Commission advances owl‑box, orchard and community‑garden plans; seeks partners

Members of the Torrington Conservation Commission discussed a series of community stewardship projects including construction and placement of owl boxes, potential purple martin habitat (condos/gourds), and orchard work at Bowman Gardens and 5 Points. Staff and volunteers reported they expect to have materials for owl boxes ready by February and identified local partners to help with installation and student engagement.

The commission reviewed three root‑bound apple saplings currently being fostered; if the saplings regain vigor they will be planted at Bowman Gardens, otherwise the commission will pursue replacement stock—possibly through the Northwest Conservation District’s plant sale. Commissioners discussed timing for volunteer events: pruning workshops in early spring (March) and tree‑planting in the fall or during scheduled volunteer days. They suggested working with local organizations, including 5 Points and Trinity Church’s community garden, to steward fruit trees and help maintain raised beds.

For purple martins, staff said the species prefers large water bodies and open foraging areas; Public Works indicated willingness to help install a martin condo at a riverfront site (Toro was suggested) once owl boxes are in place. Commissioners emphasized partnering with schools or Master Gardeners for monitoring and suggested outreach, workshops and volunteer coordination to reduce long‑term maintenance burdens.

Next steps include confirming material delivery and storage, scheduling a pruning workshop for March, contacting the Northwest Conservation District about apple varieties, and coordinating volunteer schedules and outreach with local partners.