Webb Mountain Discovery Zone

In 2004, the Town of Monroe, with help from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), purchased 171 acres (0.69 km2) of open space between Webb Mountain Park to the north and Aquarion Water Company property to the south.

[2] A comprehensive review of the property identified significant opportunities to leverage the land’s unique biodiversity including vernal pools, wildlife habitats, varietal forestation for educational purposes at several grade levels.

With this information, the Monroe Conservation Commission, led by Tom Ellbogen, worked closely with Mr. Gruner, Diane Joy, Assistant Director of Parks, Connecticut DEP, and Monroe Schools Science Coordinator Bonnie Maur, to pilot an outdoor education program that utilizes the natural resources found on the site and conforming to the State of Connecticut’s science curriculum standards.

Twenty-eight learning stations covering subjects such as rocks and minerals, plants and wildlife, ecology, biology, and Native American and Colonial history were identified and developed by Mr. Gruner and Nick Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archeologist.

The construct of the park, including installing all signs and benches and creating a comprehensive trail system spanning over 4 miles (6.4 km), was completed almost exclusively by volunteers.