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09/02/2015 10:30 AMSuperstorm Sandy disrupted coastal landscapes and the plants that populate them—but which plants and trees survived the stresses of that storm best? An article in a new Conservation Commission newsletter reveals the ones that continue to thrive and make good choices for coastal gardeners.
The information is in the newsletter’s lead article, “Plants for the Long Haul: Coastal Landscaping Post-Sandy” by Judy Preston from the August edition of the Conservation Commission’s new quarterly newsletter Conservation Circular.
Also in the debut edition are tips for homeowners and gardeners about water conservation techniques and information about where to download a Yale University app to help users identify plants in the wild.
Another text box announces The Nature of Old Saybrook Symposium, an educational event for individuals and families that is spearheaded by Conservation Commission member Emily Grochowski. The new event is set for Sunday, Sept. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the town’s Recreation Center and includes lectures, a light bulb swap, and an exhibit area where organizations can share information.
“[The Conservation Circular]’s purpose is to widen the scope of conservation understanding in the town. [E]ach issue will feature a longer article on a particular topic as well as news announcements, links to interesting websites, and conservation tips,” explained Conservation Commission Chairman Walter Smith.
The quarterly newsletter will be published and posted online on the town website www.oldsaybrookct.org. Nina Garrett, a Conservation Commission member, will be its editor.
“We want to bring up themes of interest to the community. The first newsletter focuses on using native plants in your garden,” said Garrett. “The main article in the second one, planned for October-November, will focus on sea level rise.”
The newsletter on sea level rise will review the findings and recommendations of the town’s Ad Hoc Sea Level Rise Committee as presented to the Board of Selectmen and to the Conservation Commission.
Garrett said each edition will include a longer main article, a news and events text box listing lectures and workshops, and another text box with interesting tips and links of interest to readers.
“The idea is not that the Conservation Commission will write the main articles. Instead, guest authors will be asked to write articles on a theme for each quarterly issue,” said Garrett.
Smith said he was pleased that the inaugural summer newsletter already has 40 subscribers who signed up to receive it automatically through the town’s website.
To sign up, go to the town’s website homepage (www.oldsaybrookct.org) and search “Conservation Circular.”
“It’s just one sign of the strength of the conservation community in Old Saybrook. Hopefully, the Circular will help galvanize further conservation activity,” said Smith.