Bluffs Restoration Project Advances
Surveys And Planning A Year of Discovery and Progress
Anthony Zemba leads LIA members through
the Lordship Bluffs area being studied.
Sassafras: A key native plant to preserve.
While pretty, the pink flowing plant is invasive and crowds the precious prickly pear (left side in photo). The area around prickly pear will be cleared and staked as a protective barrier.
Another native keeper: Jerusalem Artichoke.
By Emily Viner
Lordship Bluffs Restoration Project Coordinator
November 2025
The Lordship Bluffs Restoration Project is well under way, bringing new life and scientific insight to one of our community’s most distinctive natural areas.
Over the past several months, the project team led by Anthony Zemba, Senior Environmental Analyst with Westport-based LandTech, has been studying the landscape, cataloging native plants, and laying the groundwork for a long-term plan to restore and protect the Bluffs’ unique ecosystem.
Summer 2025: Laying the Foundation
This summer, the team kicked off fieldwork by gathering important information from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) about rare and protected species that may live within the project area.
Using a statewide vegetation guide, they’ve identified the natural plant communities expected to grow on site and collected detailed data on the area’s topography, hydrology, and geology.
So far, 62 different plant species have been documented, and that list continues to grow with each site visit. The team has also identified more than a dozen invasive plant species - non-native plants that can outcompete local vegetation - and has begun researching effective ways to manage them.
Fall 2025: Deepening Understanding
As the seasons changed, the focus shifted toward learning more about the rare species identified earlier in the project. By studying their life cycles and habitat needs, the team is making sure restoration work supports their continued survival.
At the same time, scientists are continuing to survey native grasses, asters, and goldenrods and observe how the Bluffs’ natural vegetation is recovering. This ongoing fieldwork helps build a complete picture of the site’s ecology and guides decisions for future restoration actions.
Late 2025: Sharing Progress and Shaping Plans
This fall and winter, the project team will begin putting together a draft Restoration, Conservation and Management Plan - a roadmap for protecting and restoring the site. They’ll also develop an Invasive Species Control Plan to guide future control efforts.
Regular updates will be provided to the LIA, which will share highlights with the community, keeping everyone informed about what’s happening on the Bluffs.
Spring 2026: Field Visits and Review
As the first wildflowers of spring emerge, the team will return to the site to look for spring ephemeral plants - those short-lived species that bloom early in the season. These plants play a key role in the local ecosystem and help signal the health of the habitat.
During this time, a draft of the Invasive Species Control Plan will be reviewed and finalized, setting the stage for active management efforts in the months ahead.
Summer 2026: Looking Toward the Future
By early summer, the botanical inventory will be complete, and the draft Restoration, Conservation and Management Plan will be ready for review by the LIA. Work will then move into the design phase, creating a draft planting plan that outlines how native plants will be reintroduced to strengthen the ecosystem.
Looking Ahead ...
The Lordship Bluffs Restoration Project represents a shared commitment to conservation, science, and community stewardship. By carefully studying the site and working to restore native habitats, the team is ensuring that the Bluffs remain a thriving, resilient natural space for both wildlife and people to enjoy for years to come.