The Town of New Canaan formally honored longtime environmental advocate Linda Andros on Earth Day, April 22, 2025, proclaiming the day in her memory and recognizing her contributions to conservation and sustainability across the community.
The proclamation, issued by First Selectman Dionna Carlson, declared Earth Day 2025 as “Linda Andros Day,” in recognition of Andros’ decades of volunteer service, including her eight years on the Board of the New Canaan Nature Center—five of which she served as President—and her ten years of service on the New Canaan Conservation Commission. She also held the position of Interim Executive Director of the Nature Center for one year.
In her proclamation, Carlson stated that “Linda Andros consistently demonstrated her love of New Canaan, its natural beauty, and worked consistently to protect New Canaan’s environment and further sustainability.” She described Andros as someone who “loved to help things grow—plants, animals, people, and organizations” and who deeply cherished Earth Day each year.
A community gathering at the New Canaan Nature Center marked the town’s inaugural observance of Linda Andros Day. Family, friends, and local officials gathered to celebrate Andros’ life and legacy with the ceremonial planting of a tree in her honor. The tree was donated by Copia Home & Garden.
Among those in attendance were First Selectman Carlson; Bill Avery, Andros’ husband; Bill Flynn, Executive Director of the New Canaan Nature Center; Tiger Mann, Director of Public Works; and Chris Schipper, a fellow conservationist and former chairman of the Conservation Commission.
Standing beneath blue skies and early spring blossoms, Carlson delivered remarks acknowledging Andros’ devotion to environmental stewardship. “Linda understood that preserving New Canaan’s natural landscape was not just about conservation, but about community,” Carlson said. “She gave her time, her ideas, and her passion to this town so that generations to come would live in a place that reflects the beauty she saw in it.”
Flynn echoed that sentiment, citing her years of leadership at the Nature Center. “Linda didn’t just attend meetings—she built relationships, implemented programs, and shaped the way we think about sustainability in New Canaan,” he said. “This tree stands as a living memorial to a woman who gave so much life to this organization and this town.”
Schipper noted her contributions to the Conservation Commission, particularly in pushing for thoughtful land-use practices and advocating for responsible town policies. “Linda’s legacy is a better-informed and more ecologically conscious community,” Schipper said.
The newly planted tree joins a landscape already rich with native plantings, educational exhibits, and preserved habitats. Organizers said it would serve as a symbolic and enduring tribute to a woman whose advocacy extended beyond the boardroom to touch lives and landscapes throughout town.
A crowd of residents and local dignitaries stood in quiet reflection as the tree was lowered into the earth and shovelfuls of soil were placed over its roots. The event concluded with moments of shared memory and gratitude.
The official proclamation was signed and sealed on April 22, 2025, with Carlson encouraging all residents to express their appreciation for Linda Andros’ work in making New Canaan “a more sustainable and beautiful town.”
