Goshen Public Library Celebrates World Bee Day With New Outdoor Biodiversity Learning Area, Made Possible With Funding From Orange & Rockland
Showcases the Library’s and Utility’s Commitments to Conservation, Environmental Stewardship, and Clean Energy
Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R), in cooperation with Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, Monday, celebrated World Bee Day (yesterday) by providing a program showcasing the importance of pollinators and native plant diversity in maintaining ecological balance to the community.
The World Bee Day celebration marked the grand opening of Goshen Public Library and Historical Society’s Outdoor Biodiversity Enhancement Area, which promotes education around, and appreciation for, the natural world, and was made possible with generous funding from O&R.
“We are pleased to have designed and constructed the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society’s new Biodiversity Enhancement Area and Outdoor Educational Greenspace, which underscores both of our commitments to biodiversity protection and enhancement, environmental education, and clean energy,” said Casey Tompkins, Senior Ecologist/Wetland Scientist at O&R. “These biodiversity initiatives aim to increase the abundance of native plants, support pollinators, and provide space for grassland birds and others, while serving as a beautiful community area for members of the public to learn about conservation and sustainability in the face of climate change.”
"We are excited to have worked with Orange and Rockland Utilities to provide an amazing community space where individuals of all ages can engage with nature, learn about the importance of environmental conservation, and take actionable steps towards creating a more sustainable future,” said Catherine Lemmer, Director, Goshen Public Library and Historical Society.
Celebratory remarks were provided by Norma Nuñez-Langlois, President, Board of Trustees of Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, Molly O’Donnell, Mayor of the Village of Goshen, and Jeremy McVey, Director of Environmental Health Safety and Quality Assurance, O&R. Additional educational programming followed, which included a walking introduction to the project from Tompkins, a discussion about tree health and native plants from O&R’s Arborist Mark Beamish, and an interactive children’s session; plus, the presentation of a new electric vehicle truck.
O&R Senior Ecologist Casey Tompkins (far right) provides a tour of the new O&R-funded Biodiversity Enhancement Area at the Goshen Public Library.
This year, O&R realigned charitable grant efforts to invest up to $600,000 over the next three years in nonprofit organizations and schools, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, who share our vision to combat the effects of climate change, advance social justice in the communities we serve, and create green jobs across our service territory.
About O&R
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. O&R is a regulated utility that provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange and Rockland Utilities) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company), and natural gas service to approximately 140,000 customers in New York.
About Goshen Public Library
Goshen Public Library and Historical Society is a hub for learning, discovery, and community engagement. With a diverse range of programs and resources, the library aims to enrich lives and foster lifelong learning. For more information, visit www.goshenpubliclibrary.org.