Wildlife and Connecticut’s Changing Landscapes

Landscapes are dynamic ecosystems and Connecticut’s landscape has changed through the centuries from almost completely forested in the 1600s to cleared land by the mid-1800s. Presently, the state is almost 60 percent forested. As the landscape changed in Connecticut so did the wildlife populations that depend on the land for habitat. This presentation describes the history of Connecticut’s landscape and the impact of change on wildlife populations.

Master Wildlife Conservationist, Ginny Apple, from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will include a brief natural history of Connecticut, address the current state of wildlife, including a discussion of major species, factors affecting their habitats, some challenges we face in managing them, and provide suggestions for what people can do to make a difference. Several animal pelts and skulls will be on display. Questions and comments are welcome throughout and after the discussion.