From the President

• Connecticut Report to NGC Convention (Memphis, April 2008)
• 2006-2007 Annual Report

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MEMPHIS APRIL 2008
FEDERATED GARDEN CLUBS OF CONNECTICUT, INC.
REPORT OF STATE PRESIDENT

Connecticut’s Federation, as in all states, is busy with many projects and committees, but I will speak on environmental projects that pertain to my administration’s theme IT’S EASY BEING GREEN.  Education and public awareness is a large part of this movement. 

Suffield Garden Club worked with the Public Works Department to sponsor a Hazardous Waste Day.  Prior to that event they educated the public about what constitutes hazardous waste and worked with the Junior Gardeners to teach them signal words concerning hazard.  The children were given a survey to take home to look for hazardous products and how they are stored, and a community workshop was given on “green cleaning”.

Washington Garden Club hosted a “Getting Greener” community wide program focusing on regional issues and solutions regarding Global Warming, with the Executive Director of Clean Air-Cool Planet, as the keynote speaker.

Our monthly newsletter has an article each month concerning environmental issues and what clubs are doing around our state.

I will mention just a few hands-on projects by our clubs.  A 1950’s historic renovation will be the background for two gardens with native plantings.  A Rain and Buffer Garden is being planted around a local lake.  “Let’s Go Native” grants were received by three CT clubs for garden restorations, one a beach habitat restoration.

Native plants are also being featured in several School Garden Projects.  One involves a garden club, PTA and Girl Scouts.  One other school is doing two inner courtyard gardens, eliminating the deer problem. 

Legislation is an area that impacts our landscape and environment.  Bills before our legislature concern a water bottle law, a bill to limit billboards, and one concerning deer management.  We have put in place a notification system urging our members to contact their representatives concerning these issues.

Our Federation has been invited to be involved in the new, exciting Science Center, being built at our Capitol, a state–of–the-art destination for families. A committee of garden club members is working with one of the Science Center Directors on plans for a roof garden.  There will also be a two floor 7000 square foot greenhouse.  Other opportunities have been suggested for garden clubs at the Science Center, such as giving educational programs and mentoring area youth. 

In conclusion, I am so pleased to announce, an Environmental Studies School will begin, for the first time in CT, with Course 1 beginning in September.

Maria Nahom