How Are We Protecting Fairfield’s Natural Resources? Find out February 23rd

Fairfield’s New Conservation Director Will Discuss Protecting Fairfield’s Vital Natural Resources

Fairfield: The Mill River Wetland Committee (MRWC) introduces Brian Carey, Fairfield’s New Conservation Director on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 7 pm in the Memorial Room at the Fairfield Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road; Free and open to the public.

MRWC, Fairfield’s oldest non-profit organization committed to environmental science education, will be holding their 49th Annual Meeting. The keynote speaker Brian Carey, Fairfield’s new Director of Conservation, will present his insight on the roles and functions of the Conservation Department and how the department has an

impact on everyday life for Fairfield residents.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau noted, “Mr. Carey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position which will be essential to the many duties he will be performing for our Town. I look forward to our community getting to know Mr.Carey whose expertise will help the Conservation Department continue the great work it has been providing for our citizens and for our environment.”

Prior to serving the Town of Fairfield, Mr. Carey was Conservation Superintendent for the Town of Stratford for seven years. He was instrumental in the 35-acre Long Beach West Barrier Beach Restoration Project, which

was awarded the Coastal America Partnership Award by President Obama.

Mr. Carey helped acquire a $2,850,000 state grant to demolish and remediate the 10.5-acre Contract Plating site, which lies within Stratford’s Transit Oriented Development District (TOD). He also started the Town of Stratford’s first Brownfield Program which, to date, has received over $4 million dollars of federal and state funding since its inception in 2011.

Mr. Carey has successfully restored public land from invasive plant overgrowth, obtained millions in grant funding for

remediation programs, holds innumerable certifications and licenses, and is a lifelong Fairfield resident.

About MWRC: Since 1967, the MRWC has been developing and conducting the River-Lab Program for grades 3-6 in the Fairfield Public and Parochial Schools. Members of MRWC were an integral part of the community response to the lead removal project on the Mill River, and they continue to actively monitor the progress of the cleanup. The Mill River is an important ecological resource and vital Town asset.

For more information on MRWC, please visit www.riverlab.org.

Event Contact: Roberta Clark, river-lab@juno.com, (203) 259-1847.