Manresa Island in Norwalk, Connecticut is undergoing a major transformation from a former industrial site into a vibrant 125-acres public park with ecological, recreational, and educational features. Originally a glacial island, Manresa has served various roles over the centuries, including farmland, a Jesuit retreat, and most notably, a coal- and oil-fired power plant that operated for about 60 years until its closure in 2013. Since the plant’s closure, remediation and ecological restoration have been central to redevelopment efforts. The Manresa Island Corporation, a nonprofit, is leading the transformation with support from civic and philanthropic partners.
Join the Society for Women Environmental Professionals on a 90-minute tour of the facility. This tour includes an extensive walk through of the office building, turbine building, and boiler hall. Please note that there are approximately 500 stairs on the tour and some of the stairs are open-style metal grates. There are no elevators at this time. In addition, we will walk to the water's edge to look out at the Norwalk Islands and the Long Island Sound. Don't forget to wear closed toe, laced, flat shoes. Just like all of New England, there may be some ticks on the site so please wear pants and socks.
Space is limited to18 guests, so don’t wait to register. The registration fee is $15 for members and $30 for non-members. Not a member? Join or renew today!
Everyone attending the tour will need to sign the liability waiver before entering the site. Upon arrival, please check in with the security guards at the gate; they will be expecting us! There is ample parking at the main building—please fill in spots as needed.
For those interested, we’ll be gathering locally afterwards.
