Whitney Center Conservation-Nature Committee Hosts Earth Day Spectacular

L to R: Kristin Johnson, Malinda Hennen and
Howard Lawrence

In her nearly two years as a Whitney Center resident, Kristin Johnson has cultivated her lifelong love of nature by bringing more environmental programs to the Hamden, Conn., campus, and through her commitment to the New Haven Bird Club, of which she is an avid member. 

She started a wildlife series at the community, which involved bringing speakers to Whitney Center to discuss topics ranging from birding to safaris. Shortly after starting the wildlife series, Kristin realized that she could create more of an impact if she joined the Conservation Committee—already up and running at the community—and weaved the wildlife series into it.

The resulting merger, the Conservation-Nature Committee, has focused on educating the residents and staff of Whitney Center about environmental challenges and conservation efforts. The committee hosts talks on a variety of topics, including climate change, invasive plants, fracking and the Connecticut River Watershed.

This year, the committee decided to hold the first Earth Day Spectacular, an event designed to raise awareness of ways that Whitney Center and residents can lessen their environmental impact. Conservation-Nature Committee Co-chairs Kristin Johnson and Malinda Hennen, along with Howard Lawrence, committee member, organized a wide variety of informational displays, featuring both external companies and residents.

One resident crafted origami cranes out of recycled paper. Malinda Hennen’s exhibition featured information on the wide variety of items that can be recycled at Whitney Center. There was a Smart Car that residents could check out and sit in. One exhibition featured books about nature and suggestions of activities residents could do with their grandchildren to teach them about nature and the environment. Another exhibitor featured information on solar panels and how buildings could be built to be more “green,” an area of particular interest to the Conservation-Nature Committee, as Whitney Center plans for new buildings.

“The whole day was a lot of fun,” Kristin Johnson said. “People enjoyed themselves when they came by.”

Though they just finished with the 2014 Earth Day Spectacular, the Conservation-Nature Committee is already thinking ahead to next year. “Next year will be even bigger,” assured Kristin.

A special thanks to Whitney Center Nature-Conservation Committee, Catchin’ Rays Solar, Penske Automotive, Gray Is Green, All Waste, and residents of Whitney Center for their roles in the first annual Earth Day Spectacular!

Whitney Center is a nonprofit, continuing care retirement community in Hamden, Conn. To find out more about the community, check out our website, and find us on Facebook.