EXPERT PANEL TO DISCUSS COASTAL RESILIENCY, HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS AT LA GRUA CENTER

Stonington — A group of experts will discuss climate change, coastal resiliency and how shoreline communities in the region would fare in a major hurricane during a panel discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the La Grua Center in the borough.

The program, entitled “Coastal Resiliency: Now More Than Ever,” will begin at 6 p.m. and is co-sponsored by the center and the Mystic Aquarium. The event will be moderated by Katie Cubina, the aquarium's senior vice president for mission programs.

The panelists include Juliana Barrett of the University of Connecticut’s Sea Grant College Program; James O’Donnell, a UConn professor of marine sciences, and NBC Connecticut Meteorologist Kaitlyn McGrath.

They will discuss topics related to coastal resiliency and the state’s response to severe weather and recovery. They also will take questions from the audience.

According to the aquarium, Barrett’s work focuses on climate adaptation and resilience as well as habitat management and restoration working with Connecticut’s municipalities, organizations and state and federal partners. She has developed numerous tools and websites for coastal and inland residents on native plantings and habitats.

O’Donnell has helped create and disseminate strategies to enhance the resilience of the built environment while protecting natural ecosystems.