by Lara Ariori

Early on the morning of October 5, John Burns and Conservation Fellows Evan Meyer and Lara Ariori sat in on a “Concord Conservation Coffee.” This monthly meeting held by the Concord Natural Resources Commission is a great example of an active group of concerned community members coming together to share ideas and network. While enjoying coffee, juice and coffeecake, members of the Commission, local conservation groups, and the larger Concord community discussed conservation related events in Concord and gave updates about events planned by their respective groups.

State Senator James Eldridge, executive director of The Nature Connection Sophie Wadsworth, and Natural Resources Director Delia Kaye were also in attendance.

Issues discussed included recycling incentives to local businesses, solar and wind power, and tree removals. John and Delia explained an upcoming invasive removal project planned by the Conservation Department in Calf Pasture, a Concord town-owned meadow.

The Concord Conservation Coffee meetings are an inspiring example of collaboration between town government, non-profit, and individual interests. Over 40 people attended, and while many had issues they wanted to share with the group, many were just there to listen and educate themselves.

If our experience at the Concord meeting sounds interesting to you, consider listening in next month, or starting one in your own town!