New London Schools Recognized With DEEP GreenCircle Award

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recognized three New London schools in its GreenCircle Awards Program.

The GreenCircle Awards, which were started in 1998, highlight the environmental efforts of businesses, individuals, organizations, and schools. DEEP says cadets from the Coast Guard Academy worked with Connecticut College, the Science and Technology Magnet High School, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Connecticut Audobon to build 200 nesting boxes for the roseate tern on Falkner Island.

The tern is on the state and federal endangered species list and the boxes protect chicks and eggs from predatory birds. The boxes increased the percentage of chicks that successfully fledged from 30 percent to 81 percent. The project replaced boxes that were destroyed in Hurricane Irene.

“The award ceremony on Monday will recognize the efforts of two groups: businesses, who, by their actions, are becoming ‘greener’ everyday and individuals, whose tireless efforts make a positive environmental impact in their homes, schools, and communities," said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty. "The actions of our award winners makes Connecticut a better place for all of us to live and work in everyday."

The GreenCircle Award recipients will be honored at a 2 p.m. ceremony at DEEP headquarters in Hartford on Monday.

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