Greetings!
Spring has clearly sprung in our neck of the woods, and the outdoors are coming alive. You can hear and see it all around: peepers, frogs, ducks and even skunk cabbage (as shown above poking out at Fitch-Woods). The Trust is diving into spring with many new adventures and hikes and some old reliable events like our vernal pool hike that have been on hold during the pandemic (see more about this below). We hope you take advantage of the warming weather and join us outside. And don't forget our new map of conservation land in Groton, now available with a new or renewed membership.
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New tree at The General Field:
May 7,
9:00 AM
The GCT was selected by the Friends of the Tree Warden to receive a new tree. The General Field was a perfect site for this new tree, as many of you will remember an old spruce in that space was badly damaged by the microburst a few years ago. A team of trustees removed the old tree, and on May 7 we will have a planting ceremony and add our new Quercus Alba, the white oak. Below you will see images of the old spruce coming down, and what our new white oak will be. Join us!
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Introducing the Quercus Alba
The white oak is a wonderful tree, particularly when it grows in an open setting. In time, it will become a very large, spreading specimen, like some of its relatives that grace Gibbet Hill. It is a long-lived tree, up to 400 years, and individuals growing in a favorable spot will start producing acorns at about 25 years of age. White oak is one of the best host trees for all sorts of insects and wildlife, with acorns providing food to more than 180 different species of birds and mammals. It was an important economic commodity to the North American colonies and early United States, and is the state tree of Connecticut, Illinois, and Maryland.
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If you have not joined the GCT, now is a great time to do so. You can make a paperless donation online at our secure website.
Bonus: we have a new map! With every renewal or new membership (through the mail or online), you can request a 2022 edition of our beautiful new map of all conservation land in Groton (at left).
As always, thank you for your support.
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Vernal Pool Hike
Saturday, April 2, 10:00 AM
Back by popular demand, our early spring hike to identify and register a vernal pool in Groton. Led my Trustees Holly Estes, Michelle Ruby and Brian Bettencourt, this is always a popular event. We can provide nets and magnifying glasses. We will be wading so wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Perfect for kids, all are welcome to be a part of this wonderful scientific outing. This event is free, but please register so we know to expect you.
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The Quercus Alba (white oak) has a stately silhouette in the winter.
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A Conversation with Ornithologist Scott Edwards
March 29, in person and virtual
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Harvard professor and Curator of Ornithology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Scott Edwards discusses his research. Moderated by David O’Neill, President of Mass Audubon.
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Retiring a majestic spruce
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Trustees Rick Muehlke, Bob Pine, Mark Gerath and Ed McNierney made sure the old spruce at TGF had a safe landing.
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As you can see, this spruce had significant damage to the top of the tree. A white oak will replace it on May 7.
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Spring Loop, April 23, 24
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We are please to bring back our Spring Loop hike, covering the northern end of Groton and the Lost Lake area. This hike, 4.5 miles, is shorter than the fall traverse but every bit as scenic. Hike it at your own pace anytime during the weekend, or join Mark Gerath for a group hike leaving on Sunday, April 24 at 11:00 AM. This is a free event, but registration is required. Register here to make sure you are on the list. All are welcome!
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Railroad Trellis at Red Line
Participants on Rick Muehlke's
Gamlin Crystal Springs hike in March walked along the railroad bed that is now Red Line Path. Rick pointed out the culverts created by the railroad for water to pass under the tracks. Ed McNierney captured this picture of the culvert stonework, something only the beavers see today!
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The Groton Conservation Trust is a private, non-profit land trust in Groton, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1964 to acquire, preserve, and provide public access to lands with significant conservation value. The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of Groton residents with varied backgrounds, occupations and interests.
You are receiving this email as an interested member of the GCT.
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P.O. Box 395
Groton, MA 01450
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