White-tailed deer (deer) are a familiar and charismatic part of our community.
However, as their habitats shrink due to urban development, removal of natural predators, and decreased hunting, deer are increasingly interacting with humans in neighborhoods, roadways, and other spaces. As a result, their populations are becoming concentrated in areas where they can cause ecological damage and frustration for homeowners.
Overabundant deer populations can negatively impact native plant communities, defoliate landscaping, and damage flower and vegetable gardens.
Deer consume 5-10 pounds of forage per day, and don’t understand property boundaries. When deer populations exceed sustainable limits, the balance of local ecosystems is disturbed, leading to a decrease in plant diversity and the proliferation of invasive species. In residential areas, the consequences can be both ecological and economic, frustrating residents who put time and resources into maintaining their gardens and landscapes.
“Managing deer populations has been an issue in town for decades. The Greenwich Conservation Commission recognizes the need to understand population dynamics of the white-tail deer and consider the best path forward to establish a balanced community that allows people and deer to co- exist in Greenwich,” said Beth Evans, Greenwich’s Director of Environmental Affairs.
To address this growing concern, the Greenwich Conservation Commission is hosting a three-part series titled “Oh Deer! Managing Greenwich’s White-Tailed Deer Population.”
The Conservation Committee invites you to join us for the first event, where Dr. Jeffrey Ward, Chief Scientist Emeritus at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, and Will Kies, Executive Director of the Greenwich Land Trust, will discuss the ecological impacts of white-tailed deer in our community.
This event will take place Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00pm and will be held in a hybrid format. People are encouraged to attend in person at Greenwich Town Hall, but for those unable to make it, a Zoom link will be available. The event will also be recorded for later viewing.
Registration is required for this event. Please sign up in advance to reserve your spot: Event Registration: Oh Deer! Managing Greenwich’s White-Tailed Deer Populations