Happy 2021! The GCT began our year as we have for the past several: gathering in a strategic planning session to analyze our previous year and look at our objectives for the coming year. Prior planning sessions gave us the Groton Conservation Summit (see the 2021 information below), our Climate Action committee, even our revamped mission statement. This year we hope to focus on education (especially around climate issues), land protection and our events. The webinars have been successful, and while we plan to open up our in person events slowly (and with small numbers) we do plan to continue these very comfortable Zoom forums.

For the outdoors, we have the geocaching program to kick off, events located at Bates Land in March to support the GPL GrotonReads program and a climate change course (mentioned below). Under development are new member walks, the fall traverse and a new, spring-time one, and a spring vernal pool webinar/walk.

We also have plans for a new property map, book recommendations (see the web update at the right) and continued property enhancements. Stay tuned!

This course is designed to introduce all aspects of climate change, focusing on solutions and action.  We will cover the basic science and historical data; current and projected impacts; solutions currently being implemented, proposed, or researched; and what you can do.  When looking at impacts and solutions, we will include local, national, and global perspectives.

Tom Rawson is a just-retired 7th/8th grade science teacher with a passion for and several years’ experience in teaching about climate change. He has a B.A. in Biology, M.S. In Biomathematics, and an M.Ed., as well as professional training on climate change through Mass. Audubon, UMass Lowell, and elsewhere.

GCT members receive a discount on the course, email Katy to get your discount code. Register today!

This past year was challenging to many organizations and we are grateful that our wonderful members stepped up the support of our efforts.

We welcome the new members who joined us during the COVID pandemic. We have special opportunities planned to introduce you to our properties (safely and in small numbers) and help you become engaged in conservation in Groton. Our website has a wealth of information about our properties to explore.

And if the year-end slipped by you without renewing or joining our efforts, you can always donate now.

Thanks!

Following up on a suggestion from our advisory council at our annual GCT Strategy Session in January, we have created a Recommended Reading spot on our website. We have started the list with some of our favorites and will be updating if with any of your suggestions as well. Most of the titles can be found at the Groton Public Library.

And remember if you want to own any of these great titles, you can buy them from Amazon and designate the GCT as your charity. Amazon donates a portion of the sale to the GCT and to date, that ihas brought us over $200.