Cheshire Pollinator Pathway

Plant for Pollinators.  Plant for the Planet

The Cheshire Pollinator Pathway is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit. We are a grassroots movement created to raise awareness about the decline of pollinators and wildlife populations and the native plants and trees they need to survive. For instance milkweed is the host plant for Monarch butterflies. They lay their eggs on it, they nectar on it, and their larvae feed on it. They cannot survive without it. And many pollinators are pollen-specialists. They need specific plants that they co-evolved with in order for their species to continue.

• 
  
  Our mission raises awareness of the importance of native plants and how they improve watershed health and biodiversity. 
  
  
  Our Pollinator Pathway volunteers transform neglected and unloved spaces along Cheshire's Farmington Canal Heritage Trail into beautiful, native plant gardens that serve as fuel and habitat for pollinators. The gardens also are welcoming places for the public and a show of pride in our town.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Here's a few other  things we do in our community:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • 
    Hold weekly work parties at each of our gardens
    
  
  
  • 
    Host presentations with nationally known authors and experts 
    
  
  
  • 
    Work with students of all ages to help them learn about our environment and native plants
    
  
  
  • Host on-site educational workshops and talks at our gardens
  
  
  • 
    Recognize homeowners with "Residential Green Awards" for practicing eco-friendly lawncare 
    
  
  
  • 
    Hold free, biannual native plant giveaways at our gardens
    
  
  
  
  

Any Other Benefits to Native Plants?

Native plants support a healthy watershed because they have complex, dense root systems. This improves the soil, and helps with stormwater runoff, keeping water in place to soak into the soil.

And Native plants are also drought resistant once established. They do not need a lot of watering, if any.  

Where are the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway Gardens Located?
Three gardens are along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail:
487 North Brooksvale Road
Lock 12 Historic Site entrance, adjacent to the Willow Brook
Cheshire Pollinator Pathway at West Main (Railroad Ave trailhead)
Mixville Recreation Area (entrance)

Summer 2026: Phase II, CPP Tree and shrub garden at Mixville.

Learn more about pollinators and native plants at www.cheshirepollinatorpathway.org