Volunteers planted 42 native plants Sept. 19 in the wooded area near the entrance of Ontelaunee Park as part of an effort to restore native woodland.

The Lynn Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and the Lynn Township Birdtown organization along with Scout Pack 588, led by Ash Aldinger, donated time to do the plantings.

The site was prepared last spring, when the EAC and Pack 588 removed several truckloads of woody and herbaceous invasive species from the area.

Among the plants installed on Saturday were bee balm, also known as Oswego tea (Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’), and great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis).

Organizers say native plants form the foundation of local ecosystems.

They support specialized wildlife, conserve water and help build climate resilience.

Because they are adapted to local pests and climate, they need little to no fertilizer, pesticides or intensive maintenance.

“Many native species can be quite beautiful,” says EAC/Birdtown Chair, Kathryn Piff Townsend.

Native plants are also vital to insects, which in turn feed other animals.

Native oaks, for example, support hundreds of caterpillar species, an essential food source for nestling birds.

Bees, butterflies such as monarchs, and hummingbirds depend on native plants for nectar, pollen and breeding grounds.

Rob Sayre, of the EAC says, “It was a beautiful day in the low 70s. I showed the Scouts how to plant any potted raised plant; roughing the bottom and edges. Holes dug 6 inch wider on all sides and only the depth of the pot.”

After planting, the EAC provided a simple lunch for the Scouts for all of their hard work.

Sayre then gave a talk to them about pollination as part of their badge.

“We looked at the goldenrod blooming and saw three types of wild bees on them. We also looked at the tiny flowers on the goldenrod and how they relate to pollination.”

Scout leader Aldinger, told us, “Our Webelo Scouts completed their conservation service project for the “Champions for Nature advancement.

This community woodland restoration work is ongoing.

The EAC and Birdtown plan to keep removing invasive species and adding native plants.

All community members are welcome to help!

The EAC is also accepting native plant donations to be used for this effort at Ontelaunee Park.

The next planting event is set for 11 a.m. Sept. 26 at the park entrance.

Volunteers are welcome.

To sign up, email eac@lynntwp.org.

Scout Pack 588 meets at Ebenezer Church in New Tripoli.

For more information about enrolling your child or Scout Pack 588, go to www.pack588.org.