Preston CAC endorses pollinator resolution, advances Mary‑Dora Woodland Phase 2 work

The Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission on March 9 voted to endorse a pollinator resolution tied to the town’s Sustainable CT Silver certification efforts and discussed Phase 2 work at Mary‑Dora Woodland Preserve.

Pat Monahan told the commission they are closing in on an April deadline to submit materials for Sustainable CT silver certification and that the pollinator resolution is one of the required items. Lynwood Crary noted the resolution is voluntary; Ray Offenbacher said it is primarily aimed at public awareness and education. The commission moved to endorse and support the pollinator resolution; members voted unanimously to adopt the support motion.

Commissioners also discussed Phase 2 of improvements at Mary‑Dora Woodland, including fabrication and installation of trail signage using a kit purchased by Chair Gary Piszczek, continuation of the native-plant inventory when weather allows, and identification of pollinator and habitat areas. Piszczek said the Connecticut Forest & Park Association will map the MDW trails and publish them on AllTrails the week of March 23. Rebecca Hayes agreed to prepare a short item for the Preston Pipeline and commission members proposed adding a QR code at the preserve entrance to link visitors to the inventory app.

For Earth Day, members discussed planting trees versus a traditional cleanup; they agreed to schedule the MDW cleanup and seek permission from the first selectwoman to use town equipment.

The commission’s endorsement fulfills a key Sustainable CT requirement and positions Phase 2 activities to proceed as weather permits.