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The Rockfall Environmental Book Club meets every other month at the historic deKoven House in Middletown to read and talk about books on nature, climate, ecology, and sustainability. It’s a chance to learn together, share ideas, and connect with others who care about the environment. All are welcome—no RSVP required, and don’t worry if you haven’t finished the book. Just bring your curiosity and join the conversation.**Optional participation in a snack potluck – bring a snack to share with the group if you’d like!**
Date: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: deKoven House Community Center, 27 Washington St, Middletown
This month we're reading:
This Fine Piece of Water: An Environmental History of Long Island Sound by Tom Andersen
Long Island Sound is not only the most heavily used estuary in North America, it is also one of the most beautiful waterways, with picturesque seascapes and landfalls. But centuries of pollution and other abuse have gradually been killing off its marine life and have pushed the Sound to the brink of disaster. This fascinating book traces the history of the Sound and its use as a resource from the time of contact between the Native Americans and Dutch traders through the suburban sprawl of recent decades-and tells how a group of scientists and citizens has been working to save the Sound from ruin. Tom Andersen begins by describing the dramatic events of the summer of 1987, when a condition called hypoxia (lack of dissolved oxygen in the water brought about by a combination of pollution and other factors) killed large numbers of fish and lobsters in the Sound. He discusses how scientists first documented and explained the development of hypoxia and how research and cleanup are now being carried out to restore the Sound. Interweaving current events, natural history, and human history, Andersen presents a cautionary tale of exploitation without concern for preservation.
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27 Washington St, Middletown, CT, United States, Connecticut 06457
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