Screening of A Chemical Reaction an Eye-Opening Event 
In April we presented a well-attended screening of the award-winning documentary, A Chemical Reaction (ChemicalReactionMovie.com). This event was co-hosted by Project Green Lawn partners and the Middletown Regional Agricultural Science and Technology Center. The film tells the inspiring story of a successful grassroots effort to ban harmful lawn care chemicals in a local community in Canada, along with the discoveries that preceded it and the many challenges overcome along the way. A discussion after the screening was led by organic horticultural consultant and SafeLawns representative, Scott Reil, from Colchester, CT. We heard a lot of positive feedback after the program concerning the film and the excellent case it made for "chem-free", and the great discussion Reil led afterwards. After viewing the film, one attendee purchased a copy of The Organic Lawn Care Manual by Paul Tukey, for sale at the event, and cancelled his lawn care contract with TruGreen!
A very energetic and hard-working group of students from the Agricultural Science and Technology Center—the Mattabasset FFA Ag Communications Team—helped plan and publicize the event, and got an impressive array of door prizes donated. Anyone who paid the $5 suggested contribution received a ticket for free. Contributions paid at the door helped defray the costs of holding the screening. The students also developed a Project Green Lawn display, which they used at this event and others held at the school, such as their annual open house, and collected pledges to maintain a chem-free lawn. Many thanks to the students, Lydia Brodeur, Katie Baker, Rachael Burlette, Demetria Gomes and Anna Pettengill and their teacher Amanda Thomson for all of their efforts.
Thanks also to our co-sponsors, the City of Middletown Recycling Office, Jonah Center for Earth and Art, and Middletown Regional Agricultural Science and Technology Center, as well as our generous door prize donors Anderson's Feed, Ann's Good Stuff, It's Only Natural Restaurant, Shagbark Lumber of Cromwell, students Tom Riley and Angela Chadsey, and parent Tracy Daniels.
If you missed the screening but would like to see the film, a copy is available to borrow. Contact Kim O'Rourke at 860-344-3526 for information.
62nd Annual Meeting Held at Connecticut River Museum
Community members joined District board and staff for our 62nd annual meeting, on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex. The meeting included a slide show highlighting last year's conservation successes (link to PDF show), presentation of conservation awards, and a special guided tour of the museum...along with plenty of good conversation and refreshments! Congratulations to our 2009 award recipients (link to PDF award list).
Workshop Participants Learn About Creating Backyard Wildlife Habitat
On Sunday, October 4, 2009, 20 people gathered to learn from Eleanore Milardo's yard, transformed from a lawn dominated 3/4 acre suburban lot into a diverse array of plants and habitats, now featuring 120 native species planted to enhance wildlife value. DEP Wildlife Biologist Peter Picone gave an information-packed onsite presentation and walking tour, highlighting the relationship between the native plants and abundant insects, birds, and mammals that now share the garden. This event was sponsored by Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, Project Green Lawn, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
At the workshop, we were pleased to present Eleanore an award from the District in recognition of her ongoing efforts to transform her suburban lot into a haven for wildlife using native plants, and to teach and inspire others with her yard.
Cruise and Wine Tasting a Dazzling Success!
On October 1, 2009 the District held our fifth annual Tree Swallow Cruise and Wine Tasting on the Connecticut River to benefit the Connecticut River Watch Program. Everyone on board enjoyed a beautiful, if chilly, early fall evening on the lower river--a feast for all the senses! Fine local wines, delicious seasonal fare, and gorgeous scenery, including multiple eagle sightings, and an amazing show by the tree swallows as they gathered and spiraled into the marsh for the night. New this year was musical entertainment on our return trip featuring a sing-along.
The cruise was a great success! Many thanks to those who joined us or made a donation to support the River Watch program, and to our generous sponsors who made the trip possible: CT River Expeditions; Priam Vineyards; Chamard Vineyards; Clinton Nurseries; R2 Graphics; Saybrook Point Inn and Spa; Jim Sipperly; and musician Darrell Gagnon.
