West Hartford Announces Several Climate/Sustainability Events This Month

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Residents in West Hartford will have several opportunities this spring to learn about environmental sustainability, climate science, and local public works practices through a series of events organized by the Sustainable West Hartford Commission.

The group has scheduled three public programs in March at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St., and a workshop in May at the Noah Webster Library.

National conservation expert to speak March 11

An in-person lecture by Douglas Tallamy is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium.

Tallamy, an entomologist, conservationist, and professor at the University of Delaware, is also co-founder of Homegrown National Park.

Organizers said in-person registration for the event has already filled, though residents may still register for the waitlist or register to watch the lecture via livestream.

The event will not be recorded.

Public Works to discuss snow removal practices

The following evening, Thursday, March 12, John Phillips will present a program titled “Sustainable Snow Removal.”

The 7 p.m. talk will take place in Room 314 at West Hartford Town Hall and will also be livestreamed on the town’s public access channel.

Phillips is expected to explain the town’s snow removal policies and operations and discuss environmentally responsible approaches residents can take when managing snow on their own properties.

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

In an ironic twist, Phillips' program has been postponed twice due to snowstorms.

Climate science talk planned for March 25

Another program, “Climate Change: Where We Are & What We Can Do,” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, in Room 400 at West Hartford Town Hall.

Charles E. Button, a professor of geography and sustainability at Central Connecticut State University, will discuss the current scientific understanding of climate change.

The presentation will also focus on practical actions individuals can take and how municipalities can strengthen climate resilience. Audience questions will follow the talk.

Native landscape workshop planned for May

Organizers also announced a spring workshop scheduled for May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Noah Webster Library, 20 S. Main St.

The program, titled “Less Lawn, More Life,” will be led by Sustainable West Hartford’s Nature-Based Solutions Working Group and will focus on ways residents can replace traditional lawn areas with more ecologically beneficial landscaping.

Residents seeking additional programs can find statewide environmental and sustainability events through the calendar maintained by Sustainable CT, which lists trainings and public programs across Connecticut.