declines in their populations. As a result of habitat loss, air pollution, pesticides, and global warming, Monarch butterfly colonies have decreased by 99 percent.

Residents looking to help support the District’s mission in boosting the populations of both honey bees and butterflies, are encouraged to plant milkweed and nectar plants on their properties. This native vegetation is available at the following local nurseries:

· L S Garden Mart - 82 Horace Harding Blvd, Great Neck, NY 11020 (516) 487-9389

· Distefano’s Nursery - 1056 Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576 (516) 627-3524

Here are some additional steps residents can take to help save the bees and butterflies:

• Do not use dangerous pesticides and herbicides.
• Plant milkweed and nectar foliage in your gardens and lawn.
• Place smooth rocks in sunny parts of your garden with a little plate of water that will give the butterfly a warm place to rest and recharge.
• Shrubs, trees and vines will provide shelter for both bees and butterflies.

For additional information and updates about the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, visit the website at www.gnwpcd.net to sign up for email newsletters or call the office at 516-482-0238.

About the GNWPCD

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) is a commissioner-run Special Improvement District within the Town of North Hempstead. The GNWPCD has provided sewage services for the Great Neck area since 1914, and currently serves more than 25,000 residents and businesses in the villages of Great Neck, Saddle Rock, Kensington, and those parts of Thomaston and Great Neck Plaza east of Middle Neck Road; as well as all unincorporated areas north of the Long Island Rail Road and a part of Manhasset. The GNWPCD's mission is to protect our bay, the environment and the health of our society.