Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to energy costs.
That’s why we are offering Let’s Talk Energy, monthly learning opportunities with Eversource at the Russell Library.
Join us on the last Monday of the month in September, October and November.
Use this LINK to access the Russell Library Event Calendar to register.
All are welcome to attend and connect with the beautiful scenery at the future Midden Lookout, located at the closed Middletown landfill. This is a free, family-friendly event with fun activities, snacks and refreshments. Read the full post for more details!
Date & Time: Saturday, October 17, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Rain Date – Sunday, October 18)
Location: 180 Johnson Street, parking at the Keating Building, activities at the top of the closed landfill.
Use this LINK to register to attend.
The results of a 1-year study on how to make Middletown’s most dangerous streets safer will be shared at public information meetings on September 22 and September 24 in Middletown’s Council Chamber. Presentations by engineering firm CDM Smith will be given at 5 p.m., followed by questions and comments until 7 p.m. Continue reading
Bird populations have been declining in Connecticut for some time. This is one reason why we are working to suppress the mugwort infestation on the midden cap and replant with wildflowers and grasses to create a pollinator- and bird-friendly environment. Continue reading
By the end of this year, over 250 Middletown homes will complete a home energy assessment—most by this fall.
All Middletown residents can participate in HeatSmart Middletown.
Residents who have their home assessed save $70-$100 per year on their energy bills, and additional upgrades can lead to even more savings.
How are we reaching 250 homes in the year of America 250?
Here’s something to celebrate! With help from Lisa Liesener, Middletown’s Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator, we connected with the Middletown Housing Authority. Executive Director Ben Bare has committed to completing energy assessments at Housing Authority homes in the Rockwood Acres, Sunset Ridge, and Santangelo Circle neighborhoods.
Continue reading
Drone photo courtesy of Matt Stauble, Stauble Media. Click on the image to enlarge.
Our vision for the Midden Lookout Park is coming into view. This has been a core project of the Jonah Center, since 2006!
A recent drone photo by Matt Stauble shows the developing Midden Lookout Park in its summer glory. Follow along with this story by referring to the location letters A-I in the image.
A is the main location, the Midden Cap, where you can enjoy views of the 1000-acre marshland known as the Floating Meadows, a rich habitat for fish and birds. Continue reading
EXCITING NEWS!
Our Sustainable CT crowdfunding campaign to build the Wildlife Viewing Shelter at the Midden is COMPLETE!
To everyone who contributed and volunteered throughout this campaign, we would like to thank you once again for your overwhelming support.
With donations received (online and offline), we have updated our budget to use additional funds for more site prep which includes Mugwort suppression, ground prep, landscaping, and water capture from the roof of the shelter.
Building will begin next spring, once site prep is complete. We will share updates and exciting pictures as we reach major milestones!
With gratitude,
Kristen Colombo, John Hall & The Jonah Center Board and Staff
You can still visit our Lookout Fundraising site to learn about the planned Wildlife Viewing Shelter.
The rest of the long-term project has many elements, so donations and volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Just note your intent for the “Midden” on any donation to add to that fund.
If you are not familiar with this project, welcome to the effort! We have more details published on a dedicated webpage under Initiatives > Midden Lookout Park and Trails.
Since our last update, we’ve been coordinating with amazing partners to activate spring and summer work at the Midden.
We need volunteer paddlers to help us remove invasive water chestnut plants from local waterways. Ready to paddle and pull? Keep reading for dates and registration details.
Continue readingSpring is a great time to focus on energy efficiency in our homes. We tend to worry about staying warm in the winter, but it’s more important now than ever to stay cool during very hot summers.
Especially if you have an old AC unit, take the time to sign up for a Home Energy Solutions visit at Middletown » HeatSmart CT.
Another successful volunteer work party was held last Sunday!
If you want to be “in the know” for future events and would like to support this project in any way, consider joining the Trail Blazers. This group hears Midden news first…next work party events and other on-site activities too.
THANK YOU!
Volunteers showed up to this work party with unique talents (and tools!) and worked together like they’ve known each other for years! We were thrilled to have 15 volunteers commit an hour and a half of their day to help us clear Mugwort and brush on the new Loop Trail.
We have lots of news and new opportunities to get involved, supporting energy efficiency and clean energy in CT.
See below to learn about our next volunteer event, sign-up for a HeatSmart Home Energy Assessment, get energy resources for Middletown landlords and join a new clean energy movement!