Conservation Commission

Mission Statement

The mission of the Sherman Conservation Commission is to protect the natural environment of Sherman and all of its resources. The commission's statutory obligation is to make environmental impact reports on proposed subdivisions, which will be submitted to the Sherman Planning and Zoning Commission.

OBJECTIVES

Working with the Sherman Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission to protect local surface and subsurface water resources.
Educating ourselves as Commissioners about conservation principles and best practices, thereby enabling the Commission to be a reliable source of accurate and up to date information for applicants and residents.
Working with the Planning and Zoning Commission to strengthen the Sherman zoning code to preserve and protect open space, prime farmland, ridgelines, scenic vistas/sites and historical areas.
Educating the general public about environmental threats to native species and their associated habitats; the challenge posed by invasive species; the importance of preserving our agricultural heritage and viable local farming, and the health of the overall environment.
Periodically reviewing and updating the town's Natural Resource Inventory and compiling an inventory of town open space resources and creating a plan for their management.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Conservation Commission
Mallory Town Hall
9 Rt 39 North
P.O. Box 39
Sherman, Connecticut 06784

scc@townofshermanct.org

Conservation Commission Members

William McCann, Chairman
Michele MacKinnon, Vice Chairman
Jen Freed, Commissioner
Breezy Grenier, Commissioner
Connor MCGowan, Commisioner
Colette Shulman, Commissioner
Lauren Weber, Commissioner
Anne Weisberg, Commissioner
Christine Aruza, Clerk

* There is one vacancy on this Commission

*Interested applicants should contact First Selectman, Don Lowe

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Putting Your Garden to Bed – September 20^th

With the arrival of the fall season, it’s time to start thinking about the changes it brings for our gardens. Please join the Conservation Commission and the Sherman Library on September 20^th @ 7:00 p.m. for ‘Putting Your Garden to Bed’ with advanced master gardener Michele MacKinnon.

This zoom presentation will teach attendees:

A new, gentle approach to garden care
How to protect over-wintering insects
Ways to preserve natural materials for healthy soil
Methods to minimize yard waste

To register for this event, please visit: https://www.shermanlibrary.org/registration-dropdown or call: 860-354-2455.

2018 Natural Resources Inventory

The Conservation Commission has recently completed the Sherman Natural Resources Inventory Report and Recommendations . Below is a link to the report and printed copies are available in the Planning & Zoning Office for $10.00.

2018 Natural Resource Inventory Report and Recommendations

POLLINATOR RESOURCE GUIDE

Want to learn more about pollinators? Check out this handy guide to pollinator resources. It has lists of blogs, websites, citizen projects, recommended books and more valuable information to help you get started. Recommended Pollinator Resources

If you are wondering what to plant to attract pollinators to your yard – this comprehensive list from Jim Dillon, PCH – has it all with detailed planting tips for perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees. Plant List for Pollinators

View a recording of “Pollinator Gardens--Create a Garden Wildlife Will Love” (85 min) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oNlHqCb0eV31KKsPIWLdwIqj43U8LYuO/view?usp=sharing

See photos of pollinator plants grown in Sherman or in nearby locations beginning at 44:00 min in recording. View the plant list in order shown in recording.

“An Evening with Doug Tallamy—The Nature of Oaks”

Discover the complex web of wildlife supported by our region’s extraordinary oaks, along with practical tips for growing your own oaks.

Recorded October 6, 2022 (80 min) - watch now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuvTdfUMhcM&t=364s