How a labor of love for the community took shape
Rep. Abigail Salisbury July 2, 2024 | 7:57 PM
I'm delighted to see Swissvale’s pollinator park getting so much positive attention, including the recent coverage by WESA. I did, however, want to be sure we give credit to the many folks who helped us launch the project.
The pollinator park project has been going on for nearly two years now, starting with its approval in summer 2022, after my dentist, Dr. Brian Bonsteel, first told me about Humane Action Pittsburgh's plan to work on pollinator projects in area communities. Since that time, so many residents have volunteered their time and expertise to help the park take shape
Swissvale resident Dr. Emily Constantine Mercurio contributed her expert knowledge as a geologist to help select the site for optimum contribution to stormwater runoff absorption.
I have such a warm memory of spreading clover seed at the soon-to-be park with Shannon Dickerson, covering it with straw, and then being the first customers ever at Bombay to Burgh in October of 2022. Shannon has worked tirelessly every step of the way, even bringing her husband to help, and there are so many more HAP volunteers and employees like Natalie Ahwesh who have been integral to accomplishing this work.
Thank you to all those who've volunteered to set up planters (including my own long-suffering husband, Andrew Horowitz), chop brush, and do a million other tasks. We've even had volunteers come from as far as Harrisburg to work on the project. Without these volunteers, none of this would be possible.