Sharon plants oak seedlings 
for inaugural Native Plant Month

From left, First Selectman Casey Flanagan, Selectman John Brett, Arborist Mike Nadeau, Bramble and Ian Brunell helped plant the oak seedlings May 2.

Riley Klein

Sharon plants oak seedlings for inaugural Native Plant Month

SHARON — The early kindergarten class of Sharon Center School helped town leaders and environmentalists plant two white oak trees at the school Friday, May 2.

The planting marked the end of Sharon’s first Native Plant Month, which took place in April. Bethany Sheffer of the town Conservation Commission suggested dedicating the month to native plants last year and submitted a proclamation to the selectmen.

The Board of Selectmen presented the signed proclamation to Sheffer at the site of the planting. First Selectman Casey Flanagan said, “It goes every April until eternity.”

“Native plants adapted to this area. They are resilient,” Flanagan explained. “It lessens our impact on the environment and at the same time creates habitat for pollinators, birds and game animals.”

“There are so many smart and eager minds in this town who really are so ready for this kind of work,” said Sheffer.

In addition to the selectmen and the Conservation Commission, Sheffer stated, “We were able to gain traction with support from the Sharon Energy and Environmental Commission, Inland Wetlands and local environmental nonprofit organizations such as the Sharon Land Trust and the Sharon Audubon Center.”

Resident Ian Brunell donated the white oaks. He germinated the seeds with the help of his sons, Bramble and Pieter.

“We go around and collect seeds and then I have different setups at home for propagating different species,” Brunell explained. With dozens of locally sourced trees growing in his yard, Flanagan asked if he would consider donating some for Native Plant Month.

“We wanted it to be educational for the kids and the adults in town,” said Flanagan.

Mike Nadeau, tree expert and member of the Energy and Environmental Commission, oversaw the digging, planting and watering at the school.

The compost came from Sharon Town Garage’s heap, which is available to residents for pickup.

Early kindergarteners helped make sure the compost was filled with nutrients as evidenced by the presence of worms.

“That’s a worm!” one student shouted.

“I wanna see it,” remarked another. “Eww!”

“Oh, come on. They’re delicious!” Nadeau declared.

Once planted, mulched and watered, the students rinsed their hands off in the water bucket and the tree was quickly protected with chicken wire before recess began.

As part of the education component of Native Plant Month, several informative workshops were planned. The final session will focus on herbicide-free invasive plant management. It will be held at Nadeau’s home on 169 Bowne Road in Sharon May 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Latest News

Senator Murphy starts statewide walk in Northwest Corner

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy walks through Sharon on the first day of his annual statewide walk.

Photo by Ruth Epstein

Decked out in a blue T-shirt, khaki shorts and a UConn cap, the man walking along Route 41 in Sharon Wednesday morning looked like others who just enjoy getting out to commune with nature. But U. S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D) had some other thoughts on his mind.

For the ninth year, he was walking across Connecticut to connect with citizens of the state. This year’s route began May 28 in Salisbury and took him to Sharon and Kent for the day.

Keep ReadingShow less
Marion J. Pedersen

SHARON — Marion J. (Cookingham) Pedersen of Sharon, passed peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born in Pine Plains, New York, she lived a life of love and unwavering strength. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife known for her cooking skills.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eleanor Sternlof

LIME ROCK — Eleanor Anne Sternlof (née de Guise) of White Hollow Road passed away on April 25, 2025 at Geer Village in North Canaan, Connecticut. She was 94 and the loving wife of the late Paul William Sternlof, who died on August 12, 2005.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 11am to 1pm at The Kenny Funeral Home, 41 Main Street, Sharon, CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jacqueline Irene Dirck

SHARON — Jacqueline Irene Dirck, affectionately known as Jackie, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 84. Born on Nov. 19, 1940, in Joplin, Missouri, Jackie lived a life filled with warmth, laughter, and deep devotion to those she loved.

Jackie shared an extraordinary 62-year marriage with her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, Ronald Dirck. Their enduring partnership was a shining example of lifelong love and unwavering support. Together they created a home that radiated joy, a gathering place for family celebrations marked by spirited card games, hearty meals, and heartfelt conversations. Jackie especially treasured quiet afternoons spent with a cocktail in hand, embracing life’s simple pleasures with grace and good cheer.

Keep ReadingShow less