"Hike
in Memory of Betty"
Sunday,
May 16th, 2010 at 1:00 PM
On Sunday, May 16th at 1:00 PM, join us for a walk in the southern parcel
of the Neck River Uplands. The beauty of new Spring growth will help us
remember and appreciate Betty Lowry and the things she loved so much.
There will also be an opportunity to see our most recent land acquisition,
the in-holding in that parcel.
Hikers will gather at the trailhead on Opening Hill Road just west of its intersection with Route 79, Durham Road. Please allow an hour for the hike. If you have questions, please call 203-245-1896. In the event of rain, we will gather a week later on May 23rd.
About Betty Lowry
"Our
Betty"
by Joan O'Neill
On Dec. 21, 2009, the Land Trust lost a cherished friend. Dr. Elizabeth C. Lowry is someone we will always remember with joy and wonder at all she did. The MLCT would not be the organization it is today had Betty not been such an on-going presence and a tireless worker.
Betty just had to be active, and whenever possible, outdoors. She was often on the trails – hiking, cross country skiing or wielding a lopper almost as big as herself. She relished dragging branches and trees off paths. Over many years, there was seldom a hike she didn’t organize or attend.
There are so many good memories – hiking Shepherds Trail with Betty making her way along a narrow ledge while four young men tried to take inconspicuous positions to catch her if she didn’t make it given her failing eyesight. A group outing up Mica Ledges found most needing a hand up tricky areas, but Betty, pushing 5' in height and unburdened by an ounce of extra weight, scrambled up the steepest sections on her own.
Years ago, while walking the Paper Mill Trail along the Hammonasset, I tagged along with Betty to talk to a farmer on Horsepond Rd. He kept about ten Herefords, all of whom took great interest in our entry to their pasture. They formed a tight, heads-in ring around the three of us as we spoke. I’ll never forget the steamy breath and saliva on my neck from the cow behind me. Finished with our conversation, the farmer returned to chores leaving the two of us hemmed in by large bodies. Betty looked at me and knew she had to take charge. She just gave the cow nearest her a solid whack with her elbow and leaned on her side (with her full 90 lbs. or so) to create a small space through which we could squeeze. Our bovine observers closely followed us to the back fence where Betty graciously let me climb over first.
There were great times riding in Betty’s old car to put up Land Trust property signs. We had a ten foot ladder but no way to fit it in or on the car. So we hooked one end over the right hand mirror and I rode in the back, arm out the window, holding on to the back section. At each stop, Betty would hop out, run around the car to let down the ladder and let me out. All I could think of was a Charlie Chaplin movie or some sort of circus routine. It was such fun, and discounting suspicious looks from observers, we went about our work with great energy. It was like being a youngster again and invited to pal around with the best kid in the neighborhood.
Betty’s involvement in the Land Trust extended over 30 years. In 1973, she joined the Board of Directors and seven years later, she was elected Vice-President of Operations. This tenure was short as she became acting President the next year. With Betty’s election as President in 1982, the next four years became a time of outreach and enrichment for the Trust. She initiated numerous public hikes, brought in students from the Yale School of Forestry to study and work on MLCT properties and began our involvement in the Land Trust Service Bureau.
In 1986, resuming her role as director, Betty continued to provide hikes. She always participated in conservation workshops offered at annual convocations of the Service Bureau. Involved in land stewardship, she organized that program by dividing Madison into four geographic sections with a leader over each. She also worked on acquisition of properties.
After 20 years as director, Betty was elected an Honorary Director, so she was no longer obligated to attend meetings. But she loved being part of things, so that provided an opportunity for her to ride in my little car (minus the ladder, etc.). Over the next ten years, Betty continued to attend Board meetings on a regular basis. There is no way to adequately honor Betty and all she did. The Land Trust was so lucky to have her. Perhaps it’s best to just think of her with a smile or laugh and be grateful she was ours.
Past
Events
Groundhog's
Day Hike
Sunday,
February 7th, 2010 at 1:00 PM
On Sunday, February 7th, the Madison Land Conservation Trust will have
its annual Groundhogs Day hike. This year, participants will trek the
Neck River Trail on Trust and State Forest property. The hike will begin
at 1:00 PM at the trailhead on the west side of Opening Hill Road. The
river should be running and surface ice will create lovely water music.
The trail is not difficult. However, the path has patches of tree roots
and hiking poles may come in handy. The
outing should take a little over an hour. Dogs must be on a leash.
To
get there, from Route 79 just south of the Route 80 traffic circle, go
west on Opening Hill Road for 3.3 miles. From the shore, take Route
79 North. Just past
the Pines, turn left onto Warpas Road. Take the second right onto Winterhill
Road. At the intersection with Opening Hill Road, turn left (south). The
trailhead will be found on the right after 0.5 mile. In the event of rain
or high winds, the hike will be canceled.
Ice on a narrow stretch of the Neck River
Photo
Contest Public Reception
Sunday, October 18th, 2009 2:30 – 4:00 PM
Scranton Library, lower level
801 Boston Post Road, Madison
All
are invited to a public reception at the library to view the entries in
our first annual photo contest. The entries are on display during the
month of October. Note: The winners of the photo contest will be announced
at our Annual Meeting (see below).
***
Madison Land Conservation Trust Annual Meeting
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Memorial Town Hall
"Human
Impacts on Salt Marsh Communities"
Mark Bertness, Ph.D.
The
Madison Land Conservation Trust will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday,
November 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Town Hall. There will be a short
business meeting and announcement of the winners of the MLCT's first annual
photo contest, followed by our speaker at 7:15. The public is invited
to attend.
Our guest speaker will be Dr. Mark Bertness, the Robert P. Brown Professor of Biology and chairman of the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Brown University. His topic will be "Human Impacts on Salt Marsh Communities." Dr. Bertness earned his Ph.D. at the University of Maryland in 1979 and has been at Brown ever since. His research is focused on the ecology and conservation biology of marine shoreline communities, particularly salt marshes and rocky intertidal habitats. He is the author of the book Atlantic Shorelines (Princeton University Press, 2007) as well as numerous journal articles.
For a .pdf flyer of the Annual Meeting, click here.
Neck River Estuary
Mid-Week
Hikes
With beautiful Autumn days ahead, it’s time to plan our usual guided hikes
for the 1st Wednesday of the months ahead. Outings are planned to last
1 – 1½ hours As always, these hikes are open to the public without charge.
They will be canceled in the event of rain or heavy winds. Dogs are allowed
but must be on a leash. For information, please feel free to call Joan
O’Neill at 203-245-1896.
Wednesday, November 4th at 10 AM
A lower portion of the Hammonasset River is seen from the Paper Mill Trail. Participants will see the remains of an old mill and ambitious work by beavers. With leaves off the trees, it will be easy to see the wide floodplain of this part of the river. To get to the hike: From Route 79, travel east on Green Hill Road, across Horsepond Road, to the next left, Fawnbrook Circle. Parking is roadside by the trailhead.Wednesday, December 2nd at 10 AM
This hike will provide easy footing in the event of ice or snow. We will meet at the nature center parking lot at Hammonasset Park for a walk on the trail to Willard’s Island with its wonderful observation deck. As time allows, hikers may also go out to Meig’s Point. To get to the hike: Take the Hammonasset Connector (exit 62 from I 95) south to Route 1. Continue straight into the park. Continue 3/4ths of the way around the first traffic circle to head east toward Meig’s Point. The parking area is on the left side just past the Nature Center.
Autumn
Moonlight and Telescopes
Sunday,
October 4th at 7:00 PM, gather at 6:45 PM
Madison
Surf Club
As always, a piper will play the bagpipes for walkers as they take to the Garvan Trail. This trail is ideal for hikers of all ages and the trek usually takes 40 minutes or so. After the walk, refreshments will be served in the Surf Club building. Members of the New Haven Astronomical Society will set up telescopes so participants can view the moon and other celestial features from the deck of the Surf Club building. Please remember to bring a FLASHLIGHT. Sponsored by The MLCT Trails Committee, the New Haven Astronomical Society and the Town of Madison Beach and Rec. Department.
Kids Nature-Photo Hike
Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Learn how to take great nature photos while enjoying the outdoors
with Madisonians Julie Ainsworth, science educator, and Ruthana Terreri,
professional photographer! Then enter your best photo in the Madison Land
Conservation Trust’s 2009 Photo Contest (Deadline: August 1). Date: July
11, Time: 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Place: Neck River Uplands North, Ages: 6
– 14 years. Bring your camera and
bug repellent; long pants are suggested for kneeling down to get up close
and personal with your subjects!
Directions: Take Rte. 79 North past the traffic circle. Take
the first left onto Princess Drive, and proceed 0.1 mile to the trailhead
and parking area on the left.
A printable flyer is attached here -à Kids Nature-Photo Hike Flyer
Spring
Along the Neck River
Wednesday,
May 6, 2009 at 10:00 AM
On Wed., May 6th at 10:00 AM, the Madison Land Conservation Trust will again offer a guided hike along the Neck River. Spring rains will swell the river and crisp breezes will sing in the pines. Trail 3 leads past the site of a charcoal mound in the State Forest and then into Land Trust property. This outing will take 1 to 1.5 hours. Waterproof footwear is advised. To get there from lower Madison, go north on Route 79, west on Green Hill Road, north on Norton Town Road 0.5 miles, and then keep right on Opening Hill. From upper Madison, take Opening Hill Road from Route 79 and drive 3.3 miles to the trailhead. In the event of high winds or heavy rain, the hike will be canceled.
A
huge beech tree leans over the Neck River
The
Ironwoods Preserve
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Songbirds,
ducks and geese will be active around Harvey Pond and Greist Pond, and
the spillways of these impoundments should be full and flowing. Wildflowers
may be sprouting to seek the warmth of the sun. Binoculars may come in
handy. This is a longer trail complex and may take 2 hours. In the event
of rain or high winds, the hike will be canceled. Dogs must be on a leash.
From the Route 79 & 80 traffic circle in North Madison, take Route 80 west to Race Hill Road. Turn right (north) on Race Hill. The trailhead is on the left at the base of the hill near the old red barn. For more information, please call 203-245-1896.
Waterfall
at Ironwoods Preserve.
The
Neck River Trail
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Snow
melt and spring rains will swell the Neck River and crisp breezes will
whistle in the pines. "Trail 3" leads past the site of a charcoal mound
in the State Forest and then into Land Trust property. This outing will
take about 1.5 hours. In the event of rain, icy conditions, or high winds,
the hike will be canceled. Dogs must be on a leash.
To
get to the trailhead from lower Madison, go north on Route 79, west on
Green Hill Road, north on Nortontown Road 0.5 miles, then keep right on
Opening Hill Road. The trailhead is 1.1 miles north along Opening Hill.
From upper Madison, take Opening Hill Road from Route 79 and drive south
3.3 miles to the trailhead. For more information, please call 203-245-1896.
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Groundhog
Day Hike
Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 1:00 PM & February
4, 2009 at 10:00 AM
The
Madison Land Conservation Trust has scheduled its annual Groundhog Day
hike for Sunday, February 1st 2009. Hikers will have the opportunity to
check rocky terrain and possible den sites in the northern section of
the Neck River Uplands. Maybe we'll spot a critter scampering along the
old Durham Turnpike or jumping from stone to stone to cross the Neck River.
Participants will gather at 1:00 PM at the trailhead on Princess Drive. This road is the first left-hand turn off Route 79 north of the Route 80 traffic circle. In the event of rain, icy conditions, or high winds, the hike will be canceled. This hike will also be offered Wednesday, February 4th at 10:00 AM for Comfortable Pacers. For more information, please call 203-245-1896.
Madison
Land Conservation Trust Annual Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Memorial Town Hall
"Connecticut's
Landscape: Past, Present and Future"
David Skelly, Ph.D.
The Madison Land Conservation Trust is pleased to announce that it will
hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30 PM at Memorial
Town Hall. The public is invited. Following a brief business meeting,
the guest speaker will be David Skelly, Ph.D., who is a board member of
MLCT. His topic will be "Connecticut's Landscape: Past, Present and Future".
Connecticut stands today as one of the most densely populated states as
well as one of the most heavily forested. This contrast is reflected in
the state's wildlife. Bear, bobcat, beaver, moose, and otter are all on
the rebound in spite of recent rapid development. But conflicts, some
already apparent, and some harder to see, are beginning to emerge. David
Skelly will describe how Connecticut reached its present condition after
centuries of intensive farming and what the future holds for its landscapes
and ecosystems.
David Skelly grew up exploring the forests and swamps of Connecticut leading
to an early interest in biology. After undergraduate studies at Middlebury
College and a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Michigan, he carried
out research in New South Wales, Australia and the Pacific Northwest before
moving back to his home state to take a faculty position at the School
of Forestry & Environmental Studies at Yale University where he is also
a curator at the Peabody Museum of Natural History. Much of his current
research is focused on understanding how people and wildlife affect each
other in the landscapes they share. He and his wife Kealoha have lived
in Madison since 1997. They have two sons, Aidan (3) and Nathaniel (1).
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Mortgage
Payoff Celebration!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
On August 12th at 12:00 noon the Madison Land Conservation Trust will celebrate the payoff of its mortgage loan on the Neck River Uplands North, with a ceremonial burning of the mortgage deed. The loan payoff is the result of the many contributions of the Land Trust’s supporters, whose generosity has made possible the conservation of this beautiful open space. The property was purchased with a grant from the State of Connecticut and a loan from the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (SCCRW), which sold the parcel to the land trust in 2003.
SCCRW’s Dianne Tompkins, Senior Land Use Manager, and Tom Chaplik, Vice President of Water Quality, will be on hand to accept the payoff check. The event will begin at the trailhead on Princess Drive, followed by a light lunch at the North Madison Fire Department firehouse on Route 79 and Opening Hill Road. Directions to the trailhead: Route 79 to 0.4 miles north of the traffic circle; turn left (west) on Princess Drive and travel 0.1 mile to the trailhead on the left. Please let us know if you will join us by writing to madisonlandtrust@gmail.com.
Violets,
Marsh Marigolds & Fiddleheads
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Wednesday, May 7th, at 10:00 AM, members of the Trails Committee will
offer a second outing in this area.
At 1:00 PM on Sunday May 4th, the Madison Land Conservation Trust will offer a guided hike along the northern parcel of the Neck River Uplands Preserve. Hikers will utilize new stream crossings put in place by Eric Anderson and his fellow Scouts in Troop 1. Eric will accompany the group for the hike.
Wetlands along the Neck River provide perfect habitat for wildflowers. Bird activity will be high, so binoculars may come in handy. The trails of this preserve explore upland plateaus and lowland tributaries of the Neck River. While the terrain is varied, the trail is very manageable.
To get there, travel north on Route 79 to the circle with Route 80. After the circle, continue north, and at the top of the hill, take the first left turn onto Princess Dr. The trailhead is about ¼ mile in on the left.
Sprouting
ferns produce fiddleheads in the lowlands of the Neck River Uplands Preserve.
Frogs,
Salamanders, and More
Sunday, April 6, 2008
On Wednesday, April 9th, at 10:00 AM, members of the Trails Committee
will offer a second outing in this area.
At 1:00 PM on Sunday April 6th, the Madison Land Conservation Trust will offer a guided hike to vernal pools along the Blinnshed Loop trail. David Skelly, Ph.D. in the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, will help participants identify species that utilize these habitats.
Vernal pools are small bodies of fresh standing water that develop in Spring. They have no in-flowing or outgoing water source, but result from snowmelt, rain, and elevated water tables. Because they're dry most of the year, they do not support fish, thereby providing safe areas for the breeding of salamanders, frogs, toads, and fairy shrimp. David will identify the eggs and other aspects of breeding cycles that occur in these micro-habitats.
To get there from Rte 79, turn west on Warpas Road, just north of the blinking light at the intersection with Horsepond Road. Take the second right onto Winterhill Road. At the end, turn right on Opening Hill Road, traveling north to the Country School. Parking is near the trailhead on Blinnshed Road. The hike will take about 1½ hours. Dogs must be on a leash. Heavy rain will cancel the hike.
Marbled
salamanders utilize vernal pools for breeding.
Will
the Groundhog Have a Shadow?
Sunday, February 3, 2008
At 1:00 PM the Madison Land Conservation Trust will guide those who want to look for groundhogs along the Indian Rock Shelters Trail. This trail provides an opportunity to see the modest beginnings of the Neck River. West of this watercourse, rock ledges contain shallow caves once used for winter shelter by members of the Hammonasset Tribe.
The terrain of this area is rocky and uneven, providing numerous hiding places for groundhogs and making it advisable that hikers wear sturdy boots and have hiking poles. The hike will last about 1½ hours. Dogs must be on a leash. To get there, participants should take Summer Hill Road, North of Route 80 to the second left, Twilight Drive. From Twilight Drive, turn left on Lake Drive and park at the cul-de-sac.
A
hiker looks down at the beginnings of the Neck River from an Indian Rock
Shelter.
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Madison
Land Conservation Trust Annual Meeting
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Memorial
Town Hall
Business meeting at 7:30 PM, Keynote Speaker at 8:00 PM
Gina McCarthy, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP)
Bunnel photo
- Gina
McCarthy, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP), will be joining us as our keynote speaker at our Annual
Meeting. Commissioner McCarthy’s most important environmental priorities
include continuing to improve the health of Long Island Sound and the
state’s air quality; reinvigorating the state park system; implementing
strategies and recommendations included in Connecticut’s innovative
Climate Change Action Plan; completing a new solid waste master plan;
and developing new strategies to protect the state’s natural resources.
Come and hear about Commissioner McCarthy’s four key initiatives:
"No Child Left Inside"
Pogo – "I have seen the enemy and it is I"
Landscape Stewardship
"Making Doing the Right Thing" the "Path of Least Resistance"
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Music,
Telescopes and the Autumn Moon
September
23, 2007
The Madison Land Conservation Trust will sponsor its 13th annual Autumn
Moonlight Walk on Sunday, September 23rd. This event is also sponsored
by the New Haven Astronomical Society and Madison’s Beach and Recreation
Department. As always, Durant McCurley will play the bagpipes for walkers.
The event will take place on the Garvan Trail at the Madison Surf Club.
Walkers should gather at Garvan Point at 6:45 PM, as the walk will begin
promptly at 7:00 PM. The trail is not difficult and families are encouraged
to participate. However, the trail is not suitable for strollers or joggers.
After the walk, refreshments will be served in the Surf Club building.
On
the deck of the building, members of the New Haven Astronomical Society
will set up telescopes for viewing the moon, planets, and stars in the
nighttime sky.
There is no fee for this event. Sturdy footwear is advised along with the usual precautions for ticks and mosquitoes. These include insect repellent and the wearing of long pants that can be tucked into socks. FLASHLIGHTS are a must for every walker. Should there be rain, the walk is cancelled.
Lenny
and Joe's Magical Carousel
August
9, 2007
Members of the Trust will have an information booth at Lenny and Joe's
Restaurant for the Magical Charity Carousel. Through the carousel, the
restaurant has raised over $300,000 for local charities. They have been
most generous over the years with a donation for having the Trust present
for this event. The new owners, Jim & Joe Schreck, have continued that
generosity. All proceeds from August 9th event will go to the MLCT. We
will be in our usual spot near the carousel (and ice cream). This has
become an annual ritual with the booth manned by Board members. So, please
stop by and enjoy a meal or snack and have the children ride the carousel.
Details: Noon to 8:00 PM, Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale, Madison/Clinton Line.
The
Magical Carousel
June
in the Neck River Uplands
Wednesday,
June 6th at 10:00 AM
The Madison Land Conservation Trust will lead the 4th in a series of hikes
in the Uplands, formerly known as the Traffic Circle Lands. Participants
will be guided through the Southern parcel. This trail offers the opportunity
to see a variety of natural communities during a relatively short hike.
Wildflowers will be in bloom, new growth of sedges will glisten in the
wetlands, and bird activity will be high. Binoculars may come in handy.
Hikers will follow the lovely old corridor of the early Toll Road, the
Fair Haven – Killingworth Turnpike, turn South through the Eastern highlands,
cross the Neck River, and complete a loop that includes an overlook along
the Western ridge. Throughout the parcel, numerous old stone walls, wagon
wheel rims, and other artifacts, testify to its earlier use for pasturing
livestock.
This will be a mid-week outing for adults. Sturdy footwear, water bottles,
and hiking poles are recommended. Tick precautions (insect repellent on
long pants tucked into socks) are also advised. Dogs must be on a leash.
The hike will last about an hour. Rain or high winds will cancel the hike.
To get there, turn onto Opening Hill Road from Route 79 immediately south
of the North Madison Traffic Circle for Routes 79 & 80. The trailhead
is on the right approximately 1 block from Route 79.
For information, call 203-421-3537 or 203-245-1896.
Neck River Uplands Stream in Spring
Cowslips,
also called 'Marsh Marigolds'
Fiddlehead
Fern
Green
Up Clean Up is Another Success
Saturday,
April 21, 2007
22 volunteers worked on and near various MLCT properties and trails: Terry
Kensler, Sandy Kensler, Pat Chmielewski, Lee Chmielewski, Fred Pechar,
Kathi Traugh, Mac Walker, Chris Wiebe, Joan McPherson, Fillmore McPherson,
Nora Dixon, Joan O'Neill, Ted O'Neill, Eileen Schiess, Sandy Bialos, Karen
Kumor, Dennis Noe, David Roach, Maira Mendoza, Barry Haigis, Kent Sprague,
and Joe Ortoleva.
The dumpsters got a workout. Our volunteers picked up and disposed of normal trash found on roadsides, at the Pines, near the Fence Creek area, along Warpas Road, and on the Garvin Trail at the Surf Club. They also hauled a water-logged chest type freezer out of a pond and took apart and hauled out a full size trampoline that had been discarded on MLCT property. They hoisted a rusted, water-filled 50 gallon propane tank and dismantled and hauled away a rogue dock and lumber from the Ox Pasture Preserve. In all, a full morning's work! We all had fun too. The traditional MLCT fish and ice cream "buffet" afterwards, at one of Madison's finest - Lenny and Joe's, provided a welcome respite for our volunteers after a hard day's work.
Some
of the crew
More
of the crew
Hauling
a chest freezer out of a pond
Groundhogs
Day Hike at the Neck River Uplands
Saturday,
February 4, 2007, 1:00 PM
On Sunday, Feb. 4th, at 1:00 PM, the Madison Land Conservation Trust will
guide those who want to look for Groundhogs through the Southern parcel
of the Neck River Uplands Preserve. This trail offers the opportunity
to see a variety of natural communities during a relatively short hike.
Hikers will follow the lovely old corridor of the early Toll Road, the
former Fair Haven – Killingworth Turnpike, turn South through the Eastern
highlands, cross the Neck River, and complete a loop that includes an
overlook along the Western ridge.
Throughout the parcel, numerous old stone walls and woods roads testify to its earlier use for pasturing livestock. Thickets of Mountain Laurel provide cover for birds and mammals. Groundhogs surely find den sites in numerous rocky outcrops and occasional forest openings.
Sturdy footwear, water bottles, and hiking poles are recommended. Tick precautions are also advised. Dogs must be on a leash. The hike will last about 1½ hours. To get there, turn on to Opening Hill Road from Route 79 immediately South of the North Madison Traffic Circle for Routes 79 & 80. The trailhead is on the right approximately 1 block from Route 79. For more information, call 203-421-3537.
