Into the Wild: Celebrating Earth Day & Remington Woods Update
Jhoni Ada
March 2024
Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that green spaces like Remington Woods play in our communities. Nestled in the heart of Fairfield County, Remington Woods offers not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a dream for marginalized residents seeking access, solace, and connection with nature.
For many urban communities, access to outdoor spaces is limited, leading to disparities in health and well-being. Remington Woods stands as a beacon of hope, providing a vital escape from the weariness of city life. Its lush forests and serene lake could one day offer respite and rejuvenation to all who visit.
But Earth Day is not only a time for reflection; it's also an opportunity for action. This year, we are inspired by the America the Beautiful initiative from the Department of the Interior which underscores the significance of conserving, connecting, and restoring natural habitats and fostering a sense of stewardship within our communities for the sake of our economy, our health, and our well-being. We firmly believe that by protecting places like Remington Woods, we safeguard biodiversity and promote environmental awareness and appreciation.
In addition to conservation, Earth Day encourages exploring and discovering outdoor recreational activities. Remington Woods and the possibility of public access (even limited) offers a wealth of opportunities for residents to engage in underexplored activities such as birdwatching, nature photography, and hiking. These activities not only promote physical health but also foster a deeper connection to the natural world.
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Remington Woods Campaign Updates
In light of Earth Day, here are some exciting updates from the Remington Woods campaign:
Corteva's Engagement: Corteva, the owner of Remington Woods, has been actively seeking input from organizations about their visions for the future of the woods. This presents a unique opportunity for us to advocate for conservation and community access.
Documentary Project: We are thrilled to announce our partnership with a local renowned filmmaker, Daniel Recinos, to create a documentary highlighting the significance of green spaces like Remington Woods. Through this project, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems.
Revamped Conservation Committee: In line with our commitment to conservation, we have launched a revamped Conservation Committee. This committee will play a key role in supporting our efforts to protect Remington Woods and other natural areas across the state.
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Black Birder's Week: Black Birder's Week 2024, taking place the week after Memorial Day, presents an exciting opportunity for us to explore bird neighborhoods near Remington Woods and engage with adjacent communities. This initiative celebrates diversity in birdwatching and promotes inclusivity in outdoor recreation.
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Image: CT Black Birders Group at an outing at Lakepoint Park, New Haven, CT by Reggy Fortcolin
Celebrating Achievements: We are proud to celebrate the recent recognition of Reggy Fortcolin, who received the Excellence in Community Engagement Award for his outstanding contributions to promoting equity and access to green spaces in Bridgeport. Additionally, the Trust For Public Lands awarded a significant grant, furthering local conservation efforts.
Lastly, explore the new and improved Remington Woods website! Here, you'll find valuable information about the campaign, upcoming events, ways to get involved, and resources for advocating for the conservation of Remington Woods.
This Earth Day, let us continue to commit ourselves to the preservation of Remington Woods and the promotion of equitable access to nature for all. Together, we can ensure that every community has the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of our planet, right in their own backyard.
Happy Earth Day! 🌎🌿
Here are some things you can do to stay in the loop with the Save Remington Woods campaign!
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Join the revamped Conservation Committee by emailing remington.woods@sierraclub.org
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Check out a local East Coast victory that inspires our work: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum: The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands set aside for the benefit of native wildlife and plants. Established in 1972 through local activism, the refuge protects habitat for the benefit of both people and wildlife. Visitors to the refuge may observe hundreds of species of plants, trees, birds, insects, and mammals.
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Continue to spread the word about Remington Woods. Despite our steps towards a conserved Remington Woods, there are still many people who do not know about Fairfield’s Last Lung.
Jhoni Ada is Sierra Club Connecticut’s Organizer on Save Remington Woods project in Bridgeport, along with other outreach and projects within the city and Fairfield County.