Nature Center Defends $5,000 Gift from Monsanto

A $5,000 donation from seed giant Monsanto Co. to a nature center in Mystic has drawn criticism from activists who oppose genetically modified food.

The Day of New London reports hat Bob Burns, an organic farmer who leads a New London effort against genetically-modified organisms, said he's suspicious of why Monsanto is donating money.

Activists worry that Monsanto is using the nature center to improve its image on environmental issues.

Maggie Jones, the nature center's executive director, said the money was donated without conditions and will help fund an educational program for first-graders about bees, butterflies and bats.

Harry White, a volunteer fundraiser for the nature center, said it needs to reach a broader audience and find more funding sources.

He said the Monsanto donation is a small fraction of annual funding.