It’s Not That Hard Being Green: You Can Do It Too

NIANTIC, CT – As part of its “Going Green” initiative, the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, 409 Main St., has implemented the first steps in an extensive strategy to become more environmentally responsible.

The plan, designed by Pat Young of the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD), includes two rain gardens recently installed on the south side of the property. An information session about gardens is scheduled during Celebrate East Lyme Day on July 18, 8:30-10:30 am.

“The Children’s Museum was an ideal site for a “storm-water makeover,” Young said. “It had roof drains that flowed directly to the street and out to the bay, packed soils and other impervious surfaces that prevented infiltration of water, and missed opportunities for harvesting rainwater for later use. By incorporating some relatively simple design elements, the museum will be doing its part to preserve water quality, one drop at a time.”

The rain gardens slow, trap, and redirect runoff water from the museum’s roof to the designated gardens, which are two shallow depressions. The benefits are twofold: the runoff water stays on the property preventing potential pollution to nearby waterways, and in reusing the water the garden receives nourishment while filtering out many pollutants.

To prepare the beds, the AIC (Alternative Incarceration Center) dug one-foot-deep holes and backfilled with compost and mulch, leaving each bed about 6” lower than the existing grade to hold the runoff water. The East Lyme High School Environmental Club and Perennial Harmony of Waterford installed native plants including lupines, irises, inkberry bush, and Joe-pye-weed.

The ECCD received a 319 grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to design the gardens. The implementation and installation of the gardens were supported by donations from individuals and local organizations including the Niantic Inn and Stevens, Harris, Guernsey, & Quilliam, PC.

Three other projects from the ECCD are completed: One is the installation of rain barrels at the bottom of the museum’s downspouts. The barrels have gauges to emphasize the connection between rainfall and water usage. Another is the removal of nonnative plants around the property, replacing them with native plants that attract bees – bees are an indoor/outdoor exhibit at CMSECT – and butterflies. The third is incorporating mulch in various landscaped areas. Mulch helps soil retain water, prevents soil erosion, regulates plant temperature, and filters pollutants from rainwater. A soon-to-be-complete step is the installation of a compost system for the picnic area, encouraging staff and visitors to recycle lunch food waste.

The ECCD plan is in addition to CMSECT’s geothermal heating/cooling system, currently being installed and which will become part of the museum’s permanent exhibits.

For information about the rain garden, the ECCD plan, a list of resources, or other Children’s Museum green initiatives, call (860) 691-1111.