PCA Funds Canaan CSC Taskforce

Congratulations to the town of Canaan, NY for receiving a $6,000 Ecological Restoration Grant for the “Canaan Town Park Ecological Restoration Project.”

Project components, include:

1) The conversion of two large wildflower beds, currently dominated by non-native plants, into native wildflower plantings to support local pollinator populations, showcase native perennial wildflowers and grasses, and further beautify the public space.

2) The addition of native tree species to add shade to the pond, enhance downstream Brook Trout habitat, produce wildlife forage, reduce mowing, sequester carbon, and absorb flood water.

3) The removal of the invasive European water chestnut (Trapa natans) from the park.

This funding will help build on additional restoration actions taken in 2022 that have already yielded significant results: with $500 dollars received from the Columbia Land Conservancy’s Mini Municipality Grant, the Town of Canaan converted a neglected garden bed in the park that was dominated by non-native species into a thriving native wildflower planting rich in beauty, ecological value and educational potential. The Town now seeks to expand this ecological enhancement and restoration to other parts of this accessible and well-used public space. This project is guided by the Canaan Climate Smart Communities Task Force, a group that includes several conservation professionals experienced in ecological restoration and native wildflower plantings.

See below for Community Gardening Day highlights!