Summer 2010 - Spring 2011

CARRIAGE HOUSE
Last summer EPC repaired the carriage house slate roof with its 22 dormers, at a cost that was well under what had been projected. EPC also rebuilt the two decaying chimneys. Both chimneys had grown hazardous, and one had already fallen apart on the inside. The carriage house, built by the Brewsters in 1909, is an important component of the Tudor/Dutch architecture of the former estate.

TREE PLANTING
Urban Resources Initiative planted five black oaks, two dogwoods and a sugar maple in the park. Just outside the park wall on Cliff Street, they added a Princeton elm and another dogwood. As part of URI’s city-wide tree planting, they planted dogwood trees on the Edgehill Road tree-line, just outside the perimeter wall.

URBAN FARM
After the New Haven Police Department Mounted Police vacated Edgerton Park, EPC began exploring the possibility of farming two acres in the northeast corner of the park where the horses used to exercise. The Brewsters once had fruit trees, berries, grapes and vegetables growing there, so farming would be in keeping with the original use. New Haven Farms is interested in farming the two acres. First step,of course, is soil testing. Retired Agricultural Station soil expert Tom Rathier has generously donated his services. When Tom completes a series of tests, EPC will consider remediation options.

GREENBRIER
Greenbrier Greenhouses still occupies Edgerton’s greenhouse complex. Under financial constraints, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries has modified the horticultural/work program. Greenbrier, as well as EPC, hopes to see the program develop into a sustainable self-sufficient endeavor. Proposals for new horticultural projects are welcome.

SCHOOL GROUPS PROGRAM AND CONSERVATORY TOURS
The educational program for school groups was full this year. Word has gotten around that the EPC docent tour of the Conservatory is one of the very best field trips for local school children.