Conserving land for all of Newtown
The Newtown Conservation Commission is dedicated to the acquisition, preservation and protection of 2,000 acres of town-owned open space. In addition, the Commission is actively working to encourage healthy habitats and increase the diversity of our native wildlife and vegetation.
Open SpaceThe Conservation Commission acquires and preserves land for future generations.
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Plan of ConservationThe 2014 Plan includes Newtown's vision for conserving natural resources and open space.
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About the CommissionOur mission is to conserve and maintain Newtown's natural resources.
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LIGHTS OUT CONNECTICUT
Next Migration Event: April 1–May 31
Join the growing community of CT residents, businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits pledging to turn off their unnecessary outdoor and indoor lighting from 11pm to 6am each night during peak bird migration to reduce the risk of light pollution to migratory birds.
Spring: Apr 1–May 31 and Fall: Aug 15–Nov 15.
Visit LightsOutCT.org for more information.
Invasive Plants
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What Is An Invasive Plant?
Invasive plants are not indigenous to our region. Primarily introduced from other countries and determined by scientific evaluation to be invasive, they are disruptive in a way that causes environmental harm or harm to human health (Japanese Barberry/Tick Connection). |
How Did Invasives Get Here?
Some invasives were accidentally introduced in shipping containers or with other plant material. Many were introduced intentionally as ornamentals or for specific uses (erosion control), before their invasive tendencies were realized. These plants have escaped cultivation, populated woodlands and wild places and continue to outcompete our native trees, plants, and shrubs. Vertical Divider
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Are All Invasives Restricted In CT?
Many of these plants are prohibited by statute in CT. However, more plants with invasive tendencies are awaiting further evaluation of all their many cultivars. Meanwhile, several species are still sold and continue to spread into woodlands and wild places. Vertical Divider
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What Are The Characteristics Of An Invasive Plant?
Invasive plants have a competitive advantage over indigenous (native) plants. The biggest issue with invasives is that they have no natural controls (an insect or disease) on growth and reproduction as they would in their native country of origin. Basically, they are unstoppable in our ecosystems. Characteristics include:
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Invasive plants have a competitive advantage over indigenous (native) plants. The biggest issue with invasives is that they have no natural controls (an insect or disease) on growth and reproduction as they would in their native country of origin. Basically, they are unstoppable in our ecosystems. Characteristics include:
- Rapid growth in a variety of soil and light conditions.
- High rate of reproduction with seeds that disperse over wide distances.
- Many are spread vegetatively by rhizomes and/or plant fragments.
- Invasive plants leaf out earlier and hold leaves longer than our native species.
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Native Plant Policy
Newtown was the first town in our state to approve a Native Plant Policy requiring the use of native plants on municipal properties. Native plantings help mitigate the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation and the proliferation of non-native exotic species. Supporting this policy shows our Town’s willingness to preserve and maintain healthy ecosystems, ensuring the well-being of our community now and for future generations. For more information, visit the Native Plants page.
Newtown Pollinator Pathway
A continuous corridor of public and private lands Healthy habitat for bees, butterflies and other important pollinators.
Bee on it!
- Go Pesticide Free
- Include Native Plantings
- Reduce Your Lawn
- Leave Some Natural Areas
- Provide a Source of Clean Water
For more information on how to join the Newtown Pollinator Pathway, go to: