Earth Day Activities—

Local Groups To Observe A Day Devoted To Taking Care Of The Earth

By Kendra Bobowick

Earth Day is a time to “regroup, refocus, recharge, and recommit,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy in a recent release.

“We do need a reminder,” said Newtown Conservation Commission member Marjorie Cramer. “We do need anniversaries or special dates.” Also saying she likes “all those terms” used by the commissioner, Ms Cramer continued, “You regroup and make resolutions for the future. It’s good to focus and touch base.”

While some people pay keen attention to Mother Nature, others do not, she believes. How much do people think about the environment?

Both Ms Cramer and Newtown Forest Association member Robert Eckenrode think that the number is growing.

“Up until a couple of years ago nothing was happening in this town, now it is,” he said.

Speaking for the Conservation Commission, Ms Cramer said, “Maybe 23 hours a day? But it depends on the person. Some ignore it and hope someone [else] will fix it…some don’t think about it because they don’t care and others don’t because it’s too awful to think about.” Ignoring the problems is no help, she stressed.

“You might as well do something active to make it better, people have to be involved,” Ms Cramer said.

Not everyone is indifferent, however. “I think a growing number of people are paying attention,” she said. In her eyes the situation is dire.

“We have an ailing planet, whether it’s climate changes or warming; I think it’s an overwhelming concept,” she said. Smart growth, open space, and forest preservation are important parts of a solution. “We need to keep some open space for our health, the health of the plant, wildlife habitats.” At the same time, the wooded areas are needed.

“Our forests are like lungs for the earth,” Ms Cramer said. Planting trees, preserving trees, and maintaining open space for the habitats it provides are all important.

Locally environmental efforts are ongoing through groups such as the Conservation Commission, Roots for Newtown, which often hosts forums, the Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited chapter (TU) and Pootatuck Watershed Association (PWA), both involved with Deep Brook restoration efforts, and The Newtown Forest Association (NFA), which hosts contests such as the largest tree contest throughout the year to boost awareness. Earth Day on April 22 presents an opportunity for these and other groups to encourage the public to take notice of nature, clean water, clean, air, and recycling, as Ms McCarthy also noted in her release.

In honor of Earth Day, several events are planned for the weekend.

Mr Eckenrode, for one, will take advantage of Earth Day celebrations.

Hoping to focus interest on the associations’ Nettleton Preserve, he said, “Earth Day is the kickoff to raise awareness of that property. It’s phase one of our stewardship plan for the property.”

Specifically, the NFA members are hosting a trail cleanup at the preserve, reposting trails, and establishing signage to mark tree and plant species. The day also holds something for the volunteers inclined to sightsee at the scenic overlook.

“It will be educational too, as people walk through the woods…we’ll have a trail walk,” Mr Eckenrode said. Volunteers willing to participate in the trail cleanup at the preserve are welcomed to meet at the site at on April 21 between 9:30 and 10 am. The day will focus on marking areas of invasive species and installing plantings that attract birds. Holmes Fine Gardens is providing the plants. As he works to rally volunteers for a cleanup at the preserve atop Castle Hill and offering a panoramic view of the heart of town, Mr Eckenrode is aware of the larger environmental consciousness in Newtown.

“There are so many good things happening environmentally. This is just one big effort to make things happen,” he said.

Marjorie Cramer also looks forward to this Sunday.

Commission Chairman Joseph Hovious looks back to April 22, 1970, at the first Earth Day 37 years ago. “It’s amazing that it continues and has gained in importance,” he said. “It gets people thinking each year and people put things together to remember…”

What’s Important?

Coming directly to her point, Conservation Commission member Pat Barkman said, “Be kind to Mother Earth, she’s the only one we’ve got.”

Looking to Mother Nature’s components, Ms Cramer offered her ideas.

“I think that in terms of conservation we’re concerned about water — really, it could become depleted,” she said. “You can recharge and replenish, but you have to be conscious of it.” Smart growth regarding open space and forest preservation also ranks high on her list.

Trout Unlimited Candlewood Valley chapter President James Belden took his time considering the potentially most important element of the environment. “Can I just say everything?” he asked. Narrowing his thoughts, he said, “Environmentally speaking, the land and the water are not separated. The protection of woodlands is just as important as anything — water quality doesn’t happen in a vacuum.” Water relies on the land to be clean, he said.

“The land processes our water for eventual use whether it’s recreational or for consumption. The water needs the land to be clean,” Mr Belden said.

He believes that human health depends on environmental health, saying, “That’s the issue, [it is] not just important to the environment, but to us.” Both he and the DEP commissioner offered ideas to boost awareness.

“Take some time to think about steps you can take top help protect the planet,” DEP Commissioner McCarthy wrote in her Earth Day press announcement. “The decisions we all make everyday about where to live, how to heat our homes, what vehicles to drive and what products we buy make a real difference.” Following her thought, Mr Belden said, “Everyone has an impact — our cars, how we manage our lawns, our septics.” Each person can take at least three steps to improving environmental conditions, he explained. Try to save water, and promote healthy lawn and septic care, he said. Planting a tree is an even better idea, he said.

What’s Going On?

In honor of Earth Day, a series of hikes will take place on Al’s trail including a one-mile, two-mile, five-mile, and ten-mile hike. Park at Reed Intermediate School and meet at the chimney at the corner of Trades Lane and Old Farm Road at 9 am on April 22. No pets. The rain date for the Earth Day hikes is April 29. Contact marjoriecramer@yahoo.com.

The Newtown Forest Association welcomes residents to join the volunteer not-for-profit Board of Directors for a Trail Day Cleanup at Nettletown Preserve on Castle Hill Road and Old Castle Drive on April 21. Meet at the preserve between 9:30 and 10 am.

Bring yard tools such as pruning clippers, lop shears, bow saws, and rakes. An adult must accompany all children. Call 270-5340 or send e-mail to nfatreasurer@yahoo.com.

The local TU chapter does not have plans for Earth Day specifically, but has some initiatives that Mr Belden believes will fall on or near April 22. Along with the Newtown Tree Project, a group will be working on tree plantings along Deep Brook near Reed Intermediate School.

The DEP Commissioner’s news release also encourages residents to celebrate Earth Day.

In her letter she asks that people get out and participate in events taking place statewide. “Make your voice heard,” she wrote.

Find more Earth Day history, fun facts, and scheduled events at the state website, www.ct.gov/dep. Also find information at earthday.net.