Looking At Newtown From A Scenic Point Of View

By Kendra Bobowick

Dried branches from last season’s butterfly bushes scratch against a wooden fence in Patricia Barkman’s yard. Although springtime is less than a month away a late February snow tugs on evergreen limbs and drops softly. Taunton Lake’s surface shivers outside a picture window in her den.

Bringing her thoughts back indoors she turns to the computer humming on the tabletop. Onscreen scenes include watercolors and snapshots that she hopes to share with residents, civic groups, or anyone interested in her message — conservation. Outdoor, rustic paintings include a troupe of children snuggled into hats, scarves, and mittens, walking along a snow-clogged path in the woods. Another image is a photo of students peering into Deep Brook.

As a Conservation Commission member and environmentalist at heart, Ms Barkman is among a handful of outspoken residents intent on preserving not only backyard views, but as much land and clean natural resources as possible.

Pouring tea and searching for a spoon to dip into the sugar, Ms Barkman mentioned the ideas of smart-growth, sustainable resources, and open space. Outside her kitchen window were trees, shrubs, a stream and short footbridge, birds and hints of blue sky between the clouds.

Setting her cup aside, she said, “We can’t save it all, right?”

But as a conservation commissioner she can be part of saving some of it. “It would be a terrible shame if we did not leave a heritage for our kids, so I’ll fight as hard as I can,” she said. Part of the fight is getting more of Newtown resident to glance out the window and care about the land around them.

Anyone who wants to volunteer to help conservation efforts just ask. “If you want to help, we’re looking for volunteers to help with the care and custody of the land. Mrs Barkman is also prepared with a power-point presentation that explains the Conservation Commission and members’ efforts — adding up to more than 380 acres so far.

 

Dollars and Acres

 Not including easements like the 90-plus acres of Julia Wasserman’s property on Walnut Tree Hill Road, the commission has committed more than $10.5 million in capital funds so far to sparing more than 380 acres in the past several years. “I feel good about what we have done so far,” said Conservation Commission Chairman Joseph Hovious. As he flattened the folds of a Newtown map spread out across the table, he pointed to spots marked off in red ink representing the commission’s acquisitions. Going through a quick mental list he mentioned different parts of town including 30.9 acres at the end of Stonebridge Road, acres preserved near Point O Rocks Road, Ferris farm property off Route 302, and 12 acres of rocky land between Route 34 and the Halfway River. Although just a small sample, the different parcels represent a handful of the purposes open space possesses. Public and private uses mix opportunities for hiking and nature watching with continued agricultural work, for example.

While the Ferris property will remain in private use,  another piece of land in Sandy Hook could be a new home for residents fond of walking sticks and binoculars. Mr Hovious can picture a few new nature trails. “If and when, and I do say if and when, we’re talking about hiking trails along the [Halfway] river.”

Putting a finger down on Dickinson Park and drawing an imaginary line across to Fairfield Hills, he wondered aloud if a trail connecting the two landmarks would be possible. “Wouldn’t that be lovely?” he asked. Why is this important to him? “Newtown is not wall-to-wall at this point. Open Space gives us room to breath, so to speak.”

Mentioning that many residents value Newtown’s rural character — a town bordered by lakes, divided by brooks and rivers, home to horse pastures and farms, Mr Hovious noted, “The thing you hear a lot is [people] want it to stay exactly the way it is when they move in.” Points of view vary, however. “Fifty years ago they might think [current conditions] are grossly overdeveloped. If you move in now you’ll see it’s not Stamford,” he said.

Aside from the land and each parcel’s particular features, the commission’s preservation efforts have protected something that residents may not be thinking about when conservation comes to mind. “Entryways,” Mr Hovious said. Traveling into Newtown on Route 25 coming out of Monroe brings drivers and passengers past strip malls, fast food establishments, craft centers, shops, restaurants, and gas stations. Entering Newtown from the opposite side of Monroe along route 34 is calmer. Drivers will pass stonewalls, antique farm houses, private homes, fields opened to horses, llamas and alpacas, and glimpses of a river or pond before entering the heart of Sandy Hook.

A trip out of Bethel and into town on Route 302 is just as scenic. A general store and gas stop blends in with the mix of antique homes and newer residences before turning a corner aimed at the center of town, bringing visitors past more pastures, rocky slopes where cows graze, and open farming fields.

Ms Barkman added, “We’ve done a wonderful job of acquiring approaches to Newtown.” She also thought aloud about recent acquisitions and the scenic views that would remain unchanged for travelers glancing out the car window along Interstate 84, and along Routes 34 and 302. “The rural character was maintained, and that’s what people felt needed to happen in Newtown. Our rural character, our streams, are a big part of Newtown.” During the last several years as the commission obtained properties, she estimates, “We’ve protected [the land] from more than 60 homes.”

What’s Out There?

Wetlands, watercourses, aquifers, vernal pools, and endangered species are hidden either in secluded pockets or along major roadways and no longer have to fear development — in some cases. A portion of these acres could offer active recreation or quiet parks, Mr Hovious said.

Ms Barkman added to the chairman’s list. “We have protected uplands — essentially the hillsides.” The spaces are “vitally important,” for wildlife, she said. Wetlands are also critical for clean water. “It protects the aquifer, and they’re responsible for clean drinking water, biodiversity.” Aesthetics add up also. “Our rivers are beautiful to look at,” Ms Barkman said. 

Mr Hovious was also thinking of trails, woods, forests. He said, “I like the ability to have these places to go.” As his eyes traveled from one side of the map to another, he asked, “How many people do you see out walking their dogs, running, hiking, cross country skiing?”

Ms Barkman is also a fan of traveling the woods and forests on foot. “We’ve been building trails so people can enjoy the outdoors

A Role To Play

Residents can help. Ms Barkman advised, “Ask what you can do, go outside, have a little bit of empathy with nature, with beauty and what it gives us,” she said. Laughing just a little at herself, wondering how her words sounded, she continued, “Everyone wants to drive the dirt bikes, the ATVs — if you could just sit, contemplate a square foot of earth, you [would] see more.” Both she and Mr Hovious are interested in sharing their thoughts about conservation and the commission’s goals. “I hope to talk to a number of people in town about how land acquisition and conservation efforts fit into Newtown’s long-term plans,” he said. He asks that residents interested in learning more about conservation efforts or even lending a hand should contact the Land Use Agency.

“If you live next to a property and you want to be the eyes and ears, that would be terrific,” Mr Hovious said. “Or, we could talk about volunteering.” Ms Barkman also welcomes help. Help the commission preserve acres, write grants, build trails, donate fencing, a bench, help identify and tag tree species and plants, and least expensive of all, pay attention. She said, “Be aware.”

Educational programs are in place and the commission often presents, “What is an Aquifer” program in the schools, while scouts and students are frequently involved in riverbank or stream studies. Just last week Mr Hovious sat before the Legislative Council and explained his agency’s capital request asking for $2 millions a year for land preservation. Get on the phone with Land Use at 270-4350. Contact Ms Barkman via e-mail at lakesidegallery@charter.net and include the word, “volunteer” in the subject line. More information about the conservation commission and its responsibilities is available on the town website at www.newtown-ct.gov.