Geneva Grows Native

Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, August 24, 2024, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Come learn about the native plants growing throughout downtown Geneva and along the lakefront. If you take a closer look, you’ll also see the beneficial insects – pollinators and natural enemies of pests – these plants are supporting. Staff from the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell AgriTech, members of Ontario County 4-H, and local community members will offer tours and demonstrations and answer questions about:

Choosing and growing native plants
Recognizing native plants vs. weeds
Recognizing the beneficial insects all around us
Using native plants to support beneficial insects and wildlife in your own yard or garden
Many benefits of growing native plants and creating green spaces

Dates and Times

~~Saturday, August 3: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.~~ CANCELED
Saturday, August 10: 8 a.m–1 p.m.
Saturday, August 17: 8 a.m–1 p.m.
Saturday, August 24: 8 a.m–1 p.m.

Locations

Lakefront gazebo near the Finger Lakes Welcome Center and the Geneva Farmers Market.

Welcome Center Address: 35 Lakefront Dr., Geneva, NY 14456

Activities

Activities are available for the whole family and include:
Walking tours of native plants around the City
Insect scavenger hunt
Ontario County 4-H members showcasing native ‘habitatscaping’ opportunities for families (Aug 17)
Seed giveaways
Practical information from Cornell, local native plant sellers, and local organizations

Groups who will be present

NYSIPM, Geneva Business Improvement District, Ontario County 4-H members, community members who have been planning for and tending native plants throughout Geneva, members of the City of Geneva Green Committee, Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, BluePrint Geneva.

For years, NYSIPM has been demonstrating how to create habitat for pollinators and insect natural enemies of pests by growing (especially native and perennial) flowers and grasses that feed and shelter these important insects. You may have attended a Beneficial Insect Habitat Open Houses at our research field in the past. This year, we’re bringing the conservation biocontrol information and demonstrations to the Geneva lakefront and partnering with the Geneva Business Improvement District, the City of Geneva Green Committee, and others to talk about how the City of Geneva is using native plants to support native insects and other wildlife, reduce water and maintenance needs, and protect Seneca Lake.

For questions or additional information, contact Amara Dunn-Silver at arc55@cornell.edu.