Strong Meadow Preserve

In May 2024, I observed Bobolinks, listed as a CT DEEP Species of Greatest Conservation Need, arriving and nesting at Strong Meadow Preserve. Over Memorial Day weekend the field was mowed, destroying the Bobolinks efforts and resulting in their abandonment of the meadow. I was curious as to why the town would mow a property that was titled a “meadow preserve” and learned that that field is mowed for hay as part of a lease. This lease is currently up for renewal for a new term effective January 1, 2025. The lease term is 5 years, which can lead to another half decade with no change. After spending the last couple months talking with other residents, and considering the importance of this habitat and what would be in it for the town to remove the property from the lease, I formulated an idea for the Pollinator Pathway Community & Conservation Center at Strong Meadow Preserve.