Library Vols Create Pollinator Garden

MARGARETVILLE — Fairview Library on Wal-nut Street, Margaretville is among a growing number of area organizations to install a pollinator garden.

Library Director Doris Warner said her board was approached by the Catskill Scenic Byway Committee to participate its initiative to create pollinator gardens throughout the area members were eager to participate. Similar gardens as part of this project in the Margaretville area can be found near Freshtown and the Village Park.

“The library was happy to participate and the initiative was spearheaded by board member In-grid van der Leeden and student liaison to the board, Amaal Bahnas, a Margaretville Central School student,” Doris recalled.

Ingrid and Amaal embraced the concept and designed the garden in front of the library. Most of the plants were donated and came from the gardens of local residents. Several donations helped to get the other materials like mulch and gravel.

Over two days hardworking volunteers re-moved the grass and transformed the new garden area. Those hard at work included Fairview Library Board Members Ingrid van der Leeden, Connie Jeffers, and Stephen Finkel, Former Board Member Dean Hunter, and MCS students Amaal Bahnas and Sydney Asher.

Still to come are a garden bench and a bike rack.