101 Marchant Road, Redding, CT, 06896

(203) 938-2117

OUR WETLANDS

A Bit Of OUR WETLANDS HISTORY

A half-century ago, our founder, Carmen Mathews had her wooded swamp transformed into a wetland system — a “New Pond” and an adjoining marsh — to promote wildlife diversity and to provide exciting outdoor classrooms. Through the years, despite repeated costly repairs, strong storms  continued to erode the structures that maintained the water level in the pond, so that it is no longer supplied water to the marsh, as originally designed. Consequently, the marsh has been drying up and has been overtaken by aggressive grasses and sedges. To compound the challenges to the marsh, the grove of towering white pines, that once provided its shade, was toppled by Super Storm Sandy, leaving this delicate habitat in full sun and compromising the survival of the sensitive amphibian species that had thrived there for decades.

PHASE I IS COMPLETE!

•Our pond has been cleaned and reconfigured to its original depth

•Three vernal pools have been created to the west of the pond, where amphibians will benefit from the shade of our hillside

•Over a thousand native plantings now surround these areas. Discreet fencing has been installed to discourage our visiting flocks of geese from their usual “march through the gardens”

•A collection basin has been created at the southern end of the pond which is designed to trap the sediment that makes its way down the stream in times of high water.  This can be “cleaned” as needed, and it will extend the life of the pond

•An accessible teaching platform is ready for our student explorers and our members to enjoy

Exciting progress has been made, thanks to generous funds and a hardworking team from Nazzaro, Inc., Stonebridge Associates, and LandTech--along with members of our staff and board.

PHASE II WILL BEGIN IN THE SPRING OF 2025 and will include:

  • A bridge over the stream at the southern end of the pond
  • A large box culvert will be included under the bridge to facilitate the flow of water–especially during storm surges
  • A bird blind on the northeast corner for birders to enjoy

WHY HELP TO RENEW Our "NEW POND" and MARSH?

• A renewed and functioning wetland system will once again serve as a natural filter for waters flowing through the watershed and into the Saugatuck River.

•Our wetlands are one of our most vital outdoor classrooms. Our hands-on field trips are shared with 5,000 children a year, bringing their school curriculum to life as they make discoveries in the natural world. At least 1,500 of these students focus on wildlife habitats and learn about their importance.

•Our staff members will be able to educate the next generation of scientists through relevant hands-on research. Working with their teachers at Joel Barlow, high school students will collect and compile valuable data on water quality and on the evolving range of native flora and fauna.

•Our members and friends will also benefit from seasonal exploratory programs at these wetland habitats-connecting them with the natural world.

SOURCES OF FUNDING

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we are the grateful recipients of ARPA Funding from the Town of Redding. The $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds provided us with the essential financial foundation for this project, which will cost over $500,000. Although significant commitments from generous Education Center donors, and planned-for grant proposals, will help us to reach our goal for this important project-there is always more to be done in terms of funding and we would love your help!

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Please consider making a donation towards the creation of a bird blind, or purchase a bench & plaque to honor your family or a loved one, or support the upkeep of our wonderful native pollinator garden. Please reach out to Executive Director Priya Desai for more information.

Please enjoy this video about our wetlands by Eagle Scout Miles Martin.