Widely-Praised Pollinator Pathway Gains Support In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield officials are hoping to see residents take simple steps in their yards to help pave the road to sustainability and a healthier environment.

The Board of Selectmen recently unanimously endorsed a resolution, submitted through the Fairfield Forestry Committee, asking people to take some minor measures to abet the Pollinator Pathway Northeast.

By reducing maintained lawn size in favor of pollinator-supporting plants, opting for organic practices instead of chemical treatments and pesticides, and making some easy accommodations to encourage bees and other pollinators, residents will be able to make a huge difference.

“Our town has a proud history of implementing sustainable practices and the Pollinator Pathway is the latest measure to work towards a healthier Fairfield,” First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said.

In a presentation last month, Mary Hogue, chair of the forestry committee, noted that people don’t have to immediately commit to any large-scale changes.

Even a pollinator-friendly, native-species plant in a pot on a balcony outside, she said, is the start of making a difference.

“We ask that you endeavor to do these things,” she said. “There is no right or wrong way to be on the Pollinator Pathway. Everyone is right because everyone is trying.”

Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz noted a strong response from the public in favor of the resolution.

“I can’t remember something that has been more supported,” she said.

Part of the motivation to pass the resolution, Hogue said, was to earn points so that the town could be recertified in the Sustainable CT program — an endeavor being handled through the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force.

In addition to offering support, information and shared data collection, Sustainable CT, a voluntary certification program, provides opportunities for grant funding for its participants.

The Pollinator Pathway project itself spans nine northeast states and Canada. It was originally started by Wilton resident Donna Merrill in 2016, while she was working with the Hudson-to-Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership.

“It allows places to connect big, broad open spaces with our own yards,” Hogue said.

Working alongside the Aspetuck Land Trust and the Connecticut Audubon Society, as well as local garden clubs, efforts in the fall will include a focus on tree planting.

“Trees are an essential component of the Pollinator Pathway,” Hogue said, calling them “meadows of the sky.”

“All trees flower (but) because they are up so high we don’t always notice them … but the pollinators absolutely do.”

Hogue said she has also scheduled upcoming presentations to schools and community groups, and is available to offer more.

“We are working on a fall campaign to encourage residents to plant native trees in their yards, and are working with local nurseries,” Hogue said.

She noted that the project not only aims to invite a community of microbes, plants and wildlife into the fold, but is also a way to help bring people in the community closer together.