Supporting pollinators, Cultivating Change

Founded in 2019, Nyack Pollinator Pathway is a volunteer-led community initiative dedicated to creating habitat for pollinators and other wildlife through the use of native plants and ecological landscaping.

Our mission is to create connected habitat throughout Nyack and the surrounding region by transforming underutilized spaces into thriving landscapes for pollinators, wildlife, and people. Through volunteer-driven projects, community partnerships, and education, we work to inspire more pollinator-friendly, pesticide-free landscapes and help grow a more resilient local ecosystem.

DONATE NOW
GET INVOLVED

What is a pollinator pathway?

And why does it matter here in Nyack?

Pollinator pathways are connected networks of habitat that help pollinators move through human landscapes while still finding the food, shelter, and resources they need.

As natural areas disappear and become increasingly fragmented, many species must travel farther and work harder to survive.

Some species, like monarch butterflies and ruby-throated hummingbirds, migrate thousands of miles each year and depend on networks of habitat to complete their journeys.

By creating more ecological spaces throughout our community, we can help reconnect fragmented landscapes and better support pollinators and other wildlife.

Large, continuous wildlife corridors remain important for many species—but in dense suburban and urban communities, they are often no longer possible. Instead, we can take a “connect the dots” approach, where backyards, sidewalk gardens, parks, and public spaces work together as stepping stones across the landscape.

Two young women planting flowers and greenery in a garden bed beside a brick wall, outdoors on a cloudy day.

Every native garden, pesticide-free yard, public planting, and connected green space helps strengthen the pathway. Together, these small actions create healthier ecosystems and more vibrant communities where people and wildlife can flourish together.

Our Philosophy
A group of five children, including boys and girls, gardening in a lush, green outdoor garden with various plants, smiling and working together.
A group of five people gardening in a flower bed on a city street, planting colorful flowers.

The Pollinator Pathway grows through community.

Our goal is to build a fun, welcoming, and supportive community of gardeners—of all ages and experience levels—who want to help pollinators, create habitat, and work together to grow the pathway.

Close-up of a bee collecting nectar from pink coneflower flowers with orange centers, in a green garden setting.

Interested in volunteering ?

Native Plants Planted
and counting!

 our Team

Meet
A woman standing in front of a colorful mural of a butterfly painted on a brick wall, with her arms outstretched to resemble part of the butterfly's wings.

Dana Harkrider

Dana Harkrider is a Nyack-based beekeeper, native plant enthusiast, and founder of Nyack Pollinator Pathway, blending a career in consulting with a deep commitment to sustainable gardening and pollinator conservation. Dana co-founded the organization in 2019 with Lorien Barlow, who has since relocated to Scotland.

A Cornell Master Beekeeper and partner beekeeper with Closter Farm (NJ) and Lomar Farms (NY), Dana is passionate about creating pollinator-friendly habitat on both public and private lands. Having lived in three countries and traveled extensively, Dana now divides time between New York and Todos Santos, Mexico.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, glasses, and earrings smiling indoors with large green houseplants and potted flowers in the background.

Rachel Schwartzman

Rachel is a passionate landscape designer with a unique background in environmental engineering, horticulture, and sustainable design. With a deep commitment to creating spaces that nurture biodiversity, Rachel specializes in the design and implementation of native plantings and ecological plant communities. Her work emphasizes sustainable practices that support local ecosystems, enhance wildlife habitats, and promote environmental stewardship. Rachel lives with her family in Nyack, where she continues to be inspired by the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley and strives to create sustainable, community-driven landscapes that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Rachel also owns Hudson Habitat Design, a horticulture-based landscape design firm.

Our Partners

We are grateful for the support of the organizations, businesses, and community partners that help make our work possible. Their generosity, expertise, and collaboration enable us to create habitat, engage volunteers, and expand the Pollinator Pathway throughout our community.

Logo with stylized orange letter 'E' and text 'Orange & Rockland'.
Illustration of a historic village street with buildings, trees, and people, with text "Village of Nyack" at the top and a green ribbon at the bottom that says "Serving & Preserving Your Gem on the Hudson."
Pollinator Pathway logo featuring a blue butterfly with green accents.
Hudson Habitat Design logo in elegant purple text.
Cottage Creek Gardens logo with a brown-outlined pentagon shape, green leaf graphic, and green text
Illustration of a colorful garden with various flowers and plants under a blue sky, with the text "Plant Me A Rainbow designed gardens" in a black frame. 
partner with us

Interested in partnering with Nyack Pollinator Pathway? We love working with local businesses, organizations, community groups, and neighbors who share our commitment to creating a healthier, more pollinator-friendly community.

Whether you have an idea for a project, a space that could benefit from native plantings, or another way you’d like to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at nyackpollinatorpathway@gmail.com to start the conversation.

Four people planting and caring for a young tree in an urban setting with shops and cars in the background. They are holding gardening tools, watering cans, and potted plants.