Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Announces Spring Appeal With Goal to Plant 40 New Trees

Spring Appeal to Focus on Environment Enrichment for All Living Things

Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces exciting news kicking off their Spring Appeal with ambitious goals of planting 40 new tree specimens across the grounds and achieving Level 2 Arboretum status. This initiative reflects the deep commitment to preserving all life forms and showcases the fantastic environmental opportunities Arboretums provide that mirror the natural habitats of animals.
 
Arboretums encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. These efforts recognize the professional standards displayed by the horticulture staff and illustrates the Zoo’s commitment to the preservation of all living things.

Zoo Arboretums have unique and creative opportunities when curating their collections, such as emulating the natural habitats that animals live in. One example is the mimicking of high altitudes of the Andes with additions of evergreen and shade trees in the Andean bear habitat. When making these connections, the Zoo becomes part of the community - acquainting the diverse public to the delicate balance between living things and their environment.
 
Over the next two years, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has set a goal to reach Level 2 Arboretum Status. This will include:
•            The planting of 40 new specimen trees
•            Increasing educational plant programs
•            Implementing new educational signage
•            Developing a robust collection strategy
•            Continuing the preservation of current trees and plantings
 
The appeal extends a heartfelt invitation to the public to support these initiatives. Donations from individuals, businesses, and local environmental organizations and clubs are greatly appreciated. Contributions aid in diversifying the variety of trees, with a focus on native plantings to benefit pollinators, migratory birds, and smaller mammals. These efforts are critical to our changing climate, and foster a future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony!
 
For more information or to contribute to the Spring Appeal, visit www.beardsleyzoo.org/appeal.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Andean bear, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and a new prairie dog exhibit that we’ll cut the ribbon on soon! As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org