2021/2022 Summary of Activities
PROGRAMS
“Bats of Connecticut” Presentation via ZOOM – February 15, 2022
Kim Hargrave, education director of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) in Mystic, will present an informative program on the importance of conserving and protecting these fascinating flying mammals that are living in our state. Kim will explore our local bats, the threats they face and what we can do to help. For latest program details, and to register for ZOOM, visit: www.lhcglastonbury.org.
“Seeing the Forest Through the Trees” Presentations via ZOOM
November 15, 2021 – “Through the Eyes of the Forest Manager”
Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County, Vermont, Forester discussed how New England’s frame and enrich our lives, making our region a beautiful place to live, while also providing many critical benefits: cleaning our sir and water, providing habitat for birds and wildlife, sequestering and storing carbon, and much more. He discussed how we can manage forests in a way that is responsible and regenerative, producing renewable resources while protecting biodiversity and habitat.
January 19, 2022 – “Forest Stewardship – Advocacy & Education”
This program featured Eric Hammerling, Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, the oldest conservation group in the state, and Thomas Worthley, Associate Extension Professor, UCONN Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment. The speakers discussed such topics as the current state of Connecticut’s forests, some of our forest health concerns, the effect of a changing climate, the role forests play with respect to climate change, and how sound, well –conceived forest management practices are of benefit to all of us.
3. March 23, 2022 – “Urban Forestry”
The third, and final, program in our series will host Danica Doroski, DEEP Urban Forest Coordinator, and Andrea Urbanco, DEEP Regional Forester, for the Glastonbury area. While Connecticut has increased its forest canopy to near 75% over the years, much of these forest areas are small woodlands in private ownership or in residential areas. They will discuss the importance of urban forests in Connecticut and actions that we can take to manage, protect and improve them.
“Stewardship of the Earth” Film Series
March 11, 2021 – “Chasing Ice”
Co-sponsored with the First Church Outside Group, the final film in our “Stewardship of the Earth” series chronicles photographer James Balog’s quest to document glacial decline in the Artic, After witnessing climate change in the Artic in 2005, Balog conceived the “The Extreme Ice Survey” which, with hauntingly beautiful videography, captures ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate.
Chrisoph Geiss, Professor of Physics and Environmental Science, at Trinity College commented on the film and conducted a question and answer session.
WALK SERIES
The 2021/22 Walk Series, organized and coordinated by LHC board member Charley Smith, consisted of guide led walks and hikes, along with informative brochures.
May 16, 2021 – Birding Walk at Longo Open Space – Wind Hill Farm, with bird expert Michael Corcoran.
September 26, 2021 – Cotton Hollow South History, narrated by Dr. Brian Chiffer. Shared activity with Save Cotton Hollow Mill Coalition.
October 25,2021 – Greyledge Farm Open Space, Sparrow identification & other birds with Michael Corcoran.
November 28, 2021 – Thanksgiving Walk at Hollister/Whitehouse, with Jim Cole & Dennis McInerney.
January 30, 2022 – Horton Farm – Connecticut River, Snowshoe Walk with Rich Sawitzke.
February 20, 2022 – MDC Property, Keeney St., with Whit Osgood. New Town Open Space.
April 17, 2022 – Blackledge Falls led and narrated by Michael Corcoran.
PROJECTS
1. Cotton Hollow Mill Wall Preservation
Following the Town’s acquisition of the site, in a cooperative effort with the Cotton Hollow Mill Coalition, the Town of Glastonbury, and the Historical Society, LHC took the lead to prepare a successful application for a $35,000.00 grant from the Norma and Natale Sestero Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The grant will be used to undertake masonry work to stabilize the historic mill wall, improve trail access, and install interpretative signage. Towering above Roaring Brook are the remains of the five story Cotton Hollow Mill, an iconic link to Glastonbury’s History. The wall harkens back more than 200 years when the Hollow was a key manufacturing center in Connecticut.
2. Invasive Plant removal at Ferry Park
Organized by LHC’s Courtney MacDonald, and working with the Pollinator Pathways group and the Town Park Dept., two very successful invasive plant removal days were held in the spring. Large growths of wild garlic and Japanese knotweed were removed from Ferry Park’s grounds. These invasive plants create a monoculture, chocking out beneficial native plants.