​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 Space

The Conservation Commission acquires and preserves land for future generations.

Plan of Conservation

The 2014 Plan includes Newtown's vision for conserving natural resources and open space.​
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About the Commission

Our mission is to conserve and maintain Newtown's natural resources.
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Native Plant Policy for Newtown

The Town of Newtown has approved a Plan requiring the use of native plants on municipal properties.  Requiring native plants for Town landscapes will help mitigate the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation and the proliferation of non-native exotic species. It also shows the Town’s willingness to preserve and maintain healthy ecosystems, ensuring the well-being of our community now and for future generations.
  • Local native plants are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and all living things.
  • Native plants promote healthy watersheds.
  • Native trees are more efficient for sequestering carbon.
  • Forest trees are critical for combating climate change but are diminished and fragmented with ever-increasing development.
  • Land Trusts and Open Spaces are hugely beneficial for preserving our wild places but will never be enough to provide for the diverse wildlife on which our world increasingly relies.
  • All wildlife depends on native plants for survival, providing food and shelter for 10-15 times more species of birds, butterflies and other wildlife than non-native species. –CT Audubon.
  • Non-native exotic ornamental trees and shrubs are replacing our native plants in suburban gardens on which wildlife increasingly depends. –Doug Tallamy, Entomologist, Univ. of Delaware.
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Follow-up Vegetation Study Completed at High Meadow

On September 7, 2021 a follow up vegetation survey was conducted in the High Meadow 5-acre test site at Fairfield Hills campus, Newtown.

Data collected for this 3-year study was compared to the initial vegetation study done in August of 2017. The report concluded that the meadow is becoming more biological diverse. Several plant species of high pollinator value have been identified.

Continued monitoring of invasive plants will be necessary. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a particular concern along meadow edges. Often an overlooked infiltrator of meadow habitats, it has no value to pollinators or other wildlife. Mugwort crowds out beneficial plant species and also contributes to hay fever allergies.

Japanese Knotweed: A Growing Problem

Japanese knotweed, resembling bamboo, is a persistent plant spreading in Newtown and across the U.S., harming native vegetation and property values. It's native to Japan but now found in 42 states and eight Canadian provinces. Its extensive underground rhizomes enable rapid spread and even pavement penetration. While it's not visible year-round, its presence can significantly lower property values. Unlike the UK, the U.S. lacks legal protections for buyers of infested property. Controlling knotweed is possible, with some towns taking action. Newtown residents are urged to report infestations to help map the problem areas.

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:

Propollinators.org or Pollinator-Pathway.org