Photo By Trust Staff
During Williamsport’s Canal Community Days event in May, Trust volunteers and staff put a lot of work into sprucing up the area around Cushwa Basin. Canal Trust staff member Don Street built two raised beds that were added to the picnic area adjacent to the Trolley Barn. Ellen Kinzer from the Trust staff selected native perennials from The Native Niche like Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), False Salomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa), and Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) that were planted by volunteers during the event.
This much-needed facelift came just in time for an increase in traffic to the park during spring and summer. The picnic area was used as home base during Canal For All programming at Cushwa Basin. Teen participants from the Washington County Boys & Girls Club painted the picnic tables as part of a service project as part of the program.
Hopefully by this time next year, the native plants in the picnic area will be flourishing and in full bloom, attracting a variety of birds and butterflies to the area. This area not only looks nice and is functional for the public but can be used as a teaching tool about the importance of planting native plants as the foundation of a healthy ecosystem that supports pollinators as well.
