FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2019
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794
Town Completes Flooding and Erosion Control Project at Clark Botanic Garden
North Hempstead, NY - North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth recently announced the completion of a flooding and erosion control project at Clark Botanic Garden that will alleviate soil erosion and the subsequent flooding of the pedestrian pathway and surrounding natural habitat. The Town was awarded $2,950 in funding for the project by the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
“I am so appreciative of the funding provided to the Town by the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District, which will ultimately make Clark Gardens more resilient for many years to come,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “It is important that the Town does all that it can to ensure that our parks are accessible for our patrons, and livable for the wildlife that inhabit them.”
“The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District is exceptionally pleased with the work completed Clark Botanic Garden” said David Ganim, District Manager for the Nassau County SWCD. “The District’s purpose is to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance our natural resources, and the efforts made to prevent flooding and erosion through various forms of stabilization helps to accomplish this. We are delighted to have funded this project and look forward to seeing its lasting and positive impact.”
Prior to the start of the project, staff at Clark Botanic Gardens removed many invasive species, including golden bamboo and yellow flag iris, to create space for beneficial native plants to be planted. The staff at Clark then created berms on the edge of the pond to help prevent flooding and erosion using compost from the Town’s Solid Waste Management Authority.
The Town used the funding for the project to purchase native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials, which were then planted by the staff at Clark Botanic Gardens and the Town’s Department of Planning and Environmental Protection. The flora purchased are erosion tolerant and are adapted to living in wet soils, while also providing food and habitat for wildlife, like pollinators, birds and mammals. Funding was also used to purchase railroad ties to outline the path.
Clark Botanic Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the park and upcoming events please call 516-869-6311.
From left in front are Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Town Environmental Control Specialist Meagan Fastuca; back row are David Ganim, District Manager for the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District; Deputy Parks Commissioner John Darcy; Bonnie Klein, Town horticulturist; Town Council Peter Zuckerman
Natural area prior to replanting – April 2019
Natural area replanted with river birch trees and summer sweet shrubs – August 2019
Recently installed railroad ties outlining the pedestrian path