Seeds Planted for Fairfield’s Organic Teaching Farm

Seeds Planted for Fairfield’s 
Organic Teaching Farm

By Mike Lauterborn

(Appeared on front page of 

Fairfield Sun 3/31)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/19/11

Fairfield, CT – New England has a rich agricultural history, dating back prior to European settlement. In 1920, 215 farms supported the town of Fairfield. However, as Fairfield continues to grow, the number of working farms supporting the area has dramatically declined. A group of concerned citizens has stepped up to see that farming traditions in Fairfield are preserved while creating a new educational center that would be a hub of year-round seasonal activities.

Pamela Jones, president of the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm (FOTF), as the project is known, and other members of the group, met with the Sun at two sites that are being considered for a working farm. Both parcels of land flank the H. Smith Richardson driving range along Hoyden’s Lane in northeastern Fairfield.

“We’ve been given permission to use a one-acre lot on the Parcell’s property, which is also the site of a proposed girls softball field, abutting the driving range to the west,” said Jones. “This is under the jurisdiction of Parks and Recreation.”

As to the alternate site, Jones said, “We also have permission to use a two-acre site, with an open field and barn, adjacent to the range, but to the east, which is part of Hoyden’s Hill Open Space (HHOS) and under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. Both sites are situated on the highest elevated point in Fairfield, which is ecologically significant in terms of water flow.”

Jones said her group seeks a 3-year lease on one of the two sites, but that there are pros and cons to each parcel, which is making decision-making difficult.

Hoyden’s Hill Open Space plot

“The Commission’s requirement in terms of leasing the HHOS space is to have FOTF undertake a bird study,” said Jones. “The last comprehensive bird study done in town was in 2005 at a cost of $10,000. Having to undertake such a study creates a significant obligation and challenges in terms of fundraising and resources to manage, and the FOTF is the only party being asked to do this with regard to land usage in this area. You’ve got a police gun range here, the driving range, development plans for the softball field… all of this going on, and no one else has been asked to do this study. It’s frustrating.”

On the other hand, added Jones, there’s historical significance to the site, with roots dating back to the 1600s, and an existing management plan that specifically recommends that the land be used for farming and educational purposes. The HHOS is also on the north-south migratory bird route and is an important resting place for various bird species. “It’s really part of a matrix of habitats,” Jones said.

Jones’ colleague, Jennifer Cole, the FOTF’s vice president, said the group has already made an investment here as well.

“The soil in the HHOS open field was so degenerated,” said Cole. “It had been farmed until 1995 by Buster Kosivich, who grew corn that was well liked by local residents. The field has been maintained by the Commission since then, who just mowed it once a year.”

“We asked permission to not only mow it to remove invasive plants, but to harrow, till and plant winter rye, which was recommended by our advisory board. We did this back on December 2^nd, the last day we could have done this before hard winter set in. We turned over about four acres, which is actually double what our allotment was, at the cost of $950, which was raised from a blue ribbon pie auction. The work was beneficial to the soil and the Commission recognized the value of it,” she said.

Cole pointed out other attractive features of the HHOS space. “There’s an old apple orchard that we’d like to revitalize,” she said. “We think it would be great to rededicate it to offer fresh apples and peaches. There’s also a barn, with an original structure dating back to the early to mid 19^th century that was expanded to incorporate dairy cows. It’s now basically a warehouse. The vision would be to restore the structure as one of Fairfield’s last and most beautiful barns and use it for equipment storage and informal workshops.”

Parcell’s property space

With regard to the Parcell’s property space, which in total encompasses nine acres, Jones said Parks and Recreation plans call for a dramatic alteration of the landscape to remove conifers which birds now inhabit and raze an existing private dwelling. The entire space would be bulldozed and leveled.

While not ideal in terms of preserving habitats, the department has included in their design the organic maintenance of the planned athletic field versus chemically treated grounds, said Jones, which is in keeping with the proposed establishment of the FOTF.

Jones has also asked for certain materials from the dwelling, like wood and stone, to be saved so her group can re-purpose them for such things as sheds and an outdoor fireplace. “We don’t have the money to create new structures and the re-use allows us to practice our principles,” said Jones.

She cited other plusses to the site. “There’s no bird study required for this plot and there would be easier access to water and electric given the plans for development,” she said.

“Of the two space options for our farm, working with Parks and Rec may be the smartest way to go as softball and farming activities would be clustered and the environmental impact would be reduced in terms of vehicle traffic and disruption of overall habitats,” said Jones. “We also want to make the most of a 3-year lease in terms of time and investment and provide a breadth of programs to the community.”

Initial Inspiration

Jones remarked that the journey to this stage began humbly in the summer of 2009, when she visited Haydu, the last remaining working farm in Fairfield, in the Greenfield Hill area.

“Bob Haydu’s family has been farming the town-owned plot for generations and he maintains a seasonal produce stand. When I visited, I noticed a sign indicating he wasn’t going to be able to continue running the farm. I felt very concerned about that, mentioned it to my friend Jody Eisenmann and we both agreed we should do everything we could to help the farm continue. Though Haydu ultimately rejected our offer to collaborate, the seed had been planted to secure a dedicated space for an organic teaching farm that uses highly intensive growing techniques.”

Jones said they conferred with Ann Bell, the director of the Ambler Farm in Wilton, a highly reputable and successful teaching farm on town-owned land there. She provided guidance on how to start a similar operation in Fairfield. Though Eisenmann moved on to other activities, Jones partnered with Cole and several other area women who were interested in bringing organic local produce into the school system and local marketplace.

Since then, the group has been operating with two different goals and objectives. “One is to go through the administration process of acquiring the lease, the fundraising process and gathering a team of master farmers, academics and environmentalists to serve in an advisory capacity,” said Jones. “The second track has been to work as community organizers offering educational workshops.” 

SIDEBAR

Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm reaches out

While determining a dedicated site for its operations, the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm, an initiative led by a group of Fairfield women, has been busy offering interactive programs to the community.

President Pam Jones said, “In the past year, we’ve launched a seed bank through Fairfield Woods Library, recognized local environmentalists with a Hummingbird Award, taught children how to carve pumpkins at Fairfield Museum, offered a jamming and canning session at Pequot Library, presented master farmers and scientists in a seminar environment, co-sponsored film screenings and held public meetings.”

One project they hope to undertake this year is to bring back the Southport Onion. “It was so essential to the local economy for generations,” she said. “They were shipped all over the world.”

In an effort to raise $30,000 to initiate and maintain a dedicated working farm, on June 25, the group will hold its first major fundraiser, at Pequot Library. Titled “A Meal in the Meadows”, the event will offer a farm-to-table feast prepared by local Fairfield chefs.

“The new Whole Foods has agreed to donate substantial quantities of locally grown organic produce,” said Jones. “And we’ll have a summer beer garden, raw bar, grass-fed entrees like beef or pork, and fresh-churned ice cream.”

Jones said the ultimate mission of her group is to lessen our reliance on products grown in other parts of the nation and be carbon neutral. “We seek a One Town One Farm goal and would like to go out and help other towns do the same thing. It’s a matter of homeland security and a way to save our planet.”

SHU Habitat for Humanity Chapter Builds Dream House in Bridgeport

SHU Habitat for Humanity Chapter Builds Dream House in Bridgeport

(for Sacred Heart University distribution)

By Mike Lauterborn

ã 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/19/11

Bridgeport, CT – The dream is coming true, not only for a deserving family, but also for the hard working group of students that have helped to make it a reality.

On Friday, March 18, construction began on a three-bedroom home at a once debris-filled corner lot at 554 Jane Street. The home was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Sacred Heart University’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter, the Youth United division of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County and grants and considerations from the university, city organizations and corporate sponsors.

Kelly Leather, co-fundraising chair for the Habitat campus chapter and a supervisor at the work site, provided background about the project and how it came to fruition.

“We broke ground back in February, but due to snow, the excavation was postponed,” she said. “It wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that we were able to pour the foundation. In the meantime, we constructed walls in Habitat’s warehouse on Barnum Avenue so that when we arrived onsite with our crew, we were prepared and ready to go.”

Leather said the city of Bridgeport sold the lot to Habitat for one dollar and that the new home will stand beside another Habitat-built house. In terms of key features, besides the three bedrooms the home will have two stories, an open dining room that will flow into a living room and two bathrooms.

Leather said the immediate neighborhood is dynamic. “I’ve worked in Bridgeport for the past four years and in this area I see so much hope and life,” she said. “And residents have embraced our presence. A random passerby this morning thanked us for our efforts. I think they appreciate our work here.”

According to Leather, the crew working on the project onsite at any given time numbers 12-15. “Volunteers are drawn from our campus club of over 300 members,” she said. “They are all students ranging from freshmen to seniors. On the job site, the participating students can sign up for any building task they want and are guided by construction supervisors from Habitat.”

With regard to the campus’ Habitat club, Leather said it has existed for over a dozen years and “is a way for students to make a difference in local communities by helping to provide decent places that people can call home.”

Leather said a family has already been selected for this particular home – a couple and their four children. She explained the criteria used to determine a family’s qualifications for homeownership as being three-part: homeowners must qualify financially, be able to satisfy their mortgage payments and partner in terms of “sweat equity” contributions working on their own homes as well as other homes. Leather said, most times, homeowners that receive Habitat help are currently living in conditions that have been determined to be inadequate or substandard for their families.

Leather noted that the cost of building a house in Bridgeport is $175,000. To that end, she said, “Youth United was successful in obtaining a $10,000 grant from State Farm, we received a grant from a neighborhood stabilization program of $75,000 and our campus chapter contributed $13,500. We also received an in-kind contribution from the university for plumbing and electrical work equating to roughly $12,000 and funds from Habitat. Of course, getting the lot for a $1 also saved us $25,000.”

The project has been the culmination of much hard work. “The Club has been fundraising for a number of years,” Leather said. “To see the walls actually being raised has been a dream come true. It’s hard to put in words how we feel about it. I sent a photo from the job site to my fellow co-chair who replied ‘Perfect, and full heart.’ We feel that we’ve fully been able to fully give what we’ve always wanted to give to the city of Bridgeport and that four children are going to live in a home of their dreams, experiencing the same fortune as many of us.”

Nursery School Fundraiser a Truckload of Fun

Nursery School Fundraiser a Truckload of Fun

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

3/26/11

Westport, CT – A bulldozer. A cement mixer. Logging truck. Steam roller. Backhoe. Fire truck.

These were but a few of the 37 vehicles onsite at Coleytown Elementary School Saturday morning participating in the 6th Annual Touch-A-Truck Event benefiting Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School. Hundreds of families attended, to climb in and out of the vehicles as well as take advantage of a bounce house, facepainting, a Little Gym class, Shaolin Studios kung fu demo and a Roaming Railroad train ride around the school property. Admission was $20 per family, who received a goody bag and miniature toy truck.

“Funds go towards the whole operating budget and help run the nursery school,” said Maureen Asiel, the public relations coordinator for the event. “It’s a progressive school for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds with a parent-run board. Part of being involved in the school is giving time to events like this, so all our volunteers here are parents and teachers at the nursery school.”

The event’s major sponsors included AuPair in America, East Coast Irrigation, The Fresh Market and Women’s Health Care of New England. About a dozen local businesses also provided support.

One of the school parents, Elana Faiman, from Weston, said, “The great thing about the event is that the kids get to climb in and on all the vehicles, which is lots of fun for them. Funny enough, the school bus is one of the most popular. The boys also love the backhoe and the husbands like the cupcake truck. There’s something for everyone, it’s a great cause for the school and we all have an opportunity to get together.”

Tom Maloney, from Ridgefield, attending with his son Lachlan, 3, enjoyed the train ride and were checking out the cement mixer. “We were here last year,” said Maloney. “Lachlan loves checking out all the trucks and it’s a great way to spend some time with him while raising money for the school.” 

When Lachlan was asked to name his favorite vehicle, he said, “I love the road roller (steam roller)!”

Another area parent, Laura Silver, attending from Greenwich with her son Blake, 2, said, “I’m happy to support the local community and be part of a fun event… for all ages.”

Laurie Roda, owner of Compo Limousine, which supplied an eight-passenger stretch for the event, was glad to provide access to her vehicle. “This is the first year I’m participating,” she said. “It’s fun to see the kids interacting with all the different vehicles and it’s a great way for me to support the cause while getting some exposure for my business, too.”

Trumbull Motorcycle Officer John Threshie, who had brought his Harley patrol bike, was a veteran of the event. “We’ve been here several years,” he said. “The kids have a blast, though sometimes they’re a little afraid of the bike. I wish they had something like this when I was a kid.”

Westport firefighter Michael Grasso, who was trying his best to stay warm while giving tours of the department’s Engine 7 pumper truck, said, “This is fun and I get to educate the public about the truck and more of what we do as far as services. It’s a little cold but people are showing up nonetheless.”

Discounts Draw Bargain Hunters to Borders Closing

Discounts Draw Bargain Hunters 
to Borders Closing:

Shoppers mourn bookstore’s loss

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/27)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/26/11

Fairfield, CT – “Everything Must Go!”, “Everything 20% to 40% Off” and “Nothing Held Back” signs peppered exterior windows, inside displays and register areas. They were sad signs of the times.

Fairfield Downtown’s anchor, Borders, at 1499 Post Road, which had announced it would close just last week, was already in the beginning phase Saturday afternoon of selling off its merchandise, offering discounts that appealed to area consumers as long lines at all registers showed. Any store events that had been scheduled, like a Lego Racers Kids Event, had been cancelled and the popular in-house café closed.

“I’m definitely sad to see this go,” said Kelly Bishop, of Fairfield, who had an armful of children’s books. “I have a 2 ½  year old and we come here at least once a week. It’s a major loss for Fairfield. I’m taking advantage of the sales, though, while the books are still here. I knew that the other Borders were closing, but didn’t expect this one to close. I thought they did so well. A cashier told me last week – I was shocked as was everyone on line with me.”

Beverly Dacey, of Easton, was similarly loaded up. “I came down today to mourn the loss of the store,” she said. “It was a terrific place to escape from the pressures of daily life and indulge in pleasures of the mind. I’m stocking up on magazines, books, cards, gifts, etc. I might as well take advantage of the sales. This was an anchor, like the Fairfield Store, that started the resurgence of downtown. There’s the Borders at the Trumbull mall, but it’s a totally different ambiance and I never go there. This store gave you the feel of a college bookstore.”

“I’m a speech pathologist and work with children,” said Kathy Mitchell of Black Rock, standing on line with a bundle of books. “So I’m stocking up on books for my students and also my business.”

Sitting in a sunny window spot in the magazine area at the back of the store, Damaris Diaz, 12, of Westport, said she’ll miss the store. “I come here once a week. I was really surprised the store was closing. I like to come to buy magazines and go to the café sometimes. It would be nice to have another bookstore here, similar to this one.”

Mary Bishop, of Fairfield, was another customer that had loaded up with books. “I didn’t think they were going to close this location. I thought it did well and really the company as a whole, too,” she said. “With this store going empty, it may be difficult to attract new business in downtown. I’m taking advantage of sales to buy up gardening magazines. I’m also looking at bridal books as my daughter is getting married. I hope the company’s able to regroup and open another location in Fairfield.”

Jury Still Out on Replacement for St. Pius’ Rev. Carroll

Jury Still Out on Replacement 
for St. Pius’ Rev. Carroll:

Bishop Lori says more 

deliberation needed

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/26)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/26/11

Fairfield, CT – Parishioners at St. Pius X Church on Brookside Drive got both a treat and letdown at Saturday’s 5:15 Mass. The treat was the personal appearance of William E. Lori, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, to lead the session. The letdown was his announcement that more deliberation would be necessary before a successor to Rev. Lawrence Carroll, who stepped down last weekend, could be named.

“Rev. Carroll served just under ten years,” said usher Charles Chiusano. “His reasons for leaving were not about health or any legal matters. He pointed that out specifically to allay any concerns, but still didn’t give his reason for departing. He did a phenomenal job here, growing the parish. He was a very good man and very spiritual.”

Chiusano said Carroll’s departure was abrupt and surprising. “Everyone was shocked and saddened by the pastor’s leaving,” he remarked. “He was the pastor to everyone. He was all inclusive. It didn’t matter if people had disagreements with something said or done. He was there to provide support and counseling. He was great for that. There was no wall between him and anyone.”

As Lori initiated the Mass, he said, “I thought it would be appropriate to come here personally after last week’s announcement, to pray with you and share with you the experience we are all undergoing, and to pray for Rev. Carroll at this time in his life. After Communion, I will speak about the events of last week and events going forward.”

Acknowledging parishioners’ concerns, Lori said, “The season of Lent has taken an unexpected turn as Rev. Carroll has left the ministry. I’m sure many of you are wondering what the parish holds in the future and for the families of the church.”

Lori thanked Rev. Samuel Kachuba, who has been with the parish for the past three years, for his service and “stepping up to the plate” over the past week as Kachuba stood in for the departed Carroll. In turn, Kachuba thanked parishioners for their “emails, calls and even baked goods,” adding, “You have responded so well with your prayers during this time of transition.”

With regard to announcing a successor, Lori said, “It would be premature for me to make an announcement. We’re not quite ready. I met last Thursday with the priest personnel board and had a chance to review this parish’s strengths and needs to determine the best fit for a new pastor. After a lot of study, the board will consider candidates that might be appropriate for this parish.”

Lori added, “The most important thing in a priest is that he is prayerful and full of integrity, a man who is a priest 24/7. As I arrive at a decision, it will be announced at that point. I will try and do that with as much dispatch as I can.”

The bishop acknowledged that Kachuba had a full plate and that it would not be fair to leave him on his own. To that regard, Lori said he had appointed Father Liam Quinlan, a resident at St. Leo parish, to assist and work with Father Kachuba while awaiting a new pastor.

Parishioner Tony Marone of Fairfield commented, “Whoever they bring in is going to have to fill some big shoes. Rev. Carroll was a great guy. We hope the bishop makes a good choice.”

Usher Dian Palmer said there was no hint about a successor. “There’s been no word on a replacement at this point in time,” she said. “People are longing to find out. They want to know who’s going to lead them. Hopefully we’ll know soon. Father Sam’s got a load on his plate, but he’s doing a wonderful job.”

For his part, Father Kuchuba said, “Rev. Carroll’s announcement was a shock for all of us, but this is a prayerful parish. It was difficult to hear, but we immediately turned to prayer to ask for a blessing. This was an unexpected role for me that I didn’t anticipate. I’ve been praying a lot, I’ve been trusting God. Father Quinlan will assist with celebrating Mass. I love the guy, he’s a wonderful man. It will make this interim period much easier.”

Food For Thought Expo Expands Minds, Tantalizes Tastebuds

Food For Thought Expo 
Expands Minds, Tantalizes Tastebuds:

Fairfield Warde High School event 

attracts hundreds

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/26)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

3/26/11

Fairfield, CT – Organic growers, natural products companies, foodies and average folks that just wanted to know how they could eat healthier all came together Saturday at Fairfield Warde High School.

The attraction was the 2nd Annual Food for Thought Expo, which offered visitors a full complement of healthy food resources, over 30 exhibitors from bakeries to health professionals, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, movie screenings and more. The event was hosted by the Fuel for Learning Partnership.

“The Partnership was formed in 2006 to improve the quality of the school lunch program and works to provide solutions to obesity,” said Michelle McCabe, the group’s chairman. “One of its key events is this expo which aims to introduce the community to a large amount of local resources for whole unprocessed nutritious foods. We invite businesses that embrace sustainability and source local ingredients. We also have farmers participate.”

Exhibitors were separated and placed around the school by category. In the farm resources area, Analiese Paik, founder of Fairfield Green Food Guide, was offering information about her online directory for consumers to find local and sustainably grown food resources. Listings range from farms and farmers markets to farm-to-table restaurants and green food events. She said her guide is helpful “for people looking to eat fresh food closer to home from trusted resources” and that the expo is “a great way to educate consumers about healthy food and healthy eating.”

At an adjacent table, Ed Hartz, owner of The Milkman Company of Newtown, was telling expo visitors about his products. “We deliver farm fresh foods, including milk and dairy, directly to homes, old milkman style,” he said. “We distribute products from 20 to 25 different farms throughout New England.”

Hartz added, “Food has become industrial. I’m against industrialization. I believe in local farming and supporting locally grown food. And supporting local farmers boosts the economy, brings good food to people, helps preserve land and improves health.”

Aimee O’Brien, a Partnership committee member and coordinator of the event’s Children’s Nutrition Room, was busy guiding kids and their parents about the benefits of fruits and vegetables. “I ask the kids to make a rainbow on their plates, with regard to the color of the food items and how they correspond to a rainbow. I also ask them about what they already eat and how certain choices benefit specific parts of their bodies. At the same time, I educate parents about ingredients labels and to go for products that have natural elements.”

In the plants area of the event, Fairfield Ludlowe High School students Kim Cortellessa and Morgan Wyckoff, both 14, gave away little pods of soil in which seeds of choice had been planted. “We’re providing people with the opportunity to plant seeds and take them home to start their own garden,” said Wyckoff. “We’ve got seeds that include chicory, gourds, sunflowers, pumpkins, squash and watermelon.”

Providing a cooking demonstration to a roomful of show attendees, Amy Hall, a health and cooking coach, said, “We’re offering local sustainable meal choices, like spicy tacos and lasagna, focusing on farm food, dark leafy greens and root vegetables. We want to make every meal and ingredient count at every occasion.”

In the school’s cafeteria, an array of companies had been arranged, all providing food samples. Visitors could taste organic salsa, local farm-grown cheese, bread, pure honey, juices, salad offerings, fruit shakes, milk and allergen-free cupcakes.

“We have two flavors at present,” said Amy Barnouw, co-owner of Fairfield-based Planet Fuel organic juices. “Cherry Lemonade and Apple Grape. Two more are coming out in April. They’re all organic with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Our goal was to go back to basics – organic juice and water. We only use resealable, recyclable, reusable aluminum cans and each flavor has a “Planet Protector” character like Rainforest Rita and Ocean Olivia. These help convey a healthy kid, healthy planet message and help kids understand their influence as consumers.”

Sampling her Red Bee Honey, owner Marina Marchese said, “We sell to Fairfield businesses and look to promote honey as a sustainable sweetener. There are tremendous health benefits of pure, real honey that include anti-bacterial properties and an ability to balance blood sugar and boost the immune system.”

Tasting cheeses at the Fairfield Cheese Company’s table, Kate Garey of Westport explained that she had just finished culinary school and wants to start a business that only uses local organic products. “The expo is a great way for me to meet potential suppliers.”

Birder Urges Going Native to Restore Songbird Sanctuaries

Birder Urges Going Native to 
Restore Songbird Sanctuaries:

Michael Corcoran gives talk at 

Birdcraft Museum

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 3/24)

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

3/22/11

Fairfield, CT – Aggressively removing invasive plants. Offering ground water resources. Integrating berry producing weeds and shrubs.

These are some of the strategies birder Michael Corcoran recommended to provide sanctuary to our native songbirds and help restore native plants in his “Birdscaping: Native Plants for our Native Birds” presentation Tuesday evening at Birdcraft Museum, Unquowa Road. About 25 people attended, enjoying a wine and cheese reception afterward.

Over the past 20 years, Corcoran has participated in numerous citizen-based bird population studies and has helped maintain the bird banding station at the Birdcraft Sanctuary, the oldest privately-owned space of its kind in the country. He described the facility as a second home, to which he was first introduced by Henrietta Lachman, an Audubon staffer that got him involved in a summer breeding birds survey. In order to participate, he had to undergo training under the guidance of the sanctuary’s master bander Judy Richardson.

As his knowledge of and interest in birds evolved, he began thinking about their sanctuaries. “You watch your feeder, go out and pursue birds, then get to wondering how the birds, insects and habitats all work in a system.”

Corcoran said that native bird sanctuaries have gradually been in decline since Europeans settled here in the 1600s and upset natural biospheres. “Plants and birds were interrelated before then,” he said. “Since, in suburban landscapes, we’ve introduced non-native and invasive plants that out-compete native flora. The lack of diversity among the plants has created a lack of diversity among insects, which affects bird populations and where they choose to make their homes.”

With a practical-minded approach, Corcoran used his own property in Glastonbury as a site to create a bird-friendly habitat utilizing native plants, trees and shrubs. The property, which he described as a greenway located between two patches of forest, now attracts over 125 different species of songbirds. The plants and birds have a symbiotic relationship wherein the plants provide nesting material, while the birds help spread plant seeds.

In his presentation, Corcoran showed many of the native birds that call Connecticut home, including the Eastern Tufted Titmouse, Yellow Shafted Flicker and Eastern Bluebird. He said that they depend on native plantlife for survival and that a number of invasive plant types are posing threats. Among these, he named Garlic Mustard, one of the most invasive species; Honeysuckle, that can strangle trees and bring them down; Japanese Knotweed; Mile-A-Minute Weed that grows as quickly as its name implies; and the Japanese Barberry, which has a very high seed count and decimates forests.

Corcoran recommended removal of these invasive plants by any means necessary and replacement with a mix of native flora. In the herbaceous plants category, he suggested Butterfly Weed, Black-eyed Susans and Peones. He also offered weeds like Pokeberry and Common Milkweed to attract insects upon which native birds like to feed. With regard to trees, Corcoran said the Eastern Red Cedar provides good cover and high-fat berries while the Dogwood produces berries that offer songbirds proper nutrition.

The self-described “bird geek” suggested berry-producing shrubs as well. Varieties included Silky Dogwood, Gray Dogwood, the American Cranberrybush, Elderberry and Witch Hazel, which provide nutrition July through December.

Corcoran admitted that deer, which can be devastating to native plants, are a huge problem in Fairfield County. “I could recommend a good dog and a rifle, though there are tonics and fences that you can try,” he joked.

Nelson North, director of operations for the Audubon Society in Fairfield, said Corcoran’s program, which is part of an ongoing community education effort, was timely for spring. “Hopefully people will think about indigenous plants when they plan their gardens,” he said.

Corcoran echoed North, hoping that presentation attendees would go to their local nursery and ask what they have in the way of native plants. “I also hope town ordinances are introduced that require the use of native species,” he said.

For reference works pertaining to birdscaping, invasive plant species to be avoided and native plants to be cultivated, visit www.ctaudubon.org