The Granby Land Trust recently released the latest in its series of virtual property tours: this one of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby. This is the fourth in the series, the others offering tours of the Mary Edwards Mountain Property, the Katan-Ensor and Old Messenger Road Preserves, and the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. The GLT is working with the talented professional wildlife photographer/videographer Todd DeWald to create these spectacular videos.
“We want to share the beauty of these properties with everyone, near and far, and make these trails accessible virtually for all to enjoy and appreciate,” says GLT President Rick Orluk. “With the videos, people can take a guided tour from the comfort of their own homes, on their own schedules and learn more about each of these properties.”
The videos are a balm for the senses, immersing the viewer in the sights and sounds of nature. And they’re educational. Through his narration, DeWald shares interesting facts about the geography, history, flora and fauna of the property as he guides the viewer down each trail. He has spent hours upon hours on each property, camouflaged, working to get videos and photos of even the most elusive birds and animals (see his incredible photo of a bobcat, elsewhere in this issue of the Drummer!).
The video tours can be found on the Trails pages of the GLT website (GranbyLandTrust.org) and on the Granby Land Trust’s YouTube channel. (Go to youtube.com and search for Granby Land Trust.)
Of course, for those who are willing and able, walking the preserve is an unbeatable way to get some exercise and fresh air and connect with nature. The video serves as a great preview and tells you things to look for. A trail map is available on the GLT’s website (go to GranbyLandTrust.org and click on “Trails.”) The trail map also is available on the Avenza Maps app. (Download the app, then go to “Store,” and download the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve Trails Map.) With the Avenza Maps app, hikers can track their progress on the trail—this can be especially fun with kids!
No matter how you choose to visit the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve, please take a moment to give thanks to Seth and Lucy, who donated this incredible, 150-acre parcel of land to the Land Trust for all to enjoy.
