Thanks to member Sally Reed for this stunning photo of a Great Blue Heron. The heron nests near the Blackman Field and Woods property were full of activity this spring.


The GCT is excited to introduce our new employee, Katy Coburn.  Katy Coburn joins GCT to coordinate the Trust's engagement and land management activities. Katy's conservation interests focus on the impacts of climate change on local environments, and making outdoor spaces welcoming and accessible to everyone. She also works as an independent consultant for a diverse range of organizations on sustainability and research. Previously, Katy worked as an analyst for
Katy can be reached at katy@gctrust.org 
 
MSCI's Environmental, Social and Governance Research division, serving financial clients in sustainable investing. She holds a BS in Natural Resource Studies from University of Massachusetts Amherst and a graduate certificate in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University. In her free time, Katy enjoys volunteering for her local school system, traveling with her family, and experimenting in her garden.

A graduate of Lawrence Academy, Katy is excited to be back on Groton.  She will soon have regular hours in our new office at Prescott School.  She will also be at The General Field party, now on June 27, so come by to say hello! 
Moors Schoolhouse Update
 
Thanks to trustee David Black and his Groton School student volunteers, the first step of the Moors Schoolhouse reclamation project is underway.  The team cleared the foundation, brought in loam for future plantings and cleared the area of debris.  Stayed tuned for the native plantings, courtesy of a grant from The Freedom's Way 2019 Partnership Grant Program to connect people to the land and biodiversity within the Town of Groton. 
 
David Black and students from The Groton School. 
    
ICYMI: Trustee Bob Pine vs. Invasive Species 
 
Trustee Bob Pine was featured in a newspaper article written by Groton School student Lily Cratsley. The article focused on the challenge Bob faced when he purchased his home with a near perfect view of Gibbet Hill.  The quest for that perfect view led Bob to battle invasive growth all around the property.   
As the article states, and many a homeowner can testify, fighting back invasive species is a temporary fix.  Quoting
Wayne Mezitt, chairperson of the MA Invasive Plan Advisory Board, "invasives have been a problem in the U.S. at least as far back as colonization". There are direct actions being employed to remove them, such as
the Groton's Invasive Species Committee's fight against the Emerald Ash Borer this spring. The group plans to inject an approved pesticide into ash trees, the only currently effective treatment, according to GCT advisory member and chairman Brian Bettencourt.  But as Bob has found out, the invasive species are resilient! 
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.
Sunset and Sunflower Party Now June 27
Because of our rainy weather pattern, we will postpone this wonderful event to June 27. Join us for a picnic, spirits, lively music and oysters shucked on the spot.
Shelter Building workshop June 22
Tim Swanson, of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, hosts a "traveling" survival school to teach all ages wilderness survival skills. His first class with the GCT is shelter building, where you will learn to craft a shelter outdoors with materials at hand. The GCT will offer this class from 1-4 PM on June 22. We are limited to 25 people so email   Holly Estes to reserve your spot and get directions.
 
Renew your membership In March and get a special gift!
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. 
A family membership is just $50.   
Quick Links
Not sure how to use iNaturalist?
Here are some video tutorials that can help you get started.  Practice makes it second nature!