EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — The nonprofit organization WeLoveU kicked off construction of a new pollinator garden at Depietro Park in East Hartford on Sunday morning. Volunteers began work early and continued until sunset.

Aniya Hughey, a volunteer with WeLoveU, explained the importance of pollinators, including insects, like bees and butterflies, and birds. These creatures carry pollen from one plant to another, enabling plants to grow the produce that humans rely on.

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“Pollinators make up 75% of the fruits and vegetables and nuts that we produce in the United States,” Hughey said.

However, she noted that pollinators have been facing significant challenges, particularly the destruction of their habitats.

“Without bees, actually, even Albert Einstein said, we would have four years to live if all the bees disappeared. They need a habitat to continue to grow and produce and pollinate in the way that we need them to,” Hughey said.

The WeLoveU organization aims to address the issue with gardens like the one being created in East Hartford.

One pollinator garden will feature a heart-shaped design, measuring approximately 60 by 60 feet, with the heart itself covering around 20 by 20 feet, according to volunteer Angel Turcios.

Funding for the project was secured through a local grant and support from the town. Volunteers are also working on additional features, like pathways, retaining walls, and connections to a nearby sunflower garden.

Maryann Leone, a lifelong East Hartford resident, is excited over the new addition to the community. She and her granddaughter often walk by the park.

“We take frequent walks and to be able to walk down here, to sit on the benches, and just look out, we just don’t have enough of that,” Leone said.

Hughey is happy that so many people share a common drive to further WeLoveU’s mission

“I think it’s a really beautiful thing to have like-minded people that care this much about the environment,” Hughey said. “It’s our goal and our mission to just go around not just here in Connecticut to create pollinator gardens but go around the United States and even further than that, around the world.”

By mid-June, WeLoveU has plans to plant more than 230 trees and flowers native to Connecticut, improving local wildlife habitats and benefiting other gardens in the area by attracting more pollinators.

The organization is looking for more volunteers and encourages anyone interested to follow up on their website.

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