The Six and Twenty Book Club met at Jill Borton’s home on Aug. 9. Ruth Dooley was the program leader for the day.

Dooley shared the book, “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard” by Doug Tallamy. The book discusses ways to combat loss of wildlife habitats by creating one in your own yard. The author discusses planting native plants as well as removing invasive plants. He recommends planting pollinators to attract local bee populations. He encouraged decreased use of chemicals on a lawn.

Dooley then discussed habitat loss on a more global level. Experts are finding innovative ways to adapt to habitat loss and climate change through more resilient infrastructure. An example of a climate adaptive infrastructure is the Living Breakwaters project that is currently being completed in the New York City harbor.

New York City harbor used to have one of the world’s largest oyster populations. The harbor had tidal pools, reefs and grasses to slow water movement as it approached the shoreline. Manmade changes to the harbor included dredging of the harbor and loss of shoreline through construction. Only a concrete and steel barrier remained to separate the water from the land.

On Oct. 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck New York City causing devastating water damage with a large storm surge and massive flooding. Manmade changes to the harbor no longer provided a barrier to slow water as it approached the land. The Living Breakwaters project is designed to address these changes by creating near shore rocky reefs. The reefs are constructed of stone and enhanced concrete that will modify wave movement and create a habitat for marine life, like oysters, barnacles and corals.

In conjunction with Living Breakwaters is the Billion Oyster Project. This is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to repopulate New York City waterways with oysters. Oyster repopulation of the Living Breakwaters project should be completed in 2025. The larger oyster project will finish in 2035.

After discussion, books were exchanged and dates were chosen for 2025 hosting and presentation duties. Jill Borton hosted all members and guest, Cherie Dixon, to social hour. Refreshments included double chocolate zucchini bread, lavender short bread, and fruit salad as well as orangeade and tea to drink.