GOSHEN – Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R), in cooperation with Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, recently celebrated World Bee Day by providing a program showcasing the importance of pollinators and native plant diversity in maintaining ecological balance to the community.
The World Bee Day celebration marked the grand opening of Goshen Public Library and Historical Society’s Outdoor Biodiversity Enhancement Area, which promotes education around, and appreciation for, the natural world, and was made possible with generous funding from O&R.
“We are pleased to have designed and constructed the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society’s new Biodiversity Enhancement Area and Outdoor Educational Greenspace, which underscores both of our commitments to biodiversity protection and enhancement, environmental education, and clean energy,” said Casey Tompkins, Senior Ecologist/Wetland Scientist at O&R. “These biodiversity initiatives aim to increase the abundance of native plants, support pollinators, and provide space for grassland birds and others, while serving as a beautiful community area for members of the public to learn about conservation and sustainability in the face of climate change.”
“We are excited to have worked with Orange and Rockland Utilities to provide an amazing community space where individuals of all ages can engage with nature, learn about the importance of environmental conservation, and take actionable steps towards creating a more sustainable future,” added Catherine Lemmer, Director, Goshen Public Library and Historical Society.
This year, O&R realigned charitable grant efforts to invest up to $600,000 over the next three years in nonprofit organizations and schools, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, who share our vision to combat the effects of climate change, advance social justice in the communities we serve, and create green jobs across our service territory.
