Project Details and Timeline

Phase One is an approximately 90' x 50' plot located adjacent to the Long Lots Elementary School parking lot, northeast of the gardens.    

Plant Removal: This area will be cleared of invasive plants, primarily mugwort, and selected trees, primarily Tree of Heaven. Decomposed wood chips will be redistributed from an on-site supply (adjacent to Phase 1) and spread over the cleared area.  The invasive trees to be cleared are commonly known as Tree of Heaven and are the preferred host plant for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has issued a Quarantine Order with defined restricted areas for the exotic pest spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (SLF for short). This insect has been detected in Connecticut with established populations detected in Fairfield and New Haven Counties and single individuals intercepted in numerous towns. The spotted lanternfly is a new plant pest to the United States and represents a threat to Connecticut’s environment, residential areas, and agricultural interests, particularly forests, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. All activity associated with the removal, quarantine and proper disposal of Trees of Heaven shall comply with all applicable state and federals orders, laws and regulations.    

Plant Removal Responsibility: Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee    

Plant Removal Cost: Estimated cost for weed and weed root removal, and composted wood chip redistribution: $6,000 - $8,000. This cost will be covered by The Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee.    

Planting: Native plants to be added to this area will follow best practices for ecological enrichment. This multi-tiered planting approach will include native tall trees, shorter trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Expert guidance will be provided by representatives from the Aspetuck Land Trust, Audubon Society, Southwest Conservation District and individuals with specialized knowledge of Connecticut native flora. Additionally, educational signage, similar to that attached, will be installed. All plants will be donated at no cost to the  town. Fencing will be provided, at no cost to the town, to protect newly planted trees from destructive deer activity.    

New Native Plant Materials Cost: Donations    

Planting will be done by volunteers beginning Spring 2022. Continuous planting and weeding will be done annually at no cost to the town.

Phase Two is an approximately 180' x 50' plot located in the back area of the gardens on the southeast side.     

Plant Removal: This area will be cleared of invasive plants, primarily mugwort and aggressive invasive vines.     

Plant Removal Responsibility: Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee     

Plant Removal Cost: Estimated cost for weed and weed root removal is $5,200. This cost will be covered by The Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee.     

Planting: Native plants to be added to this area will follow best practices for ecological enrichment. This multi-tiered planting approach will include native tall trees, shorter trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Expert guidance will be provided by representatives from the Aspetuck Land Trust, Audubon Society, Southwest Conservation District and individuals with specialized knowledge of Connecticut native flora. All plants will be provided at no cost to the Town. Fencing will be provided, at no cost to the town, to protect newly planted trees from destructive deer activity.     

New Native Plant Materials Cost: Donations     

Planting will be done by volunteers beginning Spring 2022. Continuous planting and weeding  will be done annually at no cost to the town.    

Phase Three is an approximately 120' x 60' plot located in the back area of the gardens on the south side.     

Plant Removal: This area will be cleared of invasive plants, primarily very aggressive invasive vines.     

Plant Removal Responsibility: Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee     

Plant Removal Cost: Estimated cost for weed and weed root removal is $5,200. This cost will be covered by The Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee.     

Planting: Native plants to be added to this area will follow best practices for ecological enrichment. This multi-tiered planting approach will include native tall trees, shorter trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Expert guidance will be provided by representatives from the Aspetuck Land Trust, Audubon Society, Southwest Conservation District and individuals with specialized knowledge of Connecticut native flora. All plants will be provided by donations at no cost to the Town. Fencing will be provided, at no cost to the town, to protect newly planted trees from destructive deer activity.     

New Native Plant Materials Cost: Donations    

Planting will be done by volunteers beginning Fall 2023. Continuous planting and weeding will be done annually at no cost to the town.

Phase Four is an approximately 300' x 40' plot located adjacent to the gardens on the west side.           

Plant Removal: This area will be cleared of invasive plants, primarily very aggressive invasive vines and garlic mustard weed.     Plant Removal Responsibility: Removal of vines and weeds will be done by volunteers. This area would not generate significant quantities of green waste so no removal is anticipated.     

Plant Removal Cost: $0. No plant removal costs are anticipated with this phase of the project. Any costs that surface will be covered by The Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee.     

Planting: Native plants to be added to this area will follow best practices for ecological enrichment. This multi-tiered planting approach will include native tall trees, shorter trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Expert guidance will be provided by representatives from the Aspetuck Land Trust, Audubon Society, Southwest Conservation District and individuals with specialized knowledge of Connecticut native flora. All plants will be provided at no cost to the Town. Fencing will be provided, at no cost to the town, to protect newly planted trees from destructive deer activity.     

New Native Plant Materials Cost: Donations     

Planting will be done by volunteers beginning Fall 2023. Continuous planting and weeding will  be done annually at no cost to the town.    

The worst possible outcome for the town would be that the project is no longer actively managed by the Long Lots Preserve Steering Committee and the property stays in, or reverts to, its current state.