ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Legislature, led by the Democratic Majority’s Office, launched a new initiative to promote sustainable, pollinator-friendly planting across the County today – the Earth Day Pollinator Project.

Legislators will distribute free seed kits and education materials to residents over the next few weeks to promote the critical role pollinators such as bees and butterflies play in maintaining biodiversity, supporting food production, and sustaining local ecosystems. The initiative provides residents with a simple way to contribute to environmental conservation and help native plants thrive in Albany County.

County residents can also pick up a free seed kit – first-come, first-served – from the Legislature’s Democratic Majority Office within the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building during regular business hours. To schedule a pick-up, contact Public Information Specialist Morgan Zell (Morgan.Zell@albanycountyny.gov or 518-447-5696).

Kits are limited to one per person, but community groups are welcome to request multiple kits while supplies last.

Each kit contains two seed balls made with native wildflower seeds, clay, and compost. Kits also have a wealth of educational materials about pollinators, biodiversity, and sustainable landscaping practices.

The Democratic Majority’s Office developed all of the educational resources in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, and the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “We all share the land, water, and air of Albany County. With direct threats to the sustainability of our environment – chemical, biological, and political – this proactive initiative is an opportunity for everyone to take responsibility in fostering and protecting our natural resources.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “For decades, environmental justice issues have subtly, but purposefully, affected historically marginalized communities negatively. This is an opportunity for everyone in Albany County – from our youngest students to our most experienced gardeners – to take a step toward safeguarding our environment and biodiversity.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “The Pollinator Project is about more than just education—it’s about action. We didn’t want to simply talk about the importance of pollinators; we wanted our residents to take part in protecting them. Each wildflower seed ball is a tangible reminder that it’s up to us to build the environment pollinators need to thrive. I’m proud that the Democratic Majority is leading the effort to create a more sustainable Albany County.”