Chester County Library Unveils New Native Plant Garden

August 2026

The Chester County Library has recently transformed a portion of their property into a thriving native plant garden that will benefit pollinators, birds, and local wildlife. The project was funded by the Chester County Library Trust through the generous support of Richard Hankin and Ada Brainsky and designed by Daniel Cleary of EcoLandscapes.

Replacing a large section of traditional turf, the garden showcases plants that have evolved alongside southeastern Pennsylvania's wildlife. At its center stands a "keystone" oak tree that can support more than 900 species! Surrounding it are native goldenrods, asters, dogwoods, witch hazel, cherries, berry-producing shrubs, and milkweed — an essential host plant for monarch butterflies. To complete the garden, there are "soft landings" where fallen leaves will remain undisturbed, to provide critical overwintering habitat for fireflies, moths, butterflies, and others.

Native plants are uniquely adapted to local soils and climate, making them resilient, water-efficient, and largely self-sustaining once established. They provide food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife, improve soil health, filter rainwater, and reduce the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation.

The new native garden reflects the Chester County Library Trust's ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and community engagement. More than a beautiful landscape, it serves as a living demonstration of how replacing traditional turf with native plants can create healthier ecosystems while inspiring visitors to bring biodiversity into their own backyards.

The garden marks the first of two native planting projects made possible by Hankin and Brainsky's gift. A second garden is scheduled to be installed this fall at the Henrietta Hankin Branch Library in Chester Springs, honoring Richard Hankin's mother and extending the couple's vision of environmental stewardship across the library system.