Since our last update, we’ve been coordinating with amazing partners to activate spring and summer work at the Midden. 

Navigating Regulations
To meet DEEP’s Waste Engineering & Enforcement Division (WEED) requirements, we are working on a “disruption authorization” application to build our paths and wildlife viewing shelter. This requires a professional site plan, and we are incredibly grateful to Snyder Civil Engineering in Portland for providing this service as a gift to the community.

Restoring the Landscape
Maintenance continues as we prep for larger features of the plan. We are wrestling with mugwort, clearing old encampment debris, and preparing for a future pollinator meadow. This important work is a collaborative effort: 

• Kathy Connelly, Speaking of Landscapes, LLC has been a thoughtful partner, supported by the Middletown Garden Club to help us fight invasive species and plan for pollinators. 
• The Middletown Land Use, Public Works and Economic Development departments continue to consult with us as needed, connecting us with Eco Waste, who is generously donating woodchips, helping to get woodchips to the top of the landfill, and authorizing work around the Keating Building.  
• Alchemy Greenhouse and Landscaping in Portland is a trusted consultant for construction plans for paths and features. 
• Building on last year’s successful mowing, we’ve contracted Plummer Landscaping for regular summer cuts to suppress the mugwort. 

Funding the Wildlife Viewing Shelter
Watch out for a special fundraiser announcement! We are getting ready to partner with Wesleyan’s Architecture II students to build the shelter next spring.

The budget for the shelter is $12,000. If we raise $6,000 from at least 60 individual donors, the Sustainable CT Matching Fund will double it! We’ll need the help of the Jonah Center Community to promote this campaign and reach our goal once it launches.