Residents of all ages are invited to join the annual effort to reawaken the Newtown Fruit Trail this season. It is also time to start thinking about the town’s Victory Garden. Both are located within Fairfield Hills.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28, from 10 am until 5 pm, fruit trail creator and lead designer Andrew Mangold will welcome volunteers who are ready to get their hands dirty. With help from Newtown Parks & Recreation, Mangold and volunteers will tidy up the gardens that run along the perimeter of Fairfield Hills, plant new trees, assess the health of the trail’s plants, and evaluate tasks for the year ahead.

The group will also remove winter tree cages and plant new bulbs, shrubs, and flowers. Those interested can also learn about each of the different species assembled at the trail.

The trail will continue to host a growing home for butterflies, bees, and birds, with plants grown specifically to feed the land and those that count on it.

This is a great opportunity to gather insight for home projects, get a jump start on garden projects at home, and remain involved at the trail.

Last year, the trail surprised walkers and volunteers alike with a flush of Echinacea that brightened the length of the trail. This year, its keepers expect another new spectrum of color as perennial plants grow into maturity; they are also looking forward to the fourth season of public berries this summer.

Whether you are a garden expert or an inspired beginner, there is a role for everyone at the trail. Bring gloves and any garden tools available.

Masks and social distancing will be required.

Victory Garden

As mentioned, the Victory Garden at Fairfield Hills is also about to reawaken for its season. Access to the garden is off Washington Square; signs are posted to help new visitors to the garden’s parking area.

The Victory Garden helps the town’s food pantry provide fresh, healthy produce to Newtown families that rely on the pantry. Last year the garden provided more than 3,500 pounds of food toward that effort.

The Newtown Parks & Recreation Department cultivates the soil and provides irrigation. The site has full sun, nearby parking, and — thanks to a recent donation — high tensile steel woven deer fencing.

Volunteers are sought to form teams; each team is given a 15-square-foot plot of garden to care for. Each team should create a name and have a placard/sign on its row with a team name. Creativity and humor are encouraged with team names.

There are no fees associated with the garden.

Only organic herbicides and pesticides are allowed in the garden. Fertilizer is allowed.

The Victory Garden Committee can help with garden preparation and planning. Likewise, experienced gardeners interested in helping novice gardeners and students are invited to hold a workshop or class at the garden.

To sign up to cultivate a row or help in other ways, contact the Victory Garden Committee at 203-470-4150 or victgarden17@gmail.com.

Last year’s volunteers receive right of first refusal on row adoption.

Donations to help the garden efforts are welcome, and can be done through the Parks & Recreation Park Gift Fund (specify Victory Garden on the memo line if writing a check).

Contact Newtown Parks & Recreation at 270-270-4340 or visit newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation for details or to register for either of these programs.