The sweeping view from atop Bates Land


As t he  impact of the  COVID- 19  crisis continues  to e xpand   and upend our normal daily routines ,  we are all trying to find ways to  manage in this unique time.  The Groton Conservation Trust has  devoted our  55+ year efforts to  preserving important and beautiful properties for conservation ,  providin g interesting and educational activities for the public  and being a good neighbor.
 
While  we are following  state and federal guidelines  in closing our office and  suspending all scheduled  Trust   event s  until we gain greater clarity on the situation , we  do have the opportunity to offer  access to our properties as  a wonderful respite.
 
With the  days  being  longer  and  nature springing ,   being outdoors offers  one of the few  way s  to  maintain some  sense of normalcy. All the information we see  suggests that  taking  your healthy household  out for walks, bike rides and nature exploration , consistent with social distancing, is   good for your physical and mental  well being .  With this in mind, the Groton Conservation Trust will  be producing some suggested "micro  adventure" trail explorations  that are among our favorites  in town . See our first recommendation below.
Follow our Facebook page to  see these adventures.  And please feel free to send us details of your favorite  outdoor destinations.
Lastly,  do n't forget to use your iNaturalist App  to  capture the beauty  of Groton turning to spring , it offers a wonderful "citizen science"  educational opportunity.
 
Stay well,
Ted Lapres, President 
Adventure #1: Southeast Groton: Matisse Chimes, Herons, Ledges, Bobcats, and Swamps
This area is one of Groton's jewels for beauty and biodiversity. Multiple organizations including the GCT own property in the area and there are trails (marked and unmarked) all over the properties. Parking is available at the end of Indian Hill Road and at the Mass Audubon Land .  Use this map to follow trails.
 
There are two large heron rookeries and, in the last few years, a Great Horned Owl has squatted with her chicks in an old heron nest among the herons near Indian Hill Road. We don't know if she is back this year. You can't go wrong with this set of trails! 
  
A Commitment to Climate Science
While the calendar says winter, our weather certainly has been milder than usual! Climate change science was the main topic at our recent GCT strategy meeting. Attended by trustees and advisory council members, we refocused our goals for the year with an emphasis on the climate crisis. We dedicated ourselves to study the issue as it affects the land we manage and to educate our community on what can and must be done.  
 
To illustrate what climate change means for MA, the Union of Concerned Scientists projects that at our present rate of warming, in about 35 years Massachusetts' climate will be like Washington, DC is today and in about 70 years, like South Carolina's is today.
 
 
Over the year we will share our work and our findings in order to help us all help the community we love adapt to the changes in our climate. For a quick idea on how on something you can do right now, see the offer from Shaw's Supermarket below!   
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.

Overheard...

"Thank you so much! what an incredible experience to see all the stars and to be in the woods at night!"
 
- Full moon hiker after our March 7 hike along the Nashua River.  
 
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.

 
Ticks!
How to be safe and play outdoors
Yes, they are here and a part of the Groton outdoors experience. But that should not keep you from enjoying the outdoors and fresh air. Especially now!  It does mean you need to practice a bit of caution. Here are some tips from the CDC:
  • Protect your clothing and shoes with an EPA-registered insect repellent (containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone)
  • Tuck pants in socks
  • Walk in the center of trails
  • Check your clothing and body immediately after a hike (clothing can be tossed in the dryer for 30 minutes)
  • Ticks are everywhere, even in your yard and can be carried by dogs, so vigilance is key

Quick Links

 
Living in Groton, getting fresh air and spending time outside is a social distancing step we can all take.  Visit Taplin Wildlife Sanctuary (pictured here) or any of our properties for mental and physical refreshing!