An unassuming little European plant called Carex disticha, or Brown sedge, was discovered last year on the shore of Sengekontacket Pond. It is the first found in the United States.
A small herbarium at Polly Hill Arborteum is helping researchers monitor climate change, which has already left its mark on flowering plants in the region.
With the opening of a new education center and botany lab, the Polly Hill Arboretum is hoping to become the leader in plant science and conservation on the Island.
With funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Polly Hill Arboretum plans to break ground in September on a $ 1 million educational center and botany lab.
Just in time for spring planting, staff at the Polly Hill Arboretum have debuted a plant selection guide, a searchable database that helps local growers choose ideal plants for their green spaces. The site has cataloged nearly 1,000 plants according to their preferred growing conditions.