Granby Land Trust (GLT) recently protected the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve located in North Granby. The 210-acre property is full of diverse habitats including a unique combination of woods, wetlands, open fields, and ridgeline. Rick Orluck, President of GLT notes, "It is an incredible property, was a wonderful team board effort on the property infrastructure, and was generously donated and supported by longtime GLT Board Member Jamie Gamble." The property also contains a burial ground that dates back to 1795, on which the Salmon Brook Historical Society has conducted research. More highlights are featured through GLT's Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve Slideshow Video and on their brand new website...

The Prospect Land Trust has partnered with the Town of Prospect to develop an urban oasis at McGrath Park. The project is funded through the Urban Refuge Partnership, established by the New Haven Harbor Watershed & Audubon Society of Connecticut. The above photo, taken last year at the sign-unveiling (pre-COVID), shows PLT Board members at the site, which is part of a network of urban oases being created across the watershed. These green spaces for people and wildlife create critical stopover habitat in urban areas for migrating songbirds and work to inspire conservation action. This site has excellent connection opportunities with existing open space, easy public access that will aid in community engagement, and is close to area schools, which have opportunities to foster conservation beyond the schoolyard...

The Burlington Land Trust has teamed up with the Burlington Community Fund to sponsor a town-wide Scavenger Hunt. Participants are tasked with finding and discovering 10 popular locations throughout Burlington. Upon registration, participants receive their first location clue. From there, they'll search for a laminated QR code with the letters BCF on the bottom. This will take them to the second clue and so on! The first two people or families to submit the correct answers will receive a $75 gift certificate to Sherman's Tap House and participants have until December 19 to submit.​ The registration fee is $25 and all proceeds will benefit the Burlington Community Fund...

If you have never heard of a cow chip raffle, give it a quick Google search—it’ll make you smile! This year, the Bethlehem Land Trust is running their First Annual Cow Chip Raffle. Karina the cow is 7 years old, 1300 pounds, and every bit Bethlehem’s most altruistic cow. Her living space will be sectioned into 2,000 squares, and she will drop her “chip” and select a winner on November 24 at Bellamy-Ferriday Preserve. The winner takes home $2,000 cash, and runners-up have the opportunity to take home an array of miscellaneous prizes. Join the fun in-person (while practicing safe social distancing measures) or try your luck...

November brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and—while we may not be able to gather—an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the people, pets, places, and pastimes (like being immersed in nature) that bring us joy.

#LoveYourCTLandTrust—for giving us much-needed reasons to smile and be thankful.

Please stay safe, be well, and get outside as much as you can!

Sincerely,

Screenshot via Granby Land Trust's Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve Slideshow; Pre-COVID 19 photo of PLT Board Members courtesy of Prospect Land Trust; Scavenger Hunt Graphic via Burlington Land Trust; Photo of Karina the Cow and Doug Mahard via Bethlehem Land Trust; Amy, Josie & Harriet pause for a selfie while enjoying the land together.