Naromi Land Trust  
Forever. Sherman.  
September/October 2019
                                                                                        Vol. 12, Issue 10    
In This Issue
Event Calendar
Annual Picnic Save the Date
Bird Walk Photos
Monitoring Blitz
Appalachian Trail Day Celebration
Trail Tips
Quick Links
Support Naromi
Members, Friends and Neighbors,
Fall is here - arguably the best time of year for hiking and enjoying Naromi's preserves.   We have several Naromi-specific events in the coming weeks.  We will also be at events hosted by partner organizations from our community including Great Hollow Nature Preserve and Sherman Congregational Church.  
 
Many thanks to colleagues Stefan Martin and Deirdra Wallin from Deer Pond Farm for co-leading a walk at our Wimisink with me (photos below)!  And thanks to partner John Foley of Great Hollow Nature Preserve for co-leading a hike on Naromi's Herrick Trail with Naromi President Chris Jellen last Saturday.
null
As always, share your photos with us and let us know what you see out there!
 
Yours truly,

Amanda Branson
Executive Director
Big List of Events!
All in one place, here's a list of the upcoming events in the next two months. Read on below for some more details. 

Naromi Events
10/13 - Naromi Annual Picnic
11/2  - Annual Monitoring Blitz
11/29 - #OptOutside Hike

Partner Events
Our region is blessed with some incredible organizations doing important work. Here are some of the upcoming events that might be of interest to you.

10/12 - Sherman Church Fair (Naromi will be there!)   
10/19 - Appalachian Trail Day  
10/26 - Great Hollow Nature Preserve - Hollowfest (Naromi will be there!)  
Please join us at the Annual Picnic!
Every Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, Naromi hosts a community picnic at Hadlow Field. All are welcome, whether you're a new or long-time friend of Naromi. Families are especially welcome.  
 
Hadlow has stunning views into neighboring states.  Come at 12pm with a side dish, dessert, or salad and we provide the rest.   
 
Fingers crossed for good weather but in case of rain, we'll hold it at Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse.   
   
Wimisink Bird walk with Deer Pond Farm 
Green Heron (Click for info) - Photo by Stefan Martin
Photo by Deirdra Wallin
Photo by Amanda Branson
Save the Date - Naromi Monitoring Blitz
Land trusts typically conserve land either by taking ownership outright or by negotiating an easement with a land owner to protect certain conservation values. On easements, Naromi does not own the property but is responsible for making sure that the guidelines established in the easement are followed. Monitoring entails walking the boundaries, inspecting signage, and looking for signs of damage or encroachment. This is a major part of a land trust's obligations.  
 
Every year, Naromi holds a Monitoring Blitz to coordinate volunteer monitors and document the status of our 27 easements. Saturday, November 2nd from 9am to 1pm at the Sherman Senior Center.  There is a short meeting and then monitors go out and monitor their assigned locations.
 
No experience necessary - we'll train you! Children under 16 are welcome if accompanied by a parent.  If you are interested in becoming a land monitor, please contact the office at 860-354-0260 or email  office@naromi.org.   
Appalachian Trail Day Celebration 

Save the date for  Harlem Valley Appalachian Trail Community's 6th Annual Appalachian Trail Day Celebration on October 19th at Native Landscape s on Rt 22 in Pawling from 10am to 2pm. Enjoy organized hikes to Cat Rocks, th e Dover Oak and surrounding areas; Girl Scout activities; a photography session with Justin Goodhart; a native plant talk by Pete Muroski; displays and activities by local partner organizations and businesses, volunteer awards, raffles and much more! 
Trail Tips - This Month's Topic: Hiking Alone
by Joanna Wozniak-Brown

Sometimes, taking a hike on your own can be intimidating and yet, taking a walk in the woods might be exactly what you need. Here are some ways to make sure that the only things on your mind are the crunch of the leaves under foot, the fresh air, and the adventures ahead.  
 
1) Let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back. Even if it's somewhere you go all of the time, let a family member or friend know your plan.   
 
2) Get comfortable with your plan before you go. Think about your time limitations and fitness levels and match your hike to these parameters.  Print a copy of the map to bring with you to be able to check it as you go.  Feel free to bring a pen or pencil to mark any turns you take.  You could even join a group hike at the location before trying it on your own.  
 
2) Carry the safety gear that makes you feel comfortable. There are a lot of options out there nowadays. GPS tracking devices like the Spot Satellite Messenger allows friends or family to track your progress. Water and food should always be a part of your gear.  
 
3) Follow CT DEEP's "Be Bear Aware" tips. You can also carry bear mace, which goes farther than regular mace, and a noise-making device like a bell on your backpack.    
 
4) Wear appropriate clothing. Layers are the best method at regulating your body temperature while your hiking. You might not think you need any warmer layers but they will come in handy if you get stuck somewhere or your other layers get wet.  
 
5) Limit your distractions. Wearing headphones or earbuds can be a big distraction while out in the woods. You may not hear mountain bikers, animals, or falling limbs.
 
6) Have fun! Hiking is a wonderful experience, challenging you physically and mentally. Just prepare thoughtfully and get out there!