Pollinator Pathway

Located on the grounds of the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) headquarters in Meriden, CT a 50x50 butterfly and bee “garden” was established in 2010 by a QRWA member with a vision to create a sanctuary for nature's pollinators.

Over the past 15 years after experiencing drought, aggressive weeds, removing non-native plants and shrubs and lack of volunteers and resources, Advanced Master Gardener and QRWA/member volunteer Becky Martorelli began the process to revamp the “garden” to a “pollinator habitat” which more accurately reflects our original objective.

The habitat is located at 540 Oregon Road in Meriden and is clearly visible from the road and by trail walkers using both the Meriden Linear Trail and the Dossin Beach Trail. Today, the QRWA Pollinator Habitat consists of over 50 varieties of native plants equating to over 150 plantings.

Our goal for 2026 is to continue to establish the habitat as an educational component to our environmental education program promoting the importance of native plants and pollinators to our environment offering educational talks and tours on topics that include organic gardening, wise-watering during extreme conditions and gardening for seniors.

We are always seeking individuals or groups to "adopt" a section of the habitat and assist us in the care and maintenance throughout the growing season.  Our plans also include installing a watering system to be used during extreme heat and when resources are low so that plant beds remain healthy and well hydrated for our pollinators during those times.

We welcome you to visit our habitat and our website at qrwa.org