GLT Volunteer Spotlight on Ron Dufrane
The Granby Land Trust is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers who quietly give their time and energy to care for its preserves. One such volunteer is Ron Dufrane, one of the property stewards for the GLT’s Katan-Ensor Preserve in West Granby.
As a neighbor to the preserve, Dufrane has developed a deep appreciation for this special property and its history. He is always willing to do what it takes to keep the preserve in outstanding condition. Whether he’s routinely monitoring the trails, clearing fallen limbs after storms, trimming back vegetation along the paths or taking on larger stewardship projects, Dufrane is there.
Most recently, Dufrane tackled the substantial job of clearing the understory beneath the beautiful grove of tupelo trees near the preserve kiosk. The work has opened up the area, highlighted these beautiful trees, and made the entrance even more welcoming for visitors. It’s just one more example of the care and pride Dufrane brings to the preserve.
“Ron just gets it done. There’s no fanfare — he’s simply committed to the property, the Katans’ legacy, and the Town of Granby,” said GLT President Rick Orluk. “Whether it’s routine trail work or taking on a project that most people would walk past, Ron steps up without being asked. Volunteers like Ron are the backbone of the Granby Land Trust, and we are deeply grateful for the countless hours he gives to help keep our preserves beautiful. We thank him for all he does.”
The Granby Land Trust depends on volunteers like Dufrane. Their dedication, stewardship and love for the land make it possible to care for nearly 3,500 acres of protected open space and 16+ miles of GLT trails throughout our community.
Thank you, Ron Dufrane, for helping preserve the beauty of the Katan-Ensor Preserve and for inspiring others through your quiet example of service.
Granby Land Trust News
Preserve Our Properties Day
The Granby Land Trust is looking for volunteers for a work party on Sunday, Sept. 20, 12–2 p.m., at the Mary Edwards Mountain Property on Mountain Road in North Granby. Please bring shovels, rakes, loppers, clippers and weed whackers and wear long-sleeved shirts and gloves. To register, email info@granbylandtrust.org. Thank you!
Author Ben Goldfarb returns October 1
The response to author Ben Goldfarb’s presentation on beavers was so positive that the Granby Land Trust will bring him back to discuss his next book, Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. For this in-person event, Goldfarb will join us remotely for an exploration of how transportation networks have reshaped the natural world.
More than a million animals are killed by cars each day in the U.S. alone. Creatures from antelope to salmon are losing their ability to migrate in search of food and mates and the very noise of traffic chases songbirds from vast swaths of habitat.
Goldfarb will discuss the ecological harms wrought by transportation and the movement to redress them—and how we can create a better, safer world for all living beings.
This event is co-sponsored by Granby Public Library and McLean Game Refuge. To register, visit the GLT’s Events page at GranbyLandTrust.org
Call for entries for 19th Annual Juried Art Show
The Granby Land Trust announces a call for entries to its 19th annual juried art show, “Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty,” Oct. 29–Nov. 29, at Lost Acres Vineyard in North Granby. This year, the land trust will offer artists more than $6,000 in cash awards, plus the opportunity to exhibit your work in the show, which will be on view for a month. Artwork must depict or be inspired by New England’s natural beauty and must be offered for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Granby Land Trust. All genres of visual art are encouraged.
This year’s show will be juried by George Van Hook, a nationally-recognized artist whose work is inspired by the American Impressionist tradition.
Art drop-off dates are Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. Save on the registration fee by pre-registering by mail by Oct. 13. See prospectus for details. Please also note criteria for select awards.
Awards will be presented at an Opening Reception on Thursday, Oct. 29, 5–8 p.m., at Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road, in North Granby.
The show is made possible thanks to the support of the Wetzel Family and ALIRT Insurance Research, LLC.
See the full prospectus at GranbyLandTrust.org/glt-art-show/