The Land Trust of West Haven is hosting a series of “conversations” to explore the beauty and ecology of the city’s shoreline through a new program. Coastal Conversations at Eco Park is a free public speaker series beginning Sunday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at Eco Park, Old Grove Park Building, 1 Palace St.
The six-part series brings together leading scientists, conservationists, educators, and environmental professionals who will share their expertise on some of the most important issues affecting Long Island Sound and Connecticut’s coast. Topics include climate resilience, shoreline restoration, pollinator conservation, beach-nesting birds, native plants, and the impact people have on coastal ecosystems.
“We created Coastal Conversations to help people better understand the incredible natural resources that exist right here in our own community,” said Marilyn Wilkes, President of the Land Trust of West Haven. “Eco Park was designed as a living outdoor classroom, and this speaker series is a natural extension of that vision. Whether you’re an avid gardener, bird enthusiast, beachgoer, or simply someone who loves our shoreline, these conversations will leave you with a greater appreciation for our coastal environment and practical ways you can help protect it.”
The inaugural series features presentations by experts from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Save the Sound, Connecticut Sea Grant, Audubon Connecticut, and leading ecological professionals.
The 2026 schedule includes:
~~ July 26 – Climate Change in Our Backyard: Building a More Resilient Connecticut Coast; DeAva Lambert, Connecticut DEEP;
~~ Aug. 9 – Human Impact on Long Island Sound; Colin Puckett, Save the Sound;
~~ Aug. 23 – Shoreline Restoration and Climate Adaptation in Long Island Sound; Deb Abibou, Connecticut Sea Grant;
~~ Sept. 6 – Pollinator Party at Eco Park; Juliana Barrett and Maggie Cozens, Connecticut Sea Grant
~~ Sept. 20 – Beach Nesting Birds: History, Monitoring, Management & Enforcement; Will Perret, Audubon Connecticut;
~~ Oct. 4 – Native Plants and Building Your Home Garden; Laura Schwanof, Landscape Architect & Ecological Practice Leader.
All programs begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings and are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Eco Park, which officially opened earlier this summer, was created by the Land Trust of West Haven in partnership with the City of West Haven and numerous environmental organizations. The park features native coastal plants, educational interpretive signs, pollinator habitat, and demonstrations of shoreline resilience and ecological restoration.
Community members are encouraged to attend one session or the entire series and are welcome to bring family members and friends.
A poster with the complete schedule and speaker information is attached.
For more information, contact: Marilyn Wilkes, President, Land Trust of West Haven; (203) 415-4712; marilynwilkes@icloud.com.