Albany County Legislators Visit Eagle Point Elementary School, Tour Gardens with Students, Plant Seeds as part of Pollinator Project

Albany County Legislators from the Democratic Majority visited students at Eagle Point Elementary School within the City School District of Albany today to tour gardens, distribute seed kits, and share educational materials as part of a new initiative to promote sustainable, pollinator-friendly planting across the County - the Earth Day Pollinator Project.

Deputy Democratic Majority Leader Lynne Lekakis was joined by Legislators Susan Laurilliard, Matt Miller, Frank Commisso Sr., Ellen Rosano, Vicky Plotsky, and Susan Pedo for the tour.

More photos are here.

The visit promoted the critical role pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play in maintaining biodiversity, supporting food production, and sustaining local ecosystems. The initiative is a simple way for students to contribute to environmental conservation and help native plants thrive in Albany County.

Each kit contains two seed balls made from New York State native wildflower seeds, clay, and compost. Educational materials were developed by the Democratic Majority's Office in partnership with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Albany County Legislature Deputy Democratic Majority Leader Lynne Lekakis said: "The work happening in this school is a powerful reminder that real change starts locally. I was so impressed by the students' creativity, curiosity, and the way they're thinking about pollinators, sustainability, and the environment. This kind of learning gives me real hope for a greener, stronger Albany."

Albany County Legislator Susan Pedo said: "As a parent whose children went through the Albany City School District, it was incredibly meaningful to see this kind of hands-on, thoughtful learning in action. From the gardens to the greenhouse to Mr. Retell's classroom, it was clear these students are not only learning science-they're developing a real sense of responsibility for the world around them. This visit reminded me just how powerful public education can be when we invest in curiosity, sustainability, and community."