Member Dave Wilder views the progress of Indian Hill during a pause of clean up on Bates Land.    --photo courtesy of Mark Gerath


May is usually our annual meeting, a time to meet with members and share what has happened over the past year with the GCT.  
 
While we were not able to gather with you, we did conduct our annual business, reported here. We hope to reschedule our planned program, featuring former Groton resident Ken Janes and his book on birds of New England, at a future date. We will also celebrate the service of Scott Wilson, who retired from the GCT this year, and our pick for our lifetime conservation award (a surprise to be revealed at the meeting!).

Officers and reappointments
The Trustees voted unanimously for this slate of officers:
  • President: Ted Lapres
  • VP: Mark Gerath
  • Secretary: Holly Estes
  • Treasurer: John Llodra
The following trustees were re-appointed to a three year term: Wendy Good, Susan Hughes, Rick Muehlke, David Pitkin and Chuck Vander Linden.

New Trustee appointment
We are also happy to announce a unanimous vote to bring on Brian Bettencourt as trustee (see Brian's profile at the right). Brian fills the remainder of Scott's term.
Storm Clean-up Update
A message from Paul Funch
The Groton Trails Committee is coordinating with the Groton Conservation Trust in our re-opening of the trails on the Gamlin Esker as well as the other impacted trails in the Gamlin subdivision area.  We have spent over 32 person-hours of effort so far on the Esker Trail alone.  We have been cutting a path that is nowhere near clear but it is passable by foot, though requiring climbing over and under many trees.  We've only made it about 1/3 of a mile so far.   
 
The damage is extensive and very difficult to clear due to piling up of trunks in many places and also because trees have been bent over the top of the esker - some trees are still attached to the root ball on one side of the esker and the larger part of the tree hangs over the other side.  The large and often stacked trees are under a tremendous amount of tension and are, I would say, dangerous to be around even when not cutting.  In some cases, we had trees nearly explode in front of us as the top fell off to one side and the remaining 20+' trunk was pulled back upward by the connected root ball to a standing position after the slightest cut was made in the trunk.  In the first 1/3 of a mile, we have left more than a dozen trees that we felt were too dangerous (or high) for us to handle. The GCT received an offer of help from Marquis Tree Service to assist in opening up the trails. So we are trying to make the most dangerous trees accessible to the experts so as to not waste their time clearing the easier, but still labor-intensive, trees.
 
The work on the esker trail and the other nearby trails will take many weeks to complete I would estimate.  I know that many of you have chainsaws and would love to help out, but that really is not a good idea in this case, in addition to being against Trails Committee and Groton Conservation Trust policies aimed at keeping injuries at a low risk level.  As I said, we could use some help, but please leave your chainsaw home if you come to assist.  Contact the GCT to become part of the mailing list of volunteers.
 
Thanks,
Paul
Thank you to everyone who volunteer time and resources on clean ups and work to make our properties nicer for you! Bob and Wiley Ordemann, Dave Wilder, cleaning up tree damage; Chris Bussiere, building a bridge on the Hayes property; and Susanna Black removing invasives on Bates (socially distanced clearing, pictured below!); and Paul Funch and all the members of the Groton Trails Network.

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.
 
While we stay home
Many are finding a silver lining in the pandemic stay-at-home orders: birdwatching. In fact, many have noted there seems to be more birds to watch .  Member Sally Reed has certainly captured her share of beautiful birds, including this Eastern Bluebird on Bates Land.
Meet New Trustee Brian Bettencourt 

Brian Bettencourt is part of a three-generation Groton family.  He grew up along the Squanacook; insects, reptiles, and amphibians have been life-long subjects of fascination.  Brian received a bachelor's in Biology from UMass Amherst and a PhD in Biology from the University of Chicago.  As chair of the Invasive Species Committee in Groton, Brian is proud that his kids recognize and root out Asian bittersweet, garlic mustard, and Japanese knotweed on their own, and consider it quite a sport.   Using iNaturalist to keep track of backyard finds and creatures of puzzlement on hikes with his wife and kids is a serious hobby and one that dovetails perfectly with his love of computers.
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.

 

Quick Links