Creativity Connects Milford
What fuels a vibrant, connected, and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Milford?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Milford.
Creativity connects us.
Meet Lori Romick, board member and volunteer and caretaker for the Pollinator Garden at the CT Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point.
Is there a person or organization using creativity to provoke change in Milford?
The Milford Point Coastal Center has more than 5,200 visitors each year. Our creative nature programming reaches more than 500 adults and children annually and at least that many, if not more who just visit our grounds. We also serve over 3000 students a year through our Science and Nature Program and over 700 children and adults who participate in our community programs.
We offer walks-and-talks of small groups learning about birds, plants, insects, and Long Island Sound resources.
The programs at the Center promote positive change, not only in Milford but anywhere. Our most successful programs include CT Audubon’s Osprey Nation, our Center’s Purple Martin Colony, the Shorebird Nesting Protection Program and our Pollinator Garden Outreach Programs.
We have an “Osprey cam” online so anyone can watch the Osprey in their nest. We have fishing line collection bins to make visitors aware that fishing lines need to be safely discarded.
Our Purple Martin colony is the third-largest in the State. We have an “adopt-a-gourd” program where people can help support us by adopting a gourd and getting weekly reports through the nesting season on their gourd and learn about the birds and the importance of conservation for Purple Martin. There is also a Purple Martin camera on our website to watch the whole family process.
Our summer shorebird ranger educates visitors about the nesting shorebirds and sets up protective fencing around the nests. Many of the trees and shrubs on the grounds and our pollinator garden are examples of how we can help nature. Pollinators are needed to pollinate the plants to produce fruit, berries, seeds, and nuts. Some of our summer talks are about gardening for pollinators and other wildlife.
Any place in town where you go for inspiration and creativity?
The Milford Point Coastal Center! It is one of six in Connecticut. The CT Audubon Society’s mission is to conserve the environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the State's bird populations and habitats. The Center is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year!
The location is truly a Milford gem, where the third largest river in Connecticut meets Long Island Sound, a Federally designated “Estuary of National Significance.” This Center is unique and a special attraction in Milford. It’s location at the mouth of the Housatonic River, Wheeler Salt Marsh, and Long Island Sound offers opportunities to see different habitats and the natural resources in each area.
More than 300 species of birds have been recorded annually at this location, either breeding/nesting, being year-round residents, or stopping by during fall and spring migrations! It is a Federally recognized “Important Birding Area.”
Is there an organization in town that makes you feel good?
The CT Audubon Coastal Center is a place that makes many stakeholders feel good as they come to relax, walk, meditate, enjoy nature, and enjoy hobbies including fishing for Striped Bass, photographing birds and butterflies, painting, birding, and learning about the connections between living resources (birds and other wildlife) and the habitats they need for food, shelter, and breeding.
Creativity Connects Milford is made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.