TURNERS FALLS — The Brick House Community Resource Center has proposed installing a pollinator garden alongside Unity Park.
Brick House collaborator and project leader Peter Wackernagel said the garden will be along the paved pedestrian path that connects Third Street to Second Street by the entrance to Unity Park. Part of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments’ “Regional Pollinator Action Plan for Franklin County,” the garden will “support pollinator habitats through native plantings and pollinator-friendly landscape management practices,” as described on the county plan’s website.
With the Parks and Recreation Department — Montague’s primary authority relative to park management — having already approved the plan, Wackernagel came before the Montague Selectboard last week to keep board members informed. Attendees touted the garden as a project that appropriately contributes to an area of town that has blossomed in recent years.
“It fits well with other initiatives that the town is doing in this area of town, and private businesses, really,” Town Planner Walter Ramsey said. “There’s a lot of exciting things happening down here, between the (Pioneer Valley) Brewery that was added, the food trucks and Nova (Motorcycles) doing some really innovative stuff.”
Parks and Recreation Director Jon Dobosz said the project would be “part of a much larger initiative” in FRCOG’s broader plan.
“Ultimately, we would like to establish habitats like this one in some way, shape or form at all of our parks,” he said. “The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved this portion in last month’s meeting, so we feel very fortunate that Peter came to us with such a well-thought-out concept.”
Wackernagel emphasized that the garden, which would add greenery such as potted plants and a rose bed, would be minimally obstructive. The garden would complement existing picnic tables and plants, such as three small trees already in place, and not require the removal of pavement.
He added that he’s already spoken with nearby property owners at Nova Motorcycles and Pioneer Valley Brewery, with both parties showing support for a pollinator garden. The latter, he said, has been a familiar friend to his work.
“Last year, one of the projects was on the other side of the brewery,” Wackernagel said. “This project will sort of just continue that relationship, basically.”
In response to a concern raised about potential liability, should a bee sting a passerby, Montague resident Lilith Wolinsky — who said she maintains her own pollinator garden — spoke from experience, saying she has never encountered issues where pollinators would sting or otherwise compromise safety.
“I would just say this looks like a great plan and I think the benefits to pollinators and all of the people down there walking around probably outweigh whatever the risks are,” Wolinsky said.
Selectboard Chair Rich Kuklewicz echoed the optimism of attendees before concluding the discussion.
“I think the plans look great,” he said.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.