Norwalk Celebrates Earth Day

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – Trash pickup, physical fitness and child education were three ways Fairfield County communities celebrated Earth Day.

On Saturday morning, the Westport Beautification Committee held its annual Green-Up Westport Day trash pickup. Committee members met at the library, where trash bags were distributed and members picked up trash in the driveway

Nancy Carr, a member, said 60 other groups were picking up trash around town, from Sherwood Mill Pond to the Greens Farm railroad station.

“It’s a townwide event, and it’s amazing how much trash gets picked up,” Carr said.

The Parks and Recreation Commission provided the trash bags and helped coordinate the event.

In neighboring Wilton, First Selectman Bill Brennan cut the ribbon to officially open Wellness Park, a small park off School Road that was built with funds contributed by the Wilton Family YMCA, which received a $52,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The park is dedicated to fighting childhood obesity and encouraging exercise.

“Everyone should get out and walk and run and bike,” Brennan said. “We want to get everyone moving and keep them in shape, which is part of a town program that has also included putting in sidewalks.”

The park is identified by kiosk signs, one of which was built by Tristan Haas, 16, a junior at Wilton High School and an Eagle Scout.

“It was an Eagle Scout project, and I went to the Park and Recreation Department for an idea, and I wanted to help the town on this project,” he said.

Susan Snider, president of the Friends of Norwalk Islands, gave a presentation at the First Congregational Church on the Norwalk Green.

She presented nature photographs taken by fourth-graders who participate in the organization’s educational program, which “teaches the wildlife habitats of the Norwalk Islands and the importance of conserving the islands, not just for the wildlife, but for our own health,” she said. The organization helps preserve migratory birds and other wildlife.

Nancy Robinson, a Norwalk resident who attended the event, admired the photographs. “The kids have an incredible eye,” she said.

She also liked Snider’s talk. “It was very informative. Her organization is exciting for kids and old folks, too.”

Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.