Guilford Land Conservation Trust
a non-profit all volunteer organization
Didn’t see your name in the newsletter?
GLCT had file problems and the donor list printed in our recent newsletter was found to be incomplete. We apologize for any inconvenience and plan to re-publish a complete donor list in the next publication. Thank you for you patience and continued support.
The Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) is pleased to announce the purchase of 7 acres directly on West Lake for $225,000. The property off Gina Lane, is a subdivision off West Lake Avenue that contains woodlands and wetlands. The land also connects to another 7.5 acres, including a small pond, which the Trust received in the summer of 2011 as a part of the subdivision process. In addition, to the south and heading west across West Lake Avenue, it links to 59 acres from the Gina Lane and Chestnut Grove subdivisions and then into the 90-acre Kampmeyer Preserve. The Kampmeyer Preserve is named for Preston Kampmeyer who bequeathed his home to GLCT in 1991. GLCT used the revenue from the sale of the home to purchase the backbone of the preserve.
“This was an unexpected opportunity. We looked at the most recent open space set aside, including land around Little West Pond, and realized that by adding these two bank-owned lots, we could do even more to buffer West Lake,” said GLCT President, Sarah Williams. In addition to protecting the water quality in West Lake, the high scenic ridgeline will remain intact and now the corridor for walkers in the area will include a spectacular view of West Lake. “This is quite a beautiful area of Guilford, with ecological values that have been priorities since Guilford first started mapping areas for conservation. We hope to protect even more land in the area over time.”
The land trust plans to offer walks on this newest acquisition over the coming months. Williams explained, “This special opportunity came together in an unconventional way, so we are appealing to the community for donations to help pay for this significant acquisition after the closing.” Stay tuned for dates to come and see the property.
Donations can be made on-line via this web site.
Dudley Barrow Woods – October 1, 2011
Judging from the weather report (looking out the window and watching the drops in the big puddle outside the front door) it’s going to be a wet morning. I’ve recommended that the Environmental Club cancel this workparty and re-schedule for another time. When that happens, I’ll let you know.
Rob Valley
Work continues in the aftermath of August’s hurricane or tropical disturbance, as I’ve heard it downgraded to and the more recent ice storm. Both events contibuted to make a mess of the trails, and it is going to take lots of effort to get everything back to pre-storm conditions. Throughout the month we’ll be heading into areas of known problems and clearing away deadfalls, dropping, then clearing ‘leaners’, or taking down trees snagged in the surrounding canopy. We need all the help we can get, and there’s a lots of tasks for all ranges of talent, experience and equipment. Here’s some rough categories of the work involved:
CHAINSAW: Anyone experienced in operating a chainsaw will be a big help. You need to bring your own saw along, and know how to operate it safely. While removing snags or leaners is not for everyone, the deadfalls are more straight forward and good to start with. We have many experienced operators whom can help direct this work. Bring your saw, 2-cycle mix and bar oil, and maintenance tools. A helmet & screen, chaps and steel tipped boots are recommended for safe operation.
BOWSAW & LOPPERS: Contrary to expectations, much of the clearing work can be done with hand tools. A sharp bowsaw or set of compound loppers can often do the entire job. But even with big trees, these tools will be a great help in clearing the way for the needed chainsaw cuts. Bring along the sort of tools you’re comfortable using. Be sure they’re sharp, and that you have covers on the blades. Sturdy leather gloves are recommended.
A STRONG BACK: Once the saws have finished, the real task is to clear the resulting branches and logs off and away from the trail. One sawyer can keep several trail clearers very busy. This task really can be done by anyone, as there are always a range of branches and logs to clear, ranging from 1/4 inch sticks to three foot sections of trunk. Bring along gloves and heavy boots. A pry bar or leaver can also help move the big stuff.
WALKING SHOES: Yes, there’s even a place for people whom aren’t into the lumber jack experience. We need scouts whom can be sent out onto the trails to report where the problems are. It’s disheartening to lug the saws and support equipment into an interior trail only to find that the problem has already been taken care of, so helping us locate the trouble spots is a very big contribution. Walking shoes and a smile is all you really need.
The schedule of activities go to the calendar page. We expect all of the work parties to be about 2-1/2 to 3 hours in length. If you get there a little late, just head for the sound of the chainsaws.
In advance of the regular schedule of Westwoods work parties for the fall, Paul Proulx and members of the Westwoods Trails Committee have scheduled some impromptu work parties this coming Labor Day weekend to get a jump on the Post-Irene cleanup.
The schedule for this weekend is:
Saturday September 3rd @ 2:00 PM at Sam Hill Road entrance
Sunday September 4th @ 3:00 PM at the Three Corner Road entrance
Monday September 5th @ 11:00 AM at the Three Corner Road entrance.
The hope is to knock out about 3 loops but that will depend on how much work Irene has sent our way.
If you are planning to come, please let Paul know by e-mail or phone (203-687-775).
,
Currently: ˚
Feels Like: ˚
Hi: ˚, Lo: ˚
weather feed courtesy of weather.com - thanks!