Ranger Russ Miller Takes Folks On A Virtual Trip To The Beach

MADISON, CT — Recently folks from Madison to East Haven have been noticing, and worried about, fish washed up on the shoreline. Bait fish, called bunkers, are the creatures lining the shore. And there’s a natural explanation.

Below is video of Meigs Point Nature Center director Ranger Russ Miller schooling us, fun pun intended.

But before hitting play, while the pandemic has shuttered in-person visits and programming at the center located at Hammonasset Beach State Park, know that both the wildlife and the ranger are busy every day.

The Facebook and YouTube videos from Meigs provide an illuminating window into the winter world at the park that’s very much alive and well.

But as the Friends of Hammonasset have said, the center could use a little help. And it’s a win-win: if you’re doing a little closet, garage, or basement-cleaning and come across any extra pet foods or bedding, tools, old linens, empty egg cartons, crayons, fishing nets, office supplies, bookshelves, well, you name it, Ranger Russ may need it.

If you have any of these items, simply stack them neatly on the porch at the back of the Meigs Point Farmhouse (formerly known as the Meigs Point Nature Center) through Dec. 19. No need to call ahead.

Or even better, as the FOH say, “If your house is neat and tidy but you would still like to help, FOH accepts donations to support the Nature Center" here.

Now here's Ranger Russ about those bunker fish:

And be sure to check out the wealth of virtual, but no less engaging, programming available from Meigs on its website's virtual learning center here.