Early September is the last stretch when a pollinator garden is fully working — late asters and goldenrod in bloom, bees loading up before the season closes, migrating monarchs passing through. The tour walks you through which plantings do what and why the design choices matter, with a guide who can point at an insect and name it. If you have been thinking about planting for pollinators at home, this is the version where you can ask what actually survives a New York winter.
What to expect
A guide walks the pollinator plantings, identifying plants and the insects working them, and explaining the garden's seasonal management. Expect a lot of stopping and looking closely rather than covering ground. Family-friendly, on level paths, and under an hour and a half.
Good to know
- Free ferry to St George, then the S40 bus
- Ten dollars or under, booked at the Visitor Info Booth
- Come on a sunny day — pollinator activity drops sharply in cloud
- Level paths, suitable for families
- Bring a hat; the pollinator beds are in full sun
- Late September is the end of this tour's run for the year
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Common questions
What will I see?
The pollinator plantings and the bees, butterflies and other insects working them, with a guide identifying both.
Does weather matter?
Yes — pollinator activity is much higher on sunny days than in cloud.
How much does it cost?
Ten dollars or under, arranged at the Visitor Info Booth.
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