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Sherman Conservation Commission reviews dragonfly program, readies community expo and explores forestry grant
Summary
At its April 8 meeting, the Town of Sherman Conservation Commission approved minutes, heard that a Dragonfly Program drew about 20–25 attendees, set a June 4 hiking-trails presentation with NCLC, and discussed a state resilient forestry grant and volunteer projects; no policy votes were taken beyond routine approvals.
At its regular meeting on Wednesday night, the Town of Sherman Conservation Commission approved the Feb. 11, 2026 minutes and reviewed recent and upcoming community programs and grant opportunities.
Chair William McCann called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Colette Shulman moved to approve the Feb. 11 minutes; Vice Chair Michele MacKinnon seconded and the motion carried with all in favor.
The commission heard that the Dragonfly Program drew about 20 to 25 attendees. Vice Chair Michele MacKinnon said the speaker, Christine Cook, a landscape designer, presented on dragonfly habitats and migration and stayed afterward to share photographs with attendees, and that the program was ‘‘well received.’’
Commissioner Lauren Weber reported on planning for the Sherman Community Expo, saying only about 10 booths have signed up so far and the commission needs roughly 10 more to match last year’s participation. Weber said a new logo has been prepared for promotional materials and that she will circulate lists of where posters and road signs are posted. Food options confirmed for the expo include an ice cream truck and the Daily Market; Weber also said the Commission for the Arts will run a scavenger hunt. The commission agreed to offer sign-ups at its booth for Weed Warriors, invasive-plant booklets, the commission’s hiking guide and Northwest Conservation District posters. MacKinnon said she will assemble a culinary planter for a raffle and obtain raffle tickets; Weber noted she has Weed Warriors T-shirts that can be used as prizes.
Chair McCann said a Hiking Trails program with the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy will take place on Thursday, June 4, at 6:00 p.m. at the Sherman Library. He said the NCLC was unable to run the event on a Saturday, so the previously discussed guided hike immediately after the presentation will not occur; presenters will announce future hikes as follow-up opportunities.
Commissioner Jill Humphreys described a state resilient forestry grant for which towns can apply and recommended contacting Dave Beers, the regional service forester, for a free assessment of town forest parcels at Volunteer Field and Colonial Park. Humphreys said the assessment could identify invasive-species removal and tree-management work the state grant would fund, and that proposals are due in early June. Chair McCann said he will reach out to First Selectman Don Lowe about the initiative.
Humphreys also reported that local Eagle Scouts are building bird houses and that scouts might help with trail projects at Volunteer Field; she said she will advise the commission when the bird houses are ready. Commissioners briefly discussed natural prevention measures for the Spotted Lanternfly and observed that the local population appears to be waning.
Vice Chair MacKinnon moved to adjourn; Lauren Weber seconded and the motion carried with all in favor. Chair McCann adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m. Minutes were submitted by Christine Aruza. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Mallory Town Hall.
