Spring hike led by GCT advisory council member Ursula Flury. Photo courtesy of Steve Lieman.
Greetings!

May is truly a time when we begin to spring forward. We see it in nature, with blooms and new growth. We see it in our lives as COVID cases decrease and vaccinations increase and we can go forward with some kind of "normal". May is also the time for the GCT's annual meeting. While we missed your attendance again this year, trustees met, as we are required to do, to renew terms and elect officers. Following our term limit policy for officials, Ted Lapres stepped down, reaching the end of his 5 year term as president. (See Ted's note below). The trustees voted Mark Gerath, having served as vice president for the past five years, as president (see Mark's note below). Susan Hughes, chair of the communications and membership committee was elected as vice president. Remaining in their posts are Holly Estes as Clerk and John Llodra as Treasurer. We are hoping that as we continue to move forward, we will be able to meet as a group in the fall. (In picture, clockwise, Holly, Mark, Susan and John.)
A message from outgoing President Ted Lapres

In stepping down this month as my five year term as President of the Trust with the ended, I reflected on the concept of stewardship. As a land organization, stewardship of our many properties is obviously our top priority. But stewardship of our organization is also vital. We were entrusted by generous and visionary donors to protect and steward our lands in perpetuity. To do this effectively, we have to remain a strong and vital organization. We have been fortunate to have so many great stewards of the Trust that came before us; people like Marion Stoddart, Joseph Skinner, Arthur Blackman, Ed Mason, June Johnson. They built a great foundation and guided future leaders and current trustees like Bob Pine, Wendy Good, Rick Muehlke, Chuck Vander Linden and Ed McNierney. We in turn are focused on passing the torch to our newer group of Trustees, passing knowledge and culture to ensure we continue the high bar of excellence set by those that came before us. It has been a great honor to serve as president
for the past five years leading this amazing organization and I know we are in good hands with Mark
taking over to continue our long term stewardship responsibility.
And from incoming President Mark Gerath

It is a very exciting time to take over as President of the Groton Conservation Trust. We owe so much to Ted Lapres for his vision, organizational skills, and hard work. Thanks to his leadership, the Trust is active on more fronts, is stronger financially, has more members, and is better organized. In Ted’s note above, he emphasized stewardship. As I become President, I am committed to continuing a focus on stewardship and am equally excited about the GCT mission of fostering engagement. In the last several years, GCT has pursued more programs for the public as well as more formal, ongoing coordination with our allied conservation organizations.

As unsettling as the COVID year has been, it has been exciting to see the Groton community find solace and connection through time spent in Groton’s wonderful environment. While the GCT will continue to emphasize environmental education, simple appreciation of our natural environment is a catalyst for addressing our environmental crises. I look forward to working with dedicated and talented GCT Trustees, Advisory Council, and the Groton community on environmental stewardship and engagement with the natural landscapes.
We echo what our neighboring land trusts are saying:

Take a Stand for Local Land!
If you have not joined the GCT, now is a great time to do so.

We have programming and events coming up that you can enjoy for free. We also have great patches (see below) and car stickers to let others know where you stand!

As always, thank you for your support.
Upcoming hikes
Two upcoming hikes can help you enjoy spring:

Monday, May 17th at 6pm
Spring Ephemerals Walk at Town Forest
GCT trustee Mark Gerath will lead a walk through the Town Forest to look for spring ephemerals. This hike will last for approximately 1.5 hours.

Register for the May 17th walk here.

Saturday, June 5th at 10am, 5 mile hike with Susan Hughes
GCT Trustee Susan Hughes will lead a longer 5 mile hike across GCT and town properties off Chicopee Row. The hilly trail follows ridges, forests, streams and ponds. Bring walking sticks as there are a few ups and downs.

Register for the June 5th walk here.
Shaw's rewards
are back!
For the month of May 2021, Groton Conservation Trust will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag at the Shaw's store located at Shaw's 760A Boston Road, Groton MA.
Save the date: Sunflowers at Sunset to return: June 24,
7 PM, with live music!
During the pandemic, we put all of our large gatherings, inside and out, on hold. Now, with many receiving vaccines and the understanding that outdoor activities, safely spaced, can be safe, we are delighted to open up with our happiest event: Sunset at The General Field. This year, we will still use great caution: no shared food or drink, a minimum of 3 feet between "pods". But we look forward to bringing you music, companionship and, of course, that beautiful scene!

Speaking of music, we are happy to offer an unplugged concert from local band Just One Sip (featuring our own John Llodra) for your entertainment.
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.
P.O. Box 395
Groton, MA 01450