The Jonah Center for Earth and Art is working to restore and preserve ecologically significant areas in Middletown. Our primary focus areas are the 400-acre “Floating Meadows” tidal wetland at the confluence of the Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers; the North End Peninsula, site of the closed landfill and the city’s recycling center; and the “green corridor” along the lower Coginchaug River between Veterans Park and the North End Peninsula. Preserving these areas will provide opportunities for outdoor recreation; protect wildlife habitats; and serve as an outdoor classroom for environmental and energy-related studies. We intend to beautify and attract visitors to the North End Peninsula and Veterans Park through eco-friendly landscape design and environmental art.

In our brief history, we have become a key environmental advocacy organization in our community. We have facilitated the city’s acquisition of a 21 acre parcel of riverfront open space and the development rights to another 25 acre parcel; promoted passage of a voter referendum for farmland preservation; partnered with Wesleyan University’s Environmental Studies program in constructing an online biodiversity database for Middletown; assisted the city in several projects involving renewable energy and energy efficiency; promoted home energy audits for area residents; conducted many outdoor education programs for local schools and the general public; and more. (See the “News” page). We inform and mobilize our community to protect the beauty and health of Middletown for all its human and nonhuman inhabitants.