November 2014

                                            

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Robinson Woods - New Trails, and New Dog Policies

 

Finding the right balance between use and overuse, or the balance between improvement and over-development of a property, is a responsibility we strive to maintain on all CELT properties. Nowhere has this task been more complex than on the 143 acres of land collectively known as Robinson Woods. In many ways this parcel represents everything we strive for as an organization: the property is well loved by residents for its beauty and tranquility, it harbors a great diversity of wildlife and habitats, and it serves as  an outdoor classroom for students.

 

Even as we write this newsletter, the final improvements to nearly a mile of new trails is nearing completion. All of this has made our recent deliberations regarding stricter limits on unleashed dogs, a difficult task.

 

While it has been our hope that our 'under voice control' and 'clean up after your pet' policies would May 2012 8th grade photo project be self-regulating, numerous incidents over the past several months and lax adherence to waste removal, have forced us to mandate a change. As of December 1st, all dogs must be leashed after 9 a.m. daily throughout Robinson Woods and the adjacent Robinson Family lands. Appropriate use signage to this effect will be in place by December 1st.

 

Robinson Woods was preserved to give the opportunity for all users to experience the beauty of Cape Elizabeth's shore lands, fields, ponds and woods safely, and for the property to be a safe haven for native plants and animals. CELT is hopeful that the new regulations will foster greater awareness and appreciation for the property, and respect for other users of the property.

'Woolly Bear' Caterpillar - Winter Predictions     

 

Walking to a neighbor's house recently, my children and I found an all black 'woolly bear' caterpillar crossing the road. According to folklore, the width of the woolly bear caterpillar's orange bristles predict what type of winter is in store: the wider the rust-colored band, the milder the winter.

 

In the fall of 1948, Dr. Howard Curran, curator of insects at the American Museum of Natural

History in New York City, and his wife escaped the city to see the foliage. Dr. Curran collected as many caterpillars as he could in one day, determined the average width of reddish-brown segments, and forecast the coming winter weather through a reporter friend at The New York Herald Tribune. Dr. Curran's 
experiment, which he continued over the next eight years, attempted to prove the folklore as true.

 

So is it? As a scientist, I have to point out that Dr. Curran's data samples were too small - about 15 caterpillars were collected each year. Today's entomologists suggest that the coloration of a woolly bear has more to do with its age, environmental conditions when it hatched, food availability, genetics, etc. There are also  

approximately 260 species of tiger moths (the adult of the woolly bear caterpillar) in North America, and each species has slightly different color patterns and hair coverings. As a result, some of the color and hair variations that we see each fall are a result of these different species. (Click here to read more.) 

 

Whether you believe the science or the folklore, it's fun to look at signs from nature to predict what's to come. If not woolly bears, how about all those acorns?!

                                                                                               - Erika Carlson Rhile, CELT Education Chair 

Meet CELT's New Board President - Anne Carney 
            

The Land Trust's newest board president has lived in Cape Elizabeth for 22 years, near Two Lights State Park. Anne Carney is a lawyer, volunteering with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, but she loves to be outdoors as much as possible, either on her feet, on a bike, on skis, or on her knees in her garden.

 

When asked to cite some of her favorite places to play in Cape, Anne has a long list. In addition to walking Two Lights, she loves to cross-country ski on Crescent Beach. "The snow and tides have to align perfectly; you can't do it every winter, but if the conditions are right, it's magical. In summer, I love to walk to Great Pond, where the Greenbelt and CELT trails are beautiful, and there's often a refreshing breeze. I also enjoy Two Lights at high tide during a big storm. People gather along the rocky cliffs and cheer for the waves as if they were watching fireworks! It can be spectacular."

 

Anne first volunteered for CELT at a Harvest Festival, organizing the pie contest. (Anne loves to cook.) She joined the Board of Directors in 2009, and has served on committees for governance, lands, stewardship, and accreditation. She's been Secretary and Vice President, and chaired the accreditation committee, a huge undertaking. "CELT's staff and many volunteers put a tremendous amount of work into that effort, and we're looking forward to the Accreditation Commission determination in March.

 

"CELT's accreditation work really inspired me to focus on our duty to 'permanently preserve' Cape's cherished lands. Forever is a long time, but as I learned more about conservation nationally, and CELT's practices locally, I was able to envision how our work will benefit people who live in Cape Elizabeth 100 or 200 years from now.

 

"Our short-term goal is to manage our properties in a way that encourages use and enjoyment by everyone in our community; we also are evaluating some specific conservation projects that will protect additional parcels. My long-term goal is to have someone 200 years from now say, 'CELT did a great job back in the early 21st century; we're enjoying these birds, woodland animals, trails, and natural places because of their hard work and careful planning.' "

Giving Thanks 

 

On Sunday, November 2nd attendees at CELT's Annual Meeting were treated to a fascinating presentation by Ben Tettlebaum on the challenges and opportunities faced by local food producers and consumers. Learning more about the political, historical and societal forces at play, reinforced our belief that the agricultural land protection work CELT is doing will contribute greatly to our community, now and in the future.

During this month of Thanksgiving, we are also grateful for the many years of service of our outgoing board members Ted Darling and Jean Hayes. Each in their own way brought professionalism, dedication, and commitment to our mission - contributions that are the lifeblood of our small non-profit's success.

Ted Darling served as our President for 5 years, and coordinated our triathlon for 10. He oversaw our marketing program - literally creating our brand and the signature look of CELT's materials. Perhaps most importantly, he gave generously of his time and talent, taking the lead when needed and playing a supporting role when others stepped in. We are thankful for his years of service and we are happy to know he's still around when we need him!

 

Jean Hayes brought to CELT a wealth of land trust and non-profit organizational knowledge. As a strategic consultant for some of the nation's most influential conservation organizations, Jean committed herself to modeling programs and initiatives for CELT based on best practices, and with her signature attention to detail. Her work with our development committee, strategic planning, and accreditation efforts was invaluable, as was her oversight of CELT's annual Paint for Preservation Wet Paint Auction which she chaired until last year. Jean too, will be missed from our board, but will continue on as an advisor and friend.

 

I have often stated that CELT's annual meeting is my favorite CELT event of the year because, for me, it is a joyful reminder of how exceptionally lucky we are to have community volunteers who dedicate such incredible time, treasure, and talent toward achieving our mission as a land trust. My work, indeed - our work - is made all the more interesting and meaningful because of their participation. So to ALL of our volunteers I say, 'THANK YOU!'

 

All my best, 

 

Chris Franklin

Executive Director

Cape Elizabeth Land Trust  


Cape Elizabeth Land Trust | 330 Ocean House Road | Cape Elizabeth | ME | 04107