Live in Niantic

The Samuel Smith Farmstead is full of excitement as it prepares to host “Nature’s Celebration: Uniting Bees and Butterflies,” a free educational gathering scheduled for Saturday, September 13th, from 10 am to 3 pm. This community event aims to spotlight the crucial role that pollinators play in our ecosystem while bringing together various organizations dedicated to their conservation. Located at 82 Plants Dam Road in East Lyme, Connecticut, this celebration invites both adults and children to discover the fascinating world of honeybees, butterflies, and the plants that support them.

At a time when pollinator populations face significant challenges, this timely event offers an opportunity for community members to learn how these small creatures make an enormous impact on our food systems and natural landscapes. Visitors will engage with experts from multiple conservation-focused organizations who will share practical advice on supporting pollinators in home gardens and communities. Through interactive demonstrations, educational displays, and hands-on activities, attendees will gain valuable insights into how everyday actions can help protect these essential species. The celebration exemplifies how local communities can come together to address environmental concerns while fostering a deeper connection with nature.

The event boasts an impressive lineup of participating organizations, each bringing unique expertise to the celebration. Drew’s Honeybees, led by beekeeper Drew Burnett, will provide interesting information about local native pollinators and their crucial role in plant reproduction and food production. Visitors can learn beekeeping basics while browsing honey products available for purchase. Meanwhile, Wild Birds Unlimited Niantic will offer valuable information about fall bird migration patterns and how these creatures interact with pollinators in shared ecosystems. Representatives from Pollinator Pathway East Lyme will demonstrate practical ways to create pollinator-friendly landscapes, including hands-on activities like making seed mud balls and examining pollinators under microscopes.

The celebration extends beyond education to offer tangible ways for attendees to support pollinators immediately. Smith’s Acres will have a selection of pollinator-friendly plants available for purchase, allowing visitors to start their own butterfly and bee gardens right away. Old Ledge Apiaries, with beekeeper Steve Dinsmore, will offer locally-produced honey for sale, providing another way to support sustainable beekeeping practices. While the event is free to attend, donations are welcome and will support much-needed repairs to the historic house and barn at the Samuel Smith Farmstead. This dual purpose allows visitors to simultaneously contribute to pollinator conservation and historic preservation, making their participation doubly meaningful for the community’s natural and cultural heritage.