By Chris Frost
Eagle Times News Editor
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Conservation efforts don’t have to change the community all at once, but can sometimes start small with a single planter — or two. And during a meeting in August, the Claremont Conservation Commission got into the weeds on what it means to care for its two planters along Pleasant Street.
The Commission was assigned the plant beds, one in front of Reed Optical and another in front of Real Steel Fitness.
“I’ve inspected all these flower boxes and there are several flower boxes in the city with huge thistle plants growing five feet tall,” said City Council Representative Alternate James Contois. “I think those are weeds, but I didn’t want to touch anything.”
“Is there anyone who can teach us what’s supposed to be where,” he asked admitting he just wanted to “start yanking stuff.”
City Planner deForest Bearse commented that it isn’t about picking up litter; it’s about taking care of the plants.
“It’s about weeding, and I don’t know about watering, but it’s about cutting back things,” she said. “In the fall, the grass needs to be cut back. You guys have to do this and adopt these flowerbeds.”
She said many store owners and volunteers have adopted flowerbeds.
“Nancy Meyer [Business Development Specialist] assigned flowerbeds to everybody and gave everybody their planting diagrams,” Bearse said. “We can put a little sign saying being cared for by the Conservation Commission.”
She offered to set a schedule and what they’ll need for maintenance.
“That will help us figure out how often we need to do things,” Bearse said. “If everyone look at them and get familiar with what’s there and where they are, that would be good. If there is expense involved, there is a budget for that.”
During the Aug. 17 meeting, the Commission also discussed a neglected conservation easement adjacent to the Claremont Transfer Station.
“I think it would be good for a few of our Commission members to familiarize themselves with the location,” Chairman Gary Dickerman said as he announced members would be taking “a little field trip” to the easement.
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