To the Editor:

The mission statement of the Horticulture Club of Newtown organized in 1954, is "to promote interest in horticulture; to encourage and assist projects involving horticulture; to further the conservation of natural resources, especially soil and water; and to increase the knowledge of the artistic use of plant material, both indoors and out."

In accordance with this mission, our board has unanimously voted for the preservation of the High Meadow in its current undeveloped state. It is a place for birds and wildlife to flourish, a quiet place for reflection and gratitude, and a place for nature's beauty to present itself with native flowers, grasses, and butterflies.

While the Horticulture Club recognizes that a memorial for the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy is an important and necessary tribute, we respectfully request that it not be located within the High Meadow. It would be a disservice to the town and to the values that many of us have towards preservation and conservation of our natural resources to have this protected open space developed.

Joan Cominski

President

Horticulture Club of Newtown

21 Ashford Lane, Newtown         April 4, 2016