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Thanks to Sue Sweeney and her fellow volunteers, Stamford residents looking for quiet time with nature dont have to go far. They can have that experience at the renovated Scalzi Riverwalk Nature Preserve.
This has always been my best friend, Sweeney says of the tranquility of the Riverwalk.
Sweeney and the other volunteer master gardeners have put in over 1,400 hours since November of 2009 cleaning up the promenade between Washington Boulevard and Scalzi Park. Taking care not to harm plants or animals, they have removed foreign invasive plants and made the area more habitable for people, animals and plants.
Its about as win-win as you can get, Sweeney says.
Although the work is not complete, it has already improved the habitat for animals, especially the mallards, which have had more offspring each spring since the project began, Sweeney says.
Riverwalk visitors can jog, fish and even walk their dogs as long as they dont disturb the parks animals. Since the project launched, Riverwalk has seen more visitors than ever before, yet it remains quiet enough for people to have alone time, Sweeney says.
The volunteers are currently in the third year of a five-year plan and are renovating the portion of the walk closer to Bridge Street. When thats completed, they will take up another five-year phase.
The bulk of the upkeep is done by volunteers and people who use the trail. The city only cuts the grass around the walk area. Sweeney also gets the Bartlett Arboretum to send interns to the riverwalk to help.
Have you checked out the Scalzi Riverwalk Nature Preserve? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts below or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo at tbuzzeo@mainstreetconnect.us.
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