Smart, Lake-Friendly Savings Are On This Spring’s Agenda

Again this spring, there’s a triple whammy of savings which will protect your wallet as well as our environment. Soil Testing Day is scheduled for Sunday, April 23 and will be held in both New Fairfield (at Stop &
Shop) and Sherman (at the IGA). The event offers property owners the opportunity to receive free, scientific guidance on how to enhance the fertility of their soils and nourish their lawn and garden plantings while minimizing harmful effects to the Watershed. Special discount prices on recommended fertilizers will be available as well — offered by our local participating garden centers — to balance your soil’s nutrient content and add to these savings.

Co-hosted by the Candlewood Watershed Initiative (CWI), Ca
ndlewood Lake Authority (CLA), Friends of Ball Pond, and the CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), this will mark the tenth straight year for this unique event designed to raise awareness of the financial, energy and environmental values of smart fertilizing practices. So set a small portion of this day aside to take advantage of the benefits of participating in this Lake-friendly initiative. It’s smart, free for ‘first timers,’ and easy to participate!

Soil Testing Day simply involves digging soil samples from representative portions of your lawn and/or garden, inserting them in plastic baggies to be provided, returning them to one of two Soil Sampling Sites, and sitting back to receive your test results by mail from the CT Agricultural Experiment Station. It’s a great deal — particularly for those concerned about their property’s health and that of the environment, notably our streams and lakes. So mark the date and keep your eye out for future articles in the Town Tribune that will provide further specifics on how you, and your lawn and garden – as well as Candlewood Lake and its Watershed — can benefit.

By Jim McAlister, Candlewood Watershed Initiative