Sen. Hwang Leads Effort to Protect Easton Watershed, Create Memorial for 9/11 Family

State Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) convened state and local officials, environmental advocates, and regulators on April 10 to discuss a path forward to create a memorial garden on a small parcel of land adjacent to the Easton Congregational Church, while preserving the surrounding watershed.

The proposed pollinator garden would honor the late Eunice Hanson, a longtime church member and volunteer who passed away last year. Hanson and her husband, Lee, lost their son, daughter-in-law, and young granddaughter in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Sen. Hwang emphasized the importance of removing invasive species currently present on the one-acre parcel and ensuring that any improvements support environmental conservation. The proposed site would serve as a riparian buffer to the Centennial Watershed State Forest. The land is currently overseen by a multi-party group that includes state officials, The Nature Conservancy, and Aquarion Water.

Representatives from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Department of Public Health, Aquarion Water, The Nature Conservancy, state and local officials, and Easton Congregational Church Treasurer Don Boyce joined the discussion.

“My goal is straightforward—to preserve and protect our vital watershed lands while creating a meaningful, living memorial to the Hanson family, who gave so much to the Easton community and endured unimaginable loss on Sept. 11. One of the lasting messages Eunice shared with our community was to ‘never forget’,” said Sen. Hwang.

He also said that the meeting marked a productive step toward collaboration.

“I appreciate all stakeholders coming together to discuss a responsible path forward. With thoughtful planning, cooperation, and transparency, this can be a solution that protects our environment and honors the legacy of an outstanding Easton family.”