Cheers to 60 Years!

RIP Luther, beloved trail companion of our nature photographer Sally Reed.

He is pictured here enjoying a romp in Hayes Woods. (Photo: Sally Reed)

Dear Susan,

Despite the April Fools' Day joke Mother Nature played on us with spring snow, we had a wonderful vernal pool walk as kids and adults who play like kids explored the icy pools on Throne Hill. With Trustees Holly Estes, Michelle Ruby, and Debbie Howell, we found frogs, tadpoles and fairy shrimp, all good signs of a healthy pool. The vernal pool walk is favorite every year and this is the earliest in the year we have seen signs of activity.

We continue to discuss these changes we see in our environment and we are pleased to have local environmental innovator Jason Petralia join us for our annual meeting. We hope you join us for the discussion (see details below).

Annual Spring Loop Hike,

April 14, 11:00 AM

This year's loop will explore Mass Audubon's Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, get views of the GCT's marshy Riley Land, cross Snake HIll, and wind through GCT's Blackman Field and Woods.

The hike is just under 5 miles, and as a bonus, passes by the Forest Bells.

This is a free event, but please register so we know to expect you. Bring a lunch as there are several lovely spots to have a snack and enjoy the view. Dress appropriately for spring (mud season!) weather.

As we are passing through Mass Audubon land, this hike is not for dogs.

Annual Meeting, April 24, 7:00 PM Groton Center

Our focus this year is on our environment and we are pleased to have Groton resident Jason Petralia, CEO and Founder of Anthropogenic Inc. as our speaker.

Jason is a serial innovator and tech entrepreneur and global solutions pioneer with a passion for developing software and data analytics capabilities that boldly transform the planet and its inhabitants. He has an extraordinary portfolio of corporate and product success across a broad spectrum of sectors including: AI, climate, mobile applications, Esports, health, education, and entertainment. TEDx speaker and advisor to leading ventures, Jason is an internationally recognized leader in sustainable finance solutions.

The event is free, but please register so we know to expect you.

Upcoming GCT Events for Your Calendar:

Here are some upcoming events you will want to note:

Annual meeting, April 24

The General Field

Sunset Party, June 6

Summer Solstice Campfire Party, June 26

Donate to the GCT Today!

GCT History:

The gift of The Bells

Every month, we will share the history behind the parcels under stewardship by the GCT. As we look back over 60 years, we find this is also a history of Groton and our environment as well.

Located in the Blackman Field and Woods, the Forest Bells art installation is one of Groton’s unique and special landmarks.

The Bells, formed of six tall aluminum chimes, are hung in oak trees along a hillside trail and can be played by pulling ropes attached to each bell.

They were originally commissioned by The Artists Valentine Project in 1995 and installed on land donated to the GCT in 2000 by Camilla and Arthur Blackman.

Due to frequent use, the Bells require periodic repair. In 2022 they were dismantled and then refurbished at Matisse’s workshop. Their re-installation was completed in Summer 2023.

To find the Forest Bells, take Route 119 to Groton, then Old Ayer Road south toward Ayer from Route 119. Then, turn left onto Indian Hill Road and go all the way to the end. Follow the trail on the left to the Blackman Field and Woods and continue until the trail splits. Bear left up a dirt road into the trees.

GCT Trustee Holly Estes outfitted her dog Duke for the eclipse viewing.

Look before they go!

Thanks to Sally Reed for calling our attention to a very special wildflower: Round lobe hepatica, a herbaceous flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae.

It is a spring ephemeral. There are only brief windows when they can be seen.These were present at Shepley Hill near the quarry pool.

Spring-flowering ephemerals are plants that only bloom for a brief time. Spring ephemerals don't die after blooming, but they go dormant and their foliage disappears from view shortly after they stop flowering. The first hint of warm weather triggers spring ephemerals to grow. But once the warm weather takes hold, ephemerals usually die back above ground while their roots continue growing under the soil, conserving energy for the following year. The natural habitat for most spring ephemerals is woodland setting, particularly near damp areas like stream banks.

The Groton Conservation Trust is a private, non-profit land trust in Groton, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1964 to acquire, preserve, and provide public access to lands with significant conservation value. The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of Groton residents with varied backgrounds, occupations and interests. You are receiving this email as an interested member of the GCT.

Land We Steward

Groton Conservation Trust

P.O. Box 395

Groton, MA 01450

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