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Hi, it’s Saige! For my last blog, I decided to talk about my winter seed sowing project. This concept was first introduced to me by Shari Guarino, the land trust’s treasurer. Winter seed sowing is a method of planting seeds in containers outside during the winter season, allowing the seeds to germinate while being protected. Seeds go through natural freeze-thaw cycles during winter months and then germinate during spring’s warm weather. Starting seeds in containers will protect them from extreme winter weather while allowing them to experience a natural cold stratification period. Winter seed sowing is an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and easy way to start growing seeds!   Before you begin, ideally you will choose from a wide variety of pollinating plant seeds. Choose plants that are native to your region, blooming from early spring into late fall. I planted Spotted Bee Balm and Blazing Star. All you need to start the process are containers; clear plastic gallon milk or water jugs work best. Proper drainage for the seedlings is important, as well as leaving the cap off for water and snow to moisten your seeds to help keep them nourished. In general, placing the containers in an area that receives morning sunlight is important, but each seed has specific needs. Once the seedlings grow 3-5 inches tall and have at least 2 sets of leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into a pot or straight into your garden. My personal experience with this seedling process turned out positive. After getting multiple shoots per jug, I transplanted them directly into my container garden.   The winter seed sowing project is a great example of all the helpful information I gained from volunteering with the Southington Land Trust. This past year, I participated in events that ranged from cleanups to nature walks and fundraising activities, all geared towards preserving nature. Often our goal when meeting for outdoor activities was clearing invasive plants and making sure the natural ecological system is kept intact. Besides the annual Christmas Tree Recycling, other fundraisers include parking cars one night each summer at the Southington Drive-In as well as offering parking at the Land Trust building during the Southington Apple Harvest Fest each fall. The Southington Land Trust is constantly working to meet the ever-changing needs of the environment. Follow them on Facebook or check out their website to catch the next volunteer opportunity!

Some ideas for helping create and improve habitat for native plants and animals. 1. Lawns. How much lawn do you really want or need? Lawns are the highest maintenance item in the backyard. Lawns require a lot of time, attention and money. They also are heavy consumers of water, a precious and limited resource. Perhaps you can downsize the lawn to a size you really use for play and picnics and make butterfly and bird friendly flower and shrub beds with part of the yard. Use native plants, the birds and insects need them! Rain gardens are another wonderful way to reduce turf area. A rain garden collects the water from your roof and purifies it instead of allowing to flow into the storm sewer system and into rivers and streams carrying chemical residue. You can use sustainable practices to care for the lawn such as: Have the soil tested prior to applying lime or other amendments. Use slow release organic fertilizers in the smallest possible amounts. You may find out that the 4 applications fertilizer companies recommend is about double what is really needed. Treat weeds and insects only as needed and only narrowly targeted areas. Why spread expensive, potentially hazardous stuff over the whole lawn if just one area has a problem? There are environmentally safe solutions for most problems. Mulch grass clippings and leave them on the lawn. 2. Using Native Plants Increasingly native birds, insects and amphibians are becoming endangered and species are being lost. Besides using sustainable practices, planting native trees, shrubs and plants can help stem the tide. Native plants in general require very little care. They thrive here because they belong here! 3. Invasive Plants Invasive species are an ever worsening problem. Seems there is a new invader every year and the existing ones are spreading. Sometimes we don't realize how serious a problem they are until they are out of control. Asiatic or oriental bittersweet can turn a forest into a patch of dead trees covered with vines in a matter of a few years, for example. If you doubt it, look at the town open space that was Novick's Orchard. The full size apple trees are still there, but they are all dead, smothered by bittersweet. Another plant capable of destroying a wooded area is winged euonymus, also known as Burning Bush. It seeds itself all over the landscape. Japanese Barberry is another such invader. Besides being invasive it has the unpleasant characteristic of harboring the mice who carry deer ticks. Whenever native plants are displaced by these invaders the diversity of native birds, insects and animals may be decreased and the ecosystem functions may be affected. You can make your property a haven for wildlife, birds, butterflies and other pollinators. You can make your yard part of a green corridor connecting similar habitats. This will have a profound impact on the environment here in Southington. Our goal is to help you make your property more sustainable, more enjoyable and more beautiful. Southington Land Trust members, local master gardeners and Coverts Cooperators are all anxious to help you plan and create sustainable spaces in your yard. To help you get started: Invasive plants guide Remove Invasive Plants Native plants Choose Native Plants That Work In addition CT Master Gardeners has printed information on these topics available on request. They will also answer phoned-in questions. CT Master Gardeners Hartford County Extension Center 1800 Asylum Avenue Phone: (860) 570-9010 West Hartford, CT 06117-2600

Biologist Bob Kuchta and Southington Land Trust president, Al Fiorillo On May 14, 2015 the Land Trust held its annual dinner meeting at Spartans II restaurant with guest speaker Bob Kuchta. Bob spoke about the amazing geography right here in Southington, namely the kettle bog on the Tomasso property. Bob discovered the bog, also called a fen, from the ridge on the western side of town when he was a boy, hiking with his brothers. He spent some time trying to find out what caused the unusual arrangement of trees he was seeing. Kettle bogs became a lifelong interest for him. He even wrote his Master's thesis on the bog which is now a Land Trust property. To honor his lifelong protection of the fen, land trust members had the name officially changed to the Kuchta Family Fen . Al Fiorillo, our president, presented a plaque commemorating the naming and thanking Bob and his family for decades of protecting the fen. An election of officers was also held at the dinner for the new fiscal year. Al will continue as president, John Fusari will be the new vice president. Irene Murray continues as secretary and Dan Nardini continues as treasurer.

Recycling is one of the easiest ways we can all support a cleaner, healthier environment—and now, understanding what you can  and can’t  recycle in Connecticut  is simpler than ever. Thanks to the RecycleCT Wizard r esidents can confidently make smarter, greener choices every day. Why Correct Recycling Matters Improper recycling is one of the biggest challenges facing waste facilities today. When items that look  recyclable, but aren’t and end up in the bin, they contaminate entire loads of materials. This leads to higher processing costs, wasted resources, and recyclable materials being sent to landfills. Introducing the “Can I Recycle It?” Tool That’s why having clear, up-to-date information is essential. This interactive feature lets you type in almost any household item and instantly learn whether it’s accepted under Connecticut’s current recycling guidelines. ---> Try it here Wondering about bottle caps, plastic bags, shredded paper, or pizza boxes?Just type it in and get an immediate answer. This tool is especially valuable now that Connecticut has standardized recycling rules statewide, meaning Southington’s guidelines are the same as neighboring towns, simplifying recycling for everyone. What’s In, What’s Out: Clear Rules for Everyday Items Plastic containers:  Recyclable if they’re clean and labeled 1–7 Glass bottles and jars:  Recyclable Cardboard and mixed paper:  Recyclable when clean Plastic bags:   Not  recyclable in curbside bins Textiles, hoses, cords, and scrap metal:  Keep these out of your bin By following these guidelines, residents can help reduce contamination and keep our recycling stream healthy and effective.

Hi, I’m Saige, a teenage girl who decided to start my first blog to document my volunteer service assignments. I volunteer at the Southington Land Trust, a non-profit organization where the community comes together to help conserve land. My first volunteer assignment was weeding the Linear Park - Rails To Trails in Southington. I learned about the different types of garden tools such as a Japanese Hori Hori, also called the “murder tool.” Due to the garden tool's knife-like shape and how effective it works cutting through weeds, I realized why it had earned its nickname. Weeding with these tools was way more effective than weeding by hand! I also learned about the importance of pollinator plants through weeding a pollinator pathway. When these plants bloom, they produce nectar and pollen which feeds birds and insects. I quickly realized that working hard to protect these plants will help keep species alive and healthy. During my first time volunteering we were specifically pulling out mugwort, an invasive plant, from previously planted native plants. We weeded out this invasive plant because they are preventing native plants from growing, starting a chain reaction that is dangerous to the ecosystem. By the end of the session, multiple people who were walking on the trail thanked us for our service. They not only inspired me to keep working through the hot weather but showed me how many people appreciate our efforts to conserve the environment. Volunteering at the Southington Land Trust is a great way to learn more about the environment and how to improve it!

It’s Saige again, and this time I volunteered with the Southington Land Trust at one of their properties, the Niles and Linnea Johnson Family Wildlife Sanctuary. This land is the remaining portion of the Johnson family farm, part of which was taken during the construction of I-84. It was donated to the land trust in 2021. During my second volunteering session, I learned how members of the Land Trust are dedicated to permanently conserving land, not even letting cold temperatures and rain getting in the way of their mission. Land Trust member John cutting invasives while Saige removes the cut branches On this raw November day, I cleared small Autumn Olive shoots from the ground and helped members cut down large Autumn Olive trees. Autumn Olive is a native shrub from Asia that has spread into the U.S. as an invasive plant. I was able to identify Autumn Olive plants from the light green color of the top of their leaves and the silver-white color on the bottom. I also learned that if a plant is still thriving during cold fall days, they are most likely invasive. This is true because invasive plants take advantage of the extra sunlight and extend their growing season. Clearing the Autumn Olive plant was important because it would prevent native plants from growing and severely disturbing the health of our ecosystem. Once again, it was inspiring to see different groups of people come together working on the property because they share the same mission as members of the Southington Land Trust. In addition to helping maintain a balanced ecosystem, I also learned helpful tips to stay warm on days like this rainy, frigid Saturday. The first thing I learned was wearing rubber gloves under my gardening gloves would help keep my hands warm and dry. I also learned that when working in the cold, it would be smart to wear ski socks! These two hours at the Niles and Linnea Johnson Family Wildlife Sanctuary flew by as I gained knowledge about the environment and actively preserved the ecosystem with the help of the Southington Land Trust.

Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a popular ornamental shrub known for its bright red fall foliage. Despite its attractive appearance, this plant has become a serious problem in many parts of the northeastern United States. Burning bush is an invasive species that spreads aggressively, crowding out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Homeowners and land managers are now encouraged to remove burning bush from their properties to protect native wildlife and plant communities. Why Burning Bush Is Considered Invasive Burning bush spreads quickly through seeds that birds and other animals disperse. Once established, it forms dense thickets that block sunlight and reduce space for native plants. This aggressive growth pattern allows burning bush to dominate forests, fields, and roadside areas, leading to a decline in native plant diversity. Native plants are essential because they provide food and habitat for local wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals. When burning bush takes over, these native species lose critical resources, which can cause a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. The loss of native plants also affects soil health and water quality, as native vegetation plays a key role in stabilizing soil and filtering runoff. Actions Taken by States to Control Burning Bush Recognizing the threat burning bush poses, some states have taken steps to limit its spread. For example, the Connecticut Department of Transportation no longer plants burning bush along highways. This decision came after studies showed the shrub’s invasive nature and its negative impact on roadside ecosystems. Similarly, Massachusetts has banned the sale of burning bush in nurseries. This prohibition aims to prevent new plantings and reduce the risk of further spread into natural areas. These state-level actions highlight the growing awareness of burning bush as an environmental concern and the need to manage it carefully. What Homeowners Can Do Homeowners play a crucial role in controlling burning bush. Removing this shrub from yards and wooded areas helps protect native plants and animals. Here are some practical steps to take: Identify burning bush plants on your property. Look for the distinctive winged stems and bright red leaves in fall. Remove burning bush carefully, especially before it produces seeds. Cutting it down and digging out the roots can prevent regrowth. Replace burning bush with native shrubs such as spicebush, serviceberry, or dogwood. These plants support local wildlife and add beauty to your landscape. Avoid planting burning bush in the future, and encourage neighbors to do the same.

Adapted from Roll Back Your Turf  (originally published in Native Plant News by Native Plant Trust) by Jane Roy Brown and Alexis Doshas, offers a practical and inspiring guide for transforming traditional lawns into ecologically rich gardens with native plants. For generations, the classic American lawn has been a symbol of tidy, well-kept landscapes. But the cost of maintaining that green carpet—endless mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weed-killing—comes at a high price to our environment. More and more homeowners are starting to ask: Is there a better way? According to an excellent piece by the Native Plant Trust, the answer is a resounding yes. By “rolling back your turf”—even a little at a time—you can create a yard that’s more beautiful, more sustainable, and far friendlier to wildlife. Here’s how to get started. Why Rethink the Traditional Lawn? Traditional turf grass is resource-intensive. It demands regular watering, chemical inputs, and constant mowing, yet offers very little ecological value. In contrast, native plants support pollinators, stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and require far less maintenance once established. Swapping even a small patch of lawn for native plantings can boost biodiversity, cut your yard work, and reduce reliance on chemicals. And with climate change pushing many regions toward hotter, drier summers, native plants are a more resilient choice. Start Small: One Patch at a Time You don’t have to overhaul your entire yard. In fact, the experts recommend beginning with one manageable area , such as: A sloped lawn that’s hard to mow The edges near fences or driveways A front-yard border A corner that already struggles to grow grass Keeping a small area of lawn for play or visual openness is perfectly fine—this is about balance, not perfection. Choose a Turf-Removal Method That Works for You There are several ways to remove grass, depending on your time, tools, and the look you want. 1. Sheet Mulching (Best all-around method) Lay down cardboard, wet it, and cover it with compost or leaves. Let it sit over winter, plant in spring. It smothers grass while enriching the soil. 2. Stop Mowing and Let Nature Take Over Let the grass go dormant, then pull or dig out unwanted weeds and begin plugging in native plants. This is a gentle, gradual approach. 3. Sod Cutting or Digging Physically removing the turf works quickly, though it requires more effort and may disturb soil structure. 4. Solarizing Cover the area with clear plastic to bake the grass. Effective, but it kills beneficial soil life—so it’s often the least preferred option. Know Your Site Before You Plant Successful ecological gardening starts with observation. Check your yard for: Sun exposure  (full sun, part sun, shade) Soil moisture  (dry, average, moist) Soil type  (sandy, clay, loam) Slope and drainage Existing vegetation This will help you choose native plants that want to live there, making the garden far easier to maintain. Plant Native Species for a Healthier Landscape Native plants don’t just look beautiful—they provide essential food and habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Consider incorporating: Native groundcovers  to replace lawn patches Sedges  (Carex species) for lawn-like texture Flowering perennials  for pollinator appeal Shrubs  to add structure and depth A mix of species  for resilience and year-round interest Diversity is key. A varied plant palette helps your garden thrive even as seasons and conditions shift. What Will the Neighbors Think? One common hesitation is wondering how a less conventional yard will be perceived. A few design cues can keep the space looking intentional and inviting: Add a border or edging to define planting areas Include a small sign about native plants or pollinator habitat Maintain a neat path or mowed strip as a visual frame And if a neighbor asks what you’re doing, share the benefits! Most people are intrigued once they understand the transformation is purposeful , not neglectful. The Payoff: A Yard That Gives Back Transitioning away from turf is one of the most impactful changes a homeowner can make. You’ll enjoy: Less mowing and watering Fewer chemicals More pollinators, birds, and butterflies Seasonal color and texture A healthier, more sustainable landscape Most importantly, you’ll create a little patch of habitat that contributes to the ecological health of your community. Ready to Roll Back Your Turf? Pick one area of your yard. Observe the conditions. Choose a turf-removal method. Select a few native plants that match your site. You don’t need to do it all at once—small steps add up. With each patch of lawn you replace, you’re helping rebuild biodiversity, beautify your space, and create a landscape that truly works with nature, not against it.

Protecting wildlife in Connecticut begins right here in our own community. With increasing development and habitat loss, local conservation efforts are more important than ever. The Southington Land Trust works to preserve open space, protect wildlife corridors, and maintain healthy habitats, but lasting change happens when residents get involved too. Here’s how you can help protect wildlife and support conservation in Southington and throughout Connecticut. Support Local Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Efforts Organizations like the Southington Land Trust  play a crucial role in preserving forests, wetlands, and natural areas that native wildlife depend on. By becoming a member, donating, or volunteering, you directly support Connecticut conservation initiatives and help safeguard vital wildlife habitats for future generations. Teach Children to Respect Wildlife Environmental education starts at home. Teaching children how to safely and respectfully observe wildlife helps shape the next generation of conservation-minded residents. Encourage kids to stay on marked trails, leave plants and animals undisturbed, and appreciate the natural world around them. Volunteer for Local Nature Centers and Sanctuaries Nature centers and wildlife sanctuaries across Connecticut rely on volunteers to maintain trails, care for habitats, and support educational programs. Volunteering not only benefits the environment, it deepens your connection to the land and strengthens community conservation efforts. Drive Safely in Wildlife Crossings Many wildlife species are active at dawn and dusk, making road crossings more frequent. When you slow down in wooded or rural areas, you help prevent wildlife collisions. Remember: if one animal crosses, another is often close behind. Help Keep Trails and Habitats Clean Litter harms wildlife and damages ecosystems. Picking up trash during hikes not only protects animals but keeps Connecticut’s trails beautiful and safe. Carry a small bag with you—it’s a simple, impactful habit. Buy Local Foods and Products Supporting local farms and businesses reduces the environmental footprint of transporting goods and encourages sustainable land practices. Choosing local helps preserve rural landscapes and strengthens Connecticut’s agricultural community. Choose Organic Produce When Possible Organic farming reduces pesticide use, preventing harmful chemicals from entering waterways and natural habitats. Cleaner soil and water create healthier ecosystems for native wildlife. Why Protecting Wildlife Matters in Southington and Across Connecticut Healthy ecosystems support biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and enhance quality of life for all residents. By making small, mindful choices - supporting conservation groups, reducing waste, and respecting wildlife, we help ensure that Connecticut’s natural beauty thrives for generations.

Water has entered my conversations a lot lately. It comes up when I walk at the West Hartford Reservoir with my best friend and we discuss the news of the MDC sale of water to the Niagara bottling company, it comes up when I catch up on another friend’s daughters, one in California and one in Texas both battling serious droughts and wildfires, it comes up when chatting with neighbors about their yellowing lawns. Water may be the next resource we begin to lose, and we should start now in our own backyards to use it wisely. I feel guilty whenever I water my lawn. I always have, and now that we’re halfway through another dry summer it’s worse than usual. I’m not obsessive about green grass, so it generally goes unwatered for most of the summer, but when I walked over my crackly grass a few weeks ago to water my dahlias, I could almost hear it begging me to give it a little drink too. So I gave in and watered. Twice. Then came the town of Southington’s request to start conserving outside water use. I have to admit that I am glad the water conservation rules are in effect. I’ve taken it as a challenge to see how creative I can be in my household water conservation. Here are a few I’ve come up with: When hand-washing dishes use a plastic tub for the rinse water. That water, also known as greywater, can be used to water plants outside. It gives you an idea of how much water you’ve used in the task as well. Rain Barrels are a terrific idea. If the cost is prohibitive, any container can become a rain barrel, as long as it’s easily accessible and has a cover. Whenever rain is forecast, take the cover off and let it fill up naturally. A cover is important – standing water is a magnet for mosquitos. I’ve been using an old cooler for this purpose. The melted ice cubes in that cooler were a great start! We have a fish pond, and when we clean the filter pads we fill a covered bucket with the rinse water for outside plant watering. The nutrients in the pond water are terrific for watering everything in your yard. Just dilute it a bit with fresh water first. Having a septic tank has made us very aware of what we put down our drains or toilets, but the same rules should apply to everyone: no flushing of household chemicals, excess paper, bleach, solvents or paint residue, and take advantage of the hazardous materials pickup days the town offers throughout the year. Look in your local newspaper or look online on the town website for the next available dates. Keep a spot in your garage or shed in a safe spot for collection of those items, and once it’s filled up, circle the date on your calendar to get rid of them responsibly. When watering, use a hose sprayer to concentrate your watering to the base of each plant that needs watering. Watering the leaves is wasteful in most cases and can promote disease. Also, you can turn the spray off as you move about your garden and just water where you need it. Soaker hoses are great if you have a large area that needs irrigation. Also, water well or not at all. A good soaking once a week is much better than a quick spray every day. The soaking promotes deep root growth, so water until the plant has a small well of water around it which will sink in gradually to keep those roots cool & healthy. Of course, potted or hanging plants will need a daily watering on hot summer days.   If you’re looking to add landscaping to your property that doesn’t require a lot of water, Xeriscaping may be the way to go. Xeriscaping is landscaping with plants appropriate to the local climate that don’t require much water, and the landscape design is made to eliminate evaporation and runoff. There are xeriscape gardens in the area you can visit for ideas. Google xeriscapes in CT for a list of spots close to you. I hope these ideas were helpful and get you thinking about what you can do to use this resource wisely. It’s easy to forget conservation when you turn on the tap and that lovely, fresh water is right there for you, but that comes with a cost. Our water companies work hard to make certain that water from your tap is clean and safe, but it ain’t cheap to keep it that way. Please keep that in mind next time you turn on the tap!

Autumn leaves are everywhere. The question is what are you doing with your leaves? Are you dumping them on the open space or pond behind or alongside your property? Wrong. All leaves should be taken to the curb in front or along side of your home. We, as Southington residents, are very fortunate to have free leaf pickup, and the schedule will be printed in the local paper. If, for some reason, you do not make the deadline for leaf pickup in your neighborhood, leaves can be bagged and taken to the landfill on Old Turnpike Road. Remember, you must empty the bags and take them home with you. If you have a lawn service please let them know that your leaves should be put at the curb and not dumped behind or alongside your home. There are no exceptions. You, as the homeowner, are responsible to advise those you employ. Carol A. Langley, Southington Resident/SLCT Member