2009 ANNUAL REPORT THE LAST GREEN VALLEY, INC.

T H E L A S T G R E E N V A LL EY What Is It?

The Last Green Valley is two things: it is the popular name given to the Quinebaug and

Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage

Corridor (designated by Congress in 1994) and it is the name of the non-profit organization that manages the National

Heritage Corridor.

It is the mission of

The Last Green Valley, Inc.,

(TLGV) to preserve the significant natural and cultural resources of the region while encouraging compatible economic development. Message from the Chairman of the

Board of Directors +(BUISFBV

While The Last Green Valley, Inc. has been fortunate to count listed in this report. Spring weekends were filled with educational many successful years, 2009 stands as a watershed moment with programs and groups of paddlers making their way down the many several notable milestones. tributaries feeding the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers. Trekking After several years of work, we achieved the all-important reau- down those rivers, the paddlers included Director of External Affairs thorization of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Bill Reid paddling the official TLGV canoe and becoming our newest Heritage Corridor by Congress until 2015. Back in 2006, our consis- and most enthusiastic expert on traveling the waterways. The flotilla tent forward-looking Executive Director Charlene Cutler, in collabo- reached the Thames and finally , concluding at ration with our Finance & Planning Committee and Board, crafted Avery Point on June 13th. Source to Sea made many new alliances The Trail to 2015, A Sustainability Plan outlining how our nonprofit and brought TLGV excellent press, radio and TV exposure. Source to would become self sufficient. It formed the basis for our request for Sea is one of many excellent programs completed in 2009 and enu- reauthorization. We are very thankful for the inclusion of our bill in merated elsewhere in this report. the Omnibus Public Lands Act that passed in March of 2009. We are I would like to thank the rest of our staff Mary Hubert, Valerie very thankful for the support and hard work of our Congressional Imre, Michelle Bourgeois and Sharon Wakely for their great work and delegation from both and Massachusetts. Now comes willingness to jump across their job descriptions to help out with what- the daunting task of making TLGV self sufficient by 2015. We must ever needs to be done. It is well recognized and truly appreciated. succeed if our vital work is to continue. The reins of TLGV passed from Paul Mills to me in June. We The Connecticut General Assembly also passed a bill during thank Paul for his leadership, guidance and vision during his two this past year that will have a substantial impact on our region. The terms. We also welcomed several new Board of Director members: Connecticut Heritage Areas Program, PA 09-221, designated our Roger Adams, Steve Broderick and Ken Parker. The Board, Staff, and region as a State Heritage Area. The substance of the legislation I thank all our volunteers who help in so many ways. We hope we requires that every State of Connecticut agency, board, committee can continue to draw upon your generosity and community spirit in and commission take our significant resources into consideration in the future. Our grassroots are the strength of our nonprofit. all planning and projects. It lays the path for TLGV’s greater partici- Finally, I thank you for supporting The Last Green Valley. pation in future State of Connecticut endeavors. The major event this year was Source to Sea. This great program was supervised by Deputy Executive Director Lois Bruinooge and paid for by two grants from the CDEP Long Island License Plate Program Kenneth Mahler and Long Island Sound Futures Fund, as well as many other sponsors Chairman, Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MAY 2008 TO JUNE 2009 Paul A. Mills Jacquie Barbarossa Rick Hermonot Melissa Phillips Chairman Heath Drury Boote Kay Holt Irving Pulsifer, Jr. Ken Mahler Development Committee Marge Hoskin Janet Robertson Vice Chairman and Finance & Chairman Elaine Knowlton Historical & Cultural Planning Committee Chairman Tom Dziki Resources Committee Rusty Lanzit Bill Jobbagy Dick Erickson Chairman Secretary and Tourism & Norma O’Leary Wayde Schmidt Community Resources Janet Garon Natural Resources & Committee Chairman Laura Giannotti Agriculture Committee Margaret Babbitt representing Chairman Treasurer Governor M. Jodi Rell 1 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2009 Message from the Executive Director & CEO

It seems only yesterday that we were planning that water issues are of great concern to many who The Last Green Valley’s future to 2010, and yet, live in The Last Green Valley. Our water resources also here we are at the beginning of that new decade have great appeal to those who visit our beautiful already. Our collective endeavors are focused this National Heritage Corridor. Therefore, we anticipate year on drafting a new ten-year plan, aptly entitled producing the TLGV Watershed Plan to specifically Vision 2020. Through the active engagement of address our work in that area. our subcommittees, committees, partners, and We continue to upgrade our website and this members, the Board of Directors will be developing year will incorporate both an interactive map and both visions and strategies for the upcoming an on-line shop in our very popular new internet years that will take TLGV well beyond its present presence. The Last Green Valley has received many federal authorization. compliments on both the design and function of Planning appears to be the theme for the year. the new website: www.thelastgreenvalley.org. In addition to an organizational plan for the decade, One of the great aspects of working for this orga- TLGV is focusing sharply on the preservation and nization is the staff’s daily enjoyment of the extensive enhancement of land and water resources. The Last resources of The Last Green Valley. We have paddled Green Valley remains 78% forest and farm land. But the rivers, surveyed bald eagles, toured nurseries, concern over retaining our working lands and sustain- greenhouses and dairy farms, learned from local histo- ing our vital agricultural economy has initiated the rians, viewed archaeological sites, hosted TV personali- concept of the TLGV Foodshed Plan. The 2009 Farm ties, explored trails, climbed through historic structures, Survey was the first step in this planning effort to photographed gravestones, brain-stormed with Main comprehensively identify issues, propose real solutions Street groups, viewed microscopic critters in our and identify both partner and TLGV roles in achieving waters, listened to the stories of our communities, and the objectives of the plan: to increase regional food much more. We all look forward to the completion of production and the economic value of land. Vision 2020 and the journey the next decade brings. Our watershed is the second focus of intense planning in 2010. In recent years, projects dealing Respectfully submitted, with water quality, river access, water trail develop- ment, and the Source to Sea Expedition have verified

Charlene Perkins Cutler +(BUISFBV

THE LAST GREEN VALLEY STAFF, 2009 Charlene Perkins Cutler, Executive Director & CEO Lois J. Bruinooge, Deputy Executive Director William B. Reid, Director of External Affairs Sharon Wakely, Finance Coordinator Michelle Bourgeois, Tourism Coordinator Mary Hubert, Office Coordinator Valerie Imre, Administrative Assistant

2 &-BOHFS THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 2009 FINANCIALS Balance Sheet FY2009 Outlays and Impacts 5IF-BTU(SFFO7BMMFZ *ODt"TPG4FQUFNCFS  ASSETS OUTLAYS Current Assets: NPS Cooperative Agreement $ 712,000 Bank & Investment Accounts: Non-Federal Matching Contributions $ 23,568,705 The Savings Institute, checking $ 73,334.04 Total Outlays $ 24,280,705 Jewett City Savings Bank 7,278.17 Southbridge Savings Bank 515.41 IMPACTS Southbridge Savings Bank, Sustainability 742.18 Community Development and Outreach $ 5,315,153 Southbridge Savings Bank, Encumbered 300,443.76 e.g. Walktober, community revitalization projects Weiss & Hale Sustainability Account 72,179.27 Economic Development and Tourism $ 8,305,209 Petty Cash 101.00 e.g. Tourism projects, Visitors Guide Total Bank Accounts $ 454,593.83 Accounts Receivable Historical and Cultural Resources $ 6,849,627 Contributions pledged 2,000.00 e.g. National Historic Register Properties assessments, Total Accounts Receivable $ 2,000.00 nominations, and preservation, interpretive projects Other Current Assets Natural Resources, Agriculture and Land Use $ 2,420,546 Undeposited Funds -1,700.00 e.g. Green Valley Institute, Water Quality Monitoring Inventory, reusable shopping bags 1,845.61 Partnership, Source to Sea Expedition, Farm Survey Prepaid Expenses -8,775.00 Prepaid Insurance 3,664.77 Recreation $ 1,390,170 P & L Sale/Distribution 9,964.49 e.g. Water trail development and linkages, Total Other Current Assets $ 4,999.67 nature-based tourism products and promotion Total Current Assets $461,593.50 Total Impacts $ 24,280,705 Fixed Assets: Property, Plant & Equipment 34,339.75 Accum. Amortization, leasehold improvements -5,130.28 FY2009 Income Sources Accum. Depreciation, furniture & equipment -25,013.17 NPS $ 712,000 Accum. Amortization 5,130.28 Other Federal 22,152 Total Fixed Assets $ 9,326.58 State 23,493 Corporate 50,846 Other Assets: Security Deposits 845.00 Private 62,677 Total Other Assets $ 845.00 Other 19,189 TOTAL ASSETS $471,765.08 Total Income $ 890,357

LIABILITIES & EQUITY FY2009 Expense Allocations Current Liabilities: Programming & Accounts Payable: Outreach $694,478 Accounts Payable $ 27,457.96 Administration & Grants Payable 51,056.81 Overhead 124,650 Total Accounts Payable 78,514.77 Membership & Other Current Liabilities: Development 71,229 Payroll Liabilities 5,481.14 Direct Deposit Liabilities 3,723.29 Total Expense Life Insurance - 139.49 Allocation $ 890,357 Medical Insurance - 986.07 AFLAC-cancer 13.21 AFLAC-dental 7.28 Matching contributions provided by the following Accrued Expenses 30,256.04 organizations as well as the partners listed under Source Accrued Payroll 4,326.15 to Sea Expedition, Tastes of the Valley and Walktober: Accrued Vacation 10,109.67 Accrued Payroll Taxes 595.08 Avalonia Land Trust Joshua’s Tract & Historical Town of Brimfield Total Other Liabilities $ 131,910.07 Brooklyn Historical Society Trust Town of Charlton City of Norwich Lebanon Historical Town of Coventry Equity: Clara Barton Birthplace Museum Society Town of Franklin Unrestricted Net Assets $ 70,948.99 Coventry Historical Society Lisbon Historical Society Town of Killingly Fixed Operating Net Assets 97,117.76 CT DECD MA-DCR Town of Oxford Temporarily Restricted Net Asset 12,050.40 CT DEP MA-MTC/RTC Town of Pomfret Net Income 159,737.86 CT-DOT NE Alliance Town of Southbridge CT-HPTAG Old Sturbridge Village Town of Sprague Total Equity $ 339,885.01 Dudley Conservation Land Trust Opacum Land Trust Town of Sturbridge TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $471,765.08 Franklin Historical Society Scotland Historical Town of Voluntown French River Connection Society Town of Woodstock Audited financial statements are available upon request. Historical Commission of Dudley Slater Memorial Museum Unitarian Universalist Hugenot Memorial Society Sterling Recreation Society of Oxford Authority WINCOG Sturbridge Recreation

3 "//6"-3&1035t'*/"/$*"-4 THE LAS 4 T GREEN VA (-FTMJF4XFFUOBN Program Legislation Connecticut HeritageAreas would that programmingcredible maintain However,to order in funding. federal include not did that scenario operating future a develop to Area Heritage National first the ValleyGreenwas Last The 2015. year the by self-sufficient be to goal a with challenges the addresses and strengths the on capitalizes plan The partners. of plethora a from input included and work, its and organization the of weaknesses and strengths the Valley.Green analyzed process The Plan Sustainability developed Valley,Green Last The 2006, Inc., Federal Reauthorization 2009, Governor M. Jodi Rell Jodi M. Governor 2009, July,in and majority whelming over an by passed was bill The State’s programs. and planning the in Areas Heritage National the resourcesof significant the recognize to Connecticut in tion legisla state initiated TLGV Area, Heritage National Housatonic TogetherUpper the with LL EY During 2005 and early and 2005 During The TrailA The 2015, to for The Last The for - - ing from $515,000 to $840,000 to $515,000 from ing rang funding annual actual with year,per million $1 to rose tion authoriza the 2000, in Corridor ValleyHeritage Rivers Shetucket and Quinebaug the of expansion the With $248,000. was it year fifth the in $200,000, was tion appropria that years four first the of each For 1996. since priations appro federal received has QSHC, self-sustainability.to essential commitments multiyear significant leverage also would Reauthorization 2015. until ment invest federal the retain to critical was resources,it significant attract board, and commission (1) shall (1) commission and board, agency,state “each department, Additionally,states, legislation the Areas. Heritage National two the recognized specifically and Area Heritage Connecticut a of resourcessignificant nationally the identified which Areas, Heritage Connecticut Establishing Act An 09-221, Act Public law into signed TLGV,as known formerly - - - - - gratefultoCongressmen Courtney andpassed inMarch, 2009. We are intheOmnibus Public Lands Act Congress.TLGV’s bill wasincluded zationpassed during the110th essentialtohave thereauthori onSeptember 30,2009, itwas 2001. after until place in be to programming significant allow not did years early the in ment invest federal smaller The ming. program initiate to used been has funding federal The 2001. since theirhard work andsupport. Kennedy,Kerry andLieberman for andNeal andSenators Dodd, tourismandtrail development.” resourcepreservation, recreation, environmentalprotection, heritage concerning,butnot limited to, entitiesofsuch areas onprojects (2)maypartner with themanaging and processes, and documents planning developing when Areas Heritage Connecticut consider With authorizationWith expiring

+(PUISFBV - - -

+(PUISFBV Growing Capacity Thank you to the hundreds of dedicated supporters who contributed to The Last Green Valley in 2009. It was the most successful year to date in funds raised from private sources in support of the organization. Our membership, annual appeal donations, corporate sponsorship and program grants grew by more than 36% from the previous year. This remarkable increase would not have been pos- sible without the many individuals, businesses and partners listed in this report. Their continued involvement and dedication to the mission of The Last Green Valley is greatly appreciated.

WALKTOBER Additional support was provided by: in all, 2009 was a great year to be a mem- The 19th Walktober was a wonder- PAP Auto and Hardware ber of TLGV and we look forward to pro- ful success, despite rainy weekends! A full Town of Ashford viding a wide array of interesting programs, report on Walktober is detailed in subse- Town of Eastford opportunities and experiences in 2010. quent pages but the program would not Town of Hampton be possible without the generous support Town of Lisbon ANNUAL MEETING Town of Plainfield of the sponsors and donors listed below. A The 15th Annual Meeting and Town of Sprague special thank you to our premier sponsor Anniversary Party was held on June 13th, Northeast Utilities Transmission and our lead at Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, MEMBER PROGRAMS sponsor Savings Institute Bank and Trust. CT, with more than 100 people attending. Membership is the best way to Providing sponsorships of $1000 or Following the museum tours, attendees become involved in The Last Green Valley, more were: enjoyed a coffee and dessert reception, and Inc. Members enjoy a wide array of slide show of the Source to Sea Expedition. Northeast Utilities member-only programs, volunteer on one The Annual Meeting opened with the Transmission of our committees or for special projects, year in review provided by Chairman Paul Savings Institute and find new ways to help TLGV realize Mills. The organization’s many volunteers Bank and Trust its mission of preserving the natural and and donors were thanked and awards were cultural resources of the National Heritage Charter Oak presented. Deputy Executive Director Lois Credit Union Corridor. Our thanks to the many locations Bruinooge provided a recap of the Source that provided tours for our members in to Sea Expedition, completed earlier in the The Citizens 2009 including Killingly Historical Society, day, which was followed by a rendition of National Bank Slater Memorial Museum, Town Line Farm the Source to Sea song by folksinger Tom and Sugar House, Old Sturbridge Village, Callinan. New Board members were elected Millennium Power and the Coventry Regional Farmers and Executive Director Charlene Perkins Market at The Nathan Hale Homestead. Cutler previewed TLGV plans for the Putnam Bank Our members also enjoyed several of the establishment of a rural sustainability Wheelabrator paddle trips and related programs held Wheelabrator Putnam Inc. region and development of foodshed Putnam, Inc. A Waste Management Company during the Source to Sea Expedition. All and watershed plans. continued page 6 +(PUISFBV $PWFOUSZ3FHJPOBM'BSNFST±.BSLFU 5 "//6"-3&1035t(308*/($"1"$*5: Awards were presented to partners and Many organizations provided assistance TASTES OF THE VALLEY volunteers: the Boland-Hoskin Volunteer and developed public programs for the On September 25th, nearly 200 people Award was presented to both Betty Expedition. Special thanks to: filled The Inn at Woodstock Hill for a truly Robinson and Alan Dabrowski; the Voice National Park Service, magnificent evening. We enjoyed walking of the Valley Award was presented to Judy Rivers, Trails, And tours of Woodstock Hill, amazing food Benson of The Day; the Walktober Award Conservation Assistance provided by the area’s finest chefs and was presented to Roseland Cottage, Joan Program restaurants, the harvest bounty of many Fox, and Alan Dabrowski; the Greener Valley U.S. Army Corps of area farms and vineyards, and exceptional Award was presented to Putnam Bank; the Engineers auction and raffle items donated by area Gold Star Award was presented to Heath residents and businesses. The evening net- Boote; the GVI Green Neighbor Award was Several area businesses also provided ted more than $14,000 for The Last Green presented to Holly Drinkuth, the Town of important sponsorship support of Valley. Our heartfelt thanks to all who Brooklyn Conservation Commission, and $1,000 or more including: helped make the evening a wonderful suc- Ken Parker; special recognition awards were cess and an annual tradition for The Last Southbridge presented to Ruth Cutler on the occasion of Green Valley. Savings Bank her retirement from GVI, and Paul Mills for Restaurants that donated their talents his work as Chairman of the Board. Norwich Public and services in preparing an exceptional Utilities meal were: 85 Main, The Inn at Woodstock SOURCE TO SEA EXPEDITION Hill, Publick House Historic Inn, The Vanilla Wal-Mart, The Source to Sea Expedition provided Bean Café, Vienna Restaurant and Historic Norwich Store an exceptional opportunity to educate the Inn, Hop Vine Café @ 12 Crane Street, public about our extensive water resources L.L. Bean Heritage Trail Vineyard & Restaurant, and and their interconnectivity to the 35 towns The Golden Lamb Buttery. Farms from the New Alliance of The Last Green Valley. The program was region that donated product were: Ekonk Foundation supported by many partner organizations Hill Turkey Farm, Morse Farm Stand, Maple and businesses. Wheelabrator Lane Farms, Beltane Farm, Lapsley Orchard, Wheelabrator Putnam Inc. Putnam, Inc. A Waste Management Company The Inn at Woodstock Hill Gardens, The educational component of the Blackmer Farm, 18th-Century Purity Farm, program was funded by: Additional support was provided by Arland New Boston Beef, Fabyan Sugar Shack, Long Island Sound Tool & Manufacturing, Danielson Surplus, We-Li-Kit Farm, East Acres Farm, Woodstock Futures Fund Dexter Russell, and Lake Road Generating. Orchards, Signal Rock Farm, Meadowstone CT Department of Farm, The Farmers Cow, and Westford Hill Environmental Protection Distillers. Beverages were donated by

Long Island Sound License Plate Program (logo) – Cannu Yusic, L - © 2008 td. llinan m Ca By To Sea How fast we go is set by the river, ce to Pulling through the liquid ribbon – And our partner – hand in hand. our Heading ever toward the sea. As people have throughout S Our path is fed from streams that the centuries; come together; We kneel and think, Paddling down “The Last Green Valley,” The watershed has arteries. and understand. From north to south – from source to mouth, Refrain Refrain As we dip and swing our trusty paddles; We feel the force that sends us forth. With ribs and planking, thwarts, Refrain: The Fivemile, French, and gunwales, the Moosup, and the Thames, The And our paddles to pull us through, Quinebaug, Shetucket, Natchaug, In fragile shells, we’re one with the river; Pachaug – what great names! Just me and you, in our canoes. The Willimantic, and the Yantic all end Refrain 6 up in the Atlantic – From their source down THE LAST GREEN VALLEY to Long Island Sound. The Farmers Cow, Heritage Trail Vineyard, Cornerstone Creations Hosmer Mountain Soda, Maple Lane Country Bank Farms, Sturbridge Coffee Roasters, Taylor CT Forest & Parks Association Brooke Winery, Westford Hill Distillers, and Danielson Adventure Sports Willimantic Brewing Company. Elias Child House B & B For the third year, Johnson and Wales G. Leslie Sweetnam University provided several culinary arts stu- The Handmaiden dents to assist the chefs. Tastes of the Valley Hazelwood also included a silent auction and raffle Hidden Fields Farm baskets. Gary Osbrey of WINY Radio served Hog Heaven Hobbies as our emcee for the evening and we are Hull Forest Products especially grateful for his continued sup- John & Joan Gray port. The event could not have happened Logee’s Greenhouses, Ltd. without the generous support and wonder- Margaret & David Babbitt ful assistance of Richard Naumann and his Mittcom staff at The Inn at Woodstock Hill. Old Sturbridge Village The event committee worked throughout Onomea the year to organize the evening’s festivities: Raceway Golf Course Linda Auger, Dave and Peg Babbitt, Rene & Lynne Morin Heath Drury Boote (Chairman), Stephanie Robert Svenning Gosselin, Joan Gray, Paul Mills, Carolyn Sadie Greens Mills-Meyer, Irving Pulsifer, and Bill Reid. Southbridge Feed Store Special thanks to Peg Babbitt for arranging Southbridge Savings Bank the raffle baskets. Stephanie Gosselin We-Li-Kit Ice Cream Stand TLGV is most grateful to the following WSRS Radio individuals and businesses that supported WXLO Radio Tastes of the Valley with donations of a raffle basket or silent auction items: We are also grateful to our Allen Hill Tree Farm event sponsors: Aoife’s Ices Putnam Bank, Savings Institute Bank & Beth Greene Trust, Southbridge Savings Bank, and Bicycle Concepts/Southbridge Bicycles The Inn at Woodstock Hill. Bird Store & More Canterbury Cones Canterbury Horticulture Carolyn Mills-Meyer & John Meyer 5'FMJDF ..FMGPSE "%BCSPXTLJ

7 "//6"-3&1035t(308*/($"1"$*5: FOCUS PROJECT Source to Sea Expedition: Connecting the Drops Through The Last Green Valley

Paddlers from the nine-week Source to was re-dedicated. The Sea Expedition successfully reached Long Water Trail system now includes 30 miles Island Sound on June 13, 2009. Along the of paddling: way, more than 95 partners and sponsors t Lake Siog in Holland to E. Brimfield hosted 90 events designed to showcase the Reservoir – 5 miles; natural, scenic, and cultural treasures in the t Fabyan to West Thompson Dam – Thames River Watershed. Between 15,000 - 5 miles; 20,000 people attended the events, includ- ing the Southbridge, Willimantic, Sprague, t Simonzi Park in Putnam to Route 101 and Norwich River Festivals, plus family fun Pomfret – 5 miles; and day events in Putnam, Thompson, Killingly, t Danielson Little League Ball Fields Canterbury, and Woodstock. to Butts Bridge Road in Canterbury – There were three primary goals for the 15 miles. Source to Sea Expedition when we launched Landside access points were also our canoes and kayaks in Mashapaug Pond, improved. A new car-top boat launch was Union, CT, in April: 1) to connect people to dedicated in Oxford, MA; a new car-top their place in the watershed; 2) to connect boat launch was completed in Brooklyn, individual behavior and water quality; and CT; an existing car-top boat launch was 3) to highlight recreational opportunities improved in Canterbury, CT; and a new and attract new river stewards. segment of riverfront trail was dedicated In order to accomplish these goals, in Killingly, CT. we used paddling as the “hook” to draw Draft Paddler’s Guides for the people to the water’s edge and to engage Quinebaug River Water Trail segments, the public. More than 500 people paddled plus paddling safety resources, are avail- the major tributary and mainstem segments able at www.thelastgreenvalley.org (click on of our rivers, logging more than 160 miles “Explore” and “Where to Paddle”). The web on the Fivemile, French, Moosup, Natchaug, site also contains extensive photo-documen- Quinebaug, Shetucket, Thames, Willimantic, tation of river conditions, portages, access and Yantic Rivers. Flatwater, quickwater, points, and wildlife sightings. A new Water and rapids, we have it all! Trails Steering Committee has been formed to Along the way, three new Quinebaug further develop river and pond access points River Water Trail segments were dedicated and water trails in The Last Green Valley. and one segment of National Canoe Trail "%BCSPXTLJ

8 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY The Expedition was much more than The Thames River Watershed contains exhibit, we developed the first-ever water- paddling – it was about “Making a Sound 1,478 square miles, and is the third largest shed map that includes town boundaries, Choice.” Thanks to our primary education land area draining into Long Island Sound. major roads, and water features from all sponsors, the CT DEP Long Island Sound All 35 towns in the Quinebaug and Shetucket three states in the Thames River Watershed – License Plate Program and the Long Island Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor are Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Sound Futures Fund, we were able to pro- located within the watershed. The Quinebaug Island. Materials were also developed to duce informative exhibits and materials and Shetucket Rivers converge in Norwich to explain the relationship between our day-to- about water quality that traveled through- become the Thames River, which then flows day activities and water quality as far away as out the watershed with the Expedition. out to Long Island Sound. As part of the Long Island Sound. All of the education and outreach materials are available on www. thelastgreenvalley.org (click on “Preserve,” MAP “Watershed Projects, and “Source to Sea”). Participants were also asked to fill out pledge cards that identified simple changes in everyday behavior that can lead to improved water quality. About 700 people chose to “Make a Sound Choice” for a EAST BROOKFIELD healthy Thames River watershed:

565 will use fertilizers sparingly; 490 will vegetate lawn bare spots; 545 will avoid pesticides; 470 won’t wash their car in the driveway; 520 will pick up pet waste and won’t feed waterfowl; 570 will never dump in storm drains; 415 will compost yard waste; 320 will plant a rain garden; 590 will check their car for leaks and recycle oil; 470 will maintain their septic tanks; and 70 people expressed an interest in becoming water quality monitoring volunteers.

continued page 10

Roads* Interstate Highway U.S. Highway State Highway Highway Connector Source to Sea Waterways River or Stream Lake,Pond, or River Other Waterways* River or Stream

Wetland (Massachusetts) or Marsh/Swamp (Connecticut) Permanently Protected and Other Significant Open Space State or Federally Owned Open Space Municipal,Privately Owned, or Other Open Space +(PUISFBV 9 "//6"-3&1035t'0$64130+&$5 The TLGV website received 558,009 hits between January 1, 2009 - June 30, 2009, and the Expedition received outstanding press coverage and public participation over the nine-week period. TLGV staff made multiple radio and cable TV appearances.

We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and partners, without whom the Expedition would not have been possible.

Sponsors: Arland Tool & Manufacturing, Inc. CDEP Long Island Sound License Plate Program Danielson Surplus Dexter-Russell

L. L. Bean $$VUMFS Lake Road Generating Long Island Sound Futures Fund Center, Dudley Quinebaug Rail Trail Water Authority, Sprague Park & Recreation, National Park Service – RTCA Program Committee, Eastford Conservation & Sprague Conservation Commission, Sturbridge New Alliance Foundation Historic Preservation Commission, Eastern Lions Club, Swift Waters Artisans’ Cooperative, Norwich Public Utilities CT Conservation District, French River Thames River Basin Partnership, The Chamber Southbridge Savings Bank Connection, Friends of Roseland, Grand Trunk of Commerce, Windham Region, The Nature U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Trail Blazers, Greater Norwich Area Chamber Conservancy, Thompson, Thompson Historical Wal-Mart, Norwich of Commerce, Groton Parks and Recreation Society, Thompson Recreation, Conservation, Wheelabrator Putnam Inc. Department, Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions, Thompson and Historic Trust, Killingly Conservation Recreation Department, Thompson Together Partners: Commission, Killingly Parks & Recreation Environment Committee, Thompson Trails Appalachian Mountain Club, CT Chapter, Department, Killingly Economic Development Committee, Trout Unlimited, Thames Appalachian Mountain Club, Worcester Department, Ledyard Garden Club, Mansfield Valley Chapter, Alliance, Chapter, Avery Point Lighthouse Society, Parks Advisory Committee, Mystic Aquarium Willimantic Whitewater Partnership, Willington Ashford Conservation Commission, Avalonia & Institute for Exploration, Northern Lights Conservation Commission, Windham Textile Land Conservancy, Bakerwoods, Blue Slope Drummers, Plainfield and Sterling Recreation & History Museum, Woodstock Conservation Country Museum, Brimfield Trail Committee, Department, Pomfret Historical Society, Commission, Woodstock Garden Club, Brooklyn Conservation Commission, Bungay Pomfret Conservation Commission, Preston Woodstock Historical Society, Woodstock Fire Brigade, Camp Nahaco Commission, Historical Society, Preston Parks & Recreation, Recreation Committee Canterbury Public Library, Citizens National Project Oceanology, Publick House Historic Bank, Columbia Canoe Club, CT Audubon We are also grateful for the expertise, Inn, Putnam, Putnam Parks and Recreation Society Center at Pomfret, CT Department energy, and commitment of our super vol- Department, Putnam Business Association, of Environmental Protection, Connecticut unteers, particularly the paddle and event Quaddick Lake Association, Southeastern CT Landmarks, Denison Pequotsepos Nature leaders, who went above and beyond to ensure a safe and informative Expedition.

10 "%BCSPXTLJ THE LAST GREEN VALLEY .FTTBHFTGSPNUIF Inspiring  #PUUMF Volunteers During the nine-week trek down the watershed for the Source to Sea WATER QUALITY MONITORING Expedition, a large bottle collected The fourth year of The Last Green messages from supporters and Valley Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring well-wishers. Program has wrapped up and, thanks to Source to Sea, Connecting the Drops in “Thanks for the hard work that The Last Green Valley, scores of new people you have done to educate our expressed an interest in becoming involved. communities about the importance Our volunteers completed a visual of protecting our waterways and assessment (also known as a Stream Walk) Long Island Sound! You have of the Mount Hope River in Ashford and made a difference for the future of Mansfield this summer and the fall Rapid Connecticut’s environment.” Bioassessment Program is on target to exceed the number of samples collected last Gratefully, year. Our Troll user groups in Massachusetts Kate Brown, CDEP Long Island and Thompson, CT, monitored the water Sound Fund Coordinator quality in 71 different locations in the upper parts of The Last Green Valley this season. TLGV was also able to acquire addi- “Remember…We all live tional equipment to expand the program downstream.” next year. Our organization now has an Eric Thomas additional In-situ Troll 9500, capable of monitoring dissolved oxygen, pH, tempera- ture, depth, turbidity and conductivity - all “To all who paddled in this with a single multi-parameter sonde. Also, incredible adventure – Thank you four new sets of Rapid Bioassessment for your determination and equipment were purchased with funding dedication to help educate us all provided by the CDEP License Plate Program and the Long Island Sound Futures Fund. in preserving our wonderful The MassDEP cited the French River watershed in the magnificent Connection water quality monitoring results Last Green Valley.” in the 2004-2008 Water Quality Assessment Joan and John Gray Report of the French & Quinebaug Watersheds published in November 2009. Also, a request was made by the US EPA “Rivers are the blood vessels Region 1 office for water quality data from of nature.” our upper Quinebaug River Monitoring Team David Ostrowski for consideration on a permit application. (-FTMJF4XFFUOBN

“May the winds aid our progress. May the water cleanse us from fear. May we arrive safely from the Source to the Sea.” Lynne Sarty 11 "//6"-3&1035t*/41*3*/(70-6/5&&34 +(PUISFBV

Invigorating The Economy 2009 FARM SURVEY AND t The distant origins of our food pose a TLGV Foodshed Plan that will iden- THE FOODSHED PLAN risks to consumers. Imported foods tify partners and existing programs, account for 65% of vegetables and point out additional needs and identify TLGV’s success in preserving the fruit consumed, 75% of seafood. A resources that will encourage the expan- region hinges on our two most sig- very small percentage of imports are sion of food production in our region. nificant assets: the valley remains 78% inspected (per FDA). An important foundation for the forest and farmland and there are very t Contamination and lack of traceability TLGV Foodshed Plan has been a com- abundant water resources both above have increased. Over the past several plete survey of the agricultural businesses and below ground. In order to preserve decades, 14 new pathogens associ- in the region. The 2009 Farm Survey the region, the economic importance ated with food borne illnesses have contacted 556 businesses and garnered of the land and water needs to be been identified. a 60% response rate with 331 replies. increased – not just for residents but t Food travels on average 1,500 miles Of those 331, 228 were food produc- for a constituency surrounding The Last to consumers; 85% of all food con- ers. One-third expressed an interest in Green Valley. It makes sense to focus on sumed in New England is trucked expanding their existing business; more those elements by proposing that TLGV in through the greater NY and NJ than one-third were also interested in not only sustain but expand its agricul- region. At any one time there is 3-7 diversifying their products. ture and become an important food days supply of food on the shelves in By an overwhelming majority, the producer for southern New England. our stores. Any major disruptions in issue of public education is the most TLGV has spent the past year devel- the transportation system put a large important to the businesses surveyed – oping a research paper on the state of the population to great disadvantage. why farming is important. Farmers are present food system for southern New t Consumers want a safe, nutritious, interested in learning more about green England and why the expansion of food affordable source of food produced technology and energy efficiency. They production in the region may be successful: close to home. are also concerned about stewardship t TLGV is the only remaining unde- It is important to consider that in and preservation of the working land. veloped region in the coastal sprawl addition to raising crops there are many Among the challenges identified are between Boston and Washington, other economic development activities infrastructure, reliable workforce, public and it has significant land and water associated with food production: support education, and the ageing population of resources needed for food production. services of equipment, supplies, mar- farmers. Nearly everyone who responded t TLGV is centrally located within keting, distribution and technology are to the survey knew The Last Green Valley southern New England where necessities; processing plants (canning, and its work. 11 million people live. Within the freezing) and value added productions The Foodshed Plan is expected to urban areas a significant population (jams, jellies, salsa, pasta sauces, etc.) are be completed in 2010 and will provide a lives below the poverty level and has a logical outgrowth. comprehensive direction for the expan- health risks related to insufficient, Presently, TLGV staff, GVI and the sion of agriculture in the region. low-quality food. Agriculture Subcommittee are developing

12 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY Tourism Outreach 19TH ANNUAL WALKTOBER all the streams and rivers were over their contemporary, romantic and adventurous, Walktober has been 19 years in the banks with flooding. The only recourse was fireside and snowside, sweet and savory, making. When the grassroots organization to expand the program again to the entire winter activities in the region. From hiking, coalesced and began working for designa- month of October. The audience has grown cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, sledding, tion of the region as the fourth National constantly over the past 19 years. ice skating, nature walks and talks, theater Heritage Corridor, an idea was born that Walktober 2009 offered a month- performance packages to fireside feasts, residents needed to get out there and dis- long program of guided walks, paddles, unique shopping and art galleries, holiday cover what was in their backyard and learn bike rides and special events. There were specials and maple sugar days in March, about all the wonderful resources in the more than 160 opportunities for people to there was an abundance of activities in The watershed. Guides with special expertise in enjoy the beautiful Last Green Valley in the Last Green Valley. A rack card was distrib- local history, archaeology, natural resources, intoxicating splendor of autumn and thou- uted and a frequently updated schedule of etc., were enlisted to provide special experi- sands attended, despite four weekends of events appeared on the website ences to walkers that were normally not abysmal weather! www.thelastgreenvalley.org. available to the public. There were 25 walks on the schedule for Columbus Day weekend SEASONAL PROMOTIONAL TLGV VISITORS GUIDE in 1990. Some felt that diffusing the audi- EVENTS The second edition of The Last Green ence over 25 walks would result in a dismal Summer Sunsations, May through Valley Visitors Guide was published to attendance. However, there were over 100 September, highlighted summer fun in The facilitate tourist access to the region. It is people on many of those first walks. Last Green Valley. Museums and historic the only complete resource guide for the More walks were added each year houses opened for the season. Pick-your- 35 towns and offers information to cus- with no sign of losing favor with partici- own farms offered hands-on experiences. tomize a unique vacation experience. For pants. After a particularly windy and rainy Residents and visitors alike enjoyed fishing, the smaller museums and nonprofits in Columbus Day weekend in 2003, The Last boating, hiking, antiquing, fireworks, river the region, the Visitors Guide is the only Green Valley launched the 14th Annual fires, festivals and fairs, hayrides, picnics promotional publication that directs visitors Walking WeekendS in 2004. The thought and much more! A constantly updated to their sites and helps to keep their doors was that if one weekend was clobbered schedule appeared on the website: open with a revenue stream. The State with bad weather, the other weekend www.thelastgreenvalley.org and audiences of Connecticut and the Commonwealth would still offer a chance to continue the were driven there by a colorful rack card of Massachusetts no longer publish their celebration. The reasoning proved accu- distributed through the more than 65 infor- tourist guides. The Last Green Valley has rate until 2006 when two extremes were mation racks and centers in the region. become, by default, the only engaged tour- encountered. It was the first year walk and Winter Wanderings, December ism promoter. paddle experiences were offered. The first through March, focused on four months The full-color, digest-sized guide was weekend the rivers were so dry the canoes full of outdoor and indoor, quiet and unveiled in March and features a cover could not put in. The following weekend exciting, musical and athletic, historic and photo from Walktober showing a segment continued page 14 +(PUISFBV 13 "//6"-3&1035t5063*4.0653&"$) of the French river in autumn splendor being enjoyed by a flotilla of colorful canoes and kayaks. The 112-pages include editorial features about the region, information on natural, agricultural, historical and cultural resources, a seasonal calendar of fairs, festi- vals and other major events, as well as refer- ence material on accommodations, attrac- tions, campgrounds, shops and restaurants. It was distributed throughout the region, by mail to fulfill requests, and there is also a version on the website.

PUBLIC RELATIONS The Last Green Valley enjoyed extensive editorial coverage of all its programs during the year. There is one of particular note. Yankee Magazine featured The Last Green Valley in a special eight-page article in the March/April 2009 issue. The writers focused on a tour of the region using National Scenic Byway Route 169. A photo essay accompanied the article which led with: “The skies don’t lie. From on high, looking down along the East Coast at night, we’re blazing away like Times Square squared, a crazy quilt of sparks illuminating the darkness…Except…over there. A dis- tinct patch of northeastern Connecticut and a bit of Massachusetts that’s noticeably still, remarkably dark. A break in the unrelenting mass of artificial brilliance that lights the night. So much so that airline pilots use this patch of darkness as a point of reference. And by day, it’s green. Deeply, profoundly green. The Last Green Valley, so they say.”

14 (-FTMJF4XFFUOBN THE LAST GREEN VALLEY Educating Stewards GREEN VALLEY INSTITUTE t GVI staff held numerous individual meet- each town. GVI is also assisting Chaplin by ings with private landowners and interested coordinating the preparation of the Plan. The Last Green Valley is blessed with many citizens in 2009 as well as two Family things: a long, rich history still written in our t As a result of the Coventry visioning ses- Land Protection workshops with over 120 towns and on the landscape; working farms sions, the town is working with GVI staff participants in attendance; these efforts and clean, beautiful rivers; and large tracts of in developing detailed design guidelines contributed to at least 343 acres of addi- for commercial development along its unbroken forests that remain full of wildlife. The tional land that is now in the process of, major roadways. Once complete, the Green Valley Institute (GVI) was created to help or has been permanently protected. These guidelines will be shared with other TLGV document, plan for and protect these priceless additional acres bring the total since 2001 communities. resources as our region grows by: to at least 8,685 acres of undeveloped t Improving the knowledge base from which land permanently protected from devel- t GVI has been working with the Town land use and natural resource decisions opment, as a direct result of landowners of Ashford in implementing the goals are made, and attending programs and workshops or for the villages of Warrenville and West working directly with GVI staff to identify Ashford as outlined in Ashford’s Plan of t Building local capacity to protect and man- protection options. Conservation and Development. age natural resources as our region grows. t GVI continued its partnership with the t In 2005, GVI helped the French River GVI is a formal outreach partner- Blackstone Heritage Corridor in a Heritage Connection and the towns of Webster and ship among The Last Green Valley (TLGV), Landscape Survey with a total of 13 towns Dudley envision a riverfront recapture of the University of Connecticut’s College in the two corridors. In 2009, the three the French River that each town shares. In of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the stage process was completed; each town 2009 another piece has fallen into place University of Massachusetts Cooperative received a final report detailing the pro- with the leasing of a 2 acre parcel along Extension, and The Nature Conservancy cess, descriptions of the most important the river in downtown Webster. GVI has Connecticut Chapter (TNC). Its programs heritage/historical landscapes identified in developed a concept for a park that has are made possible through active partner- the town, and suggestions and proposals enabled the French River Connection to receive $30,000 from the Webster ships with many other organizations, and for next steps to be taken by each town to preserve and protect its most valuable Redevelopment Authority for Phase I the active involvement of TLGV’s Natural historical and heritage landscapes. of the French River Park development. Resources and Agriculture Committee. Land use and natural resource planning t GVI, along with TNC and local stake- t GVI has worked with TLGV to begin and management are primarily local activities. holders, led the Natchaug Basin developing an agricultural sustainability plan for the region. As a result, GVI programs specifically target Conservation Action Plan (CAP) Project three local audiences: private landowners, conducting a series of four meetings to t With funding from the Borderlands identify critical aquatic and terrestrial municipal leaders and land use commission- Project, GVI continues to work with resources shared by the eight participat- ers, and contractors, realtors and others who the two project towns, Killingly CT ing municipalities. Over 100 participants, convert open space to other uses. GVI works and Exeter RI, to identify innovative including elected officials, conservation to ensure that these groups have the knowl- approaches and regulations that will organizations, state and local agencies, encourage new community growth and edge and resources they need to make good the University of Connecticut, scientists development in village centers and pro- decisions as they plan for the future. and other stakeholders collaborated to tect valuable farms and forestland. Phase 2009 PROGRAM IMPACTS: develop regional strategies and measur- I, Heart and Soul Visioning, included able actions for the protection of high University of Connecticut Landscape t Forty-eight GVI short courses, workshops water quality for the plants, animals and Architect students and innovative public and training sessions were taught to people of the Natchaug Basin, the largest engagement techniques. Phase II will 1,073 TLGV community leaders, land- water supply watershed in Connecticut. focus on researching innovative regula- owners and others. The great majority of t To help the towns of Chaplin and tory tools to implement the vision devel- these were held in TLGV town halls and Coventry prepare for updating their Plan of oped in Phase I and further refining this other community buildings, bringing the Conservation and Development, GVI con- vision. Lessons learned from this project information directly to our target audi- ducted a series of visioning workshops for will benefit other TLGV communities. ence in their own communities. continued page 16

15 "//6"-3&1035t&%6$"5*/(45&8"3%4 t GVI has assisted Eastford, one of only t GVI continued its successful seminar printed and distributed throughout TLGV. two towns in Connecticut without zon- series in 2009 in partnership with The “how-to” workbook will include ing regulations, with a workshop to help Eastern Connecticut RC&D Council on information on greenways, green infra- them understand the issue. tools and techniques to protect what structure, important natural and cultural we value as TLGV continues to develop. resources and protected lands maps, as t TLGV towns are continuing to respond to Topic’s included Transfer of Development well as visioning tools for planning. GVI workshops on conservation subdivi- Rights: Making it Happen and Brownfield sions and alternative development tech- t GVI Presented three 2009 Green Redevelopment. niques. Twelve TLGV towns now include Neighbor Awards to TLGV communities Conservation or Open Space Subdivisions t GVI staff prepared a Farm Building and organizations who have worked to in their regulations, and two more are in Tax Exemption Study for the Town of keep The Last Green Valley green: the process. Lebanon that provides the town with – To the Town of Brooklyn Conservation information to help it in determining the t With funding from the US Forest Commission for the valuable steps fiscal effect of supporting working farms Service, GVI has created a geographic by exempting certain farm buildings from they have taken to protect Brooklyn’s information system (GIS) model which local property taxes. rural character and natural resources in can be used to identify waterbodies suit- many ways: establishing an Open Space able for the installation of dry hydrants t To help the Town of Brooklyn prepare Land Acquisition Fund, developing a for fire protection. This data will assist an update to their Plan of Conservation Greenway Plan for protection of natural local fire companies and CT DEP fire and Development, GVI staff conducted resources and recreational opportunities, control personnel with identification and a second build-out analysis. A build-out certification of potential fire pond water- analysis projects the maximum develop- and advising regulatory land use com- bodies in the Basin. The ment possible based on current zoning missions to achieve a sustainable bal- model can be used to generate data regulations. The first analysis, in 2002, ance of growth and conservation in the throughout The Last Green Valley and showed that significant population Town of Brooklyn. southern New England. growth was possible in Brooklyn; subse- – To Ken Parker for creating an army quently the town revised the zoning reg- t GVI’s GIS Center has worked with local of French River stewards where none ulations. This 2009 study clearly shows land trusts including Joshua’s Tract and existed before; for co-founding an orga- that the zoning revisions decreased the Wolf Den Land Trust to map existing pro- potential build-out. nization that has successfully improved tected open space and identify potential water quality and river access; and for land protection projects. Updated data t GVI was invited to present Lessons completely changing the public percep- and maps allow land trust volunteers Learned: GVI & Borderlands Projects at tion of the French River from a polluted to coordinate resource protection with the National Association of Community backwater to a treasured resource in municipalities and other organizations Development Extension Professionals only four short years. as well as provide valuable assistance for Conference in San Diego. conservation monitoring. t With funding from the Land Use – Jointly with TLGV, to Holly Drinkuth t GVI continues to work with TLGV towns Academy, GVI staff developed Map for her efforts above and beyond the in developing or updating their Natural Reading: A Manual for Commission call of duty to protect the water qual- and Cultural Resource Inventories. During Members. Filled with a wealth of infor- ity of the Natchaug River Watershed 2009, two more towns received their mation and tips on site plan reading, by obtaining a Connecticut State first map set bringing the total TLGV this manual will be provided to Land Use Greenways designation for the towns with a GVI map set to 21. GVI also Academy attendees. In addition, GVI staff Natchaug River and its key tributaries, has developed a methodology to map taught Map Reading 101 to an additional and for convening an in-depth conser- co-occurring resources, another tool to 170 folks, many from TLGV, at Academy vation action planning process, bring- help towns prioritize their resources and workshops across Connecticut ing together diverse stakeholders from incorporate those goals into their Plans t GVI staff are finishing a comprehensive throughout the region to ensure contin- of Conservation and Development or workbook designed to assist municipali- ued protection of this precious resource. Open Space Plans. GVI worked with two ties, land trusts and recreational organi- additional towns to develop their own zations in planning for greenways and co-occurring maps in 2009; to date 12 green infrastructure across town and towns have this important tool. state boundaries. It will be developed,

16 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY Partner organizations that made the Institute’s 2009 programs possible include: Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions Connecticut Audubon Society Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Connecticut Forest & Parks Association Dudley Conservation Land Trust Eastern Connecticut Forest Landowners Association/ Wolf Den Land Trust Eastern Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development Area Eastern Connecticut Soil & Water Conservation District Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Historical Trust Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation Mid-State (MA) Trail Association Natural Resources Conservation Service Northeast Connecticut Council of Governments Rhode Island Chapter of The Nature Conservancy Opacum Land Trust Southeast Connecticut Council of Governments University of Connecticut Center of Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) and Extension Geospatial Technologies Program University of Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources Conservation Washington County Regional Planning Council Windham Region Council of Governments Wyndham Land Trust

And in particular, the numerous municipal boards, commissions and staff from across TLGV, and the dedicated members of the TLGV Board of Directors and Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee. +(PUISFBV

17 "//6"-3&1035t&%6$"5*/(45&8"3%4 The Last Green Valley, Inc. P.O. Box 29 111 Main Street Danielson, CT 06239-0029

P.O. Box 186 Southbridge, MA 01550

860-774-3300 860-774-8543 fax Email: [email protected] www.thelastgreenvalley.org

Cover photo by G. Leslie Sweetnam Design by Angell House Design Printed by Chase Graphics

Printed on recycled paper