Monroe Conservation Commission Monroe Town Hall 7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe, CT 06468 203-452-2800

Conservationists of the Month Natural Resources News Minutes	Conservationist of the Month The Harper Household Dr. Kathleen Harper and her parents John and Anne      The Hybrid Harper Household The Monroe Conservation Commission is pleased to recognize residents Dr. Kathleen Harper and her parents, John and Anne Harper as Natural Resources for October. Originally from Maine, the Harpers have always tried to be careful with Mother Nature's resources. They use bio-fuel and zone control for heating their home, wash clothes only in cold water, bring their reusable bags to the grocery store and use non-toxic household cleaners. Their lawn is free from pesticides, their blue-bin is full, and they recycle old computers, cell phones and other electronics rather than send them to the landfill. They've always felt these were what everyone should be doing to help the environment. But, this year they made an "active conscious choice to greatly reduce their carbon footprint and conserve natural resources", remarks Dr. Kathleen Harper. All three purchased a Toyota Prius Hybrid vehicle. They love the 47+ miles per gallon, and the comfort and quietness of the car, "it's great in snow and ice too", adds Anne. Although the Hybrids are a big step in conservation "we feel it's the everyday simple things that really add up", says John. They urge all Monroe residents to take a look and see what small changes they can make in their everyday lives - they'll be surprised at how easy it is, or they can just go buy a hybrid. By Christine Clark Click here for information on nominations for the Conservationist of the Month	The Monroe Conservation Commission manages parks and open space properties for the town's enjoyment, including Webb Mountain Discovery Zone, Webb Mountain Park, Chalk Hill Nature Trail, Lane's Mines Park, and the Halfway River properties. Commission Members Chairman Michael O'Reilly Vice Chairman Gail Bunovsky Secretary Michael Visconti Treasurer Christine Clark Members Cindy Ambrosey Robert Martin Town Hall Liaisons Dave Solek Vincent Mangiacopra

Our Managed Parks
	Webb Mountain Discovery Zone An outdoor learning center for the whole family with a scavenger hunt for children and over 25 interpretive signs developed by top state education experts highlighting natural and historical points of interest. Three loops with several resting areas on gently sloping terrain. Free to the public. Closed at sunset. Click here for a printable Teacher Guide For more information visit www.webbmountaindiscoveryzone.com. Discovery zone brings wonders of the woods Joel C. Thompson, July 27, 2008, Connecticut Post Discovery Zone: An Outdoor Classroom In Monroe from the Hartford Courant, June, 2008 An Education in Mother Nature from the June 14, 2008 Monroe Courier.
	Webb Mountain Park One of the few overnight camp grounds in Fairfield County. For residents seeking a more rustic, rugged outdoor experience with several trail loops highlighted by the overlook high above the Housatonic River. Closed at sunset. Camping season begins Memorial Day weekend and lasts through Labor Day weekend. Camping permits for Webb Mountain will be available between the hours of Noon and 4:00 PM beginning May 1st in Room 205 Monday through Thursday. The cost is $5.00 per site per night for 1-5 people. Camping season begins May 23rd. Click Here For a printable map of Webb Mountain Park and for camping regulations.
	Halfway River Bordering Monroe and Newtown off of Bagburn Rd., a small trail along this gorgeous river that leads to the Stevenson Dam is available to residents. The Conservation Commission is in the planning stages in tandem with the town of Newtown and Trust for Public Land and potentially the CT DEP for future use. Parking off of Bagburn Rd. is limited to five cars. Closed at sunset
	Chalk Hill Nature Trail Gentle quarter mile loop through woods nestled behind Chalk Hill Middle School. The Conservation Commission has a received a grant for improvements and plans are in the development stage. Closed at sunset.
	Lanes Mine Nature Park Located on 75 acres on the corner of Fan Hill and Garder Rd. Trail system available. Plans for future use are being developed. Closed at sunset.

The Monroe Conservation Commission meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm in the Town Hall conference room. Public participation is welcome. Email us at monroeconservation@monroect.org with questions, comments or concerns about our properties and nominations for Conservationist of the Month.