Policy Potluck emphasizes need to protect pollinators

Policy Potluck emphasizes need to protect pollinators

The speakers at Thursday’s ‘Policy Potluck’ at Sharon Audubon Center on the topic of neonicotinoids are, from left, Joan Seguin, Robert LaFrance and Louise Washer.

Ruth Epstein

SHARON — With the arrival of spring comes the lilting sound of songbirds announcing their return. But these creatures are facing harmful impacts from the increasing use of neonicotinoids, a form of pesticide that could endanger their existence, as well as other members of nature.

During a Policy Potluck event at Sharon Audubon on Thursday, March 20, three speakers gave a presentation titled “Neonicotinoids: The New DDT.” Joan Seguin of Greenwich from Connecticut Coalition for Pesticide Reform, Louise Washer, president of Norwalk River Watershed Association, and a member of CPR, and Robert LaFrance of Clinton, director of policy at Audubon CT, spoke with strong conviction about the negative effects of the chemical and how to reduce its presence in the environment.

In her introduction of the trio, Sharon Audubon Center Director Eileen Fielding said, “We are a local center, but are also linked to other teams. We all want to fight for sound environmental policy.”

Washer explained that Connecticut Coalition for Pesticide Reform is made up of more than 40 conservation groups who have banded together to promote organic land management. “We’re all stressed by pollinator decline,” she said, noting the large loss of monarch butterflies, bumble bees and other insects. Insects are needed since they are 96% of the menu of all terrestrial birds. “The use of pesticides and lawn chemicals are a big part of the problem. They are jeopardizing over 200 threatened and endangered species and impacting access to food chains.” Studies have also shown they can have human health impacts.

She gave the audience ways in which to protect pollinators, which include using native pesticide-free plantings. “Lawns have gone a bit haywire,” she said, pointing out there are 40 million acres of lawn in the United States, which provide no food or shelter for birds and take up 9 billion gallons of water per day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Fertilizers and toxins put on lawns wash into wetlands, rivers and oceans. There is evidence that neonics used to kill grubs in lawns can be harmful and provide no benefit. Nor do they help seed treatments on new crops.

Washer said tests on these products are done primarily by their manufacturers on a limited population, so their ingredients are not really known.

Seguin talked about the neonics found in Connecticut rivers. A map was displayed showing where samples were taken by environmental groups and the high levels found in several waterways. The only dot shown on the map for the Northwest Corner was for the Salmon River, where, at the time of the test several years ago, found no evidence of the chemical. She said the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, while aware of concerns, has no data on where it’s been applied on state property.

Bills to limit the use of neonics have been submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly, but have never come to a vote. Opposition stems from landscapers, turf managers and golf course operators, who don’t think legislation should be done on a state level.

LaFrance said the federal government is not going to take action on the matter, so it is falling to the states and to organizations such as Audubon. He urged those in attendance to contact their state lawmakers to support legislation (House Bill 6196) calling for restriction of use of neonicotinoids for certain commercial and agricultural applications.

“We need a state law,” said Washer, emphatically. “This is unequivocal. The science is not debatable.”

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage
Jonathan Walker as “Greg” and Jen Cody as “Sylvia”in rehearsal at The Sharon Playhouse.
Aly Morrissey

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less