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  • In Touchwith The Last Green Valley

    NATIONALHERITAGE

    CORRIDOR

    M E M B E R M A G A Z I N E & 2 0 1 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T

    2018 Has Gone to the

    Birds

    TLGV PARTNERSProtecting Birdsand Their HabitatsConnecticut Audubon, Horizon Wings, and Capen Hill

  • IN THIS ISSUEMessage from the Chairman .............................1

    TLGV Board of Directors and Staff ....................1

    2018 Has Gone to the Birds ..............................2

    Connecticut Audubon Protects Birds, Critters & Habitat Too .....................4

    Atka is the Face of Horizon Wings ...........6

    Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary ....................8

    Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers Make a Difference ...........................................10

    Thank You to Our Spring Outdoors and Walktober Leaders....................................12

    Volunteer Spotlight: Larry and Kitty Lowenthal ...............................14

    Rolltober .........................................................15

    Telling Stories That Matter ..............................16

    Business Partner: Publick House Historic Inn...............................18

    Tastes of the Valley A Farmer at The Table ......................................20

    2017 By the Numbers .....................................21

    Donor Spotlight: Steven Crooke ......................22

    Scenes from TLGVs 2017 Annual Meeting ......23

    2017 Financial Report .....................................24

    Thank you to our Members, Donors, Sponsors and Partners .....................................25

    In Touch is published twice a year by The Last Green ValleyP.O. Box 29, 203B Main StreetDanielson, CT 06239-0029P.O. Box 186, Southbridge, MA 01550���������������������������t�����������������������������G�B�YEmail: [email protected]

    Copyright 2018 The Last Green Valley, Inc.Stories written by Fran KefalasDesign by Angell House Design

    Cover photo: Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

    Background photo: S. Harraden

    In TouchVol. 3, Issue 1Spring 2018

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    Message from the Chairman�8�F�M�D�P�N�F���U�P���U�I�J�T���F�E�J�U�J�P�O���P�G��In Touch , your member magazine highlighting the special people and organizations who make good things happen in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. This edition also serves as �5�I�F���-�B�T�U���(�S�F�F�O���7�B�M�M�F�Z����*�O�D�����T���"�O�O�V�B�M���3�F�Q�P�S�U���G�P�S��������������

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    To our members and donors, thank you. Your support makes our programming possible and every dollar you �Q�S�P�W�J�E�F���I�F�M�Q�T���V�T���J�O�T�Q�J�S�F���O�F�X���D�B�S�F�U�B�L�F�S�T���B�O�E���T�U�F�X�B�S�E�T���P�G���U�I�J�T���T�Q�F�D�J�B�M���Q�M�B�D�F����

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    To our business partners and sponsors, thank you. Our communities are better places to live, work and play �C�F�D�B�V�T�F���P�G���Z�P�V�S���T�V�Q�Q�P�S�U����

    �"�O�E���U�P���P�V�S���O�P�O���Q�S�P�m�U���Q�B�S�U�O�F�S�T����U�I�B�O�L���Z�P�V�����8�F���B�S�F���T�U�S�P�O�H�F�T�U���X�I�F�O���X�F���X�P�S�L���U�P�H�F�U�I�F�S���U�P���D�B�S�F���G�P�S����F�O�K�P�Z���B�O�E���Q�B�T�T��on our historic, cultural, and natural treasures.

    �"�T���X�F���M�P�P�L���G�P�S�X�B�S�E���U�P��������������X�F���I�P�Q�F���Z�P�V���X�J�M�M���Q�B�S�U�J�D�J�Q�B�U�F���B�T���X�F���M�B�V�O�D�I���B���N�B�K�P�S���V�O�E�F�S�U�B�L�J�O�H���o���B�O���V�Q�E�B�U�F���P�G���P�V�S���������Z�F�B�S���N�B�O�B�H�F�N�F�O�U���Q�M�B�O�����8�F���X�J�M�M���C�F���B�T�L�J�O�H���G�P�S���Z�P�V�S���J�O�Q�V�U���J�O���N�B�O�Z���E�J�G�G�F�S�F�O�U���X�B�Z�T���B�O�E���I�P�Q�F���Z�P�V���X�J�M�M���F�O�H�B�H�F�� �J�O���B���S�P�C�V�T�U���E�J�T�D�V�T�T�J�P�O���X�J�U�I���V�T���B�C�P�V�U���U�I�F���G�V�U�V�S�F���P�G���P�V�S���/�B�U�J�P�O�B�M���)�F�S�J�U�B�H�F���$�P�S�S�J�E�P�S��������

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    Hi I’m Brodin. I am 11 years old. I am donating 10 dollars of my own money. I am doing a school project on CT and have made The Last Green Valley a part of it. I like what you are doing for the environment in CT. My mom and dad are going to be members too.

    �8�F���M�P�P�L���G�P�S�X�B�S�E���U�P���D�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�O�H���B�O�E���J�O�T�Q�J�S�J�O�H���F�W�F�O���N�P�S�F���Q�F�P�Q�M�F���M�J�L�F���#�S�P�E�J�O���B�O�E���I�J�T���G�B�N�J�M�Z���J�O���������������5�P�H�F�U�I�F�S��� �X�F���D�B�O���D�B�S�F���G�P�S����F�O�K�P�Z����B�O�E���Q�B�T�T���P�O���5�I�F���-�B�T�U���(�S�F�F�O���7�B�M�M�F�Z���/�B�U�J�P�O�B�M���)�F�S�J�U�B�H�F���$�P�S�S�J�E�P�S��

    Bill Jobbagy, Chairman �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �#�P�B�S�E���P�G���%�J�S�F�D�U�P�S�T

    TLGV Board of Directors 2017-2018Bill Jobbagy, Chairman, Coventry, CT

    Mike Nelson, Vice Chairman, Norwich, CT

    Myra Ambrogi, Secretary, Plain�eld, CT

    Thomas Dufresne, Treasurer, South-bridge, MA

    Steven Ayer, Franklin, CT

    Donna Baron, Lebanon, CT

    Janet Blanchette, Thompson, CT

    Elsie Bisset, Voluntown, CT

    Debra Burns, Putnam, CT

    Karyn DiBonaventura, Pomfret, CT

    James Gothreau, Putnam, CT

    Lisa Hayden, Sturbridge, MA

    Rick Hermonot, Sterling, CT

    Jennifer Kaufman, Mans�eld, CT

    Mike Longenbaker, Tolland, CT

    Marty Nieski, Dudley, MA

    Wayde Schmidt, Pomfret, CT

    Joan St. Ament, Woodstock, CT

    Eric Thomas, Coventry, CT, representing the Governor of Connecticut

    Mark Winne, Charlton, MA

    TLGV Staff Lois Bruinooge, Executive Director

    LyAnn Graff, Of�ce Coordinator

    Kyle Gregoire, Community & Donor Relations Manager

    Fran Kefalas, Program and Media Coordinator

    Bill Reid, Chief Ranger

    Sharon Wakely, Finance Administrator

    PROGRAM CONSULTANTS

    Christine Armstrong, Education Outreach Coordinator

    Liz Ellsworth, Education Outreach Assistant

    Jean Pillo, Water Quality Monitoring and TRBP Coordinator

  • �C2018 Has Gone to the

    ��+�Q��[

    Whether its a synergy, �B�O���B�X�B�L�F�O�J�O�H���P�S���K�V�T�U���D�P�N�N�P�O���T�F�O�T�F����B���M�P�U���P�G���G�P�D�V�T���J�T���O�P�X���P�O���C�J�S�E�T����National Geographic has �E�F�D�M�B�S�F�E�������������U�I�F���Z�F�B�S���P�G��the bird. Connecticut is developing its �rst Bird Atlas in more than 30 years. And, The Last Green Valley has embarked on a $12.2 �N�J�M�M�J�P�O���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���U�P���Q�S�P�U�F�D�U���D�S�J�U�J�D�B�M���I�B�C�J�U�B�U���G�P�S���N�J�H�S�B�U�J�O�H���B�O�E���S�F�T�J�E�F�O�U��breeding birds. Why now?

    In the birding community �X�F�h�W�F���L�O�P�X�O���G�P�S���B���M�P�O�H���U�J�N�F��anecdotally there have been changes happening, said Min �)�V�B�O�H����B���X�J�M�E�M�J�G�F���C�J�P�M�P�H�J�T�U���X�J�U�I���U�I�F���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���%�F�Q�B�S�U�N�F�O�U���P�G���&�O�F�S�H�Z��and Environmental Protection, who �J�T���P�O�F���P�G���U�I�F���M�F�B�E�T���P�O���U�I�F���#�J�S�E���"�U�M�B�T����"What we haven’t had is the data, and in that respect, Connecticut is lagging behind. It’s imperative we understand what birds are out there and their relative abundance across the state."

    While National Geographic is beginning a year-long mission to educate lay people about the �J�N�Q�P�S�U�B�O�D�F���P�G���C�J�S�E�T���B�D�S�P�T�T���B�M�M���P�G���J�U�T���N�F�E�J�B���Q�M�B�U�G�P�S�N�T����U�I�F���#�J�S�E���"�U�M�B�T��will be looking to harness the �Q�B�T�T�J�P�O���P�G���U�I�P�T�F���X�I�P���B�M�S�F�B�E�Z���L�O�P�X��birds matter. It will require citizen scientists all across Connecticut to �M�P�P�L���G�P�S���B�O�E���M�J�T�U�F�O���G�P�S���C�J�S�E�T����

    Citizen science is completely �G�V�O�E�B�N�F�O�U�B�M���U�P���U�I�J�T���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U��w��

    said Chris Elphick, an associate �Q�S�P�G�F�T�T�P�S���P�G���&�D�P�M�P�H�Z���B�O�E��Evolutionary Biology at the �6�O�J�W�F�S�T�J�U�Z���P�G���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���B�O�E���P�O�F���P�G���U�I�F���#�J�S�E���"�U�M�B�T���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���M�F�B�E�T����Elphick said using GIS mapping, UCONN and DEEP have put a grid �B�D�S�P�T�T���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���P�G�����������C�M�P�D�L�T���and they intend to get every block covered by a volunteer willing �U�P���B�T�T�J�T�U���X�J�U�I���U�I�S�F�F���Z�F�B�S�T���P�G���E�B�U�B��collection. Theres many levels at which someone can help the �Q�S�P�K�F�D�U��w���&�M�Q�I�J�D�L���T�B�J�E�����i�1�F�S�I�B�Q�T��someone doesnt want the �S�F�T�Q�P�O�T�J�C�J�M�J�U�Z���P�G���C�F�J�O�H���B�T�T�J�H�O�F�E���U�P��a block, but they can still help with �U�I�F���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���w

    Huang said while DEEP and �6�$�0�/�/���B�S�F���M�F�B�E�J�O�H���U�I�F���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���they consider themselves more �M�J�L�F���G�B�D�J�M�J�U�B�U�P�S�T�����5�I�F�S�F���B�S�F���N�B�O�Z��partners engaged in the Bird �"�U�M�B�T����B�O�E���J�U���X�J�M�M���U�B�L�F���B�M�M���P�G���U�I�F�N��to make it happen. We really �I�B�W�F���B���X�J�E�F���B�O�E���E�J�W�F�S�T�F���T�F�U���P�G��partnerships, Huang said. And, we havent even started the data collection yet.

    In Massachusetts, more than 650 volunteers worked more than ��������������I�P�V�S�T���G�S�P�N����������������������to complete the Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas 2. Mass �"�V�E�V�C�P�O���M�F�E���U�I�F���F�G�G�P�S�U���B�T��ornithologists, �eld researchers, and amateur birders spread out across the state to monitor 1,055 �F�R�V�B�M���N�B�Q���C�M�P�D�L�T���G�P�S���B�U���M�F�B�T�U��

    20 hours each during breeding seasons. Their work built upon �B���Q�S�F�W�J�P�V�T���W�F�S�T�J�P�O���P�G���U�I�F�� Breeding Bird Atlas and provided �J�N�Q�P�S�U�B�O�U���J�O�G�P�S�N�B�U�J�P�O���B�C�P�V�U��detailed changes to the states �C�S�F�F�E�J�O�H���C�J�S�E�M�J�G�F��

    Patrick Comins, executive director �P�G���U�I�F���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���"�V�E�V�C�P�O��Society, said his organization made the Connecticut Bird Atlas �U�I�F���G�P�D�B�M���Q�P�J�O�U���P�G���J�U�T���O�F�X���4�U�B�U�F���P�G���5�I�F���#�J�S�E�T���S�F�Q�P�S�U���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���P�G���U�I�F���J�N�Q�P�S�U�B�O�D�F���P�G���U�I�F���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U�����$�P�N�J�O�T��said the Bird Atlas is probably the most important Connecticut bird �S�F�T�F�B�S�D�I���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���U�I�B�U���I�B�T���C�F�F�O��undertaken in his career. This �Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���J�T���M�P�O�H���P�W�F�S�E�V�F��w���$�P�N�J�O�T���T�B�J�E�����i�8�I�F�O���J�U���T���E�P�O�F���J�U���X�J�M�M���P�G�G�F�S��us much more valuable insight �U�I�B�O���X�F���I�B�W�F���I�B�E���C�F�G�P�S�F���w

    Elphick said the Bird Atlas will answer many questions researchers and the birding community have. What the atlas can show us is which bird species are declining or are in trouble but do not require extremely specialized habitats, Elphick said. There is a whole �T�F�U���P�G���T�Q�F�D�J�F�T���X�I�P���B�S�F���O�P�U���J�O���E�J�S�F��straits but are declining steadily and those are the ones we really dont know about.

    Huang said the state has seen bird conservation success stories, such as the bald eagle. But that success is

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  • the east. Spearheaded by TLGV, MassConn and Northern Rhode Island Conservation District along with 16 other partners, the regional conservation partnership is a unique, �U�I�S�F�F���T�U�B�U�F���F�G�G�P�S�U���U�I�B�U���X�J�M�M���C�S�J�O�H��together government, non-pro�t, educational and commercial resources. Audubon Connecticut, Mass Audubon, �B�O�E���"�V�E�V�C�P�O���4�P�D�J�F�U�Z���P�G���3�I�P�E�F���*�T�M�B�O�E��are key partners, and TLGV Executive Director Lois Bruinooge wrote the $6.1 million grant awarded by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service with an eye toward protecting critical bird habitat.

    �8�I�J�M�F���T�U�J�M�M���J�O���J�U�T���J�O�G�B�O�D�Z����U�I�F���m�W�F���Z�F�B�S���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���X�J�M�M���U�P�U�B�M���������������N�J�M�M�J�P�O���J�O�W�F�T�U�F�E���J�O���D�P�O�T�F�S�W�B�U�J�P�O���G�P�S���U�I�F��birds. Woodland landowners will �C�F���B�C�M�F���U�P���M�F�B�S�O���G�S�P�N���F�Y�Q�F�S�U�T���B�C�P�V�U��the birds on their property, and �G�V�O�E�T���X�J�M�M���C�F���B�W�B�J�M�B�C�M�F���U�P���I�F�M�Q���U�I�F�N���J�N�Q�S�P�W�F���C�J�S�E���I�B�C�J�U�B�U�����5�I�F���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U��will also permanently protect more �U�I�B�O��������������B�D�S�F�T���P�G���X�P�P�E�M�B�O�E���C�J�S�E��habitat in the region.

    The partnerships goal is to combat �G�S�B�H�N�F�O�U�B�U�J�P�O���P�G���U�I�F���M�B�T�U���C�B�T�U�J�P�O���P�G���G�P�S�F�T�U�F�E���P�Q�F�O���T�Q�B�D�F���J�O���U�I�F���N�J�E�E�M�F���P�G��the nations most densely populated region. Huang said in Connecticut, �G�S�B�H�N�F�O�U�B�U�J�P�O���J�T���P�O�F���P�G���U�I�F���M�B�S�H�F�T�U���Q�S�P�C�M�F�N�T���C�J�S�E�T���G�B�D�F�����i�*�O���U�I�F���M�B�T�U��������years weve seen population growth and weve seen development break �V�Q���U�I�F�T�F���C�M�P�D�L�T���P�G���P�Q�F�O���T�Q�B�D�F��w��Huang said.

    �i�8�F���S�F���G�P�S�U�V�O�B�U�F���U�I�B�U���5�I�F���-�B�T�U���(�S�F�F�O���7�B�M�M�F�Z���T�U�J�M�M���I�B�T���M�B�S�H�F���U�S�B�D�U�T���P�G���G�P�S�F�T�U�F�E���M�B�O�E��w���T�B�J�E���#�S�V�J�O�P�P�H�F�����i�#�V�U��only 26% is permanently protected, �T�P���U�I�F���B�N�P�V�O�U���P�G���D�P�S�F���G�P�S�F�T�U���B�O�E���J�U�T��critical bird habitat could decrease dramatically over the next decade. We need to act now, to ensure 2018 �X�P�O���U���C�F���U�I�F���M�B�T�U���Z�F�B�S���P�G���U�I�F���C�J�S�E���w

    ��+�Q��[more a credit to the birds than to �I�V�N�B�O���F�G�G�P�S�U�T�������i�#�B�M�E���F�B�H�M�F�T���I�B�W�F��shown their adaptability, Huang �T�B�J�E�����i�6�O�G�P�S�U�V�O�B�U�F�M�Z����U�I�F�S�F���B�S�F��many bird species that are not as adaptable or as plastic as the bald eagles and they are the ones we need to know more about.

    �5�I�F���B�U�M�B�T���J�T���G�B�S���N�P�S�F���U�I�B�O���B���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U��to count birds, its essentially a �I�J�H�I���S�F�T�P�M�V�U�J�P�O���N�B�Q�Q�J�O�H���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U��to �gure out where breeding and non-breeding birds are in the state. For Elphick, thats a key to the �Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���U�I�P�T�F���E�B�U�B���m�M�M�F�E��maps can empower organizations and governments to make smarter environmental decisions.

    �i�*�G���Z�P�V���S�F���B���M�B�O�E���D�P�O�T�F�S�W�B�U�J�P�O��organization and you have a limited �B�N�P�V�O�U���P�G���N�P�O�F�Z���B�O�E���B���T�V�J�U�F���P�G��10 to 15 parcels youre looking at, �C�V�U���Z�P�V���D�B�O���P�O�M�Z���B�G�G�P�S�E���m�W�F����U�I�J�T��will help you �gure out where to spend the money, Elphick �T�B�J�E�����i�5�I�B�U���T���P�O�F���P�G���U�I�F���N�P�T�U��important things that will come �P�V�U���P�G���U�I�J�T�����8�F���D�B�O���U�B�L�F���P�V�S��conservation dollars and use �U�I�F�N���N�V�D�I���N�P�S�F���F�G�m�D�J�F�O�U�M�Z����As much as Im all about getting more money �G�P�S���D�P�O�T�F�S�W�B�U�J�P�O����*���N��equally or perhaps more concerned about getting the biggest conservation �C�B�O�H���G�P�S���P�V�S���C�V�D�L���w

    Priority mapping and bird conservation are �B�M�T�P���B�U���U�I�F���I�F�B�S�U���P�G���B���O�F�X���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���U�P���Q�S�P�U�F�D�U��the Southern New England Heritage Forest, a 1.49 million-acre block �P�G���P�Q�F�O���T�Q�B�D�F���B�O�E���G�P�S�F�T�U��sandwiched between �)�B�S�U�G�P�S�E���U�P���U�I�F���X�F�T�U���B�O�E��Boston and Providence to

    There are many bird species that are not as adaptable or as plastic as the bald eagles and they are the ones we need

    to know more about.Min Huang, Connecticut DEEP

    ��Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)

  • CONNECTICUT AUDUBON

    ��

    �5�I�F���T�U�P�S�Z���P�G���C�J�S�E�T���U�F�M�M�T���U�I�F���T�U�P�S�Z���P�G���U�I�F���F�O�W�J�S�P�O�N�F�O�U�����#�Z���Q�S�P�U�F�D�U�J�O�H���U�I�F���B�W�J�B�O���X�P�S�M�E����J�U�T���I�B�C�J�U�B�U�T���B�O�E���U�I�F���D�S�J�U�U�F�S�T���X�I�P���M�J�W�F���J�O���U�I�B�U���I�B�C�J�U�B�U����U�I�F���Q�F�P�Q�M�F���P�G���U�I�F���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���"�V�E�V�C�P�O���4�P�D�J�F�U�Z���I�B�W�F���D�P�N�F���U�P���B�Q�Q�S�F�D�J�B�U�F���U�I�B�U���C�J�S�E�T���P�G�U�F�O���B�S�F���U�I�F���m�S�T�U���B�O�E���C�F�T�U���C�B�S�P�N�F�U�F�S���P�G���U�I�F���I�F�B�M�U�I���P�G���U�I�F���F�O�W�J�S�P�O�N�F�O�U����

    They truly are the canaries in our coal mine, said Sarah Heminway, director �P�G���/�P�S�U�I�F�B�T�U���$�P�S�O�F�S���1�S�P�H�S�B�N�T���G�P�S���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���"�V�E�V�C�P�O�����i�*�G���U�I�F���F�O�W�J�S�P�O�N�F�O�U���J�T���I�F�B�M�U�I�Z����C�J�S�E���Q�P�Q�V�M�B�U�J�P�O�T���U�I�S�J�W�F����C�V�U���U�I�F�Z���P�G�U�F�O���B�S�F���U�I�F���m�S�T�U���W�J�T�J�C�M�F���T�J�H�O���P�G���B��problem.

    �#�V�U����$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���"�V�E�V�C�P�O���J�T���O�P�U���K�V�T�U���B�C�P�V�U���C�J�S�E�T�����i�8�F���S�F�B�M�M�Z���D�P�W�F�S���U�I�F���X�I�P�M�F���G�P�P�E���D�I�B�J�O��w���)�F�N�J�O�X�B�Z���T�B�J�E�����i�$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���"�V�E�V�C�P�O���T���N�J�T�T�J�P�O���J�T���U�I�F���T�U�B�U�F���T���C�J�S�E�T���B�O�E���U�I�F�J�S���I�B�C�J�U�B�U�����8�I�F�O���Z�P�V���D�P�O�T�J�E�F�S���U�I�F���I�B�C�J�U�B�U����U�I�B�U���T���K�V�T�U���B�C�P�V�U���F�W�F�S�Z�U�I�J�O�H����We manage �elds, woods, ponds and the critters within them because they all support bird populations.

    Protects Birds, Critters & Habitat Too

    Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret���������%�B�Z���3�P�B�E����1�P�N�G�S�F�U���$�F�O�U�F�S����$�5���������������t���������������������������&�N�B�J�M�����Q�P�N�G�S�F�U�!�D�U�B�V�E�V�C�P�O���P�S�H���t���X�X�X���D�U�B�V�E�V�C�P�O���P�S�H

    Connecticut Audubon will be hosting its �rst Migration Madness: �5�I�F���#�J�H���8�F�F�L�F�O�E���#�J�S�E���$�I�B�M�M�F�O�H�F����G�S�P�N���.�B�Z����������������

    �5�I�F���D�I�B�M�M�F�O�H�F���X�J�M�M���G�F�B�U�V�S�F���C�J�S�E���X�B�M�L�T���B�O�E���B�D�U�J�W�J�U�J�F�T���G�P�S���B�M�M���B�H�F�T��

    �E���������������������������������������������������������������F

  • 5

    Connecticut Audubon is �O�P�U���Q�B�S�U���P�G���U�I�F���/�B�U�J�P�O�B�M��Audubon Society (which also has a chapter in the state, known as Audubon Connecticut). It is one �P�G���U�I�F���G�F�X���S�F�N�B�J�O�J�O�H��statewide Audubons that has remained independent �G�S�P�N���U�I�F���O�B�U�J�P�O�B�M��organization, which also ensures any donations made to the organization stay in Connecticut.

    Connecticut Audubon also predates the national organization. Founded in ������������*�U���X�B�T���G�B�N�F�E���O�B�U�V�S�B�M�J�T�U���B�O�E��author Edwin Way Teale and his �X�J�G�F����/�F�M�M�J�F����X�I�P���E�S�F�X���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U��Audubon to eastern Connecticut and what is now The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Teales purchased Trail Wood in Hampton in 1959 and dubbed it our Eden. When Edwin passed away in 1980, Nellie began the �Q�S�P�D�F�T�T���P�G���E�F�F�E�J�O�H���U�I�F���Q�S�P�Q�F�S�U�Z���U�P��Connecticut Audubon, �nalizing the agreement in 1981. Nellie lived on the property until 1993.

    Audubon has preserved the property, including Edwins study and his �X�S�J�U�J�O�H���D�B�C�J�O����B�T���U�I�F���5�F�B�M�F�T���M�F�G�U���J�U��and runs numerous programs there throughout the year. The property, however, is currently closed as Connecticut Audubon works with �G�P�S�F�T�U�F�S�T���U�P���E�F�B�M���X�J�U�I���U�I�F���E�B�N�B�H�F���D�B�V�T�F�E���C�Z���B���U�I�J�S�E���T�U�S�B�J�H�I�U���Z�F�B�S���P�G���H�Z�Q�T�Z���N�P�U�I���J�O�G�F�T�U�B�U�J�P�O����

    It wasnt an easy decision, Heminway said. But, this is a �T�B�G�F�U�Z���J�T�T�V�F�����&�B�T�U�F�S�O���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U��was hit hard by the moths, and everyone should take a good look �B�U���U�I�F�J�S���X�P�P�E�T���B�O�E���T�F�F���X�I�B�U���L�J�O�E���P�G��condition theyre in. There are a lot �P�G���I�B�O�H�J�O�H���C�S�B�O�D�I�F�T���B�O�E���V�O�I�F�B�M�U�I�Z��trees that can cause accidents. Heminway hopes the work will be done by April 1 and the property reopened to the public.

    Connecticut Audubon Executive Director Patrick Comins said he is excited about the work being �E�P�O�F���B�U���5�S�B�J�M���8�P�P�E���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���P�G���U�I�F���Q�P�U�F�O�U�J�B�M���J�U���I�B�T���G�P�S���S�F�J�O�U�S�P�E�V�D�J�O�H��important bird habitat.

    This is really an opportunity to create some successional habitat, Comins said. We know theres �C�F�F�O���B���I�J�T�U�P�S�J�D���M�P�T�T���P�G���U�I�F�T�F���Z�P�V�O�H���shrubland habitats and Teale really �J�T���B���H�P�P�E���Q�M�B�D�F���G�P�S���U�I�B�U���w���.�P�T�U���P�G���F�B�T�U�F�S�O���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���T���G�P�S�F�T�U�T���B�S�F���P�M�E����X�J�U�I���U�I�F���I�V�S�S�J�D�B�O�F���P�G������������being the last time large sections �P�G���G�P�S�F�T�U���X�F�S�F���E�F�T�U�S�P�Z�F�E�����/�F�X���H�S�P�X�U�I���J�T���D�S�J�U�J�D�B�M���G�P�S���T�P�N�F���C�J�S�E�T�����*�U���I�F�M�Q�T���D�S�F�B�U�F���U�I�F���E�J�W�F�S�T�J�U�Z���P�G��habitat Connecticut Audubon �B�D�U�J�W�F�M�Z���N�B�J�O�U�B�J�O�T���J�O���1�P�N�G�S�F�U��

    Connecticut Audubon came to �1�P�N�G�S�F�U���J�O��������������U�I�B�O�L�T���U�P���B�����������B�D�S�F���E�P�O�B�U�J�P�O���G�S�P�N���-�P�J�T���0�S�T�X�F�M�M���who purchased the land with the intent to give it to Connecticut �"�V�E�V�C�P�O���G�P�S���U�I�F���D�S�F�B�U�J�P�O���P�G���B���X�J�M�E�M�J�G�F���T�B�O�D�U�V�B�S�Z�����)�F�N�J�O�X�B�Z��and Sanctuary Manager Andy Rzeznikiewicz have been with Audubon since then, and together �U�I�F�Z���B�S�F���S�F�T�Q�P�O�T�J�C�M�F���G�P�S���U�I�F���N�B�O�B�H�F�N�F�O�U���P�G���C�P�U�I���Q�S�P�Q�F�S�U�J�F�T����

    �’�P�S���Z�F�B�S�T����U�I�F���1�P�N�G�S�F�U���D�F�O�U�F�S���T��program was growing, but its �G�B�D�J�M�J�U�J�F�T���X�F�S�F���O�P�U�����*�O�������������B���D�B�Q�J�U�B�M��campaign made possible the

    �D�P�O�T�U�S�V�D�U�J�P�O���P�G���U�I�F���-�P�J�T��Orswell Grassland Bird Conservation Center on �U�I�F���T�B�N�F���G�P�P�U�Q�S�J�O�U���B�T��the propertys original barn. The original barn was dismantled �B�O�E���S�F�D�Z�D�M�F�E���P�G�G���T�J�U�F����C�V�U���T�P�N�F���P�G���U�I�F���X�P�P�E���B�O�E���G�P�V�O�E�B�U�J�P�O���T�U�P�O�F��were used in the new �G�B�D�J�M�J�U�Z���T���D�P�O�T�U�S�V�D�U�J�P�O�����i�*�U���X�B�T���B���M�P�U���P�G���X�P�S�L���but thanks to the �H�F�O�F�S�P�T�J�U�Z���P�G���U�I�F���Q�F�P�Q�M�F���P�G���O�P�S�U�I�F�B�T�U�F�S�O��Connecticut we have �B���G�B�O�U�B�T�U�J�D���T�Q�B�D�F��

    thats allowed us to expand our programming, Heminway said.

    But, Heminway and Rzeznikiewicz �B�S�F���T�U�J�M�M���U�I�F���P�O�M�Z���G�V�M�M���U�J�N�F���T�U�B�G�G�����5�I�F���I�V�O�E�S�F�E�T���P�G���Q�S�P�H�S�B�N�T���P�G�G�F�S�F�E���F�B�D�I���Z�F�B�S���B�U���5�S�B�J�M���8�P�P�E���B�O�E���1�P�N�G�S�F�U���B�S�F���Q�P�T�T�J�C�M�F���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���P�G���U�I�F���X�P�S�L���P�G���D�P�P�S�E�J�O�B�U�P�S�T���B�O�E���W�P�M�V�O�U�F�F�S�T����Connecticut Audubon works hard at training and educating the public to help in its mission.

    Citizen science programs, such as mammal tracking, and regular nature walks throughout the property allow the organization to extend its reach through those who have participated in programming. Its that mindset �P�G���F�E�V�D�B�U�J�P�O���B�O�E���U�S�B�J�O�J�O�H���U�I�B�U��also spurred the organizations participation in the Connecticut �#�J�S�E���"�U�M�B�T���1�S�P�K�F�D�U����U�I�F���m�S�T�U���U�J�N�F���J�O���������Z�F�B�S�T���T�V�D�I���B�O���F�G�G�P�S�U���I�B�T���C�F�F�O��undertaken. Connecticut Audubon �I�B�T���N�B�E�F���U�I�F���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���B���N�B�K�P�S���Q�B�S�U���P�G���J�U�T�������������F�G�G�P�S�U�T����

    �5�I�F���$�F�O�U�F�S���B�U���1�P�N�G�S�F�U���I�B�T���B�M�S�F�B�E�Z���I�P�T�U�F�E���P�O�F���J�O�G�P�S�N�B�U�J�P�O���T�F�T�T�J�P�O���P�O���U�I�F���B�U�M�B�T���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U�����5�I�F���F�G�G�P�S�U���O�F�F�E�T��the birding community to conduct surveys on birds that breed, winter or migrate in Connecticut. The data �G�S�P�N���U�I�F���T�V�S�W�F�Z�T���X�J�M�M���I�F�M�Q���E�F�U�F�S�N�J�O�F��whether we have thriving bird �Q�P�Q�V�M�B�U�J�P�O�T���U�I�B�U���B�S�F���J�O�E�J�D�B�U�J�W�F���P�G���B��healthy environment.

    We manage �elds, woods, ponds and the critters within

    them because they all support bird populations.

    �4�B�S�B�I���)�F�N�J�O�X�B�Z����E�J�S�F�D�U�P�S���P�G���/�P�S�U�I�F�B�T�U���$�P�S�O�F�S���1�S�P�H�S�B�N�T���G�P�S���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U���"�V�E�V�C�P�O

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    ��

    A magni�cent bald eagle who can never return to �U�I�F���X�J�M�E����"�U�L�B���J�T���P�O�F���P�G���B���G�F�X���C�B�M�E���F�B�H�M�F�T���J�O���4�P�V�U�I�F�S�O��New England trained

    to participate in educational programming, and he is in high �E�F�N�B�O�E�����#�V�U����I�F���J�T���G�B�S���G�S�P�N���U�I�F���F�O�U�J�S�F���T�U�P�S�Z���P�G���U�I�J�T���O�P�O��pro�t dedicated to rescuing and �S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�J�O�H���C�J�S�E�T���P�G���Q�S�F�Z����

    Founded and run since 2001 by Mary-Beth Kaeser, Horizon Wings primary mission is to get these �N�B�K�F�T�U�J�D���C�J�S�E�T���C�B�D�L���J�O�U�P���U�I�F���X�J�M�E����When they cant, they usually �nd a home on the Horizon Wings property, which also happens to be Kaesers backyard. Horizon Wings is home to 25 birds and at any given time there can be another �G�P�V�S���U�P���T�J�Y���C�F�J�O�H���S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�F�E��

    �i�5�I�F���G�F�F�M�J�O�H���P�G���C�F�J�O�H���B�C�M�F���U�P��help these magni�cent creatures get back into the wild is the best reason to do this work, Kaeser said. Teaching others about �U�I�F�T�F���C�J�S�E�T���I�B�T���C�F�F�O���B���X�P�O�E�F�S�G�V�M���P�G�G�T�I�P�P�U���P�G���U�I�F���S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�J�P�O��work, and its so important. Sharing our knowledge helps protect these animals.

    Kaeser began her rehabilitation work in 1985 when her dog, a very gentle Shepherd mix, decided to play with a squirrel. The squirrel lost. Kaeser, a vet-tech at the time, put her knowledge to work and �C�F�H�B�O���U�I�F���K�P�V�S�O�F�Z���U�P���M�J�D�F�O�T�F�E��rehabilitator. It was her mentors, Jan and Stu Mitchell, who urged �I�F�S���U�P���G�P�D�V�T���P�O���S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�J�P�O���X�P�S�L���X�J�U�I���P�O�F���L�J�O�E���P�G���B�O�J�N�B�M���

    and Horizon Wings was born �G�S�P�N���F�R�V�B�M���Q�B�S�U�T���Q�B�T�T�J�P�O���G�P�S���U�I�F��work and necessity. You have to �Q�B�Z���G�F�F�T���U�P���S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�F���B�O�J�N�B�M�T��w���,�B�F�T�F�S���T�B�J�E�����i�*���D�P�V�M�E�O���U���B�G�G�P�S�E���U�P��do it on my own, so I needed a way to raise money.

    �5�F�S�J���1�P�X�F�M�M����B���X�J�M�E�M�J�G�F���U�F�D�I�O�J�D�B�M��assistant with the CT Department �P�G���&�O�F�S�H�Z���B�O�E���&�O�W�J�S�P�O�N�F�O�U�B�M���1�S�P�U�F�D�U�J�P�O���T���X�J�M�E�M�J�G�F���S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�J�P�O���Q�S�P�H�S�B�N����T�B�J�E���B�M�M���X�J�M�E�M�J�G�F��rehabilitators are extraordinary, but organizations such as Horizon �8�J�O�H�T���B�S�F���W�F�S�Z���V�O�J�R�V�F�����i�"�M�M���P�G��the rehabilitators are volunteers,

    ���^�1�ü���J�T���U�I�F���’�B�D�F���P�G�� Horizon Wings

    Teaching others about these birds has been a wonderful offshoot of the rehabilitation work, and its so important. Sharing our knowledge helps protect these animals.Mary-Beth Kaeser, Founder, Horizon Wings

  • ���^�1�ü

    ��

    Powell said. No one pays them, and its an immense responsibility they take on. Its every year and �F�W�F�S�Z���E�B�Z���P�G���U�I�F���Z�F�B�S�����.�P�T�U���I�B�W�F���G�V�M�M���U�J�N�F���K�P�C�T����B�O�E���T�P�N�F���I�B�W�F���U�X�P���K�P�C�T���K�V�T�U���T�P���U�I�F�Z���D�B�O���E�P���U�I�J�T���w

    �5�I�F�S�F���B�S�F���B�M�T�P���E�J�G�G�F�S�F�O�U���M�F�W�F�M�T���P�G���U�S�B�J�O�J�O�H���U�P���S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�F���E�J�G�G�F�S�F�O�U���T�Q�F�D�J�F�T�����,�B�F�T�F�S����G�P�S���F�Y�B�N�Q�M�F����N�V�T�U���N�F�F�U���G�F�E�F�S�B�M���T�U�B�O�E�B�S�E�T���C�F�D�B�V�T�F��she deals with migratory birds and having a sanctuary adds �B�O�P�U�I�F�S���M�F�W�F�M���P�G���S�F�H�V�M�B�U�J�P�O�����+�F�B�O�O�F���,�S�B�F�N�F�S���P�G���$�P�W�F�O�U�S�Z���8�J�M�E�M�J�G�F��Rehabilitation is trained to deal with rabies vector species, meaning she can rehab mammals the state has deemed likely to carry rabies, such as racoons, squirrels and opossums. She doesnt rehab birds or bunnies, but is working towards �S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�J�O�H���G�B�X�O�T��

    Kraemer and Kaeser both see education as critical when it �D�P�N�F�T���U�P���X�J�M�E�M�J�G�F���S�F�I�B�C�J�M�J�U�B�U�J�P�O�����,�S�B�F�N�F�S���G�P�D�V�T�F�T���P�O���H�F�U�U�J�O�H���N�P�S�F��rehabilitators trained and appointed by the state. Last year 120 people took the exam and six people got their license, Kraemer said. Four �P�G���U�I�F�N���U�S�B�J�O�F�E���X�J�U�I���N�F���w

    �.�P�O�F�Z���J�T���B���D�S�J�U�J�D�B�M���J�T�T�V�F���G�P�S��rehabilitators. Every animal costs money. Rehabilitating a racoon could cost $300 to $500, Kraemer said. The bigger the animal the higher the expense, too. As a 501(c)(3), Horizon Wings �J�T���Q�P�T�J�U�J�P�O�F�E���U�P���I�F�M�Q���J�U�T�F�M�G���X�J�U�I���G�V�O�E�S�B�J�T�J�O�H����C�V�U���S�B�J�T�J�O�H���N�P�O�F�Z��is not easy, especially when rehabilitating birds requires �J�O�U�F�O�T�J�W�F���F�G�G�P�S�U����

    ���^�1�ü���J�T���U�I�F���’�B�D�F���P�G��

    Kaeser realized, however, that her �Q�B�T�T�J�P�O���G�P�S���U�I�F���C�J�S�E�T���X�B�T���N�B�U�D�I�F�E���C�Z���I�F�S���M�P�W�F���G�P�S���T�I�B�S�J�O�H���U�I�B�U��passion with others. Even when I worked with the veterinarians �P�G�m�D�F����*���M�P�W�F�E���U�P���E�P���P�V�S���Q�V�C�M�J�D��relations work and have education programs, Kaeser said. It was a �O�B�U�V�S�B�M���F�Y�U�F�O�T�J�P�O���P�G���U�I�F���X�P�S�L���w��Kaeser has developed seven unique programs and is constantly considering new ways to engage �U�I�F���D�P�N�N�V�O�J�U�Z���X�J�U�I���C�J�S�E�T���P�G���Q�S�F�Z�����0�O�F���P�G���I�F�S���O�F�X�F�T�U���P�G�G�F�S�J�O�H�T��is called Bird Brained, where Kaeser brings an American Crow, a Peregrine Falcon, an owl, and a Blue and Gold Macaw to show how intelligent birds truly are.

    Everyone wants Atka, Kaeser said. I understand why, but theyre also missing out on some other extraordinary birds. Birds such as Corbin, the crow, who has a lot to say, and Julian, the raven, who also talks and has a proclivity �G�P�S���G�P�M�M�P�X�J�O�H���B�S�P�V�O�E���)�P�S�J�[�P�O��Wings volunteers, or Chrysos and Skywalker, two golden eagles �X�I�P�T�F���M�P�W�F���B�G�G�B�J�S���X�F�B�U�I�F�S�F�E���B��three-year separation and is now as strong as ever. And then theres Stevie Rae, a black vulture with �Q�M�F�O�U�Z���P�G���Q�F�S�T�P�O�B�M�J�U�Z����

    �/�P�U���B�M�M���P�G���U�I�F���������S�F�T�J�E�F�O�U�T���P�G���)�P�S�J�[�P�O���8�J�O�H�T���W�F�O�U�V�S�F���P�V�U���G�P�S��educational programs. There is signi�cant training that occurs, �B�O�E���T�P�N�F���C�J�S�E�T���K�V�T�U���Q�S�F�G�F�S���U�P���T�U�B�Z���I�P�N�F�����+�V�M�J�B�O����G�P�S���F�Y�B�N�Q�M�F����J�T���D�B�N�F�S�B���T�I�Z���B�O�E���G�P�S���B�M�M���U�I�F���U�B�M�L�J�O�H��and conversations he and Corbin have, as soon as someone tries to record them, Julian runs and hides.

    The primary mission at Horizon Wings has always been to get the birds back into the wild. It can be a complicated process, Kaeser said, �C�F�D�B�V�T�F���N�B�O�Z���P�G���U�I�F���C�J�S�E�T���I�B�W�F���I�F�B�E���J�O�K�V�S�J�F�T�����5�P���F�O�T�V�S�F���U�I�F�Z���D�B�O��go back into the wild and survive, she must determine whether their eye sight, hearing and balance among other things are �T�V�G�m�D�J�F�O�U���U�P���C�P�U�I���I�V�O�U���B�O�E���Q�S�P�U�F�D�U��themselves.

    �8�I�J�M�F���,�B�F�T�F�S���J�T���U�I�F���E�S�J�W�J�O�H���G�P�S�D�F��behind Horizon Wings, she is not �B�M�P�O�F�����5�I�F�S�F���J�T���B���T�N�B�M�M���B�S�N�Z���P�G��volunteers who help Kaeser care �G�P�S���U�I�F���C�J�S�E�T����N�B�J�O�U�B�J�O���U�I�F���H�S�P�V�O�E�T��and prepare them to venture back into the wider world. I couldnt do what I do without the volunteers, Kaeser said. Its so �J�N�Q�P�S�U�B�O�U���U�P���m�O�E���B���D�P�N�N�V�O�J�U�Z���P�G��like-minded people who want to �X�P�S�L���X�J�U�I���Z�P�V���B�O�E���I�F�M�Q���G�P�S�X�B�S�E��the organizations mission.

    Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education

    P.O. Box 238�"�T�I�G�P�S�E����$�5������������

    860-429-2181www.horizonwings.org

    One of her newest offerings is called Bird Brained, where Kaeser brings an American Crow, a Peregrine Falcon, an owl, and a Blue and Gold Macaw to show how intelligent birds truly are.

  • Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary �"���3�F�G�V�H�F���G�P�S���#�P�U�I���"�O�J�N�B�M�T���B�O�E���)�V�N�B�O�T��

    The 86-acre Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary in Charlton, MA, �G�F�B�U�V�S�F�T���N�J�M�F�T���P�G���U�S�B�J�M�T���B�O�E���B�O���P�G�m�D�F���U�I�B�U���J�T���I�P�N�F���U�P���B���N�F�O�B�H�F�S�J�F���P�G���B�O�J�N�B�M�T���X�I�P��

    can no longer live in the wild and would otherwise be easy prey. In many ways the property has always �C�F�F�O���B���S�F�G�V�H�F����

    �i�5�I�F�S�F���T���B���M�P�U���P�G���I�J�T�U�P�S�Z���I�F�S�F��w��said Barbara Fredericks, executive �E�J�S�F�D�U�P�S���P�G���$�B�Q�F�O���)�J�M�M�����5�I�F���I�J�T�U�P�S�Z��began with John Capen Adams, aka �(�S�J�[�[�M�Z���"�E�B�N�T����X�I�P�T�F���G�B�N�J�M�Z���P�O�D�F��owned the property. How much �U�J�N�F���"�E�B�N�T���T�Q�F�O�U���P�O���I�J�T���G�B�N�J�M�Z���T��homestead is unclear, but his legend seems to have soaked into the land. �-�B�U�F�S����U�I�F���8�F�M�M�T���G�B�N�J�M�Z����P�G���"�N�F�S�J�D�B�O��Optical, purchased the land and �N�P�W�F�E���G�S�P�N���4�P�V�U�I�C�S�J�E�H�F���U�P���U�I�F���Q�S�P�Q�F�S�U�Z�����’�S�F�E�F�S�J�D�L�T�����P�G�m�D�F���X�B�T��once Ruth Dyer Wells bedroom, and �U�I�F���G�B�N�J�M�Z���S�B�J�T�F�E���D�B�U�U�M�F���P�O���U�I�F���M�B�O�E���G�P�S���)�F�J�G�F�S���*�O�U�F�S�O�B�U�J�P�O�B�M�����5�I�F���8�F�M�M�T���G�B�N�J�M�Z���B�M�T�P���N�P�W�F�E���B���C�B�S�O���G�S�P�N���U�I�F�J�S��Southbridge property to Charlton. �i�*�U���X�B�T���M�J�L�F���B���T�B�O�D�U�V�B�S�Z���G�P�S���U�I�F���8�F�M�M�T���G�B�N�J�M�Z��w���’�S�F�E�F�S�J�D�L�T���T�B�J�E����

    �8�F�M�M�T���G�P�S�N�B�M�M�Z���G�P�V�O�E�F�E���U�I�F��Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary with �B���N�J�T�T�J�P�O���P�G���Q�S�F�T�F�S�W�B�U�J�P�O���B�O�E��environmental education in 1977 in her husbands memory. The land is really our primary mission, �’�S�F�E�F�S�J�D�L�T���T�B�J�E�����i�8�F���U�B�L�F���D�B�S�F���P�G���U�I�F���M�B�O�E���B�O�E���Q�S�F�T�F�S�W�F���J�U���B�T���G�P�S�F�T�U���B�O�E���P�Q�F�O���T�Q�B�D�F����B�O�E���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���P�G���U�I�B�U���X�F���H�F�U���B���M�P�U���P�G���X�J�M�E�M�J�G�F���D�P�N�J�O�H��through here. The animals we have in the sanctuary are what get people to come visit us, but its the preservation piece thats

    most important.

    The animals at the sanctuary include turtles, many birds and a �G�F�X���T�N�B�M�M���N�B�N�N�B�M�T�����’�S�F�E�F�S�J�D�L�T���T�B�J�E���T�P�N�F���Q�F�P�Q�M�F���D�B�M�M���U�I�F���T�B�O�D�U�V�B�S�Z���G�P�S��animal rescue and rehabilitation, �C�V�U���U�I�F���T�U�B�G�G���D�B�O���O�P���M�P�O�H�F�S���E�P��rehabilitation work. Fredericks, who is a biologist with zoology experience, said the rehabilitation work was all-consuming, taking �B�X�B�Z���G�S�P�N���U�I�F���S�F�T�U���P�G���$�B�Q�F�O���)�J�M�M���T��mission. We did do rehabilitation work and my predecessor was passionate about it, Fredericks

    said. I tried to keep it up. I was walking around with songbirds in �N�Z���Q�V�S�T�F���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���Z�P�V���I�B�W�F���U�P���G�F�F�E��them every 15 minutes, but there �X�B�T���U�J�N�F���G�P�S���O�P�U�I�J�O�H���F�M�T�F���w

    For Fredericks, �nding Capen Hill in 2000 was like �nding her own sanctuary. Fredericks came �J�O���M�P�P�L�J�O�H���G�P�S���B���Q�B�S�U���U�J�N�F���K�P�C���T�I�F��could manage while raising her �G�P�V�S���D�I�J�M�E�S�F�O���B�O�E���G�P�V�O�E���B���T�F�D�P�O�E��home. A year later she became the executive director when the woman who hired her retired. �6�O�E�F�S���’�S�F�E�F�S�J�D�L�T����U�I�F���G�P�D�V�T���P�G���U�I�F��

    ��

    Barbara Fredericks with one of the many birds who have found shelter at Capen Hill.

    We do a lot with a very small staff and some passionate volunteers.Barbara Fredericks, executive director of Capen Hill

  • 9

    �P�S�H�B�O�J�[�B�U�J�P�O���T�I�J�G�U�F�E�����4�I�F���E�F�D�J�E�F�E��to give up the rehabilitation �X�P�S�L���B�O�E���G�P�D�V�T���P�O���U�I�F���D�B�S�F���P�G���U�I�F��animals the sanctuary already had and the environmental education �D�P�N�Q�P�O�F�O�U���P�G���J�U�T���N�J�T�T�J�P�O����

    �$�B�Q�F�O���)�J�M�M���O�P�X���S�V�O�T���D�B�N�Q�T���G�P�S��children ages 5 to 12 during April vacation and the summer. The �D�B�N�Q�T���V�U�J�M�J�[�F���U�I�F���F�O�U�J�S�F���G�B�D�J�M�J�U�Z���including the historic barn, and �U�I�F���Q�S�P�H�S�B�N�T���G�P�D�V�T���P�O���T�D�J�F�O�D�F��and nature. They do a little �P�G���F�W�F�S�Z�U�I�J�O�H���O�B�U�V�S�F���S�F�M�B�U�F�E��w��Fredericks said. They study tadpoles, learn about animal �U�S�B�D�L�T����J�E�F�O�U�J�G�Z���E�J�G�G�F�S�F�O�U���Q�M�B�O�U�T��and rocks. We keep them busy and �X�F���m�O�E���B���M�P�U���P�G���P�V�S���D�B�N�Q�F�S�T���D�P�N�F���C�B�D�L���Z�F�B�S���B�G�U�F�S���Z�F�B�S���w

    �$�B�Q�F�O���)�J�M�M���B�M�T�P���P�G�G�F�S�T���N�B�O�Z���G�S�F�F��programs, such as its annual Easter Egg Hunt, where Fredericks and volunteers scatter more than 5,400 eggs around the property and every child can get up to two prizes.

    �#�V�U���B�T���B���O�P�O���Q�S�P�m�U����G�V�O�E�J�O�H���J�T���B���N�B�K�P�S���O�F�F�E�����’�S�F�E�F�S�J�D�L�T���T�B�J�E���X�I�F�O��Ruth Wells created the sanctuary she also created a trust which allocated $14,000 a year to Capen

    �)�J�M�M�����i�*�O�������������U�I�B�U���X�B�T���B���M�P�U���P�G��money. Now, we get $8,000 and it �C�B�T�J�D�B�M�M�Z���Q�B�Z�T���U�I�F���P�J�M���C�J�M�M���G�P�S���B���Z�F�B�S����We have had situations where we have almost had to shut down and �J�O���U�I�F���O�J�D�L���P�G���U�J�N�F���B���H�S�B�O�U���P�S���P�U�I�F�S���G�V�O�E�J�O�H���I�B�T���D�P�N�F���U�I�S�P�V�H�I���w

    We’re a hard-working nonpro�t, Fredericks added. We do a lot �X�J�U�I���B���W�F�S�Z���T�N�B�M�M���T�U�B�G�G���B�O�E���T�P�N�F��passionate volunteers.

    Above: The Wells historic barn is still in use as a program space for Capen Hill.

    Below: Sam the Toucan lives in Frederick’s of�ce at Capen Hill.

    Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary56 Capen RoadCharlton, MA 01507508-248-5516www.capenhill.orgBusiness Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Trails are open seven days a week

  • �7

    ����

    J�V�E�Z���3�P�O�E�F�B�V���G�P�M�M�P�X�F�E��the water and it led her to Thompson, CT. Rondeau, a natural resource specialist �G�P�S���U�I�F���&�B�T�U�F�S�O���$�P�O�O�F�D�U�J�D�V�U��

    Conservation District, used data collected by The Last Green Valleys �U�F�B�N���P�G���W�P�M�V�O�U�F�F�S���X�B�U�F�S���R�V�B�M�J�U�Z��monitors to create changes in �U�I�F���I�F�B�S�U���P�G���5�I�P�N�Q�T�P�O���U�I�B�U���X�J�M�M���Q�P�T�J�U�J�W�F�M�Z���B�G�G�F�D�U���U�I�F���X�B�U�F�S���R�V�B�M�J�U�Z���P�G���U�I�F���’�S�F�O�D�I���3�J�W�F�S������

    We know its a river thats been �J�N�Q�B�D�U�F�E���P�O���B�O�E���P�G�G���G�P�S���N�B�O�Z���many years, Rondeau said. And, we know the [state Department �P�G���&�O�F�S�H�Z���B�O�E���&�O�W�J�S�P�O�N�F�O�U�B�M���1�S�P�U�F�D�U�J�P�O�>���E�P�F�T�O���U���I�B�W�F���U�I�F���T�U�B�G�G��to do all the testing that needs to be done, but we needed data. We partner with The Last Green Valley �P�O���B���M�P�U���P�G���U�I�F�T�F���L�J�O�E�T���P�G���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U�T���so we asked them to get us data.

    Jean Pillo, TLGV’s water quality monitoring coordinator and Rondeau’s co-worker at ECCD, delivered the team and the data that allowed Rondeau to apply

    �G�P�S���B���G�F�E�F�S�B�M���H�S�B�O�U���U�P���J�N�Q�M�F�N�F�O�U��remediation actions supporting the �X�B�U�F�S���I�F�B�M�U�I���P�G���U�I�F���’�S�F�O�D�I���3�J�W�F�S�����*�U���N�F�B�O�U���B������������������J�O�G�V�T�J�P�O���P�G���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U�T��ensuring non-point source water pollution is signi�cantly reduced in �U�I�F���I�F�B�S�U���P�G���5�I�P�N�Q�T�P�O�����5�I�F���E�B�U�B���B�M�T�P��allowed Rondeau to create the �rst-�F�W�F�S���X�B�U�F�S�T�I�F�E���Q�M�B�O���G�P�S���U�I�F���’�S�F�O�D�I��River in CT, a document that will help set the tone on a local and state level �G�P�S���D�P�O�T�F�S�W�B�U�J�P�O���B�O�E���E�F�W�F�M�P�Q�N�F�O�U��

    �i�*�U���J�T���W�F�S�Z���H�S�B�U�J�G�Z�J�O�H���X�I�F�O���5�-�(�7���E�B�U�B��is turned into an action to correct something our volunteers �nd while doing �eld work, Pillo said. Her team �G�P�V�O�E���U�I�F���’�S�F�O�D�I���3�J�W�F�S���X�B�T���E�P�J�O�H��well. But, the team also monitored brooks in Thompson that �ow into the French River, such as Long Branch Brook, Ross Brook and Backwater �#�S�P�P�L�����*�O���B���T�N�B�M�M���Q�P�O�E���P�G���#�B�D�L�X�B�U�F�S���#�S�P�P�L����M�P�D�B�U�F�E���B�D�S�P�T�T���U�I�F���T�U�S�F�F�U���G�S�P�N��the Thompson Public Library and �K�V�T�U���C�F�G�P�S�F���U�I�F���C�S�P�P�L���n�P�X�T���J�O�U�P���U�I�F��French River, that problems were �G�P�V�O�E�����5�I�F���Q�P�O�E���J�T���T�N�B�M�M���o���U�X�P���U�P���U�I�S�F�F���B�D�S�F�T���o���C�V�U���I�B�E���I�J�H�I���M�F�W�F�M�T���P�G���C�B�D�U�F�S�J�B���B�T�T�P�D�J�B�U�F�E���X�J�U�I���G�F�D�B�M���N�B�U�U�F�S����

    �0�W�F�S�������X�F�F�L�T���P�G���U�F�T�U�J�O�H����U�I�F���U�F�B�N��collected one sample as high �B�T�����������D�G�V�����$�G�V���T�U�B�O�E���G�P�S���D�P�M�P�O�Z���G�P�S�N�J�O�H���V�O�J�U�T���B�O�E�����������D�G�V���J�T���U�I�F��highest measure acceptable in a non-drinking water sample, �3�P�O�E�F�B�V���T�B�J�E�����*�E�F�O�U�J�G�Z�J�O�H���U�I�F���T�P�V�S�D�F���P�G���U�I�F���D�P�O�U�B�N�J�O�B�U�J�P�O���X�B�T���N�V�D�I���N�P�S�F���E�J�G�m�D�V�M�U�����8�J�M�E���B�O�E��domesticated ducks, as well as geese, did not seem to be in a high enough concentration to account �G�P�S���U�I�F���I�J�H�I���C�B�D�U�F�S�J�B���M�F�W�F�M�T����

    During the investigative process, �P�O�F���U�I�J�O�H���C�F�D�B�N�F���D�M�F�B�S����I�P�X�F�W�F�S�����*�G���3�P�O�E�F�B�V���D�P�V�M�E���N�J�U�J�H�B�U�F���U�I�F���S�V�O�P�G�G���G�S�P�N���U�I�F���5�I�P�N�Q�T�P�O���-�J�C�S�B�S�Z����J�U���X�P�V�M�E��have a positive impact on the water �R�V�B�M�J�U�Z���P�G���U�I�F���’�S�F�O�D�I���3�J�W�F�S���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���B��storm drain system discharges right into the river at the site.

    We wanted to do something �U�I�B�U���X�B�T���F�B�T�Z���G�P�S���Q�F�P�Q�M�F���U�P���T�F�F��and understand, Rondeau said. �i�5�I�F���M�J�C�S�B�S�Z���J�T���B���G�P�D�B�M���Q�P�J�O�U���P�G���U�I�F��community. Rondeau created two �S�B�J�O���H�B�S�E�F�O�T���X�J�U�I���U�I�F���I�F�M�Q���P�G���U�I�F��towns public works department.

    Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers

  • ����

    �0�O�F���P�G���U�I�F���S�B�J�O���H�B�S�E�F�O�T���N�B�Z��not be readily obvious to many people. The grass rain garden is �T�M�P�Q�F�E���U�P���D�P�M�M�F�D�U���S�B�J�O���G�S�P�N���U�I�F���S�P�P�G���B�O�E���U�I�F���S�F�T�U���P�G���U�I�F���M�B�X�O���B�O�E��allow it to soak into the ground, �X�I�F�S�F���O�B�U�V�S�F���X�J�M�M���E�P���J�U�T���K�P�C���m�M�U�F�S�J�O�H���P�V�U���D�P�O�U�B�N�J�O�B�O�U�T���C�F�G�P�S�F��the water ends up in the French River. A second, perennial rain �H�B�S�E�F�O���J�T���D�B�U�D�I�J�O�H���X�B�U�F�S���P�G�G���U�I�F���S�P�P�G���U�I�B�U���X�B�T���Q�S�F�W�J�P�V�T�M�Z���E�J�W�F�S�U�F�E��straight into the storm drains. A downspout planter was also created near the library entrance.

    In addition to the gardens, Rondeau also worked with the town to install six catch basin �lters. The �lters are placed inside the catch basins where they can remove pollutants such as sediment, gasoline and other automotive chemicals. Rondeau said the grant also allowed the town to purchase replacement �lters, so Thompson has about �������Z�F�B�S�T���P�G���V�T�F���C�F�G�P�S�F���I�B�W�J�O�H���U�P��purchase new ones.

    Rondeau also installed a tree �lter on the school campus. Tree �lters �M�P�P�L���M�J�L�F���B���U�S�F�F���J�T���H�S�P�X�J�O�H���P�V�U���P�G���U�I�F���N�J�E�E�M�F���P�G���B���T�U�P�S�N���H�S�B�U�F����B�O�E���J�U��is. But the entire system, tree and all, is designed to �lter the most �D�P�O�U�B�N�J�O�B�U�F�E���X�B�U�F�S���S�V�O�P�G�G���G�S�P�N��a street or parking lot. Rondeau said the �lter will also provide �B�O���P�Q�Q�P�S�U�V�O�J�U�Z���G�P�S���U�F�B�D�I�F�S�T���U�P��do real-time data collection and science with their classes.

    Thompson First Selectman Ken �#�F�B�V�T�P�M�F�J�M���T�B�J�E���U�I�F���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U�T���B�S�F���W�F�S�Z��important to the town as it strives �U�P���N�F�F�U���U�I�F���D�I�B�M�M�F�O�H�F�T���P�G���.�4����permitting, a process designed to reduce non-point source pollution �P�G���X�B�U�F�S�X�B�Z�T�����i�8�F���I�B�W�F���U�P���N�F�F�U��these standards, but we dont have the expertise and the knowledge to address these issues, Beausoleil said. Judy does, and she gave us a road map that we were able to help put together. Her knowledge combined with our guys skills made it happen.

    2017 Water Quality

    Monitoring Program by the Numbers

    105 stream, lake and pond sites monitored by 100 volunteers

    4,000+ data points submitted to state agencies

    117 �T�B�N�Q�M�F�T���D�P�M�M�F�D�U�F�E���G�S�P�N��������sites known to have high �M�F�W�F�M�T���P�G���C�B�D�U�F�S�J�B��

    2 streams documented to meet �T�U�B�U�F���T�U�B�O�E�B�S�E�T���G�P�S���B�R�V�B�U�J�D���M�J�G�F����Ten Mile River in Lebanon and Button Ball Brook in Chaplin

    7 sites on the Shetucket River National Recreation Water Trail �N�P�O�J�U�P�S�F�E���G�P�S���C�B�D�U�F�S�J�B

    9 thermometers (called HOBOs) placed in streams to record temperatures year-round

    4 �G�B�S�N�T��������B�S�C�P�S�F�U�V�N����B�O�E�� 1 lake toured during the annual Thames River Basin Partnership Floating Workshop

    24 people learned about �N�P�O�J�U�P�S�J�O�H���G�P�S���I�B�S�N�G�V�M��algae blooms in a special EPA presentation

    7 team leaders honored at TLGVs annual water quality �N�P�O�J�U�P�S�J�O�H���D�P�O�G�F�S�F�O�D�F

    Make a Difference

    Above: Volunteers helped plant the new perennial rain garden at the Thompson Public Library.

    Far Left: TLGV volunteers collect water samples in Thompson.

    Immediate left: Town employees begin work on the rain gardens.

  • �6

    ����

    2017 proved again that many organizations and individuals are passionate about The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. �5�I�B�U���Q�B�T�T�J�P�O���T�I�P�X�F�E���J�U�T�F�M�G���J�O��the 2nd Annual Spring Outdoors and the 27th Annual Walktober. Both programs saw an increase in attendance as well as an increase �J�O���U�I�F���O�V�N�C�F�S���P�G���Q�B�S�U�O�F�S�T���D�S�F�B�U�J�O�H��and leading events.

    Spring Outdoors blossomed in its second year. More than 18,500 people participated in more than ���������F�W�F�O�U�T���G�S�P�N���I�J�L�F�T����U�P���Q�B�E�E�M�F�T���environmental discussions and �I�J�T�U�P�S�J�D���K�B�V�O�U�T���C�F�U�X�F�F�O���.�B�S�D�I��������and June 21. Spring Outdoors

    Spring OutdoorsTHANK YOU TO O

    �C�F�H�B�O���B�U���U�I�F���S�F�R�V�F�T�U���P�G���T�P�N�F���P�G���5�-�(�7���T���Q�B�S�U�O�F�S�T���X�I�P���X�B�O�U�F�E��to see an event like Walktober held at other times in the year. �4�Q�S�J�O�H���0�V�U�E�P�P�S�T���P�G�G�F�S�T���V�O�J�R�V�F��opportunities because it spans an entire season. The same walk can be held several times and visitors will �H�F�U���E�J�G�G�F�S�F�O�U���F�Y�Q�F�S�J�F�O�D�F�T���F�B�D�I���U�J�N�F��

    In its 27th year, Walktober continued to prove its not only �B���S�F�D�S�F�B�U�J�P�O�B�M���K�V�H�H�F�S�O�B�V�U����C�V�U���B���U�S�F�N�F�O�E�P�V�T���F�D�P�O�P�N�J�D���E�S�J�W�F�S���G�P�S��

    the region. More than 82,000 �Q�F�P�Q�M�F���B�U�U�F�O�E�F�E����T�P�N�F���P�G���U�I�F�N���D�P�N�J�O�H���G�S�P�N���I�B�M�G���X�B�Z���B�S�P�V�O�E���U�I�F��globe to do so.

    We live in such a special location, said Lois Bruinooge, TLGV executive director. Spring Outdoors and �8�B�M�L�U�P�C�F�S���I�J�H�I�M�J�H�I�U���F�W�F�S�Z���B�T�Q�F�D�U���P�G��what makes the National Heritage Corridor an extraordinary place, including the people behind the scenes who organize and lead such amazing experiences.

  • �6

    ����

    The connections between Spring Outdoors and Walktober are also growing as each event has inspired �U�I�F���P�U�I�F�S�����4�P�N�F���P�S�H�B�O�J�[�B�U�J�P�O�T���P�G�G�F�S��the same Spring Outdoors and Walktober walks that become very �E�J�G�G�F�S�F�O�U���F�Y�Q�F�S�J�F�O�D�F�T���C�F�D�B�V�T�F���P�G��the seasons. Other organizations �I�B�W�F���E�F�W�F�M�P�Q�F�E���E�J�G�G�F�S�F�O�U���X�B�M�L�T���G�P�S��Walktober, allowing the event to continue evolving.

    The Norwich Historical Society has used Walktober draw attention

    �U�P���B�M�M���U�I�F���$�J�U�Z���P�G���/�P�S�X�J�D�I����$�5���I�B�T���U�P���P�G�G�F�S�����5�I�F���P�S�H�B�O�J�[�B�U�J�P�O��coordinates about 35 diverse experiences throughout Walktober �B�O�E���T�P�N�F���P�G���U�I�P�T�F���I�B�W�F���O�P�X��become Spring Outdoors events as well. "The Norwich Historical Society’s mission is to�preserve, protect and promote the rich �I�J�T�U�P�S�Z���P�G���/�P�S�X�J�D�I����$�5��w���T�B�J�E���3�F�H�B�O���.�J�O�F�S����$�P�O�T�V�M�U�B�O�U���G�P�S���U�I�F���/�P�S�X�J�D�I��Historical Society.�Walktober is a great way to enhance our mission and�educate not only �W�J�T�J�U�P�S�T���B�C�P�V�U���U�I�F���S�J�D�I���I�J�T�U�P�S�Z���P�G��our community, but encourage local residents to get out and explore the history that is in their own backyard.�Norwich has such a �S�J�D�I���I�J�T�U�P�S�Z���G�S�P�N���U�I�F�������U�I���D�F�O�U�V�S�Z��up to today and we tell these unique stories though our diverse �8�B�M�L�U�P�C�F�S���P�G�G�F�S�J�O�H�T�����ł

    �5�P���B�M�M���P�G���P�V�S���L�O�P�X�M�F�E�H�F�B�C�M�F���hard-working and passionate �Q�B�S�U�O�F�S�T����U�I�B�O�L���Z�P�V�����8�F���B�S�F���M�P�P�L�J�O�H���G�P�S�X�B�S�E���U�P���Z�P�V�S���M�F�B�E�F�S�T�I�J�Q��in 2018.

    and WalktoberNK YOU TO OUR LEADERS

    2017 By the Numbers

    82,308 Walktober participants18,510 Spring Outdoors participants1 Rolltober The �rst Walktober activity speci�cally �D�S�F�B�U�F�E���G�P�S���Q�F�P�Q�M�F���X�J�U�I��mobility impairments (see �Q�B�H�F���������G�P�S���E�F�U�B�J�M�T�

  • V O L U N T E E R S P O T L I G H T Larry and Kitty LowenthalFew people were more integral �U�P���U�I�F���D�S�F�B�U�J�P�O���P�G���U�I�F���/�B�U�J�P�O�B�M��Heritage Corridor than Larry Lowenthal. In response to a local �H�S�B�T�T�S�P�P�U�T���F�G�G�P�S�U���T�Q�F�B�S���I�F�B�E�F�E���C�Z���U�I�F�O���6���4�����3�F�Q�����4�B�N���(�F�K�E�F�O�T�P�O����U�I�F��National Park Service sent Larry to evaluate whether the area was �X�P�S�U�I�Z���P�G���O�B�U�J�P�O�B�M���E�F�T�J�H�O�B�U�J�P�O����As a National Park Service Ranger and Historian, his report not only convinced the Park Service the locals were right, its a primer on what makes The Last Green Valley special.

    Larry captured not only the �I�J�T�U�P�S�J�D�B�M���T�J�H�O�J�m�D�B�O�D�F���P�G���U�I�F��Heritage Corridor but how the landscape shaped the history and vice versa, said Lois Bruinooge, TLGV executive director. His training as both a National Park Service Historian and Ranger allowed him to see the whole story �P�G���U�I�F���)�F�S�J�U�B�H�F���$�P�S�S�J�E�P�S���B�O�E���N�B�L�F���U�I�F���D�B�T�F���G�P�S���J�U�T���S�F�D�P�H�O�J�U�J�P�O���w

    �#�V�U���-�B�S�S�Z���T���Q�S�P�G�F�T�T�J�P�O�B�M��involvement only signi�ed the �T�U�B�S�U���P�G���I�J�T���S�F�M�B�U�J�P�O�T�I�J�Q���X�J�U�I���5�I�F��Last Green Valley. He has been a dedicated volunteer ever since. I

    lived in it, Larry said. It gave me a connection I didnt have with too many other places that I had worked on. This was personal.

    For Larry, the connection also stretched back to his childhood. Growing up in northern New Jersey he watched his home transition �G�S�P�N���B���M�B�O�E�T�D�B�Q�F���P�G���P�Q�F�O���T�Q�B�D�F���B�O�E���G�B�S�N�T���J�O�U�P���B���U�B�O�H�M�F���P�G���J�O�U�F�S�T�U�B�U�F�T���concrete and bedroom communities �G�P�S���/�F�X���:�P�S�L���$�J�U�Z�����5�I�F���-�B�T�U���(�S�F�F�O��Valley, Larry contends, could have ended up in a similar situation with �J�U�T���Q�S�P�Y�J�N�J�U�Z���U�P���#�P�T�U�P�O����)�B�S�U�G�P�S�E���B�O�E��Providence. That it was allowed to stay green and still somewhat wild �X�B�T���Q�B�S�U���N�J�S�B�D�M�F���B�O�E���Q�B�S�U���F�G�G�P�S�U���U�I�B�U��made the designation as a National Heritage Corridor more important.

    Larry was not alone during his initial work on the National Heritage �$�P�S�S�J�E�P�S���P�S���G�P�S���I�J�T���T�V�C�T�F�R�V�F�O�U���W�P�M�V�O�U�F�F�S�J�O�H�����)�J�T���X�J�G�F����,�J�U�U�Z����D�B�N�F��along on road trips to explore the area that would become the National Heritage Corridor, and she too became a volunteer.

    When it �rst began, the Heritage Corridor was 25 towns in

    Connecticut. Kitty said she knew �M�J�U�U�M�F���P�G���U�I�F���B�S�F�B���B�O�E���K�P�J�O�F�E���-�B�S�S�Z��on a two-day car ride to see the mills. We saw the Wauregan Mill, Ponemah Mill and the Baltic Mill was still standing at that time, Kitty said. There were more mills still in good shape back then, and it was this lovely pause in time. The whole area is timeless.

    Together the Lowenthals have led Walktober adventures, all the way back to when the event was known as Walking Weekend. They have

    ����

    Above: Ranger Kitty Lowenthal on duty for The Last Green Valley.

    Below: Larry Lowenthal leads the Historic Steerage Rock walk in Brim�eld, MA, during Walktober in 2017.

    Theres no guarantee this place wont become like northern New Jersey. It wont as long as wThe Last Green Valley and our local land trusts. Kitty Lowenthal

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    What is Rolltober?

    The Last Green Valleys Trails Assessment Team hosted its �rst event during Walktober. Called Rolltober, the event was meant �U�P���Q�V�U���B���G�P�D�V�T���P�O���U�I�F���U�F�B�N���T���X�P�S�L���B�O�E���T�I�P�X���U�I�B�U���U�I�F�S�F���B�S�F���Q�M�B�D�F�T���G�P�S���Q�F�P�Q�M�F���X�J�U�I���N�P�C�J�M�J�U�Z���D�I�B�M�M�F�O�H�F�T���U�P���H�F�U���P�V�U�T�J�E�F����

    �i�5�I�J�T���T�U�B�S�U�F�E���B�T���B���H�S�B�O�U���Q�S�P�K�F�D�U���U�P���m�H�V�S�F���P�V�U���X�I�J�D�I���C�P�B�U���M�B�V�O�D�I�F�T��in The Last Green Valley were accessible to people with mobility �D�I�B�M�M�F�O�H�F�T��w���T�B�J�E���-�P�J�T���#�S�V�J�O�P�P�H�F����F�Y�F�D�V�U�J�W�F���E�J�S�F�D�U�P�S���P�G���5�-�(�7�����i�5�I�F���B�M�M���W�P�M�V�O�U�F�F�S���5�S�B�J�M�T���"�T�T�F�T�T�N�F�O�U���5�F�B�N���I�B�T���S�F�B�M�M�Z���F�Y�Q�B�O�E�F�E���U�I�F���F�