Settling into Summer

Another beautiful evening at the annual General Field picnic. Photo courtesy of John Galeros.

Dear Susan,

As we ease into the summer months, the GCT has updates on the land we steward. Read below about the Forest Bells renovation and the ongoing work at Bates Land.

The annual General Field picnic was a lovely success despite the threatening weather. Many thanks to the Groton Commissioners of Trust Funds for the Contra Banditos performance and to friend of the trust Chris Frothingham for the fresh-shucked oysters. ICYMI, there is a photo gallery on our website, thanks to the lovely photography of member Steve Lieman.

Have you considered creating a lasting legacy and protecting Groton forever? Let us help!

Forest Bells Restoration is complete

The restoration of the Forest Bells on the Blackman Field and Woods parcel has been ongoing since November of last year when several of the trees were damaged, causing the bells to be unusable. Trustees Chuck Vander Linden, Kristen von Campe and Ed McNierney worked with three specialists to bring the bells back to life. The team had to remove the old and damaged bells and harnesses, and find secure limbs to add the refurbished bells. When one of the harnesses they tried to save from a tree no longer in use was found to have grown into the tree, they salvaged the pieces they could and an assistant of artist Paul Matisse knelt down on his blanket like 'MacGyver' and fashioned a harness out of new and formerly used materials for the last bell.

The work was made possible with funds from GCT's Matisse Bells endowment, generously created by the estate of Arthur Blackman to keep the Forest Bells a Groton landmark for generations to come. If you would like to make a special contribution to this dedicated fund, let us know in the comment section on the donation page. Your gift will be truly appreciated.

Thanks to Ed for championing this project. Many thanks Kristen for these photos,

Bates Land Update

Progress continues at Bates. The main paths are laid out and the clover paths through the meadows will be seeded and grow in over the season. The rest of the grading around the parking area is in progress and the pillars that hold the chain across the path to the back areas are in place. (In the picture, Bennett Black is placing the granite pillar in the right spot.)

The germination of the wildflowers and native grasses varied significantly from place to place, even though the mix was consistent. There are areas where Little Bluestem is the dominant plant and areas where different wildflowers are more dominant.

Visitors can see the ongoing work as the area gets ready for summer visits and picnics.

Walk and Wine: A GCT Endowment Fundraiser

August 20, 2023 Lost Lake/Skitapet

Thanks to the generosity of GCT member Sue Nordberg, we are offering a very special fundraiser to support the GCT Endowment Fund.

Sue is a certified specialist in wine with the Martignelli Companies, the 6th largest distributor in the country. A Cornell graduate from the School of Hotel Management, she is the third generation of her family in this career.

Sue is excited to partner with the GCT for a walk through Skitapet, her neighborhood since 1998. We then join Sue in her home to taste wines and share appetizers.

This is a limited opportunity, with space available for 20 guests. We will hike first, about 2.5 miles, ending with the wine tasting. The donation for this one-of-a-kind event is $50.00 per person.

Please register early as this event will fill quickly!

Enjoyed that hike? Loved that speaker? Your donations make it happen!

Donations to the GCT help our stewardship and help bring you the speakers and events you like to attend. You can make a paperless donation online at our secure website. GCT members renew every year to ensure the work continues, and every donation you make increases our efforts.

For first time members our GCT map is still available. It is a gorgeous paper map that fits in your pocket or your glove box. You can request a free map with your membership right on our secure donation website.

Become a GCT Member Today!

Protecting yourself against Lyme disease

New Conservation Restrictions

The GCT voted to accept three new CRs on three properties conserved by the Groton Conservation Commission:

Casella
Hallett
Priest

These parcels include critical ecosystems and habitats, and provide contiguous protection with existing protected open space.

A conservation restriction is another protection tool, a legally enforceable agreement whose purpose is to ensure permanent protection of specific conservation values while permitting limited land uses consistent with the protection of said conservation values.

Organizations qualified to hold CRs include governmental units (e.g., Conservation Commissions) and non-profit organizations whose purposes include conservation of land or water (GCT).

A conservation restriction will identify the specific natural conditions found on the land and outline what measures are required to protect the important features there. These measures include prohibitions against subdividing the property or damaging the wildlife habitat. A restriction will also identify the routine maintenance which is permitted. Finally, the document will lay out how disputes will be handled and the responsibilities of the current and future landowners and the land trust.

Tree ID Walk with Michelle Ruby

Saturday June 24, 2023, 3:00- 5:00 PM

Groton is unique in that nearly o of the land in town is protected conservation land, and most of that is forested. GCT Trustee and Lawrence Academy science teacher Michelle Ruby will teach you tricks to recognizing many of the most common species around Groton, as well as how to use traditional field guides and/or the app iNaturalist to identify unfamiliar species.

Current GCT members register for FREE with a unique code provided by the GCT. Please contact Katy to check your membership status and to receive your code

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.

Groton Conservation Trust

P.O. Box 395

Groton, MA 01450

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