Saybrook Point Honors Earth Day

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is commemorating Earth Day with a special environmental clean up and celebration on Saturday, April 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Joined by State Senator Art Linares and State Representative Devin Carney, as well as volunteers from Old Saybrook High School, the property will begin the day by cleaning up the mile-wide estuary at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook. The group will then reconvene at Saybrook Point for a celebration of “Mother Earth” that kicks off with an outdoor picnic featuring organic, all natural beef and vegetable hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, and New England Clam Chowder. Guests will also revel at such Earth-friendly activities as: an outdoor flower show; electric car demos by BMW of New London (i3), VW of Old Saybrook (e-Golf), Bob Thomas Ford (Fusion), and Grossman Chevrolet-Nissan of Old Saybrook (Leaf, Volt); Nordic walking tours of Saybrook Point; and plein air painting by students from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts.

In addition, Maureen Haseley-Jones, aka The English Lady, will present a lecture and discussion from 1:00-2:00 p.m. entitled “Garden Earth” to teach guests about how to create beautiful flourishing gardens that may be maintained organically without the use of harmful chemicals. Along with her son Ian Sveilich, The English Lady is a member of a family of renowned horticultural artisans whose landscaping heritage dates back to the seventeenth century. A resident of Old Lyme, she is a highly respected lecturer, writer, and radio gardening expert heard monthly on WRCH Radio Lite100.5 FM by thousands of dedicated fans throughout Connecticut and the world.

Also Cecarelli Farms of Northford, Connecticut will demonstrate low-till farming, which refers to an agricultural planting practice – generally using a “planter” or “seed drill” – in which disturbance of the soil is kept to a minimum. As a result, the structure of the topsoil, which determines the water-holding capacity of the soil and the ease of new plants to put down roots, is preserved.

For more information about the Earth Day celebration at Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, or to make reservations, guests may call 800.243.0212 or visit www.saybrook.com. During the event, Saybrook Point Inn & Spa will also offer tours of its property to showcase its decidedly “green” features, including a natural gas co-generation plant, birdhouses for pest control, and bio-fuel program. A majority of the Earth Day celebration at Saybrook Point Inn & Spa event is free and open to the public. Proceeds will sale of the food items at the picnic will benefit the Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation department.

The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa recently received a 3 Green Key Rating from the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, which recognizes eco-friendly hotels and meeting places globally for their green initiatives. The property strives to “live green” by promoting green initiatives and reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable solutions. Based on its recent 3 Green Key Rating, the property has made significant advances towards protecting the environment. The resort runs on the foundation of developing strong environmental programs, which identify impacts on the environment. Through the implementation of the best-in-class management practices, training programs and engineering solutions, the property has greatly benefitted the environment and the local community.

In “living green,” Saybrook Point & Spa has adopted environmentally friendly initiatives throughout the property. Designated a Connecticut Green Marina, Saybrook Point Marina sells ValvTect marine fuel, which is 10% more efficient than untreated fuel. The award-winning gourmet dishes at Fresh Salt are created with 50-75% locally grown and organically produced foods. Guests also enjoy year-round indoor and outdoor saltwater pools warmed by a 50kw natural gas co-generation plant, which provides 20% of the peak-demand electricity for the resort.