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Commission discusses small pollinator gardens and green infrastructure champion outreach
Summary
Members proposed modest, low‑maintenance pollinator plantings along city sidewalks and noted a recent Department of Engineering rain garden project; commissioners agreed to circulate program details and state DOT grant opportunities.
The commission discussed modest pollinator‑friendly plantings and small rain‑garden projects in underused roadside triangles and along canal walkways, referencing a newly installed rain garden near Lewis and Cortland streets and state programs that support roadside pollinator zones.
Why it matters: pollinator gardens and low‑mow corridors can increase native habitat and help meet stormwater management goals with minimal maintenance or costly infrastructure.
What was discussed
Denise (commission member) described a newly fenced rain garden at a small triangle near Lewis and Cortland streets and said the installation included signage describing its stormwater purpose. "It used to have a tree in the middle of it... and now it's fenced off, and it's a rain garden, and there's a New Brunswick official logo on the sign. It has a little write up about it being a rain garden," Denise said.
Commissioners suggested identifying other small, low‑maintenance sites—medians, triangles and underused right‑of‑way—where native plantings could be encouraged. Members also referenced the State Department of Transportation's roadside pollinator program as a potential funding or technical partner.
Next steps
Denise will share information about the state DOT roadside pollinator program and the recent rain‑garden installation so the commission can identify candidate sites and evaluate ownership/jurisdiction (city, county, or state) and any required approvals. Members noted PSE&G and other right‑of‑way managers may have related programs (no formal partnership discussed).
Ending
Commissioners agreed to return with a short list of potential pilot sites and to follow up on grant or program opportunities for small‑scale pollinator planting projects.
