Community
Founders Day 2026
Mill River Wetland Committee, Inc.'s Founder’s Day: A Joyful Celebration of Citizen Science was celebrated on May 21 highlighting the work of Sacred Heart University's Project Limulus. Sixty years ago on May 22, Joy Shaw stopped a bulldozer from clearing the wetlands by the Mill River and thus began the Mill River Wetland Committee. Founder's Day is a celebration of how one citizen's actions can positively influence environmental issues.
Our speakers, Jo-Marie Kasinak, M.S. Assistant Professor of Biology at Sacred Heart University, and Project Limulus Coordinator and Nicole DeFelice, Fairfield Conservation Natural Resources Specialist shared the biology, history, and future of the American Horseshoe Crabs that can be found in Long Island Sound in addition to the citizen science program designed to track, raise awareness and tag these amazing creatures. Ms. Kasinak shared that horseshoe crabs have remained relatively the same for 65 MILLION years, back to the dinosaurs! Their blue blood is a premium for medical testing because of the unique properties that have helped them adapt. And despite awareness, horseshoe crab populations are on the decline! The program slides are found here. If you are interested in supporting this program, contact Nicole at 203-256-3071.
Mill River Wetland Committee was joined by CORE (oyster shell recycling) and Trout Unlimited to present attendees with other options to support citizen science here in Fairfield. We were thrilled to have Joy share her enthusiasm for the work of all those in attendance supporting environmental protections here in our community. A lovely and informational evening was enhanced with outstanding nibbles and drinks by Cheers Butlers, decor by Heidi Gassel and the work by the event organizers and volunteers.
Pioneering Conservation: From Mabel Osgood Wright to Today
Mabel Osgood Wright found her calling in the gardens of her family’s Fairfield estate. Having discovered a love of nature and especially birds, Wright published books, taught classes, and founded the Connecticut Audubon Society in the late 1800s.
The Fairfield Museum collaborated with six regional organizations in this exhibit to illuminate their unique stories that carry on Mabel Osgood Wright’s legacy of conservation leadership. Environmental protection often starts with individual advocacy, but enacting change for a sustainable future cannot be done without support from people like us. The exhibit highlighted the work being done by local organizations to protect the habitats and wildlife across Fairfield County, including the marshes, tidal estuary, rivers, and woodlands!
Project Limulus
Fairfield is lucky to be the home of this nationally recognized, community-based research program started and maintained through the Sacred Heart Biology Department. A partnership between the Conservation Department and SHU supported over 30 volunteers to participate in tagging and surveying over 50 horseshoe crabs in June 2026 at Southport Beach. Contact Conservation Department's Nicole DeFelice at 203-256-3071 for more information.
Trash clean-ups and local beautification projects can help enhance our open spaces for all to enjoy.
We work with business groups, families, student organizations and individuals at local open spaces, beaches and the estuary. Trash clean-ups are scheduled prior to our school trips in the spring and fall. Beach clean-ups are scheduled in early summer and park beautification is needed throughout the year.
Check our events calendar for upcoming clean-ups. Have a group that would like to sponsor a clean up? Contact Engage@mrwc-fairfield.org to set up an event.