Category: Environment

Time to Register Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride and Support 20 Local Environmental Projects

by Chris Schweitzer, New Haven/León Sister City Project 

Rock to Rock is moving ahead for this spring, working with over 20 partner organizations to take real action in response to the climate emergency, and raise critical support for local environmental organizations. 2026 rides include 5, 12, 20, 40, 60-mile, and two Family Rides in East Rock Park, plus hikes in East Rock Park and West Rock Park. Join the fun Saturday, April 25. All rides start and end at East Rock Park, with a Green Fair, live music and food trucks. Register at rocktorock.org.

Free Vegetable Gardening Classes

by Lucy Marinelli, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven returns with their organic vegetable gardening classes to help get you ready for gardening season.

Our classes are hybrid and offered as individual classes or in bulk. Thanks to the generous support of the Greater New Haven Green Fund this year, we are able to offer the classes cost-free to community gardeners and area residents. Your donation is always greatly appreciated!

This year, we’re offering the following classes on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.:

  • February 7: Soils and Composting
  • February 14: Cool Weather Crops
  • February 21: Warm Weather Crops
  • February 28: Garden Pests and Diseases
  • March 7: Seed Starting, When and Where to Plant
  • March 14: Preserving your Garden Harvest

More detailed class descriptions can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3Zsgm8H.

All classes are held 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday mornings at 333 Sherman Ave. (Building 3), New Haven, CT  06511. For more information and to register for the classes, please call (203) 562-0598 or email Kathy Fay at kfay@nhsofnewhaven.org.

Since 1979, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven has been strengthening neighborhoods by developing affordable housing and increasing homeownership opportunities; providing homebuyer education and financial coaching; making homes safe, beautiful and energy efficient; and working to improve the communities in which we are working by helping residents take charge of their neighborhoods.

We send out a quarterly newsletter so you can stay up to date on our real estate development project, community events, classes and more!  To see the latest newsletter and sign up:

December 2025 Newsletter: http://bit.ly/49lEVdq

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/ggu0fz

Greater New Haven Green Fund Wants You to Apply for Funding

by Lynne Bonnett, GRNH Green Fund

It’s not too late to apply for a community grant that addresses environmental and sustainability issues in the  Greater New Haven area (New Haven, Woodbridge, Hamden and East Haven).  Applications are online, all the information that you need is available on: www.gnhgreenfund.org.  Any questions? Contact info@gnhgreenfund.org to schedule an appointment.

Grants are available for up to $10,000.  The fund has given out $750,000 since its inception in 2011.  You can view grant history on the Green Fund’s website.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity if you are interested – the offer closes Jan. 30, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Never had a grant before? The fund also offers small grants (up to $1000) for community projects – recommended for those that are new to the grant application process.  If you have an event planned that has wide public attendance and meets our goal of supporting environmental and sustainability initiatives, they offer sponsorships to help cover the costs of the event. All the application information is available at  www.gnhgreenfund.org.

Nine Arrested After CT Climate Activists Stage Sit-In at Governor’s Office

by Karla Ciaglo Nov. 18, 2025, CT News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT — A coalition of climate and community groups staged a sit-in outside Gov. Ned Lamont’s office Monday [Nov. 17], urging the administration to halt a series of natural gas projects they say contradict the state’s newly adopted climate mandates and place additional burdens on communities already grappling with high energy costs and environmental stress.

Calling themselves Don’t Destroy Our Future, the group included members of Sunrise Movement Connecticut, Third Act, the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network and other advocates who said the action reflected the linked challenges of climate, affordability, public health and community safety. [Read entire article at https://bit.ly/44kXmM8].

Sierra Club Demands No Pipeline Expansion!

by Sena Wazer, Sierra Club CT

The Trump Administration has stated their intention to drive methane gas pipeline expansion in the Northeast. These expansions harm our communities, drive climate change, and raise our electricity prices.

Yet instead of standing up, governors across the Northeast—including in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts—are allowing for these expansions to move forward.

So we’re fighting back. But to be effective, we need to build people power across our states, and to do that, we need your help!

The No Pipeline Expansion (NOPE) Northeast Coalition is hosting an in-person and interactive workshop on Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Middletown. The workshop will include an opportunity to learn about gas pipeline expansions in Connecticut and the Northeast, build power, strategize next steps, and take action.

Whether you are a new or experienced activist, have engaged with the NOPE Northeast Coalition before or are brand new, we want you to join us. To find more information about the workshop and RSVP, please go to bit.ly/nopepipelineworkshop.

Please email sena.wazer@sierraclub.org with any questions and check out the coalition’s past work at nopenortheast.org.

News from the Hamden Public Library Seed Library 

The third garlic giveaway is in the works. If interested, email us at hplseedlibrary@gmail.com. Distribution will be in early November.

A seed saving workshop featuring native plants is being considered for sometime in the fall.

Winter sowing workshops at the following branch libraries:

Brundage, 91 Circular Ave., Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6-7:45 p.m.

Whitneyville, 125 Carleton St., Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-7:45 p.m.

Miller, 2901 Dixwell Ave., Saturday, Dec. 6, 2-4 p.m.

Registration will begin in November for these sessions.

Questions? Email the Hamden Public Library Seed Library at hplseedlibrary@gmail.com.

Connecticut Green Energy News, August 22, 2025

Heating Aid in CT Expected to Increase this Winter

CT Mirror: For the first time in four years, state officials in Connecticut are anticipating an increase in energy assistance for low-income families this winter, though it remains to be seen whether much-needed federal funding will come through to provide support for the program. The Department of Social Services recently released its annual projected spending for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, including a maximum benefit of $1,920 this winter, which is $160 more than last year.

Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Clean Energy in Limbo for CT

WSHU: The Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars that were expected to go towards solar and wind energy, including hundreds of millions for Connecticut. The “Solar for All” program was part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by the Biden administration. It was supposed to help 900,000 low-income households across the country reduce pollution and utility bills through clean energy initiatives. Connecticut was supposed to get more than $60 million for the initiative.

Do You Have a Garden? It’s a Good Time to Get Your Soil Tested

A soil test can advise you when you are planting something new, and when an existing garden area is doing less well than expected. Following the recommendations of a soil test can save you money and improve the quality of your plantings. Adding soil nutrients when they aren’t needed can negatively impact our water supply.

Home gardeners have two sources for soil testing in Connecticut: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), free; and the UConn Soil Testing Lab (UConn), $15 per test. They each test for major and minor nutrients and pH. in addition, UConn tests for lead, while CAES analyzes soil texture and organic matter.

For the CAES form and instructions, go to bit.ly/3JtbThr.
For the UConn form and instructions, go to bit.ly/3Hrqae1.

Save the Date for Refresh & Recharge 2025, July 19, 1-4pm

Join a host of CT environmental organizations for the second annual Refresh & Recharge. In these times, it is good to gather with friends old and new to discuss important issues, how to move forward and gain momentum. The afternoon will begin with networking and lunch followed by a panel discussion about how to extend our reach. The fantastic panel will include:

  • Attorney Cynthia Jennings (a civil rights and environmental lawyer and longtime activist in Hartford)
  • Christine Palm (founding director of Active Voice and former 3-term state legislator)
  • Alycia Jenkins (an organizer for Sierra Club CT and an author)
  • Pramod Pradhan (community engagement librarian and liaison to the West Hartford Human Rights Commission and co-founder of the Nepali Association of CT)

Following the panel, participants will have a choice of activities (beginner Pilates, poster-making, or advocacy mini-workshop). REGISTER

—
Deb Roe, Program Manager
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