January 2022 E-news
2022 Annual Meeting:
Vernal Pool Conservation in an Era of Climate Change
Speaker: Aram Calhoun, PhD
Thursday February 17th, 7pm
Virtual
Professor of Wetland Ecology, Department of Wildlife Ecology, Fisheries & Conservation Biology, University of Maine Faculty Fellow, Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions

Aram Calhoun is a wetland ecologist whose research focuses on wetland ecology and policy, and vernal pool conservation. Her work stresses the importance of conserving natural resources (wetlands and vernal pools) and/or target species (wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and blue-spotted salamanders) on private lands by addressing both human and ecological dimensions.

Calhoun’s research with the Mitchell Center uses local vernal pool conservation as a model to help communities find ways to balance economic development with natural resource conservation on private land. One aspect of Calhoun’s research is working with two Maine towns on conservation solutions that involve multiple levels of government, diverse state agencies and private interests for the conservation of vernal pools. Her work also involves working with the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the State Legislature on the importance of wetland and vernal pool protection.

Dr. Calhoun will share her research followed by time for questions and conversation.
The Big Night Series
A series of talks and walks around vernal pools and salamander migration.

Save the Date
2022 Annual 
Spring Auction 
Virtual 

Sunday March 6th-
Saturday March 12th
Upcoming Outings
& Events
Winter programming.
Saturday January 29th, 10am-noon
Hubbard Rd, Berwick

Join board member of Berwick, Mike Wright for a tour of these 140 acres between Hubbard Road and the Salmon Falls River. They offer a level, easy glide for ski touring and exploration of the forested riverbank. Hike from 10am-noon.

*The weather is looking pretty snowy for Saturday. We will make a call about weather by Friday afternoon.*
Wednesday Wandering:
Wednesday Feb 2, 10am-noon, Orris Falls parking area: Emery's Bridge Rd, South Berwick

Join Outreach Coordinator Brenna Crothers for a hike and explore this new wooded trail that connects Orris Falls Conservation Area to the Mount A trail network. Snowshoes or walking shoes recommended.
2022 Winter Outings
10am-1pm | Emery's Bridge Rd, South Berwick

10am-noon | Goodwin Rd, Eliot

10am-noon | Diamond Hill Rd, North Berwick/Berwick

10am-1pm | Punkintown Rd, South Berwick/Eliot

10am-noon | Fox Farm Hill Rd, North Berwick
Outings are limited to 25 participants. Sign up for hikes by email or call 207-646-3604.

**All trailheads are plowed, except Tatnic Woods. Thank you to our plow operators!**

Please follow CDC guidance regarding masks and social distancing.

Stay healthy and enjoy!
Volunteer News
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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:

Winter Newsletter Mailing: If you're interested in helping with this upcoming mailing, please contact us. Email jane.adams@gwrlt.org

Lead Spring Birding Walks: GWRLT morning birding walks will return this Spring! The walks are Thursday mornings, at 7am. If you're interested in leading spring Migration Mornings birding walk, please contact us. To volunteer email bcrothers@gwlrt.org

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THANK YOU!

Thank you Richard P. for cleaning up and fixing our leaky office ceiling!

Thank you to Val Brockway for painting signs.

Thank you to our plow operators! Jared Laflin from Beachfire (Beach Plum Farm), Kyle McCormick (Grants Meadows), Dwayne Clement (Negutaquet Conservation Area), Jay Ouellet (Goodwin Forest), Brad Christo (Savage Wildlife Preserve) and Caleb Mende (Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Area)
Tidbits
Staff picks on local and environmental news.
Kids Corner
Ice Lanterns
Celebrate winter!
Some great children's books about the joys of winter:


Essential questions to frame your exploration: Why does water freeze? What is snow, what is ice? What are seasons?

What you will need:
  • Bucket or can, 2 different sizes
  • Water
  • Natural Found Materials

  1. Clean out your tin/bucket container
  2. Put a small amount of water (about 1/2 C) into the larger tin can. Then put the smaller tin can inside the larger one. The smaller tin can should be floating inside the larger one at this point.
  3. Add a few rocks to the smaller tin can to hold it down so that the tops of both cans are level. Then add tape on all four sides to help hold the smaller tin can centered in the larger one.
  4. Now cut apart your greenery and berries into smaller pieces and stick them down into the water between the two cans. Place the lantern outside to freeze.
  5. Once the water is frozen, run slightly warm water over the outside of the can inside the smaller cat to help loosen the ice. Once the outsides melt a little bit you should be able to slide the ice lantern right outside of the tin can molds.
  6. Keep outside and out of direct sunlight to maintain shape. Add a candle at night and enjoy!
Photos of Great Works
Images from the trails.
First hike of the season at Negutaquet Conservation Area in North Berwick.
Quick and easy ways to give:
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Great Works Regional Land Trust
207-646-3604