Non-Profit of the Year - Wow!

When you start with a title like that, you know it's going to be a fantabulous year. Wow. We are honored, flabbergasted, and downright giddy to be chosen as the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce "Non-Profit of the Year."

The awards were held at Aria in Prospect, on Friday, March 8, 2024. It is quite possible the whole town was there. Let me just say we were in the midst of such well-deserving award recipients, among them were Policeman, Firefighter, Teacher, Business and Chamber Member of the Year. We are small fish in this pond. But it is absolutely wonderful when your efforts (the collective CPP group) is recognized. It was great.

In addition to the Chamber’s award, Cheshire Pollinator Pathway also received an official State of CT Citation for our work in Cheshire. The narrative on the citation was especially meaningful to us:

“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.”

Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year awarded to Cheshire Pollinator Pathway

Our Cheshire group formed after hearing Louise Washer speak about the Pollinator Pathway mission in 2019. We jumped in with both feet. So did our friends with Southington and Hamden Land Conservation Trusts. The first shovelful of dirt occurred right as COVID came into the world. We successfully prepared and installed our first garden, while safely distancing and wearing masks. We had an abundance of help from 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 our latest acquisition and management of the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway at West Main Street, adjacent to Ball & Socket Arts. We are very pleased with the results of both sites.

Now here we are in 2024. We just became registered as a 501©3 last September. Our newest adventure is the start of a native tree and shrub nursery at Boulder Knoll Community Farm, which is meant to supply our various garden projects and to promote native plants in the community.

We are endlessly thankful to our dedicated group of volunteer gardeners and supporters. Because of you, neglected and overgrown stretches along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail have become beautiful, eye-catching, native plant gardens, that in turn have become welcoming spaces to everyone using the trail, as well as a source of pride for our community.

Here’s to what we can accomplish this year, and in the years to come.