To the editor:

Colt State Park could be so much better.

Pollinator gardens with native wildflowers and mature trees were mowed to the ground this week.

The two islands in the parking lot to the public boat launch in Colt are important to drain and filter the runoff from the parking lot and hauled boats. Sixteen years ago, I worked with Lou Rocabello, the manager of Colt at that time, and he agreed that trees would be a better filter than the existing crushed stone. He gave me permission to plant.

For sixteen years I have hauled compost, water, and seedlings, creating an environment welcoming to birds and pollinating insects. There was a 20-foot-tall Catalpa tree, a 15-foot-tall White Oak tree, and many smaller trees. Milkweed, golden rod, blue aster, Queen Ann’s Lace, iris, and other flowering plants provided nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies. These plants provide shade for people and food for pollinators necessary for most of the food we eat. They also assist in sequestering carbon to reduce the climate crisis.

All were mowed to the ground this week. The chainsaw operator left standing some thorn bushes and less beneficial plants, proving their lack of expertise.

There are local experts who could advise the people who work at Colt, including the Bristol Garden Club, Rhode Island Tree Council, and Bristol Tree Warden. Colt is being turned into a desert, with acres of mowed grass that does not support wildlife. No trees have been planted there in years, although plenty have been cut down. Allowing wildflowers to grow in place of the grass would provide beauty as well as food and habitat for pollinators.

Please allow this beautiful resource to flourish as a green space should.

Wendy Davis
33 Clifton Rd.