The Connecticut Audubon Society is accepting applications until April 15, 2019 for the summer 2019 Writer-and-Artist-in-Residence Program at Trail Wood in Hampton, CT.  The 168 acre property, known as Trail Wood in Hampton, CT was bequeathed to the Connecticut Audubon Society by the Pulitzer Prize-winning naturalist writer and photographer [...]

Plumbing, especially on an exterior wall can be at risk of freezing in extreme temperatures. Be diligent and keep an eye out for slow faucets or broken pipes. If a break occurs shut water off at main valve and leave faucets open and call a plumber quickly. It is likely they will be backed up with calls in cold [...]

Yes, the government is shuttered this January 2019 but thankfully that will not prevent us from  recognizing January as  National Radon Action Month.  In spite of the  roll backs of environmental protections, you can take your own action to protect the health of yourself and your family from dangerous levels of radon in your home. 

The EPA [...]

Mansfield’s town council recently voted to join the Sustainable CT program, joining just 13 other towns in CT as a participant. The closest participant to Mansfield is the town of Killingly. The other towns are mostly in Middlesex, New Haven and Hartford counties. Municipalities are able to earn points toward certification by developing and implementing programs chosen from the CT Sustainable Action list, a menu of best practices.

Knowing that Virginia Walton, Mansfield’s Recycling coordinator, will be spearheading this effort, there is no doubt that Mansfield will eventually receive the certification. Walton has been successful in bringing many sustainability initiatives to Mansfield, including elementary school composting, electronics waste recycling and low-waste town events.

As we are impacted by the effects of climate change and an administration that is intent on reducing environmental regulations and clean energy initiatives, it is increasingly important that we put our own communities in charge of our environmental health.

 Sustainable CT is an excellent example of such a self-funded grassroots program that can make Mansfield Storrs an attractive place to live for current and future residents and help stabilize property values and support local economic health.

Speaking of sustainability, there is a local farm in Mansfield that offers a glimpse of their personal commitment through their blog and Facebook page. Visit the Shundahai Farm Facebook page for videos and beautiful photos of farm life, pets, farm sale info, and local and national activism. Raluca’s blog: My World offers amazing poetry, photos and inspiring and spiritual musings that can be a welcome respite in these cold days of winter.