Ray Haack’s legacy at Christensen Pond

Since 1956, the scenic pond on Wells Road has been open to the public for fishing, picnicking, bird-watching and assorted social gatherings thanks to the generosity of Allen and Carol Christensen, who own the property. The pond has never had an identifying sign, until now.

GLT learns deceit can sometimes be the best solution

In the spring of 2025, visitors to the Granby Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve noticed something unusual at the North Marsh: an industrious group of beavers had built a dam directly beneath the footbridge. As a result, water levels rose, the marsh began to resemble a pond, and the altered flow threatened the bridge’s integrity.
The Granby Land Trust was faced with a challenge: how do we protect the marsh, and our bridge, without harming the beavers?

Spring migration brings spectacular birdwatching

On the Granby Land Trust’s annual Mother’s Day Bird Walk, which took place at the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby, participants spotted an incredible 52 species of birds over the course of two hours, with especially fine views of rose-breasted grosbeak, kingfisher, black-throated blue warbler (always a crowd pleaser), wood thrush, spotted sandpiper, great blue heron, common yellowthroat and Virginia rail.

The case of the missing fireflies

One of the joys of summer, no matter what one’s age, used to be watching the fireflies flitting about one’s back yard during the evenings of early summer. What child hasn’t trapped a few in a glass jar and kept them in the bedroom for the night? That is beginning to feel like a bygone pleasure, as it is becoming hard to find them anymore.

Kestrel nesting box added to the Tree Trail

If you’re not familiar with the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail located on the hill across from the entrance to the North Barn event facility, this would be a good time to check out its newest addition. It’s not a new tree—it’s a kestrel nest box placed 12 feet in the air, on the right a short way up the entrance trail.

Bear season in Granby

June is bear season in Granby.

According to Connor Hogan, director of the McLean Game Refuge, there are currently at least three sows with cubs in the eastern portion of the Game Refuge and likely at least one more mother bear with cubs in the west.