The Sasqua Garden Club Announces Landscape Restoration at Birdcraft as New Project

The Southport-based Sasqua Garden Club (a member of the Garden Club of America) committed to allocate funds for landscape restoration project at Connecticut Audubon Society’s Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary in Fairfield. Charged with the restoration, improvement and protection of the environment, Sasqua saw a unique opportunity at Birdcraft whose historic building is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. The Birdcraft needed sponsorship to create landscaping that demonstrated conservation principles which will be highlighted in its new exhibits. Sasqua stepped in to fill this role.

Sasqua and the Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) identified particular areas in need of attention including a courtyard directly outside the main museum building, a quarter acre section leading to Birdcraft’s one-mile trail, and twelve educational stations on the trail itself. Each of these spaces is used not only for Birdcraft’s elementary school science program, Connecticut Audubon Nature Explorers, but also for other programs the museum offers to the public. All tolled, the Birdcraft sees over 16,000 visitors each year.

Starting in April, a working group of CAS and Sasqua members will develop a landscape and signage plan that complements CAS’s mission. This mission is to conserve Connecticut’s environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and their habitats. To this end, the working group will analyze the targeted spaces and plants and then develop a landscape plan that meets the needs of CAS educators and enhances visitors’ experience at Birdcraft.

Sasqua Garden Club has hired two Fairfield-based firms to assist in the project: Eckerson Design Associates, LLC to help with the planning process and WildThings Habitat Management to oversee the physical rejuvenation of the site. Completion is slated for 2015. "Sasqua Garden Club is excited to be a partner with The Connecticut Audubon Society in the restoration of The Birdcraft Museum, a little gem in the middle of Fairfield which provides habitat for birds and other wildlife.” Stated Jane Cary, Sasqua Garden Club President, “The Museum compliments our mission for education and conservation and we feel it is a great asset for the town."

About Birdcraft
Founded in 1914, Birdcraft is one of the first private bird sanctuary in the United States. This
six-acre site was originally planted as a refuge to attract, harbor, and feed migratory and resident
birds. To date, more than 120 bird species have been recorded on its grounds. Birdcraft’s focus
today is offering premier natural history education programs and events for children and adults.
It is also a federally-licensed Bird-Banding Station. The 6-acre Birdcraft Sanctuary is open daily,
year-round, from dawn to dusk. The Visitor’s Center is open Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. Call (203) 259-0416 or visit www.ctaudubon.org for additional information.

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