Tag Archives: Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum

Roundup: World Cup, Cribari Bridge, Dick Fincher,

Posted on July 19, 2026 | 3 comments

The only thing better than watching a World Cup final in person is being part of a watch party, joined by tons of other soccer fans.

Most of us have not shelled out our mortgage for a seat (plus parking!) at MetLife Stadium, for today’s Spain-Argentina clash.

Instead, we can head to the Westport Library. They host a (free!) afternoon of “Where Westport Meets the World Cup”: the final match, and more.

The Library opens at 1 p.m., for Panini card trading.

From 1:30 to 2:30, Westport soccer folks — including Dan Woog, Chris O’Dell, Paddy Donovan, Joe Pierce and Clemson coach Mike Noonan (video) — will tell stories about their experiences with The Beautiful Game.

At 3 p.m., the match will be shown on the Trefz Forum’s giant screen (the pre-game show will begin at 2:30). The audience here will join billions of others around the globe.

Oh, yeah: There’s Riko’s pizza too (courtesy of “06880”).

Wear your jersey. Bring your friends. See you today at the Library!

(Graphic courtesy of Isabelle Sareen)

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On Friday, “06880” noted that in April, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie said he’d appoint a Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee.

He responded yesterday to our query about its status: “The Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee has not yet been formed. I am continuing to work on its composition and charge, and will provide an update when those details are finalized.

“There have not been any significant recent developments in conversations between the Town and state Department of Transportation. DOT is aware of Westport’s collective focus on safety in the area of the bridge and beyond.”

Cribari Bridge (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

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Dick Fincher’s family, friends and neighbors remembered the former Tree Board chair and Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum visionary yesterday.

A plaque honoring Fincher — a longtime Westporter who died in 2024, at 86 — was unveiled near the entrance to the 12-acre park, at the corner of Stony Brook Road and Woodside Lane. It contains one of his favorite quotes about trees.

Fincher lived across the street. Representative Town Meeting member Lou Mall, who worked with Fincher to turn the overgrown property into a beautiful area with woods and hiking areas, spoke about Fincher’s contributions to the neighborhood and town.

Mall hailed Dick Stein, several RTM colleagues, the Tree Board, former 1st selectpersons Jim Marpe and Jen Tooker, and tree warden Bruce Lindsay, for all they did to carry out Fincher’s vision.

Lou Mall (far right) speaks at the Dick Fincher plaque dedication.

Mall recalled the history of the Woodside Lane land. Wadsworth donated much of it to Earthplace, along with 12 acres to the town, for a new school. But there was not enough room for that building, so it lay forgotten, unused and unmaintained, until Fincher prodded the town to act.

Fincher’s son Doug and wife Dottie also spoke about Fincher’s legacy. The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum is open sunrise to sunset. Click here for more information.

Town officials, at the new plaque honoring Dick Fincher: From left: RTM members Jay Keenan and Chris Tait, Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd, RTM members Jimmy Izzo and Lou Mall, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, former Earthplace director Tony McDowell, former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

Dottie Fincher, with her sons and grandsons. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Players from Staples High School’s state championship soccer teams of 1981 and ’82 have remained close.

Many still live in the area. And — more than 4 decades later — they still work out together.

Seen Saturday at TAP Strength in downtown Westport, with (at bottom, in photo below) owner EJ Zebro (a former soccer player himself) were (from left) Mike Brown, Guy Claveloux, Dan Donovan and Todd Coleman.

They look like they could still play. And win.

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Speaking of sports: Westport has a new non-operative musculoskeletal care facility.

CT Sports Recovery at 215 Main Street calls itself “the only clinic in Fairfield County offering focused shockwave technology, Unlike traditional radial shockwave systems, focused shockwave delivers energy to precise tissue depths, making it a valuable option for chronic tendon injuries, calcific tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.”

Founders Dr. Michael Betler and his wife Dr. Anupama Kurra urge clients to “support the body’s natural healing processes through evidence-based, non-invasive therapies before considering more invasive interventions whenever appropriate.”

Their goal is to complement traditional medical care. They serve athletes, active adults, post-operative patients, people with chronic orthopedic conditions, and anyone seeking non-surgical solutions to improve function and reduce pain. Click here for more information.

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The #1 cause of a preventable death after an injury is … bleeding.

A free Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service “Stop the Bleed” class can help save lives.

It’s August 10 (7 to 8:45 p.m., EMS headquarters, 50 Jesup Road). Click here for more information, and to register.

The next class after that is September 24 (same time and site). Click here to register.

And while you’re at it, consider a donation to WVEMS. Many residents don’t realize they pay for everything — from ambulances to Band-Aids — themselves.

There are many worthy causes and organizations in Westport. Few are as life-changing — and life-saving — as this.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo shows what Ed Simek believes is a yellow crowned night heron. He spotted this handsome bird — which he had not seen before — at Burying Hill Beach.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … who will win today’s World Cup final?

We have no idea. That’s why they play the game.

In the meantime:

(And finally … no matter what happens today in New Jersey, you’re always a winner when you check out “06880.” And you’re a true champion if you click here to support our work. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Environment, Library, Local business, Sports

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Roundup: Dick Fincher Dedication, MoCA Lost Places, Outdoor Music Options …

Posted on July 14, 2026 | 5 comments

Dick Fincher’s impact on Westport’s green spaces is enormous.

So it’s fitting that this Saturday (July 18, 10 a.m.), his life and legacy will be honored with the dedication of a commemorative plaque at the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. The public is invited.

As both a private citizen and Tree Board chair, Fincher was a driving force behind the creation of the arboretum at the corner of Stonybrook Road and Woodside Lane, around the corner from his home.

Fincher died in 2024, at 86. In addition to his Tree Board service, he was an Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church vestryman.

Dick Fincher, at the Wadsworth Arboretum.

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Gone, but not forgotten.

That’s the theme of “Looking for History,” MoCA\CT’s summer exhibit. Ellen Harvey is one of 3 artists addressing themes of memory, loss and place.

She’s included 4 places dear to Westporters’ heart: The Remarkable Book Shop, Allen’s Clam House, Cedar Brook Café and Bloodroot.

This Thursday (July 16, 5:30 p.m.; free), MoCA visitors get a chance to talk about them — and many other beloved (and now vanished) local landmarks.

Harvey and Westport preservation advocate Ed Gerber will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about the cultural and emotional significance of lost places.

You’ll get a chance to talk about your own “local places” too — restaurants, stores, hangouts and more.

The event is sponsored by the CORA Foundation, whose founder and president is Westporter Robin Tauck. Most grants — which center around arts and culture — are international. This one is local.

Click here for more information.

“The Remarkable Book Shop” (Ellen Harvey)

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Here at “06880” central, we sometimes assume everyone knows everything about every live outdoor music option in the area.

Well, you know what they say about “when you assume…”

So — apropos of nothing, other than an opportunity educate our readers about all things local, and courtesy of the KMS Team at Compass — here are some things you may already know.

And some you may not.

The Levitt Pavilion offers over 50 free nights of programming, at a beautiful venue on the banks of the Saugatuck Rive.

All summer long, the Westport Downtown Association sponsors live music on Friday and Saturday evenings on Church Lane.

A favorite is Music at the Barn, at the Weston History & Culture Center. Kick back with a BYO picnic, and enjoy select Sunday evenings.

Lachat Town Farm also offers monthly concerts, with food trucks and the Barn Bar.

Fairfield’s Sherman Green is the place to be on Thursdays and Sundays, with beachy cover bands and tribute acts. Sweet Sounds of Summer are full of family fun there too, with bands sponsored by Saugatuck Sweets and Al’s Angels.

Norwalk’s First Taxing District has free concerts at the Norwalk Green’s gazebo several Saturdays in the summer.

Catch larger outdoor performances by the shore every Wednesday night at Calf Pasture Beach. Tuesday nights are open jam sessions (time slot sign up at 6:30 p.m.) at Freese Park.

The Wilton Library hosts free, public concerts (indoors) from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursdays.

Levitt Pavilion: Westport’s premier outdoor music venue. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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An indoor music venue — and not limited to summer — is VFW Post 399 (Riverside Avenue at the Saugatuck Avenue fork).

Every Thursday, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County sponsors “Jazz at the Post.”

This week’s headliner is Mitch Schechter (July 16, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; doors and dinner service at 6:45). He’s joined by bassist Takashi Otsuka, drummer Charlie Descarfino, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Also at the VFW: plenty of laughs.

This Friday (July 17; doors open 6 p.m., show time 8), 5 talented comedians –John Ziegler, Brendan Ryan, Linda Marcus Smith, Helaine Witt, plus resident comic Joe Pontillo — take the stage.

Tickets are $20 online, $25 at the door, with a 1-drink minimum. NOTE: Previous comedy shows have sold out.

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It looks like a Norman Rockwell (or Steven Dohanos) painting.

But this was the small-town scene yesterday, at the train station.

And no, we can’t see the answer long-running apostrophe debate: Greens Farms, or Green’s Farms?

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Sometimes Compo Beach is so crowded you can’t move.

And sometimes it’s just you and the gulls.

Amy Schneider snapped today’s”Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday morning:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … in honor of MoCA\CT’s upcoming event honoring “lost places”:

(“06880” often looks back on the Westport that was — while always providing insights into our town today, and a look at tomorrow. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Looking back

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Roundup: Kyle Martino, Zohran Mamdani, Dick Fincher …

Posted on May 13, 2026 | 8 comments

Hey, Westport: There’s a problem in town. Recycling contamination is rampant.

Sp the Department of Public Works has launched a campaign to educate residents on proper practices.

Six days a week, residents and private haulers bring recyclables to the transfer station. The next stop is a waste recovery facility in Shelton, where it’s sorted, then sold as commodities to manufacturers for reuse.

Some materials arrive clean, dry and loose. Others don’t. Containers filled with leftover food and cardboard boxes still packed with Styrofoam are common issues.

Small changes can make a big difference.

The 3 major sources of contamination are easy to remember: “No Bags, No Food, No Foam.”

No Bags: Never place recyclables in plastic bags. Although it may seem convenient, all bagged recycling must be discarded at the Materials Recovery Facility due to OSHA safety regulations.

No Food: Empty and rinse all containers before recycling. Food and liquid residue can contaminate entire loads, causing them to be rejected.

No Foam: Styrofoam cannot be recycled in our area. Dispose of it in the trash, and remove packing materials from boxes before recycling them. Styrofoam easily breaks apart and spreads, contaminating other recyclables.

DPW director Pete Ratkiewich says, “Improper recycling creates additional processing costs for the town — costs that are ultimately passed on to residents. By following these simple guidelines, you can help keep Westport’s recycling program efficient and cost-effective.”

Rinse thoroughly before recycling!

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Yesterday’s item about tickets for Staples High School’s Pops Concert (Friday, June 5), included confusing information on the day tickets are available online.

You can order tickets beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 22. Click here for the link. Remember: first-come, first-served!

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Kyle Martino is many things.

At Staples High School he was the 1999 Gatorade High School Soccer Player of the Year. He was MLS Rookie of the Year, and earned 8 caps with the US men’s national team. He’s one of the best soccer broadcasters around, and the inventor of Goalpher, an innovation that turns basketball courts into mini-pitches.

Oh, yeah: Kyle, who now lives back in Westport, also created Street FC. They host street-style pickup games in unexpected spaces, from basketball and tennis courts to rooftops and empty lots, making it easy for anyone to show up and play.

Who showed up the other day with Kyle, on a Bronx street?

Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Wearing an Arsenal jersey, he joined Kyle — and a gang of kids — in an impromptu game.

Click here or below, to watch.

PS: Who has better skills: Kyle or the mayor?

It’s actually pretty close.

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Former Tree Board chair Dick Fincher died in 2024. Over many decades he contributed greatly to Westport, in many ways.

One was as a driving force behind the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, adjacent to Earthplace and just a few steps from his Old Hill home.

Soon, the Tree Board will honor him with a plaque, celebrating his dedication and love in creating the 12-acre park, then maintaining and caring for it.

Volunteers will reclaim a small area overtaken by invasives. Fittingly, it’s a spot Dick often watered, tending to daffodils and jack-in-the-pulpits.

Dick Fincher, at the Wadsworth Arboretum. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The “Shake It For Shea” online auction is now live.

Whether you’ll be at tomorrow’s 4th annual gala (Thursday, 7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport)  to raise money for Long QT Syndrome research at Mayo Clinic through Project Shea — Westporter Mark and Kira Greenfield’s great cause — or not, everyone can click here to bid.

Highlights include:

Golf: Grove XXIII, Winged Foot, Sleepy Hollow, Quaker Ridge, Philadelphia Cricket Club and more.

New York Knicks: First row seats at Madison Square Garden, a private shooting clinic at your home court with Allan Houston, a round of golf with John Starks and Larry, or watching a road game alongside Stephon Marbury.

Entertainment: A live taping of “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, 2 tickets to “& Juliet” on Broadway, a “Dancing with the Stars” taping, or VIP access to a closed-door Broadway show reading.

Dining: Dinner for 4 at Carbone NYC, the tasting menu at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, an 8-person in-home dinner cooked by celebrity chef Chris Nirschel, and more.

Travel: A week in a brand-new 4-bedroom villa in Cap Cana with a private chef and staff, plus stays at Ocean House, Brazilian Court Palm Beach, Plaza Athenee, Commodore Perry Estate, and more.

Sports memorabilia: Authenticated autographed pieces from Eli Manning, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Malik Nabers, Ray Lewis, Cal Raleigh, Paul Skenes and many more.

And those are just some of the great items.

Every dollar raised goes toward Long QT Syndrome research at Mayo Clinic through Project Shea.

The Shake It For Shea fundraiser.

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There’s plenty of purple in the photo above — and a ton of fuchsia in the “Westport … Naturally” image below:

(Photo/Niki van Praag)

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And finally … happy 76th birthday to the great (and ageless) Stevie Wonder!

We could have picked dozens of great songs. Here are just 3:

(It would be “wonder”-ful if every reader supported “06880.” Or just half! Or a quarter, even. Please click here to show some love for this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Sports, Staples HS

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Photo Challenge #572

Posted on December 14, 2025 | 13 comments

The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum is one of Westport’s hidden jewels.

The 12-acre site on Woodside Lane, adjacent to Earthplace, is a tranquil spot with woods, trails, and a couple of picnic tables.

There’s a small wooden shed there too, with black shutters. Like the park, it too may be overlooked.

But Lou Mall, Andrew Colabella, Amy Schneider and Tony McDowell all knew it was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see Susan Garment’s image.)

The first 3 of those readers must be Wadsworth Arboretum fans. McDowell of course is the recently retired executive director of Earthplace. So he’s definitely walked that property.

Congrats to that quartet. As for everyone else: Check out the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. It’s worth a visit, any time of year.

We’re outdoors again, for the next Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this intriguing sign, click “Comments” below.

And if you know the “beagle” in the back story, please include that too. You don’t see signs like this every day.

(Photo/Mandy Lewitton)

13 Comments

Posted in Environment, Photo Challenge

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Remembering Dick Fincher

Posted on November 1, 2024 | 6 comments

Dick Fincher — a longtime Westporter with a quiet passion for the town, and who served it in roles ranging from Tree Board chair, and Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member to Christ & Holy Trinity Church vestryman — died on Monday. He was 86. 

His family says:

The Fincher family lost their hero on October 28. Richard “Dick” Fincher enjoyed 86 wonderous trips around the sun.

The Indiana sand dunes, on the shores of Lake Michigan, were his playground.

Raised by 2 adoring uncles and a fiercely protective grandmother. All provided love, strength and a strong set of values, while at the same time imbuing Dick with a lifetime love of all things natural.

High school was spent at Benlippen in Asheville, North Carolina, where he excelled both academically and in sports. Dick was offered a basketball scholarship by Indiana State, and a soccer scholarship to Wheaton College in Illinois.

Wheaton won out. Dick played soccer, and captained his team to an NCAA championship his senior year.

Their first night at Wheaton, Dick met Dorothy “Dottie” Skeoch at a freshman mixer. Their friendship extended into an adventurous 63-year marriage.

Dick Fincher

An ROTC commitment took Dick and Dottie to Fort Lee, Virginia for a Quartermaster School assignment. There, among other commitments, Dick was asked to form and coach the post soccer team.

After completing his military assignment, Dick joined Continental Can Company. For the next 20 years he saw the world.

He then founded his own consulting and recruiting company, which lasted for the next 20 years.

Upon retirement, unable to sit in a hammock, Dick began carving and hand painting cedar fishing lures, which he sold from the Caribbean to Hawaii.

In 1969, this became Dick’s town. He immersed himself in everything Westport.

In addition to Earthplace, the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, Staples Tuition Grants, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church, Dick could be found on the sidelines cheering Staples High School soccer games, and attending town meetings where he believed he could make a difference.

Dick Fincher, at the entrance to the Wadsworth Arboretum (corner of Stonybrook Road and Woodside Lane).

His Old Hill neighborhood became his world. He championed formation of the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, monitored cars speeding through stop signs, gave advice, cared for folks in dark clothes walking the narrow streets, and worked endless hours in his yard, sharing the abundance of his garden with neighbors.

Seeing and visiting with neighbors, feeding his many birds, sitting on his front porch or strolling with his dog Gunner were the highlights of his day.

Summers found Dick captaining his boat on Long Island Sound, fishing for stripers and blues, and running lobster pots with his boys.

In his wake he leaves Dottie, his beloved sons Rick, Doug (Tracy) and Scott (Julie), 10 adored grandchildren (with a great-grandchild on the way), and many cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved.

A celebratory service is planned for Christ & Holy Trinity Church on December 28.

A gift in Dick’s name to Staples Tuition Grants’ Dick and Dottie Fincher Award
would delight him.

6 Comments

Posted in Environment, Obituaries, religion

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Pic Of The Day #1003

Posted on January 15, 2020 | 1 comment

Bridge between Earthplace and Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day

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Staples’ SLOBs Are Spectacular

Posted on April 29, 2019 | 4 comments

Yesterday’s wet, chilly weather forced a week’s postponement of the Main Street Outdoor Market, and Saugatuck Church’s Blessing of the Animals. It kept many Westporters indoors.

But it did not stop — or even bother — over 300 SLOBs.

Staples’ Service League of Boys’ 10th annual Service Sunday drew all those volunteers — high school boys, and their parents — to 18 work sites, in Westport, Fairfield, Norwalk and Bridgeport.

Westport venues included Earthplace, Wadsworth Arboretum, Homes with Hope’s Bachrach and Linxweiler houses, Sherwood Island State Park and Wakeman Town Farm.

Staples’ SLOBs cleaned pathways at the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum in Westport …

The groups whacked weeds, mulched, sorted charitable donations, power-washed, prepared food drive collection bags, cleaned playgrounds and paths,  painted mailboxes, removed invasive plants, hauled and spread compost, and assembled toiletry kits.

They also donated over $5,000 worth of school supplies, snack bags and used Legos to Bridgeport schools

That was SLOBs’ Sunday. How did you spend yours?

… and helped out at the Green Village Initiative cooperative garden in Bridgeport.

4 Comments

Posted in Organizations, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Happy Arbor Day! Get A Free Tree!

Posted on April 23, 2019 | 5 comments

It’s not exactly Christmas, or the 4th of July.

But Arbor Day is Friday. Westport won’t let the holiday pass unnoticed.

We’re even jumping the gun

From 2-5 p.m. this Thursday (April 25) in front of Town Hall, the Westport Tree Board will distribute lilac and Norway spruce saplings.

It’s first-come, first-served. Planting instructions are on each bag.

It’s a busy day for the Tree Board. At 1 p.m. — an hour before the event — they’ll join 1st Selectman Jim Marpe to unveil a new sign at the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum (corner of Stonybrook Road and Woodside Avenue).

Guests are invited to stay, walk the trails, and learn about trees on the 12-acre open space property. Then head over to Town Hall for your freebie.

(Thanks to Eversource Energy, for making Thursday’s 6th annual sapling giveaway possible.)

A Norway maple at the Wadsworth Arboretum.

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Organizations

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Photo Challenge #198

Posted on October 14, 2018 | 22 comments

Old habits die hard.

Sixty years after its founding, many Westporters still call Earthplace “the Nature Center.” (It had another name before that: the Mid-Fairfield County Youth Museum.)

But there’s something (relatively) new at the 62-acre property near the Norwalk  border. The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum is a 12-acre gem, filled with old trees, hiking trails, flowers and more.

The arboretum is town-designated open space, managed by tree warden Bruce Lindsay and the Westport Tree Board. While adjacent to Earthplace, ir is a separate entity. It’s funded largely by grants, donations, and some support from the town budget.

Rich Stein, Tom Ryan, Chip Stephens, Sharon Paulsen, Wendy Cusick, Walker Stollenwerck and Darcy Sledge all identified the spot, from the few small rocks and vegetation shown in Miggs Burroughs’ photo.

They know and love the Wadsworth Arboretum. You should too! (Click here for last week’s Photo Challenge image. Click here for an “06880” story about the land.)

The next Photo Challenge comes courtesy of David Meth:

(Photo/David Meth)

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

22 Comments

Posted in Environment, Photo Challenge

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Scott Smith Discovers Westport’s Hidden Gems

Posted on February 14, 2018 | 11 comments

Scott Smith is an alert “06880” reader, a longtime Westporter and an ardent outdoorsman. He writes:

If you ask Westporters to comment on our community’s natural charms, chances are most would cite the dazzling string of beaches and coastal places: Compo Beach, Sherwood Mill Pond, Gray’s Creek and Burying Hill. If pressed, they might claims Sherwood Island too.

Others would tout the Saugatuck River, from the fly fishing shallows along Ford Road to the impoundment of Lees Pond, and the tidal stretch through town leading to the mouth at Longshore and Cedar Point. Cockenoe Island gets a shout-out, too, especially from those with the nautical means to visit it.

Fishing off Ford Road (Photo/Richard Wiese)

But plenty of other places across Westport beguile with bucolic beauty. Many of these underappreciated open spaces are in the midst of a welcome renaissance, sparked by renovation efforts from those who love and tend them.

I’m talking about the town parks, preserves, land trusts and wildlife sanctuaries that constitute our remaining inland open spaces. Over the past year or two, I’ve visited quite a few. I always come away thinking how fortunate we are to be able to trod upon them.

“06880” has covered these developments over time, noting singular efforts and improvements. But if you step back and tally them all up, it’s quite an impressive list, covering virtually every part of town.

Over in Old Hill there’s the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. I toured it a couple of seasons ago with its caretakers, including Lou Mall and tree warden Bruce Lindsay. They’re spearheading its transformation from an untended patch of blow-downs and invasive vines to a fetching enhancement to the adjacent Earthplace facility.

Dead creepers line a Wadswworth Arboretum trail.

Coleytown has the Newman Poses Preserve, which affords a wonderful walk through meadows along the Saugatuck stream and through upland woods. Having the memory of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward and their family as you traipse along is a nice bonus. Their neighbors — and the Aspetuck Land Trust — get credit for giving us that open space.

Right near downtown there’s the blossoming of long-neglected Baron’s South, another town-led reclamation project with even brighter prospects in store as a nature-driven arts campus.

A path in Baron’s South. (Photo/Judy James)

And just down Compo, off Greenacre Road, is the hidden gem of the Haskins Preserve, my longtime favorite place for a weekend stroll.

Haskins Preserve’s dogwoods and daffodils — a lovely combination.

I have “06680” to thank for cluing me in to my newest place to take a hike: the Smith Richardson Preserve in Greens Farms. I’ve long known about the 2 parcels north of I-95. The Christmas tree farm off Sasco Creek Road is where I chop down a tree every year. I consider it in part my annual donation to the Connecticut Audubon Society, which manages the farm and the open space across the road.

But I had no idea of the separate property just across 95, a 36-acre parcel stretching from Sasco Creek all the way to the playing fields behind Greens Farms Academy off Beachside Avenue.

I walked it the other day, taking advantage of frozen ground to course through fields that are in the midst of being cleared of smothering vines and other invasive species.

It’s an impressive project, even if the space is hard by the highway and Metro-North rails. Hemmed in by neighboring houses big and small, and what looks to be a refuse depot managed by the railroad or state, the area has the look of a pocket-size Central Park in the making, with Olmstedian trails that wind through woods, and alongside meadows and ponds. I can’t wait to see how the property develops, with its ambitious new plantings and clearings, and whether the caretaking crews can keep the tick-haven invasives at bay.

Smith Richardson Preserve (Photo/Scott Smith)

These public/private corners of our community are all discovered places, at least for me. When I visit them, either with my dog or solo, I’m often the only one around. I like the solitude, and question why I’d even want to spread the word about them. Parking is often a pinch, and I’m not even sure about the proper access to the new Smith Richardson preserve behind GFA’s sprawling athletic fields.

But these largely hidden local natural spaces deserve recognition, and our support for the groups that manage them — the town, Aspetuck Land Trust, and the Connecticut Audubon Society — whether by check or volunteer hand.

Separately and together, they all make Westport a wonderful place to live and to explore.

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Posted in Environment, Organizations, Places

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