The Groton Conservation Trust Turns 60!

The Declaration of Trust for the GCT was recorded November 12, 1964.

Dear Susan,

We are very excited about 2024!

First, it is our 60th anniversary. We are planning many ways for you to celebrate this milestone with us, and many ways to share some of our history (see below).

We are also celebrating two new trustees who joined the GCT at the end of 2023 (see their bios on the right). Milene and Debbie look forward to engaging with you at an event soon.

We also have events lined up over the next few months to keep you engaged and informed.

We were successful in meeting our year end goal, thank you to everyone who responded to the appeal!

Full Moon Hike (Snowshoe!?) with Mark Gerath and Susan Hughes

Wednesday, 1.24.24, 7:00 PM

We will meet at the parking area at The General Field on Farmers Row for this winter favorite. Please dress carefully for the weather and conditions. We will provide a conditions update and a route with our reminder on the day before or day of the event.

This is event is free, but please register so we know to expect you. All are welcome!

Groton Conservation Forum: 2.15.24, 6:30 PM

Groton Senior Center

The GCT and Trustee Bob Pine host the 9th annual Forum.

The Groton Trails Committee, the Groton Conservation Commission, and the GCT inaugurated the Groton Conservation Forum in 2015 and we rotate the organizing responsibility each year. All private and municipal groups engaged in conservation and passive recreational activities in Groton, as well as the general public, are invited to participate. The goals of the Forum are to explore opportunities for cooperation, share different perspectives, and to learn more about current initiatives. Snacks and beverages are available for the social time 6:30 - 7:00 PM.

This year the GCT hosts, and Bob Pine will lead a discussion:

Nature-based Solutions: Why they Matter in

Groton

Nature-based Solutions use natural systems to combat climate change while addressing its impacts. They are promoted by the United Nations Global Compact, the World Bank, and virtually every major conservation organization as the central strategy for addressing climate change and protecting our communities and our environment. In addition to describing how Nature-based Solutions can be effective and beneficial for Groton as well as how each of us can be involved, Bob will discuss two related topics. the recently published Massachusetts Climate Forestry Report and an MVP grant the NRWA received to bring nature-based solutions to five watershed communities, including Groton. We hope to see you there.

Meet our newest trustees:

Debbie Howell

Debbie recently and intentionally moved to Groton for its open space and many, many beautiful trails. She currently works at the Weston Conservation Department focusing on stewardship of over 2,000 acres of conservation land with 100 miles of trails as well as 10 conservation restriction properties.

Before moving to Groton, she served on the Sudbury Conservation Commission as well as Racial and Social Justice Community Group. Debbie’s previous career was as a Project Manager in environmental consulting focusing on hazardous waste site investigation and remediation.

Debbie graduated from Tufts University with a BS in Chemical Engineering and then earned her MS in Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University. In her spare time, Debbie spends most of her time outside – walking trails, birding, gardening, and photographing nature.

Milene Tabory

Milene was born and raised in Lima, Peru where she developed a strong advocacy drive to help improve our world. Previously working as a victim witness advocate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, she fiercely championed the rights of victims.

Now, Milene focuses her passion on environmental advocacy and conservation, aiming to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis and preserve biodiversity for future generations.

In addition to Groton Conservation Trust, Milene is a key contributor to Far Away Projects, a nonprofit organization where she collaborates closely to formulate and execute their overall strategy in supporting sustainability initiatives globally.

Become a GCT Member Today!

GCT History

Bates Land, 38.5 acres given by Natica Bates in 1968, was the first land stewarded by the GCT.

It is off of Ayer road, beside James Brook. A picnic grove called "The Roadside Piece" was developed with R. Harvey Whitehill Memorial Funds. A trail to the top of Indian Hill gives way to spectacular views west.

Since 1997 the Trustees of Reservations has held the Conservation Restriction (CR) on Bates.

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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