Looking across the Nashua River from Sabine Memorial Woods


The Groton Conservation Trust is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 49 acre parcel of land in West Groton, our first land purchase since 2006. The acquisition is possible because of our partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game. The property, located on Pepperell Road, is adjacent to the large area of protected land known locally as the Throne. The parcel has tremendous ecological value and, with the contribution of Mass. Dept. of Fish & Game, will be placed under permanent protection from development with a conservation restriction.

As with much of the Throne, the property is a mix of pine, hemlock, and hardwood forest and wetlands, offering a rich variety of habitats. It lies within the Squannassit Area of Critical Environmental Concern and is included within Natural Heritage Maps of Priority Habitats of Rare Species and Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife.

"This is an exciting acquisition for the Trust because of its location and its establishment of a high value ecological corridor," said Trust Vice President Mark Gerath. "We are grateful for the hard work of many individuals, including Jeff and Olga Box, and other organizations over multiple years who worked with us to protect this beautiful piece of land."

The new parcel is outlined in red. The shaded green areas represent existing conservation land.
 
You can read the complete story and history of this ecologically valuable property on our website.  
A Commitment to Climate Science
While the calendar says winter, our weather certainly has been milder than usual! Climate change science was the main topic at our recent GCT strategy meeting. Attended by trustees and advisory council members, we refocused our goals for the year with an emphasis on the climate crisis. We dedicated ourselves to study the issue as it affects the land we manage and to educate our community on what can and must be done.  
 
To illustrate what climate change means for MA, the Union of Concerned Scientists projects that at our present rate of warming, in about 35 years Massachusetts' climate will be like Washington, DC is today and in about 70 years, like South Carolina's is today.
 
 
Over the year we will share our work and our findings in order to help us all help the community we love adapt to the changes in our climate. For a quick idea on how on something you can do right now, see the offer from Shaw's Supermarket below!   
Shop Shaw's -- Benefit Groton!
We are excited to share that the GCT has been selected to be a part of Shaw's GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program. The program is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community and support the environment with reusable bags. We could all use an extra bag or two, right?
 
All MARCH
 
for each $2.50 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT CO UNTS Bag bought at the Shaw's in Groton, $1 will be donated to the GCT.  This is a great way to raise awareness, support the environment and
raise funds to protect our open spaces.
 
Get ready to shop Shaw's in March and spread the word. The more people who learn about the program and purchase the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag, the more we help in conservation. 
  
Annual Groton Conservation Summit
February 27th, 6:30 PM
Groton Senior Center 
 
This year's Summit is hosted by the Groton Trails Network. The evening is planned for conservation-minded groups to share their current activities, then discuss ways to work together in our community.  To make sure your group is included in the conversation, contact Olin Lathrop.  All are invited to attend.  

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.
Overheard...

"We really appreciate great partners like the Groton Conservation Trust. Without their assistance this land would not be protected. The Groton Conservation Commission also contributed by paying for the appraisal."
 
- Anne Gagnon, Department of Fish & Game Land Agent
Renew your membership with a recurring donation and get a gift!

Thanks to everyone who renewed their membership, we are truly lucky to have so many wonderful partners in our stewardship efforts.  A big thank you to the 29 members who choose to have their donation recur automatically every year.  If you choose a recurring donation, we will send you our GCT patch (pictured above). These iron-on patches can go on backpacks, clothing, anywhere you want to show your support of Groton's open spaces. A family membership is $50, and you can always give more or whatever is comfortable for you.   We also have the GCT car decals, just ask for yours! 
Full Moonlight Snowshoe

We had our first full moon snowshoe of the season in December, visiting The General Field and Mare Barn. Our next hike will include the Nashua riverside trail through the Sabine Memorial Woods. Stay tuned for details - if we get more snow! ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️



Not sure how to use iNaturalist?



Here are some video tutorials that can help you get started.  Practice makes it second nature!

Our citizen scientists have been capturing some outstanding images these last few months. Visit our FaceBook page and follow the GCT on Instagram to make sure you see it all.

 
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