David Carr is inviting city residents and businesses to invest in an environmental sustainability project that aims to install pollinator-friendly plants in public spaces, including parks and schoolyards, and residential backyards.
Carr, the project manager of the West Haven Pollinator Pathway project, is encouraging community support in the form of monetary donations, locations and volunteer time to make the project a reality. Details at https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/westhaven.
Anyone who gives will have a say in where the plants are installed, said Carr, who is seeking community-based organizations and local businesses to get involved.
Carr, meantime, is participating in a plant swap lunch from noon-3 p.m. March 21 at the Harugari German American Club, 66 Highland St. The plant swap is for those who want to split perennials and expand their gardens.
“Bring extra plants, and take home new ones,” said Carr, adding that he is also holding a fundraising meeting for the Pollinator Pathway project at 5:30 p.m. March 24 at Mike’s Apizza & Restaurant, 111 Campbell Ave.
The project is supported by a $5,000 Community Match Fund grant from Sustainable CT. To learn more and make a donation, go to https://ioby.org/project/pollinator-pathway-west-haven-ct-5000-matching-grant.
“Communities that are health-focused and recreation-focused, bikeable and walkable with a commitment to open space and quality parks will have a brighter future, especially being so close to Metro-North Railroad, Yale and the beach,” said Carr, a commissioner of the city Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency since 1999.
The Community Match Fund, managed by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, is helping to bring projects to life statewide by providing fast, accessible funding as well as fundraising coaching and support to residents and organizations with ideas to make their communities more sustainable, said Abe Hilding-Salorio, Sustainable CT’s community outreach manager.
Anyone in West Haven is eligible to participate and receive funding, Hilding-Salorio said. Schools, nonprofits, community groups and individual residents can propose projects and access the matching funds. Details at https://sustainablect.org/.
“Through Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund, we put residents at the forefront of creating positive, impactful change,” Hilding-Salorio said. “Match Fund projects are community-led and community-funded, demonstrating the power of people working together to make change in their communities.”
Those with questions about the grant can call Hilding-Salorio at 860-465-0256.
West Haven, which was awarded Sustainable CT’s Bronze designation last fall for improving air quality in public spaces, is working to earn the prestigious Silver certification in 2020 by implementing multiple initiatives to reduce food waste and municipal waste and increase energy efficiency, Carr said.
Sustainable CT certification demonstrates accomplishments in nine impact categories, including inclusive and equitable communities, cleaner transportation, vibrant arts and culture, natural resource stewardship and affordable housing.