J.C. Martin 4/29/25 J.C. Martin 4/29/25

Oystercatcher Pair Returns Again to Compo's South Beach

The Oystercatchers pair which has nested at Compo Beach for the last few years (at least we think they are the same) have returned and will hopefully successfully breed and have young as they have in the past. They are protected by a wire fence erected by CT Audubon and CT DEEP. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection encourages people to share the shore with migratory birds by limiting disturbance to feeding and resting shorebird flocks. Keeping kids, kites, and bicycles away from the protected area, as well as not fishing near where they are searching for food will help a great deal to help these birds be safe and hopefully raise a little family. Migratory shorebirds are protected by Federal law. If you observe anyone disturbing them, please contact CT Audubon: 203 259-6305 ext 119, smartin@ctaudubon.org, or CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: 860-424-3000.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

J.C. Martin 4/28/25 J.C. Martin 4/28/25

Wonderful Willowbrook's Spectacular Spring Flower Show

This couple takes their little ones for a ride past "Daffodil Mile" at Willowbrook Cemetery. The blooms are faded now, but last week they were at peak, providing a very special scene at 395 Main St in Westport, just south of the Merritt Parkway.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com **Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.**

Historic Willowbrook Cemetery, established in 1847 by several local farmers and businessmen is an important part of the town's history, with many town founding fathers buried here. To many locals and visitors who pass by each day in mid-April it is home to the spectacular display of daffodils which has come to be known as "Daffodil Mile".

The "Mile" is a favorite location for passers-by photographing themselves, and their friends. Willowbrook's beautiful grounds which feature specimen trees and shrubs can be enjoyed anytime, especially in spring.

There are more than 25,000 daffodils throughout the grounds however most people only see the massive linear display which borders the pond and stream alongside Main Street/Route 57. Part of the beauty of this Westport gem can be attributed to possibly the most well known landscape architect of all time, Frederick Law Olmstead known as the “Father of American Landscape Architecture”, who as many will know, is the architect of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and of course, New York's Central Park.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Olmstead who also worked on Bridgeport's Beardsley Park came on board when he met Willowbrook's founder, Ambrose Hurlbutt while working on Hurlbutt's friend Morris Ketchum's Westport property today known as Hockanum Park.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

One of Willowbrook's living residents is a pair of Mallards which can usually be found enjoying the safe space afforded by the lovely brook which flows alongside Daffodil Mile" On this day, the hen was absent, but she is often there, swimming alongside the drake.

For more on the interesting history and property visit the history tab at WillowbrookCemetery.com

J.C. Martin 4/26/25 J.C. Martin 4/26/25

Terrain Celebrates Spring With Festival On Sunday April 27th

Always a favorite place to shop, Terrain Westport is beautifully decorated to welcome spring.

Terrain is celebrating spring with their annual Dig in the Spring Festival on Sunday August 27th from 11am-4pm.

Join us in ushering in the season with local vendors, live music and outdoor planter demonstrations.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Westport's favorite home and garden store is full of fresh ideas for the spring season. From diverse native plants, handpicked planters, all-weather furniture to seasonal decor elements, outdoor lighting and gifts, their product assortment is curated to find beauty in natural imperfection and to enhance a life lived outdoor and in.