Dr. Kimberly Stoner (she/her) of New Haven is a long-time member of the Legislative Committee with the Sierra Club. Kim is also the Director of Advocacy for Northeast Organic Farming Association of CT (CT NOFA), and coordinates for the CT Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance (ERA).

Through her work with CT NOFA and the Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance, Kim advocates for healthy soils, resilient farms, environmental rights, and climate solutions across Connecticut.

How did you first become involved with environmental advocacy?

My mother was always very interested in the environment. She wasn't really an activist, but she grew up on a farm and was deeply interested in ecology. She talked to us about it all the time.

I went on to study biology and later entomology, always with the idea that there were better ways of doing things, ways to reduce our reliance on toxic chemicals. As an entomologist, I became particularly interested in reducing pesticide use and finding alternative ways to manage insect pests.

For people who aren't familiar with the Environmental Rights Amendment, why does it matter?

The simplest explanation is the one we put on our postcards:

"Do you have a right to clean and healthy air, water, soil, and environment, and a safe climate?"

The answer is: Not in our state constitution. But we can change that.

Through your work with CT NOFA, how are Connecticut farmers experiencing climate change today?

One prominent example is flooding. A few years ago, severe floods caused significant damage to farms across Connecticut, including many farms that are members of CT NOFA.

More broadly, it's becoming harder for farmers to plan because the weather is so unpredictable. We often see brief periods of unusually warm weather followed by sudden cold temperatures. That can affect fruit trees when they bloom and create challenges for crops that respond to temperature changes.

How does protecting the environment connect to protecting our food systems and public health?

Healthier soils contain more organic matter, which means they store more carbon. That's beneficial for the climate. But it also helps with water management.

Soils rich in organic matter hold more water and release it gradually as plants need it. That helps reduce erosion, reduce flooding, and provide reserves during droughts.

Those practices benefit farmers, benefit the environment, and help create a more secure and resilient food supply.

What role can farmers play in helping address some of these environmental and soil health challenges? Are Connecticut farmers doing anything differently than farmers in other states?

Connecticut farms are generally much smaller than farms in many other parts of the country, and they're often more diversified. There are exceptions, of course, but most Connecticut farmers are producing for local markets rather than large wholesale markets.

In my experience, both from my years at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and now with CT NOFA, farmers are very interested in integrated pest management. They're trying to understand pest life cycles, reduce pesticide use whenever possible, and find more sustainable ways to manage their crops.

They're also very interested in soil health. The challenge is that farming margins are often extremely small, or sometimes nonexistent. Farmers face tremendous financial pressures.

Do you have a favorite farm or farm stand that you like to visit in CT?

I'm a member of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge. Through a CSA, community members purchase a share of the harvest at the beginning of the season and receive produce throughout the season.

What do you value most about volunteering with Sierra Club Connecticut?

What I value most is the people. Sierra Club Connecticut has a lot of dedicated, knowledgeable, and effective advocates. It's a community of people who are deeply committed to making positive change, and that's something I really appreciate. I admire the work of Steve Lewis, Julianna Larue, Mike Ungaro, Tenaya Taylor, and Samantha Dynowski, who are all putting in a lot of incredible effort into the Sierra Club.

What gives you hope when environmental progress feels slow?

There are always things to fight against, and there are always new challenges emerging. But I want to spend as much of my energy as possible moving a positive agenda forward rather than only reacting to problems. That gives me hope.

What is one of your favorite places in Connecticut to experience nature?

I volunteer at an Urban Oasis in New Haven.

There are a number of these sites throughout the city. They were created through a partnership involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Yale Peabody Museum, the Urban Resources Initiative, and several other organizations. The idea is to create small pockets of habitat filled with native plants that support pollinators and birds.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. The Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter really appreciates all the work you do!

Follow along with work done by the Advocacy and Policy Program of CT NOFA and the CT ERA Alliance!

Allison Desmarais was an intern this summer with Sierra Club Connecticut.