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Dear Susan,
Cheers to 60 years!
As we continue to celebrate 60 years of conservation in Groton, we hope you get out and enjoy the beauty around us. We have a few upcoming hikes to take advantage of the winter landscape. See details below.
We are also highlighting our 60 years, with stories and information about the Trust's history of land protection and stewardship.
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Mason - Gamlin - Boulder Hike
Saturday, 2.17.24, 10:00 AM
Come explore one of the largest collections of glacial boulders in our area. This hike will explore old farmland, complete with homestead remains, large boulders, caves, scenic overlooks and rock formations. The hike is 2.6 miles, spikes are recommended.
We will meet at the end of Whispering Brook Road (off of Old Dunstable), parking alongside the wetlands. Bring a snack to enjoy at the Suzanna Black scenic overlook. There is a bit of climbing and rock scampering.
This is a free hike, but please register so we know to expect you.
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Reminder: Groton Conservation Forum: This Thursday February 15, 6:30 PM at The Groton Center
The GCT and Trustee Bob Pine host the 9th annual Forum.
The Groton Trails Committee, the Groton Conservation Commission, and the GCT inaugurated the Groton Conservation Forum in 2015 and we rotate the organizing responsibility each year. All private and municipal groups engaged in conservation and passive recreational activities in Groton, as well as the general public, are invited to participate. The goals of the Forum are to explore opportunities for cooperation, share different perspectives, and to learn more about current initiatives. Snacks and beverages are available for the social time 6:30 - 7:00 PM. Please register here.
This year the GCT hosts, and Bob Pine will lead a discussion:
Nature-based Solutions: Why they Matter in
Groton
Nature-based Solutions use natural systems to combat climate change while addressing its impacts. They are promoted by the United Nations Global Compact, the World Bank, and virtually every major conservation organization as the central strategy for addressing climate change and protecting our communities and our environment. In addition to describing how Nature-based Solutions can be effective and beneficial for Groton as well as how each of us can be involved, Bob will discuss two related topics. the recently published Massachusetts Climate Forestry Report and an MVP grant the NRWA received to bring nature-based solutions to five watershed communities, including Groton. We hope to see you there.
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Behind the Scenes: Land Stewardship
Much of the work on the parcels stewarded by the GCT is visible, like the park maintenance at Bates and The General Field, or the haying at Still Meadow. But some things aren't as visible. Recently, trustees visited Red Line Path to inspect the old culvert (pictured above and below) to make sure the rain storms hadn't flooded the area.
The culvert runs under the trail, a stretch of the old Red Line railroad bed. The water flows between the Upper Massapoag Pond and Cow Pond Brook. The challenge is to make sure the culvert is clear of debris so the area doesn't flood.
In January, after all the rains, we are happy to report a clear, and clearly beautiful, stone culvert.
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Upcoming GCT Events for Your Calendar:
Here are some upcoming events you will want to note:
- Spring equinox party, March 19
- Spring Traverse, April 21
- Annual meeting, April 24
- The General Field Sunset Party, June 6
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Full Moon Hike (Snowshoe!?) with Susan Hughes and Ed McNierney
Saturday, 2.24.24, 7:00 PM
We will meet at the the end of Indian Hill Road for this winter favorite, and a trip to the Forest Bells. Please be respectful of the residents when you park.
Dress carefully for the weather and conditions. We will provide a conditions update and a route with our reminder on the day before or day of the event.
This is event is free, but please register so we know to expect you. All are welcome!
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GCT History: Gamlin Crystal Springs
The Gamlin Crystal Springs land was donated by Robert and Frances Gamlin to the Groton Conservation Trust in 2005. Prior to the donation, three generations of the Gamlin family had worked the land for nearly 100 years, primarily in forestry, agriculture, and operation of a Christmas tree farm.
Just off of Old Dunstable Road, The Gamlin Crystal Spring Conservation Area and abutting protected land together create the largest contiguous protected area in Groton ,of approximately 1,400 acres. The Gamlin Crystal Spring parcels abut over 700 acres protected by the New England Forestry Foundation Wharton Plantation and Bridge Street Woods and 12 acres belonging to Groton’s Conservation Commission Woodland Park Conservation Area, as well as the Trust’s Mason Back 100, 27-acre Cronin-Massapoag Land, and 20-acre Red Line Path.
These contiguous protected parcels complete two wildlife corridors, one running north-south along Cow Pond Brook, and one east-west from the Tyngsboro and Dunstable boundaries across much of northern Groton.
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GCT History: Mason Back 100
Purchased in a bargain sale from Edward and Jean Mason, the parcel is is a vital nature habitat. There is a substantial home site on the land including cellar hole and barn foundation. An old meadow is intact including a well-set stone wall.
The parcel has two extensive wetlands as well as high uplands consisting of pine and oak forests. In addition to the wildlife habitat value. it is the only peat bog in Groton.
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