Dive the Depths of the World’s Oceans at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Billed as “Connecticut’s premier destination for entertainment and education,” the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (www.mysticaquarium.org)certainly lives up to its claims.  Read more...

Take a Local Vacation at One of Connecticut’s Green Inns and Bed & Breakfasts

According to a 2007 Expedia.com survey, 35% (that's nearly one-third) of all Americans don’t use their allotted vacation days. If you’ve resolved to take your much-deserved time off, but are skeptical about the real benefit of carbon offsets and sustainable travel, you can still enjoy your time off without feeling guilty for polluting the planet. Go local!

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Connecticut Embraces Its Passion for Horticulture with the Federated Garden Clubs

Established during the spring of 1929, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut [http://www.ctgardenclubs.org/] is now made up of over 8,000 members and 152 clubs. Read more...

Bushnell Park - Hartford’s Often Overlooked Gem

"An opening in the heart of the city, to which citizens will naturally flow in their walks; a place where children play; a place for holiday scenes and celebrations; where rich and poor will exchange looks and make acquaintance through the eyes; a place of life and motion that will make us more completely conscious of being one people." Read more...

Painting Takes Priority: Creative Days at Weir Farm

by Victoria Everman

Founded in 1882 and established as a National Historical Site, Wilton/Ridgefield’s Weir Farm is the only National Park Service Site dedicated to American painting.  Read more...

Between long days at the office, running errands and after school activities, it is easier than ever to loose touch with the natural world. Not associated with the National Audubon Society (whose Connecticut branch was established in 1941), the Connecticut Audubon Society [http://www.ctaudubon.org/] has been working to “conserve [our local] environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and habitats” since 1898, including 19 wildlife sanctuaries with over 2,600 acres of open space.

One of the many programs the CAS offers is exciting EcoTravel experiences, including local day trips. “Have you ever wanted to chase a rarity near Connecticut, but couldn't find directions, or were concerned about going alone? Here's your chance to join CAS EcoTravel Rarities Expeditions [http://ecotravel.ctaudubon.org/day.htm]. We'll provide the transportation, drivers, company, and experienced leadership.” Often hosting at least four day-long adventures a month, the CAS EcoTravel program includes everything from bald eagles, harbor seals, the rare osprey, hiking, biking and more. Read more...

Visiting a museum can sometimes be boring for both kids and adults but many of us feel somewhat obligated to walk through. One private non-profit in Westport was established to help educate and preserve the local Connecticut environment; in turn, they have found a way to make appreciating nature a fun-filled activity for the whole family.

“Founded in 1958 and accredited by The American Association of Museums, Earthplace [http://www.earthplace.org/] maintains a 62 acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, contains an interactive natural history museum, houses live wildlife for public viewing and hosts many public nature programs and events,” says their official website. You could easily spend a long weekend at Earthplace and you still wouldn’t be able to see everything this unique destination has to offer. Read more...

No matter the weather, a walk outdoors can enliven the spirit and put our lives into perspective. If your local parks and green spaces just aren’t inspiring you anymore then a hike along the Appalachian Trail is just what the doctor ordered.

Completed in 1937 as part of the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail stretches through 14 states along the East Coast: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. The entire trail is a total of 2,175 miles and varies in elevation from 124 feet to 6,625 feet. Nearly 10,000 people have reportedly hiked the entire distance, which can take upwards of seven months to complete and cost nearly $6,000 for gear and supplies along the way. Read more...

 

By Carol Latter

Construction is set to begin on the most environmentally sustainable five-star hotel in North America. Located at Wyndansea Oceanfront Golf Resort, the $200 million luxury hotel will sit on 370 acres of property at Long Beach, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and overlook more than three miles of rugged coastline.

The hotel will be built to the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED™) Gold standards. It will use renewable energy systems such as seawater geo-thermal exchange, tidal power and photo-voltaic energy. Wyndansea is integrating state-of-the-art  LEED sustainable design practices for its entire resort, including building structures, interiors, furnishings, pathways, roads and services.

The property is being developed by Marine Drive Properties Ltd., and was designed by Ron Lea of Folio Architecture. “This hotel will get the world’s attention and be a showcase for Vancouver Island,” says Lea. “We believe it will be one of the most sustainable hotels in the world and the premier golf resort on the west coast of North America.”
Lea and developer Elke Loof Koehler, CEO of Marine Drive Properties Ltd., are building the luxury hotel to embrace three core design values: sustainability, integrity, and spirituality.  “The vision for Wyndansea combines a sense of respect for a special place with the guiding principles of luxury and sustainability,” says Loof-Koehler.
The LEED Green Building Rating System is a globally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

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By Jessica Wronowski

As the trend toward green living grows, more people are seeking foods that fuel the body, appease the mind and sustain the planet. This often translates to a healthy diet that emphasizes organic and local produce, while minimizing a dependence on meat and pre-packaged foods. The organic lifestyle, however, doesn’t have to chain you to the kitchen. In Connecticut, a number of dining options exist for those who desire wholesome options, but refuse to scrimp on taste. Each of the following restaurants begins with a philosophy and adds a big dash of creativity to cook up some truly inspiring, organic cuisine. AllGreen Magazine takes a close look at five Connecticut restaurants that strive to create savory, organic meals to help nourish the body and replenish the earth. Read more...