Stonington — The town has announced its first project in a new initiative called Sustainable Stonington, which is aimed at creating a “resilient, collaborative and forward-looking community.”

The town is asking residents to participate in the Pollinator Pathway Project, which is designed to boost the number of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators who play a critical role in the production of food. Their numbers have been sharply declining in recent years, and the idea is to provide more flowering plants and trees to increase their numbers.

To kick off the project, the town will plant a pollinator pathway this spring at Town Hall and work with volunteers to identify a series of town-managed locations for additional pathways.

“A key part of this effort lies with our community members, and so we are asking people to consider eliminating the use of chemicals and then planting native, pollinator-friendly plants,” First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough said. “It can start small, a window box or small segment of your lawn. This is a great example of how a small change can make a big difference.”

The town said replacing grass and ornamentals with native shrubs and plants also will reduce the need for water, reducing runoff into the ocean.

The town said the first step for residents is to eliminate the use of chemicals and synthetic fertilizers on lawns. They can then add pollinator-friendly trees, shrubs, planters, gardens or a full meadow. Resources are available at bit.ly/nativeplantlists.  

The town also is asking those who create their own pollinator pathway to register on the Pollinator Partnership tracking page at bit.ly/pollpathreg to help track progress in town.

To help residents get started, the Stonington Free Library's annual Seed Library is taking orders for seed packets, which will be disinfected and mailed out. To place an order email IvyHope@stoningtonfreelibrary.org. If you have questions about the program, email StoningtonPollinators@stonington-ct.gov.

j.wojtas@theday.com