Tom Wessels always finds interesting things to share about Groton, even in the snow!


As the new year begins, we are already busy at work!  Our first order of business was moving into a new office, right in the center of town at the Prescott School Community Center.  We are excited to be with the Friends of Prescott as they re-imagine this historic old school and turn it into a vibrant community center. Soon, we will have office hours and you will be able to stop by to chat or get information about our work. 

As you read through the newsletter you will find many upcoming events to populate your 2019 calendar. We hope to see you soon!
    
Our new office space.   
Groton Conservation Summit: February 28
 
The 5th annual Groton Conservation Forum has been scheduled for Thursday the February 28th in the Lawrence Academy Media Center.  The room will open at 6:30 for networking time and light refreshments.  There will be a presentation on Forest Management at 7:00 PM lasting 30-45 minutes.  After that we'll have each group mention *briefly* what they did in the last year and what they plan to do in the next year.  This will hopefully spur the following open discussion.   
 
This annual Summit was created by the GCT, The Conservation Commission and the Groton Trails Network to bring together all the conservation-minded groups in Groton to discuss -big-picture ideas and where we can intersect.  This year's event is hosted by the Conservation Commission. For more information, please contact Olin Lathrop. 
   
May Annual Meeting: Building Stone Walls 
Kevin Gardiner will be the guest speaker at the GCT
May Annual Meeting.
 
We are happy to bring to Groton Kevin Gardiner, author and stone wall architect. Kevin will be the featured speaker at the GCT Annual Meeting on May 1. 
 
For more than forty years he has been a stone wall builder in a family business widely known for traditional New England stonework, particularly for historic restoration of antique structures. In 2001 Kevin published The Granite Kiss: Traditions and Techniques of Building New England Stone Walls. His second book, Stone Building: How To Make New England Style Walls and Other Structures the Old Way, was published in May of 2017. 

Your membership helps us do our work and protect these properties.

 
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.
 
Renew your membership today!
As we noted in our year-end newsletter, it was quite a 2018! Thank you to everyone who renewed your membership (or joined!) at the end of the year.  It is never too late to add your support to the important work we do for Groton with your paid membership.  Your support helps us protect Groton's  open
spaces. We rely on your continued membership not only to help us maintain these beautiful spaces, but also to bring you events and educational activities. A family membership is just $50.  Join us in keeping Groton beautiful by renewing your membership today.  If you don't have your "member" sticker, we will send one out to you. Or soon you can get one by visiting our new office space. 

UpComing Events

Feb 28 : Conservation Summit

April 13: Vernal Pool Walk

May 1: Annual Meeting (see more at left)

June 6: The General Field Sunset and Sunflower Party

September 14: Eyes on Owls

Plus hikes, and outdoor training and additional "pop up" talks. Stayed tuned to our Facebook Page for emerging events!
Not sure how to use iNaturalist?
Here are some video tutorials that can help you get started.  Practice makes it second nature!


Quick Links 
  
(where Amazon donates to the GCT with every purchase!)