Planting a Meadow, Sowing a Community
Bumblebees and silver-spotted skippers breeze through the bee balm and mountain mint, a hummingbird flits among the digitalis, baby wrens chat in the bird boxes and a painted turtle ventures up from the pond to lay her eggs in the loose soil…
This was June in the new Silvermine-Fowler Meadow, a dream turned into reality thanks to your support and a group of committed volunteers.
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
Planning and preparation for the meadow started shortly after the Land Trust purchased the Silvermine-Fowler Preserve in 2017. Guided by renowned meadow expert, Larry Weaner, the Land Trust tested soils, installed a barrier to organically smother weeds, and spread four truckloads of mulch, generously delivered by New Canaan’s Department of Public Works.
Armed with augurs and trowels, volunteers from the Beautification League, Garden Club, Planet New Canaan, and the Land Trust joined forces to plant nearly 6,000 individual plants at the meadow.
“This was an easy opportunity to participate in something I believe in, and make a positive difference in the ecology of our town” said Betsy Sammarco, one of 22 volunteers who helped plant the meadow.
The mix of two dozen species of native wildflowers and grasses bloom from April through October, providing a continuous source of food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other animals.
With your help, the new meadow will be more than a place for native plants and animals to flourish. The Land Trust hopes to use the meadow as a demonstration site, where homeowners can consider environmentally friendly alternatives to lawns, or where school groups can learn about native plants and the importance of pollinators.
“I was more than happy to help. The native meadow will benefit birds and pollinators and hopefully encourage homeowners to replicate what they see on their own properties.” – Robin Bates-Mason, Town Council member and volunteer.
It’s your support, year after year, that helps to transform lives and land in New Canaan. The creation of the Silvermine-Fowler Meadow not only helps to improve the habitat on this preserve, but also brings people together to learn new skills, have shared experiences, and develop a deeper appreciation for our natural world.
