U.S. Rep. Jim Himes Visits Westport's Earthplace

[Editor's note: The following information was provided in a press release.]

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) visited Westport's Earthplace Tuesday to tour the facility and learn about its breadth of programs and offerings. Himes, a supporter of Earthplace's Harbor Watch -- a water quality monitoring program -- said he considers water health a prime issue among his constituency.  

“I don’t meet people who don’t care about water quality,” Himes told the staff at Earthplace. 

Himes, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, was on hand in July to announce the award of an EPA Urban Waters Small Grant to the Earthplace Harbor Watch program. The $53,000 grant will allow Harbor Watch to monitor three storm drains discharging into Norwalk Harbor.

Himes’ visit Tuesday included a tour of Natureplace, the interactive natural history museum, encounters with the resident animals, and discussions of Earthplace land and trails.   

"We have to get people away from the idea that the ideal is a half-acre of green lawn. We’re getting there. People are much more fixed on the food they eat and the cars they buy,” Himes said regarding the environmental awareness and preservation of open space at Earthplace. 

Himes added that he was encouraged by the educational programs Earthplace has in place to help foster the next generation of environmental stewards.