District to hold annual meeting

MADISON — Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District will hold its 71st annual meeting at Meigs Point Nature Center, Nov 3, 1-3 p.m. The nature center is located at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT.

Meigs Point Nature Center is an all ages environmental learning center run by the CT Department of Environmental Protection, embodying the belief that one of the best ways to protect and preserve our environment and natural resources is through education. The first nature center opened in 1972 as a summer facility and was winterized in 2005, then the beautiful new facility had its grand opening in May 2016. Exhibits feature different habitats: At the Beach, In the Air, In the Water, In the Woods. There are a variety of live animals to observe, including reptiles, amphibians, and fresh and saltwater fish!

A brief business meeting will precede the program, and there will be time to enjoy refreshments and conversation afterwards. RSVP to Sandy Weiss at 860.346.3282 or sweiss@conservect.org. This event is free and open to the public.

Annual Conservation Awards to be presented at the meeting include: Tom ODell Outstanding District Service to both Alison Guinness and Cindy Gaudino, formerly with the CT River Coastal Conservation District Board of Directors; Cooperator, Deerfield Farm, Melynda Naples; Special Merit, Rick Huntley, Durham Conservation Commission Chairman. Certificates of Appreciation are also being awarded to Clinton Nurseries; Comer & Company, LLC; R2 Graphics, Inc.; CT River Expeditions; Organic Vintages; Priam Vineyards; Sunny Border Nurseries; and Old Saybrook Shopping Center.

The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, a nonprofit organization based in Middletown, CT, works to conserve natural resources in the towns of Berlin, Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Hebron, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, Marlborough, Middlefield, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, Rocky Hill, Salem and Westbrook. Visit www.conservect.org/ctivercoastal for more information about programs and services.