Jeniam Meadow
Jeniam Meadow is an evolving transformation of a neglected field into a thriving native meadow. This developing refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, naturalists, and wildlife. Thanks to the Clarkson Family’s Jeniam Foundation for their tremendous support in making this possible.
Project Background
The Jeniam Meadow, originally a cornfield 100 years ago, is a ten-acre site adjacent to Waveny Pond on the east side of the park. When Waveny Park was the Lapham’s private estate, this area was a cornfield and part of the working farm. In the 50 years since New Canaan acquired the property, this field was sadly neglected and became a disposal area for New Canaan’s pond dredgings, used asphalt, and broken curbs.
Project Details
With generous support from the Jeniam Foundation, the Conservancy is working to transition the area into another wildflower meadow with native grasses and wildflowers. Despite serious challenges from invasive phragmites (P. australis) and, more recently, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), several highly desirable native meadow plants have begun to appear and take hold.
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) have bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring and attract large numbers of butterflies and native bees. Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is now present and also blooms in the spring with bright white, tubular flowers that attract pollinators, including long-tongued bees and hummingbirds. Wild bergamot( Monarda fistulosa), also known as Bee Balm, has also begun to appear with its pink or lavender flowers that bloom in the summer and attract the full range of pollinator species. You will also see Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum sp) in the meadow with small whitish flowers and a wonderful fragrance.
Several dead trees, or snags, have been left to attract woodpeckers, birds of prey, and insects while bluebird boxes have been installed. Bluebirds, ospreys, and a plethora of other birdlife now frequent the meadow, while foxes and even coyotes have been spotted.
As a result, and in spite of the obstacles, Jeniam Meadow is evolving as a serene environment for birdwatchers, naturalists and most importantly, wildlife.
Finally, in 2024, the first sculptural bench, or Benchmark, was installed on the knoll at the north end of the meadow. The bench lends a serene overlook of the meadow.