Darien Nature Center Seeks To Create Meadow Habitat On Property

DARIEN, CT — The Board of Selectmen this week unanimously approved a request from the Darien Nature Center to create a meadow habitat on its property that is projected to have several benefits.

Town Administrator Jennifer Charneski said during the Tuesday Board of Selectmen meeting, which was held virtually, that she didn't believe the plans needed to be approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission. She also said she'd check to see if Planning and Zoning had to weigh in.

According to plans submitted to the Board of Selectmen, the nature center is looking to create the meadow habitat on the hillside just below its parking lot. The area would surround the fenced-in sensory garden, and once established, one to two small paths meandering around the habitat would be constructed to allow public access.

"This meadow habitat will be beneficial for several reasons. Planting hardy and adaptable native grasses and perennials will help manage and slow down the flow of water from parking lot runoff as well as limit erosion already occurring on the hillside," the nature center said in a memo to the selectmen. "New meadow habitat will provide vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife along the Pollinator Pathway corridor. It will serve as a showcase for the public to learn how to create meadow habitats in their backyards. Once established, this meadow habitat will require no fertilization or regular mowing, little supplemental water, and will avoid the use of harmful chemicals."

Additionally, the nature center said the small area could be a "test site" for the town and maybe encourage more meadow habitats at various town properties.

A mix of native grasses and flowering perennials are planned for the habitat. The nature center has consulted with several groups, such as Pollinator Pathway, Xerces Society and the National Audobon Society, as well the Greenwich Land Trust and Darien Parks & Recreation Department.

Some plantings will include:

• White goldenrod
• Smooth blue aster
• Bee balm
• Slender mountain mint
• Joe pye weed
• Black-eyed susan
• Purple coneflower
• Butterfly weed
• Little bluestem

The meadow habitat is expected to take three years to be fully established, the nature center said, "but the long-term benefits for the environment and the community will be worth the wait."

Work on property is expected to take place through April.

Tuesday's Board of Selectmen meeting is available on-demand on Darien TV79.