Grace Farms

Professor, Author and Visionary Conservationist Doug Tallamy to Speak in New Canaan

By |

Renowned author, professor and researcher, Doug Tallamy, will speak on the topic of his recently published book, “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard.” Tallamy is best known for the national conversation he sparked more than a decade ago about the link between healthy ecosystems and human wellbeing. His first book, “Bringing Nature Home”, emphasized the irrefutably significant tie between native plant species, native insects and the rest of the food chain essential for a healthy world. Sponsored by the ten organizations that comprise the New Canaan Pollinator Pathway, Mr. Tallamy’s presentation will offer specific suggestions of how homeowners can turn their properties into conservation corridors and help make a difference for global biodiversity. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 3 at New Canaan Country School Auditorium, 635 Frogtown Road, starting at 7:30 pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm). Tickets are $15.

Around Town

Letter: ‘Thank You’ from the New Canaan Garden Club

By |

Editor: New Canaanite,

On behalf of the New Canaan Garden Club we would like to thank the numerous neighbors and friends of Irwin Park who contributed so generously to the completion of the environmentally friendly Flexi-pave path. Without these generous donors this final installation phase of the pathway would not be possible. 

The first part of the pathway was installed in 2008, and those enjoying the park have appreciated the safety offered by the Flexi-pave pathway due to the extremely strong yet slip-resistant surface. However the pathway was never completed on one side of the Park, and in bad weather the ground became icy, muddy and hard to navigate. Completing the pathway loop will further enhance the park experience for all walkers and joggers. 

Since 2005, the New Canaan Garden Club, in collaboration with the Town, has been responsible for the beautification of the Park. Numerous projects have been undertaken since that time including daffodil and tree plantings, installation of the water fountain and the informational kiosk, the gazebo and the Flexi-pave pathway. 

Our sincere appreciation is extended to the very generous supporters for this most recent park improvement, which will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community. 

Sincerely,

Anda Hutchins and Lauren Bromberg
Co-Presidents
New Canaan Garden Club

Board of Selectmen

Garden Club Funding $80,000 Flexi-Pave Path Installation at Irwin Park

By |

Town officials last week approved an approximately $80,000 contract with a Danbury-based company in order to complete a final section of pedestrian-friendly footpath surfacing at a popular Weed Street park. The Board of Selectmen at its regular meeting Tuesday voted 3-0 in favor of the contract with Tri-State Flexi Pave, which is to surface the footpath that traverses the southeastern part of Irwin Park. The funds will be paid by the New Canaan Garden Club, officials said. “We were one of the first installations in this area and in the country, as well,” Public Works Director Tiger Mann said at the meeting, held in Town Hall. “The material has held up very, very well.”

He added, “It doesn’t seem to be falling apart, it’s not getting brittle, it’s not having any repair issues.”

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan and Selectmen Kit Devereaux and Nick Williams voted in favor of the $79,360.40 contract, which includes $5,000 in contingency funding.

Footer Featured Widget

Letter: New Canaan Garden Club Seeks Support to Complete Flexi-Pave Path at Irwin Park

By |

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As you are probably aware, the New Canaan Garden Club along with the Town, is charged with maintaining and enhancing the beauty and accessibility of Irwin Park for all.  A survey conducted in the fall of 2018 by the Garden Club emphasized that Irwin is beloved by walkers who appreciate the safety offered by the Flexi-Pave path. However, the Flexi-Pave path was never completed on one side of the Park. Consequently, in bad weather, this area can be icy, muddy, and hard to navigate due to its uneven terrain. I am asking for your help to close the Flexi-Pave trail loop and restore the Irwin Endowment. Please join me in support of this $75,000 project, approved by the Board of Finance and Town Council.

Allyson Halm

‘A Green Way to Manage Weeds’: Goats Arrive at Irwin Park

By |

A popular local park last week gained five new caprine residents, who are doing their part to eradicate invasive plants from the town’s green spaces. The goats—Chalupa, Beau, Stewie, Miss Bo Peep and Bella—arrived at a half-acre paddock in Irwin Park on Wednesday, where they “started to eat immediately,” according to Director of Public Works Tiger Mann. Their arrival went very smoothly, Mann said. Park staff erected fencing around the paddock on Tuesday and Wednesday, with assistance from local Boy Scouts, New Canaan Garden Club volunteers and staff of Green Goats, the Rhinebeck, N.Y.-based company contracted by the town to provide the goats, Mann said. The DPW and the Garden Club have been “battling it out” against Japanese knotweed, a particularly pernicious invasive plant, in Irwin Park, located on Weed Street, for several years, Mann said.