New Peconic Dog Park Gets Weekend Spruce-Up

Dogs will have a prettier park to play in, now that local dog lovers joined together to plant native plants at the new Peconic park this past Sunday.

Members of , the , and local dog lovers met up to improve the, which opened to the public last fall after the town approved an expansion project to an existing and much smaller dog run.

Through Group for the East End's planting program, the group secured about 70 native species grown by Glover Perennials in Cutchogue. Native plants were used because they do not require pesticides and use less water because they are adapted to the Long Island climate, according to Group for the East End's Kate Fullam.

"Some of the plants from Glover Perennials were grown from North Fork seeds, so they are very well-adjusted to the conditions here," Fullam said.

About 10 volunteers worked for two hours to clear weeds, plant, and mulch along the fence line of the larger play area. Once the plants are grown, they will attract birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Group for the East End's planting and habitat restoration program includes sites throughout the East End. Each year, the environmental advocacy group involves hundreds of school children and community volunteers in these projects.

To find out how your school or community group can participate, or to nominate a worthy East End location, contact Anita Wright at 631-765-6450, ext. 206 or awright@eastendenvironment.org.