The Town and Country Garden Club and Newtown Forest Association invite the public to a free educational seminar titled "Connecticut Grasslands and Meadows," to be presented Saturday, April 9, at 10 am, at Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street.

Grasslands and meadows are decreasing at an alarming rate as former farm fields and open areas become developed, forested, or transformed into lawns. Grasslands and meadows are unique and valuable habitats important to bird, plant, and wildlife communities. Attendees will learn why this is happening, and what can be done to help.

Leslie Kane, director of Bent of the River Audubon in Southbury, will speak about the importance of these essential habitats to birds. Peter Picone, senior wildlife biologist at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), will discuss the types of plants and wildlife that call these special areas home. The discussion will also include information regarding what home- and landowners can do to improve their own habitats.

Light refreshments will be served.

Registration is requested and can be done by sending an e-mail to register@thepubliccommons.org.

For additional information contact the forest association at 203-270-3620.