John's commitment to the continued management of the invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) in the Connecticut River and her wetlands. We would like to recognize John’s, and the Centers volunteers’ efforts in the fight to combat invasive aquatic species in the floating meadows wetland located between Middletown and Cromwell but in particular for his effort to coordinate needed volunteer efforts in the 2022 collection of water chestnut from the main stem, coves and tributaries of the River following the devastating release of the very invasive plant from a retention pond in Hartford in 2021. His coordination of many volunteers over the summer has contributed greatly to saving the lower Connecticut River from being overwhelmed by this most invasive aquatic plant.

 

We are inspired by John’s broad conservation commitment to our region. As the Center’s website declares, “The Jonah Center for Earth and Art inspires and organizes the wider “environmental community” in the greater Middletown, Connecticut area to improve the quality of life for all residents – human and non-human.”

 

We would like to whole heartedly thank John and all the volunteers of the Jonah Center for their commitment to improving the lives of both the citizens and the wildlife of the lower Connecticut River region through their conservation efforts and in particular their efforts regarding elimination of water chestnut from the Connecticut River and her estuary.