Community
Founders Day 2025
Mill River Wetland Committee, Inc.'s inaugural Founder’s Day: A Joyful Celebration was celebrated on the exact date, May 22, that Joy Shaw stopped a bulldozer from clearing the wetlands by the Mill River and thus began the Mill River Wetland Committee. A celebration of how one small act may be the seed that flourishes with dedication over time. We also had the wonderful occasion to hear the story of the incomparable Laura A. Incerto who founded Women for Women in Fairfield in 2009 as a space for women to connect and support each other without any pressure, which has grown to connections with over 2000 women.
With introductory remarks about the Power of One by Town of Fairfield, CT, First Selectman William Gerber and a delightful conversation between MRWC President Jon Dilley and Laura, followed by closing remarks by Joy, all in attendance were in for a treat, not least due to the delectable spread served by Cheers Butlers - Event Staff and the hard 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 allowed over 30 volunteers to participate in tagging and surveying over 50 horseshoe crabs in 2024 at Southport Beach. The group is scheduled to count again on June 7, 2025. Contact the Town of Fairfield Natural Resource Specialist 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.