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The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Award recognizes the group’s impact on the community
Cheshire Pollinator Pathway was recently awarded Non-Profit of the Year by the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, in recognition for the group’s efforts to “Plant for Pollinators” and “Plant for the Planet.” The award was given during the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce 50th Anniversary, 2024 Awards and Annual Meeting, held March 8, at Aria in Prospect. Cheshire Pollinator Pathway creates native plant gardens in Cheshire’s public spaces all along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, in meeting its mission to raise awareness of drastic declines in pollinator and bird populations and to educate the public on environmental best practices.
In addition to the Chamber’s award, Cheshire Pollinator Pathway also received an official Citation from the State of CT, introduced in the CT House of Representatives by Rep. Liz Linehan and Lezlye Zupkus. The Citation reads in part:
“Your efforts to protect and improve the environment have significantly impacted the community; Your dedication to promoting biodiversity, educating citizens, and inspiring behaviors is truly admirable. You show how our actions can have a huge impact on saving the planet for future generations.”
“Our group is so surprised and honestly just so appreciative to the Chamber for this award,” said Cheshire Pollinator Pathway’s Joy VanderLek, founder, and current president of the group.
“It’s one thing to have people stop when we are in the gardens and compliment us, we’ve even had people stop their cars in the middle of the road to yell out, ‘You are doing a great job. It’s a beautiful garden!’ though it’s a whole ‘nother level to be recognized in this way. We are just so thrilled.”
The Cheshire group formed in 2019. The first shovelful of dirt occurred right as COVID came into the world. The volunteers successfully prepared and installed the first garden on North Brooksvale Road, while safely distancing and wearing masks. An abundance of help was found in community members, the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, local schools and even school students and residents from neighboring towns.
The Lock 12 installation was a huge undertaking, and it happened almost simultaneously with the latest acquisition and management of the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway at West Main Street, adjacent to Ball & Socket Arts.
“We are endlessly thankful to our dedicated group of volunteer gardeners and supporters. What had been neglected stretches along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail have become beautiful, native plant gardens, that in turn have become welcoming spaces to all using the trail, as well as a source of pride for our community, “ said Cheshire Pollinator Pathway Vice President Joanna deBear.
Cheshire Pollinator Pathway became registered as a 501©3 in June 2023. The group has a new project with its native tree and shrub nursery at Boulder Knoll Community Farm. The nursery will supply various gardens for the group and will serve to promote native plants in the community.
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