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Learn More About Shelton Trails
Trust members
and the general public will have the opportunity to learn more about
Shelton's recreation paths and trails at the June 27, 2001 general
membership meeting. The 7:30 p.m. meeting that takes place at the
Plumb Memorial Library, will highlight guest speaker, Mr. Thomas
Harbinson, Chairman of the Trails Committee, and a member of the
Conservation Commission. In
addition to information about the existing trails, Tom will talk about
the recent award Shelton received for its outstanding greenway
program, and the Shelton Lakes Trail that received "Millennium
Trail" status for the White House last year. Tom will also bring
us up-to-date on the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, that is currently
in the planning stages. According
to Tom, "...the trails become a focal point where people get
together and enjoy hiking, biking, and jogging." The Shelton
trail system will wind through more than 400 acres of peaceful wooded
open spaces, featuring reservoirs, dams, farmland, vernal pools, and
historical Indian caves. For
a more in-depth perspective, please join us at the Plumb Memorial
Library at 7:30 p.m. on June 27.
Farewell Bernie
O'Dell
Trust Officers,
Board Members and members in attendance at the April meeting bid
Godspeed and a fond farewell to long-time Board Member Bernard O'Dell.
Bernie and his wife, Olive are relocating further upstate.
One of the Land
Trust's first active members, Bernie has served for many years on the
Trust's Board of Directors, where he helped to shape policy, and
provide helpful insight and direction for the Trust's many programs
and activities. He and his wife are also very active with the
Connecticut Audubon Society.
In recognition
of his many years of dedication , service and valuable contributions
to the Trust and its members, President Mary Beth Banks presented
Bernie with a special award. We wish Bernie and Olive our very best.
Become a
Habitat Manager!
Biologist Peter
Picone of the CT Dept. of Environmental Protection proved to be a hit
at the Trust's 1st general membership meeting of the year. At the
April 25 meeting, held at the Plumb Memorial Library, Peter gave a
brief historical review of how colonization, and human development has
affected Connecticut's habitat and wildlife, and then outlined actions
that today's residents can take to improve both.
According to
Peter, when the colonists first settled in Connecticut, approximately
90 to 95 % of its 3-million acres was forested. As colonization and
agricultural activities continued, pastures replaced forested lands,
so that by 1810, about 75% of CT was pasture or open fields. As
a result of these activities, much of Connecticut's original wildlife
was displaced, and in some cases disappeared completely.
With the onset
of the industrial revolution, people began leaving the farms, and
moving into the cities, where they could easily obtain employment, in
factories and businesses. Gradually, the pastoral land began reverting
to the wooded landscape of former years, so that today, Connecticut is
about 60% forested.
Because
approximately 80% of Connecticut land is privately owned, Peter and
other Biologists at the DEP encourage home-owners to take an active
role as a "Habitat Manager." "Actually," says
Peter, "Anyone who has planted a tree, shrub, or even cut a lawn
is already a Habitat Manager." Peter adds, "Many folks will
put out a feeder, but forget about other needs. Like humans, animals
need four basic things for survival, food, water, shelter, and
space."
To improve the
wildlife habitat, and help provide for some of these needs Mr. Picone,
and the DEP encourage the planting of native trees and shrubs. He
points out that, What happens on each small plot of land, has a
cumulative beneficial effect."
Peter suggests
beginning by drawing up a "plot-plan" of your property,
identifying the existing trees, shrubs, and then determining how you
might improve the habitat. The DEP has a number of brochures on local
wild-life, and native plant species, and when and where they can best
be utilized.
RELATED
RESOURCES
Enhancing
your Backyard Habitat for Wildlife
A 27 page
brochure - Describes the options of attracting wildlife to your
backyard or small lot. Goes beyond traditional feeding by promoting
landscapes that improve wildlife habitat. Discusses procedures for
adding or modifying food sources, water and cover conditions. Shows
how to assess habitat by using existing features and looking at
seasonal availability of foods. Emphasizes the value of native plants
for habitat enhancement. Contains examples of urban, suburban and
rural lots that were improved for wildlife using the above techniques
and management practices. Color plates of flora and fauna, landscape
layouts. $5.00
Native Shrubs
for Landscaping
40 page brochure
- Describes the state's own assets for landscaping our yards and
gardens. Fifty two native shrubs are discussed and depicted in 33
color plates. The full range of planting conditions, growth heights
and flowering color of the shrubs shows there is little need for
exotics. Includes a chapter on basic landscape design. Color plates of
flora and fauna. $6.00
These and many
other publications are available at the:
Department of
Environmental Protection
Environmental & Geographic Information Center
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
SEPT. MEETING
The Trust's next
membership meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. on September 26,
at the Plumb Memorial Library. The Guest Speaker will be: Mr. Larry
Russeau of the CT Dept. of Environmental Protection. Please mark your
calendars, and plan to join us.
SHELTON
LAND CONSERVATION TRUST, INC.
PO Box 2276 - Huntington Station
Shelton, CT 06484 |
