Recent Stories

Lost Acres Orchard owners looking forward to Open Farm Day

A previous Drummer article introduced readers to the Bennett family, the new owners of Lost Acres Orchard. Since acquiring the farm in April 2023, they have done a wonderful job maintaining many of its familiar aspects while introducing some new personal touches. As the Agricultural Commission began its plans for this year’s Open Farm Day, it was only natural to invite the Bennetts to continue the tradition of the orchard’s participation in the event. They enthusiastically agreed to do so.

The Bear’s Den: Granby’s newest family-friendly pub

Granby welcomes a new addition with the opening of The Bear’s Den Pub, founded by Tony Fera and Peter Taylor. Originating from diverse backgrounds—one from across the pond and the other from Michigan—Fera and Taylor share a passion for revitalizing local spaces and contributing to the town’s economy.

Broadleaf Solar reaches out a neighborly hand

In 2021, D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI Renewables LLC of New York City) purchased 665 acres of land in Granby and East Granby, the former Monrovia Nursery Company property, for $7.2 million, with plans to build a photovoltaic solar facility like its 130-acre Tobacco Valley Solar Farm in Simsbury that opened in 2019 and its 485-acre Gravel Pit Solar site in East Windsor, which is set to open this year. The Granby portion of the proposed project, Broadleaf Solar, is 322 acres at 35 Floydville Road and 90 Salmon Brook St.

Granby Land Trust

Need a break? Come sit a spell on the Glazier Cabin porch and enjoy the peace and quiet of the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. Listen to the birds, feel the warmth of the sun, enjoy the view of Creamer Pond, and feel your blood pressure drop.

Parks & Recreation

Salmon Brook Park Day Camp and Mission: Adventure — Registration for these popular summer programs is now open.

Public Works

Changes to trash service: Did you know that Paine’s has an alert system that will notify of any changes to service. This includes reminders as to whether a holiday will affect service. Sign up at painesinc.com

Getting started with a veggie garden

I believe that gardening is a great first step towards conservation. My parents and grandparents gardened when I was young, and that, plus backyard bird feeders, helped me to learn to observe the natural world. I tell anyone interested in gardening to give it a try. Plant something, eat it, and fall in love with the land.

Spring springs eternal

The seed order is in and the Summer CSA shares are almost sold out (some still available at holcombfarm.org/join-our-csa). Plans for a full “Season of Celebrations” for the 30th anniversary of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, are well underway.

Granby Center Project Update

As we see continued progress on the Granby Center intersection project, I thought it would be helpful to provide information about the project and what you can expect for the upcoming construction season.

New Drummer Team

The Granby Drummer is thrilled to announce that our new managing editor is Jen Bell.