It's haying time at The General Field   --photo courtesy of Chuck Vander Linden

 
Groton Conservation Trust extends a giant thank you to our summer intern, Kate Guerin, who worked with two scientists, GCT trustees David Black and Michelle Ruby, to test and document new technology for our critical monitoring and land management work. Kate worked diligently over the summer (through extremely hot and buggy conditions!) and was successful in her efforts to help us integrate these new tools into our data collection. The internship was completed in partnership with the Harvard University SPARK program, which provides first year students with a stipend to complete an internship that supports a community service project.

Kate came to Groton Conservation Trust after learning about our work in her environmental science studies at GDRHS. Kate previously interned at the Groton Historical Society, and plans to study biology at Harvard. Kate, we send you our sincere thanks and congratulations on a job well done!

Read about the project in this article from the Harvard Gazette featuring Kate and eight other participants in this summer's SPARK program. 


Photo of Kate and her brother Drew at the Taplin Wildlife Sanctuary by Jon Chase, Harvard Staff Photographer.
Updates on Bates Land 
--by Bob Pine
 
The GCT's Bates-Blackman property consists of two connected parcels, one of 38.5 acres given by Natica Bates in 1968, and the other of approximately 10 acres donated by Arthur and Camilla Blackman in 1984. Bates Land was the first GCT property.
 
Located near Groton Center the property on is on the opposite side of Old Ayer Road from the land being developed for Indian Hill Music's new center and includes four meadows, varied wetlands, the intersection of James and Cady Pond Brooks, a picnic area with stately pine trees and a swath of forest. The trail winds up a drumlin hill to open fields providing a spectacular vista, including a view of the Indian Hill Music complex. 
 
Over the past year the GCT has begun to restore and improve this area. Volunteers have worked on clearing brush around the picnic area to open views across the adjoining meadows; the parking area has been stabilized with new gravel; and work has begun to restore and upgrade the meadows with native grasses and wildflowers. Meanwhile, plans are moving forward to rebuild the existing bridge across James Brook, expand the parking area, reorganize the entrance, create an accessible path from the parking area to the picnic area and meadows and new paths through the restored wildflower meadows as well as providing educational information for visitors about the remarkable ecology. Possible restoration of James Brook and improvements to turtle habitat are even being considered.  
Friends of our wonderful trails:
Paul Funch two open seats on the Trails Committee. If you are interested, please apply online using this Committee Interest Form indicating the Trails Committee as your interest. 
 
If you want to know more about what is involved in being a member, I'd be happy to talk to you.  You should plan to come to one of our (Zoom) meetings to introduce yourself and ask any questions you might have.  That is the process by which we recommend people to be appointed by the Town Manager/Select Board.
 
We look forward to new faces, new ideas, and new enthusiasm for developing and maintaining Groton's Trails Network.
 
Thanks,


Quick Links

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.

Your donation is greatly appreciated!

Now, more than ever, non-profits are relying on the generosity of their members and friends to continue vital work in our communities. So many of you have continued to renew your membership and financial support for our efforts to preserve the natural beauty of Groton. We are deeply grateful.  
 
Donating, or renewing your membership online is easy and safe and every dollar supports Groton conservation. Thank you!
 
"Land Use History: What Ecology Tells Us About the Past": August 27, 7PM
We are very excited to announce our next webinar,  facilitated by GCT trustee Michelle Ruby and produced in partnership with Prescott School Community Center.
 
Program description: As we all spend more time than ever outside, there has been a renewed interest in the forests, wetlands, and other beautiful open spaces throughout town. We've heard from many people who are newly exploring trails a
nd properties, and discovering the incredible wealth of Groton's natural places full of plant and animal wildlife.  
 
We invite you to join us on an exploration of Groton's natural areas that takes a deeper dive, where we share insights and knowledge about the history of the changing landscape to help you find an even greater appreciation on your walks on the trails.
 
Join naturalist and educator Michelle Ruby as she takes you on a virtual tour of one of Groton Conservation Trust's most beautiful properties, Mason Back 100. This webinar has an interactive component, in which registrants are invited to visit the property on their own before or after the webinar - or both! - with a provided list of things to search for. Discover foundations of former farm houses, evidence of the fire that changed the forest, and signs of the ecology and biology of a forest in transition. If you've previously enjoyed our Black Friday walks with ecologist Tom Wessels, this is the event for you, a great webinar for learners of all ages! GCT current members may enroll in this webinar for free. Please contact Katy to check the status of your membership and enroll.
Not sure how to use iNaturalist?



Here are some video tutorials that can help you get started.  Practice makes it second nature!

Our citizen scientists have been capturing some outstanding images these last few months. Visit our FaceBook page and follow the GCT on Instagram to make sure you see it all.