Hikers hit the trails June 7
On June 7, as part of Connecticut Trails Day Weekend, the Granby Land Trust hosted a guided hike in North Granby. Nearly 30 enthusiastic participants explored the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe, Emery and Hart Family Preserves along the scenic Crag Mountain ridgeline.
Board Member Jen Plourde led the hike, helping participants observe the natural world and bringing the forest to life through her knowledge, enthusiasm and appreciation of the landscape. From trees and wildflowers to wildlife and local history, there was something new to discover around every bend in the trail. The GLT thanks Jen for sharing her passion and expertise.
The GLT also is deeply grateful to Seth and Lucy Holcombe, Dave and Jenny Emery and Will Hart Jr. and his sister, Sarah Koeniger, for the land they donated to the GLT, making it possible for these remarkable trails and conserved landscapes to be enjoyed by all.
Volunteers preserve GLT property
The Granby Land Trust thanks all the members who joined us on May 31 for the second Preserve Our Properties Work Party of the year at the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby.
With so many volunteers pitching in, tremendous progress was made throughout the preserve. Projects included parking area and entry trail maintenance, invasive plant management, replacement of trail signs, maintenance of scenic views and trails along the ridgeline connecting the Emery and Hart Family Preserves, and habitat improvement work on the newest section of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve.
The GLT is grateful for the time, energy, and dedication of everyone who participated. Your support helps us care for the land entrusted to us. Thank you for making a difference.
Interested in volunteering at our next Preserve Our Properties Day? Drop an email at info@granbylandtrust.org and we’ll notify you of our next work party.
Birds of Prey fascinate crowd
The Granby Land Trust was proud to co-host, with Granby Public Library, a “Live Birds of Prey” presentation, given by wildlife rehabilitator Christine Peyreigne and her mother, Betsy Peyreigne.
More than 150 attendees of all ages gathered on the library’s front lawn to meet five magnificent raptors—from a tiny Northern saw-whet owl to a large red-tailed hawk—and learn about their remarkable adaptations, the vital role they play in our ecosystems, the challenges they face, and the conservation efforts that help protect them. Guests were able to see these incredible birds up close, while learning about the rehabilitation work that helps return injured raptors to the wild.
The Granby Land Trust and the Granby Public Library extend their sincere thanks to Christine’s Critters (ChristinesCritters.org) for sharing such valuable information, inspiring a deeper appreciation for Connecticut’s native wildlife, demonstrating how each of us can help protect it and advocating for the protection of open space. “You are very lucky to live in Granby,” said Peyreigne. “You have so much protected land. Cherish it.”
Dewey-Granby Oak
The Granby Land Trust recently completed several important improvements at the Dewey-Granby Oak property to help preserve the health and vitality of this majestic, nearly 500-year-old tree. Recent work included tree and property maintenance completed by Granby native Brian Watkins, founder of Arborworks, along with his son Dan Watkins, owner of Beeworks; placement of boulders to prevent parking on the oak’s sensitive root system; installation of property signage asking visitors not to climb the tree; clearing of invasive plants beginning to encroach on the tree; and creation of a safer parking area north of the oak’s roots.
The GLT is deeply grateful to Property Steward Eric Lukingbeal, Brian and Dan Watkins, Patrick Hanley of Hanley Landscaping, and the Dewey-Granby Oak’s Day Street neighbors, including Blaine Schweizer, who helped move protective rocks into place. This was truly a team effort.
These improvements are all part of preserving the health and longevity of one of Connecticut’s most treasured trees. This remarkable oak began growing here long before the American Revolution, before Connecticut became a state, and generations before Granby was even established. Caring for it in its old age is a responsibility the GLT takes very seriously.
If you believe in this kind of work, please show your support by joining the Granby Land Trust. Annual memberships start at just $30 a year. You can join online at GranbyLandTrust.org (go to “Join or Renew”); or by mail: checks (made out to Granby Land Trust) can be mailed to PO Box 23, Granby, CT 06035. Thank you.