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Madison Beach Hotel Hosts 4th Graders for Earth Day Lessons

In honor of Earth Day, John Mathers, general manager of Madison Beach Hotel, welcomed a group of local 4th grade students from The Country School for a lesson in ecology. Teachers Meg Lyons and Caitlin Hurtgen from the private day school in Madison accompanied students to the dunes to meet Gerry Verrillo, a horticulturist with Christiansen Landscape of Northford.

Verillo discussed how the dunes provide natural erosion control for the shoreline and serve as a habitat for several animal species. Students planted sea grass and butterfly weeds. Both are native plants that will strengthen the dunes and improve the habitat for birds and insects.

Lunch was provided by The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel on biodegradable plates with compostable knives, forks and spoons and recyclable drink cups.

“We were all impressed with how interested and engaged these young students are about caring for the environment,” said Mathers. “This next generation is being taught at an early age how important it is for us all to take care of our planet. It appears we’ll be in good hands.”