$1,500 crowdfunding goal to receive matching grant from Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund
Milford, CT, May 8, 2023 – The Walnut Beach Association is working to replace two environmental signs measuring 2’ x 4’ along Walnut Beach, and to install two new signs along the Walnut Beach Boardwalk. These new signs will feature QR code links to an amazing interactive tour of the Boardwalk created by Caroline Chesson, a local High School Graduate, as her senior environmental science project.
The project’s organizers are calling on the community to join this initiative by donating to a crowdfunding campaign or volunteering in the effort. If the campaign reaches its $1,500 goal by its fundraising deadline of Thursday, June 15, 2023, the project will receive a matching grant of $1,500 from Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund, which is an innovative funding resource for public, community-led sustainability projects. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/WalnutBeachSignProject
In addition to reproducing and installing environmental signage, the WBA will also post a plaque recognizing the efforts of Alex Valbuena, an Eagle Scout from Bridgeport who’s Eagle Scout Project rebuilt a municipal public space along Walnut Beach in 2019. The remaining funds will be used to beautify the signage with plantings, and to support the WBA’s Joe Garbus Scholarship Fund to support a local high school graduate pursuing a career in environmental studies.
In support of the arts, the WBA will put the original watercolor copy of our environmental sign on loan to a local business who commits $500 to this cause. The hopes is for residents, businesses and visitors to the Walnut Beach community may all enjoy a greater sense of awareness of the fragile beach ecosystem.
Sustainable CT inspires, supports, and recognizes sustainability action by towns and cities statewide. The Community Match Fund — supported by the Hampshire Foundation, the Tremaine Foundation, the Connecticut Green Bank, and Supporting Organizing Work CT —provides a dollar-for-dollar match to donations raised from the community, doubling local investment in projects. Anyone can lead a project and ideas can be proposed at any time.
“We’re thrilled to support replacing these educational signs and sharing this digital project with area visitors and residents. This project puts residents at the forefront of creating positive, impactful change,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director for Sustainable CT. “Like all Match Fund projects, this initiative is community led and community funded, demonstrating the power of people working together to make change where they live.”
Have a great idea for a public project in your community? Contact Sustainable CT at funding@sustainablect.org.
Erik Johnson
Walnut Beach Association
contact@walnutbeachassociation.com