Chapters in Connecticut

Invasive plants threaten biodiversity and degrade habitats for native wildlife.  Learn what makes invasives harmful, how to recognize species common to our area, and what strategies homeowners can use to control or eliminate these noxious weeds on their own property.  After a short introductory talk, we will walk around Coogan Farm to see and discuss how selected sites are being managed to replace invasive-dominated landscapes with diverse native plant communities to improve habitat for wildlife and human enjoyment.

Your instructor is Lydia Pan, who leads a team of habitat restoration volunteers at Coogan Farm.  Meet outside the Avery Farmhouse, lower level.

This program is free of charge and open to the public.  Registration is requested since gruop size will be limited.  Offered in partnership with the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.  

Joe Bear was determined to turn a one acre plot on town community fields from mugwort to a pollinator meadow.  He had been birding in the area for 20 years and noticed the rapid decline of bird species. He is over four years into the conversion and we will get to hear how he did it, and see the life he has brought back to a neglected area.

The meadow won an award last year for most bird species seen. Link to article here

https://goodmorningwilton.com/connecticut-birding-community-gardens-challenge-wilton-allens-meadow/

Member Ellen Rockett is welcoming members to see her beautiful property and discuss the issues and successes of her transitioning her property to native plants. 

Don't miss this opportunity to get inspired, to ask questions and learn from someone who has been doing this work for years.

Stefan Martin, Conservation Manager of CT Audubon, will lead us on a tour of this incredible restoration effort of 36 acres of invasives being transformed into a wildlife oasis. Larry Weaner is consulting on management practice of such a large parcel restoration.

Until roughly 2016, the section was a thicket of weeds and invasive shrubs and vines, including barberry, porcelain berry, bittersweet, and multiflora rose. They have installed over 3,000 native trees, shrubs and plants. Four acres are converting to meadows.

Dont miss this opportunity to learn from Stefan.

SAVE THE DATE - DAY 1 of our annual plant sale pre-order pickup and walk-in sale.   (Dates are not yet confirmed and subject to change.)