THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 2007 Annual Report

QUINEBAUGSHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR, INC. W. REID MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It is a privilege to report that 2007 has been a dramati- Th e goal is simple: preservation of our Last Green cally successful year for Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Valley. How have we done so? We have developed Corridor, Inc., as illustrated by the subsequent pages programs like the Green Valley Institute to assist local of this document. All of us who have been involved in land-use decision makers with continuing education in this enterprise recognize that this success is the result a system that is largely operated by volunteer com- of the tireless eff orts of residents, businesses, towns and missions and committees. Our grant programs have nonprofi ts to fulfi ll the mission of QSHC. disbursed more than $3 million to 300 projects to complete work identifi ed as important by local com- I suggest that at this time of annual refl ection we munities and nonprofi ts, gaining matching funds to remind ourselves about the signifi cance of the those dollars at the rate of 1:3, an extraordinary exam- Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National ple of partnership. Th e 17th Annual Walking Week- Heritage Corridor and why it is essential that we bring endS, that raised awareness of our unique resources, forth renewed enthusiasm for its preservation. Th e and broke attendance records once again, continues to watershed of these beautiful river systems is the last be so popular that the program is expanding in 2008 predominately undeveloped region in the otherwise to include the entire month of October. densely populated coastal corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. More than 80% of the region As we look to the future, one thing is clear – the burden remains forest and farm land, yet it lies within an of preserving our Last Green Valley must shift from hour of three of the four largest New England cities. government funding and be shouldered by private Th e Last Green Valley contains the largest aquifer resources. And the way for us to ensure a strong future in Connecticut and harbors clean recharge areas for for our Corridor is to become fi nancially self-suffi cient supplies of drinking water. Th e verdant forests of the as soon as possible. To that end, we need to rally both region fi lter 2.6 tons of carbon out of the air each year. short-term and long-term fi nancial support. Service on Th ey produce enough oxygen for 8.3 million people committees, participation in Walking WeekendS and each year, and only 300,000 live here. So the benefi t the Source to Sea Expedition is equally critical. to those areas north and east of Th e Last Green Valley is signifi cant. Th ere is an abundance of historical, With us all working together, I know we can reach our cultural, natural and scenic resources here that have goals. I look forward to seeing you at Corridor meet- existed for centuries, in some cases millennia. All this ings and on the rivers as we maintain our region and adds up to an unequalled quality of life and a place of keep it green. truly national signifi cance. Paul A. Mills

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MAY 2007 to MAY 2008 Paul A. Mills Bill Jobaggy Tom Dziki Marge Hoskin Chairman Secretary Tourism & Community Dick Erickson Elaine Knowlton Ken Mahler Resources Committee Janet Garon Rusty Lanzit Vice Chairman Chairman Finance & Planning Laura Giannotti Melissa Phillips Committee Chairman Margaret Babbitt representing Treasurer Governor M. Jodi Rell Irving Pulsifer, Jr. Jacquie Barbarossa Kay Holt Janet Robertson Heath Drury Boote Development Committee Chairman THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 1 2 QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR tivate connectionsbetween peopleandcommunities in 2008.Th and reconnaissance ontherivers are runs happening April through mid-June 2009, butplanningactivities exploration inourown backyard isscheduledformid- Green Valley Director ofExternalAffairs William B.Reid Deputy ExecutiveDirector Lois J.Bruinooge tion –ConnectingtheDrops Th We to also lookforward and maintainapermanentnetwork. the studywillrecommend concrete stepstoestablish programIf isdeemedfeasible, thefarms-to-purveyors to market more locally-grown andproduced products. coops, farmstores, specialtymarkets andretail outlets gate thewillingnessofrestaurants, grocers, caterers, Th through localpurveyors. they wouldbewillingtosellmore oftheirproducts to determinewhetherandunderwhatconditions small agriculturalbusinessesinTh ing locally-produced foods.Th ous years testing theopinionsofconsumersregard- Purveyors feasibilitystudy, animportant undertake In aneff success infuture years. in achievingthosegoalsandare onaproven trackfor I amexcited toreport thatwe have accomplishedmuch ated thegoalsandobjectives ofourmanagementplan. introspection, aseachmission-driven committeereevalu- potential that2008holds. We prepared forthiswith Heritage Corridor, Inc., withgreat excitement forthe I beginmytwelfth year withQuinebaug-Shetucket ort tosustainlocalagricultureort in2008,we , buildingonwork completedinprevi- egoaloftheproject istomakeandcul- MESSAGE FROMTHEEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR . Th isexciting, comprehensive journeyof 2009 Source toSea Expedi- estudywillalsoinvesti- Director ofFinance Antoinette Briere and Communication Director ofProgramming Andrea Ader e survey willlookat esurvey Charlene PerkinsCutler, ExecutiveDirectorand CEO QSHC STAFF IN2007 rough Th eLastGreen Valley Farms to e Last Walktober anticipating anincredible event. hasbeennearlyoverwhelmingby andwe partners are are beingplannedaswell as onwater. Th present landusesalongtherivers. Landsideactivities recreational andbetween pastand opportunities, and thequalityofwater, between current andfuture that are joinedby water, between ourown behaviors ful LastGreen Valley. bill andrealize thisbeauti- ourfullpotentialtopreserve to beingablecelebratethesuccessfulpassageof to develop aplantobeself-suffi largely becausewe are thefi from ourSenators andRepresentatives are favorable, sunsets onSeptember 30,2009.However, indications cient in2015.Th integrity ofourprograms untilwe becomeself-suffi additional sixyears offederalfundingtoprotect the of ourreauthorization legislation,givingQSHCan Most importantly, we tothepassage lookforward intoxicating timeofyear. ists tospendtimeinourregion duringthemostvisually tions andtowns, expandtheiraudience,andinducetour- excellent waytoincrease thecapacityoflocalorganiza- the signifi and otherstogetherwithfree, guidedwalksinterpreting land Festival, Roseland Cottage’s &Crafts Festival, Arts to onceagainincludespecialevents likeScotland’s High- to includetheentire monthofOctober, we are now able Walking WeekendS program. By increasing theschedule Administrative Assistant Mary Hubert Information Technology Executive Assistantfor Penny Watson cant resources ofTh is the third expansion of our very successful isthethird successful expansionofourvery is is essential as our present legislation isessentialasourpresent legislation rst National Heritage Area eLastGreen Valley. It isan Charlene Perkins Cutler Education Consultant David Lavallee Tourism Consultant Janice Putnam cient. We look forward e response - FY 2007 Outlays and Impacts OUTLAYS NPS Cooperative Agreement $ 722,270 Non-Federal Matching Contributions $ 17,058,730

Total Outlays $ 17,781,000

IMPACTS Community Development and Outreach $ $2,426,129 Walking WeekendS, community revitalization projects

Economic Development and Tourism $ 3,120,022 Mini-Grants Program, tourism projects, Visitors Guide

Historical and Cultural Resources $ 8,695,049 National Historic Register Properties assessments and nominations, interpretive projects

Natural Resources, Agriculture and Land Use $ 2,441,596 Green Valley Institute, Water Quality Monitoring Partnership, open space conservation, natural resource protection, environmental education

Recreation $ 1,098,204 Trail development and linkages, nature-based tourism products and promotion

Total Impacts $ 17,781,000

MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS PROVIDED BY: Antiquarian and Landmarks Society Roseland Cottage/Historic New England Brooklyn Historical Society Slater Memorial Museum Canterbury Historical Society Th ompson Historical Society City of Norwich Town of Canterbury Commonwealth of Mass/DCR Heritage Town of Chaplin Landscape Inventory Program Town of Coventry Commonwealth of Mass/EOEEA Town of Franklin Commonwealth of Mass/Riverways Program Town of Oxford Connecticut Commission on Town of Pomfret Culture & Tourism Town of Putnam Connecticut Department of Environmental Town of Sprague Protection Town of Sturbridge Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum Town of Th ompson Coventry Historical Society Town of Voluntown French River Connection Union Historical Society Joshua’s Tract Conservation & Windham Historical Society Historic Trust Windham Regional Chamber of Commerce Mansfi eld Historical Society Willimantic River Alliance Mystic Country/Connecticut Wyndham Land Trust Norwich Tourism Offi ce Old Sturbridge Village and QSHC members, donors, sponsors and Oxford Historical Commission programming matches itemized elsewhere. Preston Historical Society THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 3 J. GOTHREAU GROWING CAPACITY

Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Cor- ridor, Inc., gained new friends, members, supporters and sponsors in 2007. Th e organization enjoyed increased and wide- spread support from people, businesses, and the area towns that make up Th e THE Last Green Valley. We are thankful for the donations and contributions of our active participants listed in this report. LAST We look forward to their enthusiastic involvement as we move forward over the next year spreading the word about GREEN Th e Last Green Valley, and together accomplish our mission of celebrating VALLEY and preserving the cultural and natural resources of the Quinebaug-Shetucket ing member-only programs, information Heritage Corridor. IN 2007 on area farms and farmers markets, news MEMBERSHIP from the Green Valley Institute, updates on projects, and our list of the 10 Th ings During 2007 membership benefi ts You Can Do to Preserve Th e Last Green were expanded to include special month- Valley. Th e newsletter is available in print ly member-only programs. Off erings and online. included learning about maple sugaring, Th e Last Green fl y-fi shing, kayaking on the Quinebaug Valley established River, dining and talking with Com- a new membership missioner McCarthy of the Connecticut program specifi - Department of Environmental Protec- cally for area farms, tion, touring the Quinebaug Valley Fish nurseries, wineries Hatchery, learning how to can vegetables, www.thelastgreenvalley.org and growers - Green enjoying a sunset hike, enjoying the & Growing Members. Participation by Putnam Holiday Dazzle Light Parade, area farms in this new program helps Th e and learning all about growing Christ- Last Green Valley to promote sustainable mas trees. Th e monthly member-only agriculture. Green and Growing Mem- programs have been a great success and bers enjoy benefi ts that provide greater well-attended, and we look forward to exposure and visibility for their business- bringing our members more exciting es. Th ese include use of the new “Grown ways to enjoy Th e Last Green Valley in in the Last Green Valley” logo, a listing 2008. on Th e Last Green Valley website, and a Our quarterly newsletter, Th e Voice link to their website at the $250 level and of the Valley, was redesigned during 2007. above, and a listing in the updated issue Focusing on information and news for our of Green and Growing brochures (for members, the publication included tips on those agriculture businesses that are open hiking in the region, listings of upcom- to the public). QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 4 OF THE LAST GREEN VALLEY

WELCOME TO THE NEW GREEN & GROWING MEMBERS: Alpacas at Scotland Hill Fort Hill Farms, LLC Northeast CT Farmers Markets Bats of Bedlam Maple Farm Hall Homestead at the 18th Century Southwood Alpacas Buell’s Orchard Purity Farm Stone Bridge Farm Burr Farm Hansen Family Tree Farm Sunrun Gardens Connecticut’s Harvest Canterbury Hull Forest Products, Inc. Taylor Brooke Winery Horticulture K.E. Farm Town Line Tree Farm Creamery Brook Bison Maple Lane Farms Zion Hill Farm, LLC Dudley Conservation Land Trust Meadow Stone Farm Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm Norman’s Sugar House

and Last Green Valley resident, photographer TASTES OF THE VALLEY ANNUAL MEETING On October 4th QSHC celebrated Th e 13th Annual Meeting of Quine- and artist G. Leslie Sweetnam entertained Tastes of the Valley with more than 180 baug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor, Inc., the audience with a program about his aerial people enjoying a remarkable evening was held on May 11th at Wrights Mill photography of the region. A year in review at Th e Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Farm in Canterbury, CT. More than 150 was provided by out-going Board Chairman Ashford, CT. Th is special fund-raiser and people attended, a record attendance for an Mark Paquette and new Offi cers and Board Walking WeekendS kick-off event included Annual Meeting. Many people took advan- of Directors were elected. food prepared by the area’s fi nest chefs using tage of a new dinner option and enjoyed a Awards were presented to partners and foods grown in Th e Last Green Valley. Th e wonderful buff et meal prepared by Wrights residents of Th e Last Green Valley including: event was sponsored by United Natural Mill Farm. A delegation of QSHC partners the Boland-Hoskin Volunteer Award to Janet Foods, Inc., and the coordination among from Canterbury Robertson (photo) and Arnold Carlson; the area restaurants and farms was provided by welcomed attend- Founder’s Award to the Central MA South John Turenne of Sustainable Food Systems. ees to their town, Chamber of Commerce; the Voice of the Val- Th e restaurants participated by donat- and helped to ley award to Carol Davidge of the Reminder ing their skills and talents in preparing a open the meeting. News; the Walking Weekend Award to remarkable dinner: 85 Main, Th e Harvest, Congressman the Jillson House in Willimantic, CT and Inn at Woodstock Hill, Publick House Joe Courtney was Cushman Farm in Franklin, CT, with special Historic Inn, Still River Café, Th e Norwich on hand to provide recognition given to Rene Dugas (photo); Inn and Spa, Th e Vanilla Bean Café, and a report from the Greener Valley Award to Mystic County; Vienna Restaurant and Historic Inn. Area Washington, D.C., and the Pride in Th e Last Green Valley Award farms and orchards donated product for

D. CUTLER was presented to Th e Garden Bridge in Wil- limantic. Th e Green Valley the chefs: Creamery Brook Bison Farm, Institute Green Neighbor Wayne’s Organic Gardens, Morse Farm Award was presented to the Stand, Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, Bird Song French River Connection, Farm, Woodstock Orchards, Abbott Spring the Town of Ashford, and Farm, Meadow Stone Farm, Beltane Farms, Bob Houser. Th e Last Green Wind Swept Farms, Full Moon Farm, Valley Gold Star Awards Lapsley Orchards, Mik-Rans Sugar House, were also presented to Mark and We-Li-Kit Farm. United Natural Paquette and Hildy Cum- Foods, Inc., provided dry goods and other mings in recognition for additional products for the chefs. Beverages their years of service on the were provided by Th e Farmer’s Cow, Hos- mer Mountain Soda, Maple Lane Farms,

D. CUTLER Board of Directors. Sharpe Hill Vineyards, Sturbridge Coff ee THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 5 WALKING WEEKENDS Walking WeekendS 2007 was support- ed by 19 businesses, towns and individuals. A very special thank you to Rheo Brouillard, President and CEO of Savings Institute Bank & Trust, and his entire team for the continued Premier Sponsorship of Walking WeekendS. Corporate sponsorships at the $1000 or more level were received from the following companies:

Roasters Café, Taylor Brooke Winery, West- delightful music of Sally Rogers, Jeff Davis, ford Hill Distillers and Willimantic Brewing and Howie Bursen who also donated their Company. We are especially grateful for the talents for the evening. use of Th e Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Th e Tastes of the Valley Event Com- and their remarkable facilities, to Johnson mittee worked tirelessly through the year to & Wales University for providing twelve develop the extraordinary evening: Linda culinary students to assist the chefs, and to Auger, Jacquie Barbarossa, Heath Drury Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center for Boote, Joan Gray, Rusty Lanzit, Rosemarie providing lodging. Lee, Mary Beth Leonard, Paul Mills, Caro- Tastes of the Valley also included both lyn Mills-Meyer, Irving Pulsifer, Bill Reid, silent and live auctions with items donated Janet Robertson, John Turenne, Rob Viani by many area shops and businesses. We and the entire QSHC staff . Special thanks appreciate the generous contribution from to Peg Babbitt for her help and expertise Gary Osbrey of WINY radio as emcee for the with the many gift baskets. evening. Attendees were entertained by the

The following individuals and businesses supported the Tastes of the Valley event with a donation to the Live Auction, Silent Auction, or to the Raffl e. Our thanks to all who helped make this event such a huge success: Linda & Richard Auger, Dicks Hardware Chris Maynard Southbridge Bicycles Taylor Brooke Winery Fabric Stash Megapixels Southbridge Feed Store Peg Babbitt Flying Carpet Tom Menard Southbridge Photo Lab

Billy Wilson Pub Dr. Steven J. Gaunya Nature’s Pathway Southbridge Village Pizza J. GOTHREAU Bramble House West G & R Fish and Fruit New England Flight Service Spirit of Broadway Theatre Lois Bruinooge Great Canadian Canoe Noah’s Ark Pet Supplies Stone Fish Gallery Canterbury Horticulture Beth Greene Norwich Arts Council Stotts at Bat Central Street Café Hull Forest Products Norwich Ice Rink G. Leslie Sweetnam Charlene’s Beauty Salon Alessandra Jacques Old Sturbridge Village Taylor Brooke Winery Connecticut Defenders King Cadillac & GMC Old Tymes Restaurant Thai Cuisine Charlene Cutler Lisbon Historical Society Mark Paquette Town and Country Flowers Alan Dabrowski Logee’s Greenhouse William Reid Vienna Inn & Restaurant Danielson Adventure Sports Ian MacRae Sally Rogers Warm Glass Studio Deary’s Unpainted Ken & Christine Mahler Scales, Tales & Feathers Woodstock Frameworks

Furniture Marlene’s Beauty Salon Slater Museum J. GOTHREAU QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 6 “Children of all ages will be encouraged to touch and examine the new specimens, allowing them to see and feel the diff erent adaptations between plant-eating and meat-eating animals. Th e purchase of these new and durable specimens would not have been possible without the mini-grant from Th e Last Green Valley.”

Eileen Fritz, Chair, Ways and Means Committee, Windham County 4-H Foundation, recipient of a 2007 TLGV mini-grant (see page 8) GROWING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS

Th is year Th e Last Green Valley Th e eff orts of the students were introduced the 10 Th ings You Can applauded by Governor M. Jodi Do To Preserve Th e Last Green Val- Rell, who said in an open letter to ley list, sponsored by the Green Team the student body, “I commend all at United Natural Foods, Inc., the the students who were involved in nation’s largest distributor of natural this very important project. Your and organic food. UNFI uses its posi- initiatives exemplify the fact that tion to support socially responsible Connecticut’s youth want to do all initiatives that protect the environ- they can to protect our environ- ment and foster stewardship of the ment no matter how large the task. land and is headquartered in Th e Your actions are evidence of your Last Green Valley. Th e “10 Th ings” unwavering commitment to protect list was presented each month to area and preserve Connecticut’s precious newspapers and other media outlets environment.” and targets timely steps to reduce car- J. GOTHREAU During 2007 Th e Last Green bon footprinting, e.g. simple things relatives, roadsides, cars – any possible loca- Valley provided all new and renew- each of us can do to help preserve the natural tion. Th ey learned that worldwide, people use ing members a complimentary Reusable resources of the region including tips on saving plastic shopping bags made from petroleum Shopping Bag with TLGV logo, made from energy, recycling and other sustainable energy products at a rate of nearly 1 million per recycled materials. Americans use over 14 ideas. Th e list was posted on our website, and minute. One could drive a car 1 mile on the billion plastic bags annually, and they make up included in our quarterly newsletter. oil used to create only 14 shopping bags. Th e 2% of all solid waste worldwide. More than On April 19 Th e Last Green Valley average American family accumulates 60 bags 2,000 TLGV reusable shopping bags were dis- celebrated the natural world and examined after only 4 trips to the grocery store. Th e tributed in 2007, a testament to our member’s regional environmental concerns with a special same bags are used by drug stores, convenience commitment to protecting the environment. Earth Day Dinner Program at Th e Harvest stores, clothing retailers, hardware stores and Th e Last Green Valley display and pro- Restaurant in Pomfret, CT. Gina McCarthy, even restaurants for take-out orders. Th e motional materials were on view at selected Commissioner of the CT Department of Envi- outcome of Th e Last Green Valley Earth Day events and festivals during the year including: ronmental Protection, focused her remarks on Project was announced at the Spirit Rally. • Th e Woodstock Fair the critically acclaimed CT DEP program “No Gary “O” Osbrey, from WINY radio in • Celebrating Agriculture Child Left Inside,” followed by an entertaining Putnam, CT, was the master of ceremonies. • Coventry Regional Farmers Market presentation by Russ Cohen, author of Wild An incredible 17,223 bags were collected and • United Natural Foods Employee Plants I Have Known and Eaten. recycled, representing enough petroleum to Golf Outing Students at Woodstock Middle School drive a car from the school to Disney World • Northeast Utilities (GVI) in Woodstock, CT, completed a month-long in Florida. Fifth graders collected the most recycling project, Bad Bags, to celebrate bags, with an amazing total of 5,222, and their Staff also provided power point presen- Earth Day 2007. Plastic shopping bags were class was recorded on an Earth Day trophy tations and presented materials to selected their target, and in addition to recycling, the presented by Th e Last Green Valley. Ms. groups including: students learned about the environmental Foisy’s fi fth grade homeroom collected 2,046 • Th e Putnam Grand Lodge of Masons problems created by these seemingly harm- bags and won a pizza and dessert party. Wil- • Christopher Heights less items. Th e students collected used plastic limantic Waste Co. supplied containers and • CT Association of State Employees shopping bags from their families, neighbors, transported the collected bags for recycling. • Creamery Brook THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 7 QSHC MEMBERS & DONORS • OCTOBER 1, 2006 TO DECEMBER 31, 2007

MUNICIPAL Irene Kaziliunas Richard Cazeault Joy Glynn Robert J. Miller Phyllis Smith MEMBERS John Lachapelle Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes Ken Goldsmith John Meyer & Carolyn Mills-Meyer Stephanie Smith Michael Lajeunesse Champagne Real Estate Nancy Goodrich Cheryl Monahan Warren & Angela Smith Town of Ashford Jeff Lorello Celeste Chartier Gary A. Gosselin Stan Morytko, Jr. John & Elizabeth Spaulding Town of Brooklyn Bruce & Carol McDermott Gerard & Dawn Chartier The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust Beverly Muldoon John Spencer Town of Canterbury Tonya Meyer Clara Barton Birthplace Museum Michael Green & Carol Auer Ethel Murdoch Joan St. Ament Town of Chaplin Dagmar S. Noll Ken Clark Ann Gruenberg Peggy Murphy Suzanne Staubach Town of Coventry Jean O’Reilly Dale Cloud Emily B. Guertin Nathan Fuller House B & B David & Debbie Stoloff Town of Eastford Michael Paulhus Marc J. Cohen Alison U. Haber Karen & David Nelson Mary E. Sullivan Town of Franklin Rita Pollack Russ Cohen Ellis A. Hagstrom Ruth B. Newth Sumner & Sumner, Inc. Town of Griswold Ellen Pratt Mary C. Colburn Hampton Antiquarian & Historical Society Judy Nilson Thomas & Sandra Swale Town of Hampton Jeanette Robichaud Floyd & Jean Cole Robert Hanacek Jeannine Noel Judith A. Swayze Town of Killingly Peter Roper Thomas F.X. Cole Burt & Juliet Hansen Brigitte Nolan G. Leslie Sweetnam Town of Lebanon Francis Roy Don & Leona Collins Kim Hanson Ernest & Norma O’Leary Jo Ann Szela Town of Lisbon Bill & Bonnie Ryan Rene & Lynn Comtois Susan Hardin William O’Neill David Taylor Town of Mansfi eld Carol Morris Scata James L. Conrad, Jr. Joseph Hart Steve & Bobbi Orlomoski Theatre of Northeastern CT, City of Norwich Janice Scheffl er Jane Conti Paul & Ann Hennen Natalie Orr Inc./Bradley Playhouse Town of Plainfi eld Walter R. Schur, M.D. Mary J. Crevier Joseph E. Hickey, Jr. Martha Paluses Peter & Alice Theodor Town of Pomfret Jim & Nancy Sobera Robert E. Crootof John & Jean Hogan Joe Pandolfo Paul & Marie Theriault Town of Preston Gil Sauve’ William H. Cuddy Donald B. Hoyle Ken & Mary Paonessa Robert Thevenet Town of Putnam Brenda Vynalek Mike & Susan Cutlip Matti Huhta John & Patricia Papini Eric Thomas Town of Scotland Bruce Wiley Jules & Catherine D’Agostino Jorie Hunken Mark & Christine Paquette Elisabeth Thompson Town of Sprague William Winter Ray & Marcia Dahlstrom Hunt’s Christmas Tree Farm Parker Memorials & Stone Co. Wilfred Thompson Town of Sterling Don & Shirley Wunderlich William Darcy Mary P. Hyde Ken Parker Avery Tillinghast Town of Thompson Sean Zemzars David Hecht Custom Kitchens, Inc. Joseph Iamartino Richard & Florence Parker Arthur & Jane Torrence Town of Union Dot Davis Diana Ingraham Tony Paticchio & Susan Eastwood David & Lisa Totman Town of Voluntown $25 - $50 Lawrence M. Davis George & Judith Jackson, III David Payeur Town of Killingly Town of Windham Nancy Abbott Jean de Smet Frank & Ann Jackter Emmanuel Perez Sandra Travinski Town of Woodstock Sandra Ahola John F. Dean Robert & Alessandra Jacques Jay & Lynn Peterson Michelle Vadenais Town of Brimfi eld Jeanne Alexander Helen-Marie Dearden William & Patricia Johnson Dawn Pindell Vaughn & Joan Valcourt Town of Charlton Dennison & Helen Allen Gerald & Elaine Decelles Janet Jones John & Jean Pillo Bruce & Virginia Valentine Town of Dudley America’s Best Value Inn Howard B. Denslow June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation Leslie N. & Lynne W. Pitman Heather Van Cara Town of E. Brookfi eld Ken & Nancy Ames Michael Desmond Tom & Nora Kaszuba Katy Pizzi Clifford Van Dyke Town of Holland Karen Andrew Mary Rose Deveau Gisela Kaupp David & Jennifer Polsky Keith Vezeau Town of Oxford Anne Christie Landscape Design Digital Directions Design Studio Cynthia Kelly Popover Hill Tree Farm Rob & Terri Viani Town of Southbridge Anonymous - 4 Linda DiPasquale Carlotta Kennedy June Powell Susan E. Vieira Town of Sturbridge John & Ann Marie Argitis Henry & Pat Dobush Wayne & Marcia Kilpatrick Philip & Marjorie Prince Henry & Marilyn Vincent Town of Webster Christine Armstrong Samuel G. Dodd Anne G. King Alex & Maureen Prokos Murray Wachman Bob & Joyce Arthur Sara H. Dodd Jim & Jane Knox Girish Punj Wendy Waegell MEMBERS AND Isabelle Atwood Holly Drinkuth Helen Koehn Putnam Lodge #46 A.F. & A.M. Terry Wakeman DONORS Dianne Bachmansky Bernard Dubb David & Barbara Kolb George & Joan Racine Mr. Scott Warren UNDER $25 Jacquie Barbarossa Greg Dubell Bonnie Kopp Marion B. Racine Pamela J. Waterman Ron & Charlotte Bartizek Anonymous Donald & Judith Ducheneau John T. Kurposka Enrique Ramirez & Alicia Wayland Teresa M. Barton Nellie Barclift Craig Dunlop & Cathy Coraccio Francis & Marilyn Lagace Robin McCoy-Ramirez Isabel Weigold John Bayer Robert & Lynn Barnes John H. Ellis, Jr. Rusty & Anne Lanzit Mildred Rapp William & Michelle Weiss Margaret Beaulieu Russell R. Becker Phyllis E. Emigh Pamela Larkin James & Stacy Reck William & Ann Wernau Doris Beebe Marc & Jennifer Brisson Madeleine Favre Theresa Lavoie Robert Regan Lisa Westwell John & Janice Benda Penny Brockett Joy P. Favretti Rosemarie Lee Restful Paws B&B Robert & Pauline White Curtis & Carol Berner William & Naomi Campbell Feather Hill B&B David K. Leff Herbert & Beverly Richardson Shane White Rita T. Bernier Pam Cartledge Norman & Janet Fellows Jeffrey & Suzanne Lemmon Peter & Dianne Rimkus Bill & Janet Whittier Cheryl Boissoneau Roland & Georgette Chenail Lenore Felpel & Jim Hamel Kim Lemmon Earl & Grace Roberts Laurel Wilber John & Claire Bolduc Laura Cook Dionne Fennell Douglas & Mary Beth Leonard Ronald & Christine Robinson Susan Wiley Arthur & Jackie Bondy Don & Louise Costello Gerald & Helen Ferguson Umberto & Helen Lenti Scott Robinson John Wilhelm Charles & Rita Borovicka Tom DeJohn Howard & Mary Fife, Jr. Bonnie Lipstreu Paul R. Rocheleau Robert & Wanda Willis Linda Boucher & Paul St. Marie Robert & Peg Dexter Fitch House, B&B Joy Lizotte Elizabeth Rogers Virginia Winslow Robert & Katherine Boucher Gregory Dyer Thomas Foley, Jr. Nicholas A. Longo Jeanette Rohan Walter Wojciehowski Patricia Boyd Robert & Phyllis Faille Joan Fox Larry Lowenthal Lester & Annie Ruth Cathy Woods Joseph & Cathie Brady James & Elsie Ferrara Franklin Historical Society, Inc. Millicent Lussier Annemarie Ryan Linda Wrubel Philip E. Brencher, Jr. John Filchak Albina Frederick Alice Lychack Patty Sandness Ralph Yulo, Jr. James Brennan Jane Fine Susan Fredette Catherine Lynch Paula L. Schiller Patricia Zalesny Tom & Wendy Brennan Debra Giambattista Thomas Gaines Emily Lynch Susan Seibel William Zamagni, Sr. Lennox Brodeur Emery & Jeannine Gluck Paul Gallup Sara MacDonald James & Daniel Sgro William & Kathleen Zamagni Mary Brodhead Erwin Goldstein Gloria Gamache Joan Marschall Anita Shaffer Herb & Kathy Zickwolf Joan Bronson Beverly G. Haas Charles & Anne Gatti Marilyn Martin James & Evelyn Shea Linda Bronstein $50 - $100 Anne Hamel Richard & Marion Gebhardt Larry & Rosalie Martineau William J. Shea Bob Burgoyne David & Monique Allard Rosaleen Hayes Elissa Gelfand Susan & Peter McDevitt Elanah Sherman Ann Burrill Alpacas at Scotland Hill Elizabeth Heckler Diane Giammarco David G. McKinley Pamela Shine David G. Butler Joellen Anderson Eleanor W. Hubbard George & Jo Anne Gillespie Joyce Meader Stuart & Joan Sidney Andrew Campbell Anonymous - 3 Mary Hull Ron & Norma Gingras Joan Miano Evan Sigfridson Reverend Paul F. Campbell Barbara & Doris Barrett Faith Johnson Bette Giordano Basil & Patricia Michaeles John & Lynn Sloan Arnold & Mary Carlson Douglas & Barbara Barrett Ronald D. Jones Bonnie Giordano Miller Bros. Moving & Storage, Inc. Caroline E. Sloat Jean Cass Bats of Bedlam Maple Syrup QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 8 David A. Belden Wendy Mis GREEN LEAF Mary Harper/AHS, Inc. BRONZE LEAF GOLD LEAF SOCIETY Leo H. Biron Betsy Molodich SOCIETY Russell F. Harris SOCIETY $1000 - $10,000 Ruth Blakney Elizabeth Murphy John & Bernice Hibbard Alton & Jill Blodgett Mark & Jennifer Nadeau $100 - $250 Hamilton Holt $250 - $500 CME Associates, Inc. Robert Briere Fred & Linda Noon Dirk A. Anderson Reino & Sherrie Horstmeyer Anonymous Dirlam-Morris Charitable Trust S. Pearce Browning, III, M.D. Norman’s Sugar House Angell House Designs Quentin & Margaret Kessel Atlas Realty Investments, LLC Charles & Celeste Frappier Lois Bruinooge & Matt Holcomb Michael & Kerry O’Keefe Anonymous Bruce & Donna Kosa Canterbury Horticulture, LLC Bill Jobbagy Buell’s Orchard Jane Palmer Lenore Azaroff Lake Road Generating Co., L.P. Cray Publishing Keith & Elaine Knowlton Burr Farm, Inc. Elena Pascarella Margaret Babbitt Paul & Louise Lee Charlene Perkins Cutler Millennium Power Partners, L.P. Fred A. Cazel, Jr. Margaret Pedersen Merilyn G. Bambauer Lisbon Historical Society Thomas & Nancy Dziki Northeast Utilities Gabe & Anne Choquette Natalie Perry Ann Barrry & Dennis Landis Ken & Christine Mahler Janet Garon Putnam Savings Bank Mark, Kathy, James, Eva & Raymond & Anne Roberts-Pierson Jean & John Beaupre Maple Lane Farms Richard Hermonot Southbridge Savings Bank Will Christensen Quintessential Gardens at Fort Hill Farms Paul & Candace Bodenhofer Alan & Susan Mason Hull Forest Products, Inc. United Natural Foods, Inc. Bruce Cohen Anis & Ann Racy John Boland Joan Menard Lawrence Real Estate Associates, Inc. Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. Jerry & Maureen Combs Howard Raphaelson Shep & Heath Boote Paul & Swan Mills Plainfi eld Veterinary Hospital & $10,000+ Robert & Judith Cornoni William B. Reid Dick Booth David Mitchell Clinic, LLC Savings Institute Bank & Trust David Corsini & Delia Berlin Riverbend Associates, Zion Hill Farm Nancy H. Bull Norwich Bulletin Nancy Polydys Dan & Paula Coughlin Joyce M. Rivers Carolyn Read Burns & William Burns Jerry Olson & Vivian Stanley Janet Robertson GIFTS IN MEMORY Paul Cayer Wayde & Mary Beth Schmidt Creamery Brook Bison Irene Ross Ralph & Cecilia Otto AND IN HONOR Sherill Cyr James & Mary Smith Betty Challgren Irving E. Pulsifer, Jr. Southbridge Hotel & Conference Dirk A. Anderson in honor of Jeffrey Davis & Lisa Davidson Southwood Alpacas James Clark Laurence & Ruth Radin Center Janet Bellamy Wendall & Alison Davis Shelley Spohr & Dan Ruggiero Richard & Mary Cooper Ken & Nancy Rawn Jane R. Stern Karen Andrew in memory of Clara Denison Sandy Staebner Doris B. Coster Michael Rice Town Line Tree Farm Milt Andrew Susan DeSilver Marcia Starkey Walter Crosby Katharine Richardson Town of Brooklyn Merilyn G. Bambauer in memory Edible Nutmeg Sullivan & Wallace Real Estate, Inc. Hildy Cummings James & Deborah Russel Town of Chaplin of Frank Gretalyn Elmen Jackson P. Sumner Peter Curry Steven A. Russo Town of Pomfret John Bayer in memory of Kathleen J. Flaherty Robert Curtis Town of Putnam Sunrun Gardens Barbara & Sebastian Scripps Barbara E. Bayer Susan Foster Frank Sweezey, Jr. Ruth Cutler Evelyn Cole Smith Town of Sprague Peter & Char Dalton Town of Windham Ruth Blakney in memory of Audrey A. Franklin Arthur L. Taylor, CPA, LLC Stone Bridge Farm John H. Blakney Jim Friedlander The Hall Homestead @ 18th Century Carol Davidge Sturbridge Historical Society Cornelia Dayton Arthur & Jackie Bondy in honor of Friendly Spirits Liquor Store Purity Farm Sturbridge Lions Club, Inc. SILVER LEAF Heath & Shep Boote Sharon Gabiga Margaret Upham Christopher & Kathy Demers Taylor Brooke Winery, LLC SOCIETY Dudley Conservation Land Trust Clara Denison in memory of Elizabeth Gannon Barbara Vildavs Tedeschi Real Estate Center $500 - $1000 Betty Bishop Gerald & Rozalyn Geissert Barbara Vizoyan Charles Dunn Ron & Gwyneth Tillen Chace Building Supply of CT., Inc. Mrs. Earl B. Geer, Jr. in memory of Tom & Nancy Gerseny Cristine M. Waldron Lucian Dzialo Henry Townshend, Jr. Colts Plastic, Inc. Earl B. Geer, Jr. Dave Goodrich Muriel T. Walker Elias Child House B&B Donald H. Van Leeuwen Cyrus & Rebecca Harvey, Jr. Rex & Sue Harkness in memory of Nathaniel Y. Gould Walker’s Greenery Richard & Marcia Erickson Vanilla Bean Café Marjorie L. Hoskin Mrs. Winifred Froehlich Jack Griffi n Wappoquia Brook B & B Falcon Farm Robert & Susan Vincent Katherine L. W. & Winthrop M. Crane, Faith L. Johnson in memory of David & Marjorie Hall Walter Watson Lois Fay Kent & Mary Weaver 3D Charitable Foundation Robert K. Johnson Hansen Family Tree Farm Robert & Carolyn Werge Kenneth & Mary Feathers David & Corinne Weber Newell & Betty Hale Fund of Greater John Lachapelle in memory of Rex & Sue Harkness Dianne Williams Joanna G. Frank Gretchen Wiedie Worcester Kyle Lachapelle Booth Samuel J. Harvey Richard & Sandie Williamson Town of Franklin Benjamin D. Williams Select Seeds Co. Umberto & Helen Lenti in memory of Maryann T. Hickelton Paul & Lori Winslow Mrs. Earl B. Geer, Jr. Shelley Yeager & Steve Doucette WalMart Gilda I. Thomas Robert & Leslie Holland David & Kate Winton Don & Patricia Gladding William J. Zenko Marilyn Martin in honor of Nelson J. Horr David & Cynthia Wollner Roswell & Gretchen Hall Robert & Priscilla Jaffe Judy Hosmer Loretta Wrobel Richard & Sarah Hardy John Meyer & Carolyn Mills-Meyer in Keith & Marietta Johnson honor of M. Terry Mills D.V.M. Robert E. & Joan Johnson Carol Morris Scata in memory of Shawn & Rachael Johnston Alida Van Valkenburgh Peter Joyce Anis & Ann Racy in memory of Florette Juriga Harriet Sornberger K.E. Farm Janet Robertson in memory of Hans Koehl James O. Robertson Margaret Koerner Jane R. Stern in memory of Charles & Helen Kroll James O. Robertson Charles Lacoste Frank Sweezey, Jr. in memory of Kitt Demeter Lakatzis Avery Tillinghast in memory of Marc A. Lang Richard A. Tillinghast Lucille A. Langlois Barbara Vildavs in memory of Jay & Sally Larmon Andis Vildavs, Sr. Paul & Leslie Lavallee Barbara Vizoyan in honor of Gary & Frietha Lawrence Ms. Connie Muther Scott & Rebecca Lehmann Robert & Wanda Willis in memory of Laura Main Robert J. Person Rocco Marino Sean Zemzars in memory of Walter & Carolyn McGinn Milda Zemzars Mary McGrattan & Robert Walsh Unitarian Universalist Society in Loretta McHugh memory of Horace & Jane Barry Stan & Sue McMillen Meadow Breeze Farm

Meadow Stone Farm REID W. TLGV members gathering for the Kayak Trip Member Program THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 9 “QSHC has distributed numerous grants to well-deserving, hardworking volunteer organizations in their area communities. I I Since 9/11, other grant opportunities I I from public and private sources for historic and I I conservation purposes have 9 virtually dried up, thereby 4 I I making preservation goals 8 more diffi cult to achieve than ever.” Carol Childress, I 5 I Volunteer Executive Director/President, I Opacum Land Trust, Inc. I I 11 I I I

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2 I I I

I I 1 I I

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I I 12 I I

I I 7 I I I

KEY I TLGV Brochure Distribution Centers 6 I # 2007 Mini-Grant I Recipients I QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 10 GROWING WITH GRANTS

Th e Last Green Valley awarded mini-grants to 12 projects that conserve, celebrate, interpret, or enhance Th e Last Green Valley’s signifi cant natural, historic, cultural, and scenic resources, or promote economic development and tourism consistent with the region’s character. Priority was given to organizations that have received little to no grant funding from TLGV in the past. Hampton Elementary School - Th e Trustees of Roseland Park in Wood- Town of Webster, MA - $2,500, to $1,700, to organize an Environmen- stock, CT - $2,500, to conduct a cul- update the Town’s Open Space and 1 tal Club for students in grades four 5 tural landscape study documenting the 9 Recreation Plan. Th e updated plan through six that will focus on a new worm history and signifi cance of the park’s features. will guide the Town’s eff orts to protect water composting program for lunchroom refuse. Th e study will include recommendations for quality and the recreational and scenic value preserving and managing the park as a unique of Webster Lake and the French River, Joshua’s Tract Conservation and cultural and historic resource. while managing the impacts of expanding Historic Trust - $2,000, to produce an development. 2 outreach video/DVD featuring several Town of Preston - $2,500, to reha- of the Trust’s properties. Th e video will assist bilitate the roof and foundation of Willimantic River Alliance - the Trust in raising awareness of its land 6 the Old Preston Library, an historic $877, to create a complete guide preservation eff orts and promote steward- building in the center of the Preston City 10 to land-based outings along ship of its existing properties. Historic District. the Willimantic River. Th e guide will be published on the Alliance’s website (www. Our Companions Domestic Animal Town of Sprague - $2,500, for the willimanticriver.org) and will include maps, Sanctuary - $2,060, to build an obser- planning phase of a wheelchair ac- text, and photos of riverside walks and con- 3 vation platform and footbridge along a 7 cessible fl y-fi shing ramp for Sprague necting trails. section of nature trail on a 43-acre parcel of River Park, the fi rst of its kind in TLGV. publicly accessible land in Ashford. Windham County 4-H Founda- Town of Union, CT - $1,550, for the tion - $750, for the purchase of Th e Black Tavern Historical Society of purchase of software that will enable it to 11 new artifi cial mammal specimens Dudley, Inc. - $2,500, towards restora- 8 generate maps using digitized parcel and to be used by the Ragged Hill Woods En- 4 tion of the Black Tavern Barn, the natural resource data. Th is capacity will enhance vironmental Education Program, a science original post and beam barn adjacent to the the preservation and protection of natural re- program off ered to local elementary schools. Black Tavern Inn. sources, improve land use decision-making, and lead to more effi cient town administration. Windham Middle School - $1,650, for printing brochures 12 and interpretative materials related to a traveling exhibit highlighting the history and culture of TLGV, including agriculture, the Industrial Revolution, im- migration, rivers, architecture, and people. Th e exhibit was developed by students from Coventry’s Captain Nathan Hale School and Windham Middle School. Total 2007 Investment: $23,087 “Th e Last Green Valley mini-grant helped us get the front Total 2007 Impacts: of the barn restored just in time for the Town of Dudley’s $204,499 275th anniversary celebration, and we are grateful.” or a return of 1:8 David Proulx, Project Manager, Black Tavern Barn Restoration Project. THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 11 GROWING THE ECONOMY VISITORS GUIDE Th e Last Green Valley Visitor’s Guide is a new initia- tive to facilitate tourist access to the region. It is the fi rst complete resource guide for the 35 towns and off ers information to customize a unique vacation experience. Th e full-color, digest-sized guide was unveiled in March. Th e 96-pages include editorial features about the region, information on natural, agricultural, historical and cultural resources, a seasonal calendar of fairs, festivals and other

B. GIORDANO major events, as well as reference material on accommoda- tions, attractions, campgrounds, shops and restaurants.

eturn for another visit? alley… Will you r ______Thank you for visiting!o The Last Green V ______now about your visit t ■ Yes , because ______Please let us k ■ Yes ■ No irst time visitor? ■ No, because ______e of visit______F Dat oup ■ Yes ■ No dults in your gr MAPLE SUGAR DAYS Day Visit only? ____ #______A ts did you stay? _____ hildren 3-17 ow many nigh e: #______C 3 h H ty nam ank you for visiting!lease give proper ______#______children under here did you stay? P let u W ______Maple Sugar Days, a celebration of the fi rst harvest of s know ab ip Code______o______ut your visit to e: Your Home Z The L e property nam reen Valley f visit___ ou do? Pleaseast Ggiv ______fi c Last G ______W_hat did y reen Valley… wing for entry in terri ___ First tim ______plete the follo he year. it only? ttraction ______e visitor Will yo Please com hroughout t the year, was organized by Th e Last Green Valley and took ■ Yes A ■ ? ■ Y ______u return for a awings to be held t No es ■ No ______nothGifter Bvisit?asket dr ______ny nights Nature ______■ Yes, b ______did you stay ______ecause ______Leisure? ______Em__ ail address d you stay? ______■ No, b ______PleaseMuseum giv ______ecause ______place on March 16-18 and March 23-25, 2007. Sugarhouses ______e property n ______Nam_ e ______istoric Site ______ame: ______H ______#______Ad Address ______ip______you do? P Dining ______ults in yo ______lease give p ______#______C______ur group ____State______Z ______Shoppingroperty ______n __ hildren City______ame: ______#______3-17 in northeastern Connecticut and south central Massachu- ___ _Spa______children ______under 3 Phone ______er______Oth ______Yoalley? ______e Last Green Vur Home Z ______T__h____ ip Cod Thank you! ______How did you__ hear___ _about__ ___ e______setts planned special tours and demonstrations, restaurants ______uide ______op_ 2 sources. ____ Please comT Vacation G SE_ O_N_LY ____ heck the t _____ ■ C R OFFICE U ______C______isitor’___ s Guide plete the follo FO ______reen__ Valley V ______G■ift BFamily/Friends win ______■_ Last G ______asket dr g for entr ______ay Guide ______awings to be y in terrifi ______■ MA Getaw______Ema held thr c Last Green ______lease____ list: il address oughout the y Valley designed maple-themed entrees and desserts, and lodgings ______■ Internet___ W___eb_ site(s) P ______ear. ______Nam ______e ______Add ______hear ab ______ress ______out The L ______off ered special overnight packages. Special maple recipes 2 sou ast Green __ City______■ rces. Valley? ______■ Valley V Phon ___State______isitor’s Gu e ______■ y Gu ide ■ ______Zip___ ide CT Vacatio ______were available on-line. Residents and visitors were able to site(s) P ■ n Guid Thank you ______lease list: Family/F e ! ______riends ______FOR OF _____ FICE US ______E ONLY ______see maple sugaring as it was done in the early 19th-century at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA, and watch as maple products found their way into the recipes of the day. Contemporary artistry on the same theme was found in galleries like Celebrations Shoppes in Pomfret, CT, where furniture and household items created from various maple woods were featured. Th is fi rst special event of the tour- ist season was very successful and recorded an enormous volume of interest on the QSHC website.

MARCH 16-18 and 23-25, 2007 Maple Sugar Days

Celebrate the Maple H arvest in T he Last Green Valley! QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE MARCH 2007 12 www.visitthelastgreenvalley.info “QSHC actively and routinely brings together business and community leaders who might otherwise never work together for cross-promotional eff orts related to cultural, recreational, agricultural and historic tourism concerns.” Alexandra McNitt, Executive Director, Central MA South Chamber of Commerce

VISITOR RESPONSE archaeological investigations with the state Matters because it is still being written. Th e CARDS archaeologist, meanders on wildlife preserves events of today and tomorrow will form As a modifi ed intercept survey, Visitor and treks through literary heritage sites. the chapters in an on-going saga. Response Cards were used to track feedback Beautiful weather brought out more than History Matters is “Local History from tourists coming to the region. Visitors 6,000 walkers from Th e Last Green Valley Month in Th e Last Green Valley.” In May, came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylva- and well beyond. Th ere was unprecedented the towns, museums, and historical societ- nia, Florida, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, California media coverage, including special pull-out ies developed special events to kick off the and North Dakota, as well as the other New sections and columns in regional newspapers, summer season and show how history still England states. Of those cards returned, 57% television and radio, and more than 100,000 matters. A colorful brochure announced stayed one night, 19% stayed two nights, hits on the websites. Many walks were the program in print and on the website, and 24% stayed three nights in the region. over-subscribed, fi nding 150-200 people in promoting the plethora of historical experi- First-time visitors accounted for 55% of the attendance. Walkers came from all the New ences available to resident and visitor alike. responders, and dining, attractions and natu- England states, New York, Michigan, Ohio, For the history organizations, this program ral sites were the primary reasons for visiting. Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, was a way to be part of a cohesive initiative Th e months between April and October had Nebraska, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas, that put the spotlight on their work; for the the most visits with September as the highest as well as Canada and England. tourist, the program shows that there is a visited month. Tourists found out about Th e In light of this great success and sug- critical mass of experiences available. Last Green Valley through the internet, fam- gestions from walk leaders and partners, ily and friends, Th e Last Green Valley Visitors Walking WeekendS will become Walktober THE GREAT Guide, the Massachusetts Getaway Guide, and in 2008, and feature not only free, guided BROCHURE SWAP the Connecticut Vacation Guide. Th e informa- walks, but also events celebrating the culture, Providing information to visitors is tion will be shared with tourism partners in history and beautiful nature of Th e Last an important endeavor at Th e Last Green the region and used to inform marketing Green Valley during the entire month. Valley. Coordinating regular routes to fi ll decisions in 2008. the more than 40 information racks and HISTORY MATTERS service information centers is a year-round WALKING WEEKENDS History Matters because it is about task. However, activity redoubles in spring Boasting 115 outdoor adventures for all people – young people, old people, rich and, therefore, it is essential to have on ages, the 17th Annual Walking WeekendS and poor people, people who farmed and hand an ample supply of brochures and began on Friday, October 5th and continued fought and worked and loved. People rack cards from tourist entities. To facilitate for two weekends. Th e event was promoted who died and, more importantly, people this, Th e Last Green Valley held it fi rst an- through a newly designed, easier to use bro- who lived. History Matters because is a nual Great Brochure Swap in March at the chure and sponsored by Th e Savings Institute story about what happened, not just a Country Hearth Inn and Suites in Putnam, Bank & Trust, as well as other corporate part- list of treaties and dates and long-winded CT. More than 50 attendees brought boxes ners. Th e free, guided walks included: a walk speeches. It’s the story of an emerging na- of their publications to share with TLGV at the largest alpaca farm in Connecticut, tion, and the good things and bad things and others, while picking up their supply that happened along the way. History of the new Th e Last Green Valley Visitors

“QSHC’s ability to create a “sense of place” out of the numerous small communities that make up Th e Last Green Valley has a tremendous impact on tourism in the region. QSHC has broken down traditional barriers of town and state lines and worked to create a positive image of the region.” Sheryl Hack, Executive Director, Connecticut Landmarks (formerly Th e Antiquarian & Landmarks Society) THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 13 Guide, and materials from their colleagues. July, there are ceremonies and re-enactments, Th ey had an opportunity to network parades and fi reworks displays honoring those before a brief program introduced the new who lived and died for freedom. At small-town publication, the visitor intercept cards band concerts and church suppers, fl ower and off ered a humorous view of life as an shows and baseball games, the people of Th e attraction from Deb Tanner of Creamery Last Green Valley get together to celebrate Brook Bison Farm. Suggestions were made that freedom with friendship and fun. Th e to include a Volunteer Fair to promote brochure was available only on the web. In volunteer opportunities at local venues in addition, an extensive calendar of events is the Great Brochure Swap next year. maintained year round on all three websites. through the towns of Pomfret, Brooklyn, Th e Bike Guide was developed in NEW WEB SOURCES and Canterbury. Many of the destina- response to ever-increasing requests for Th e Last Green Valley maintains three tions on each tour are in National Historic detailed information on bike touring. websites: thelas- Register Districts. Th e tours are accompa- Originally drafted by the former Northeast tgreenvalley.org nied by detailed maps, little-known facts Connecticut Visitors District, the tours is the general ad- and interesting descriptions. Interesting cover the central portion of Th e Last Green dress; visitthelas- side trips include Wolf Den State Park, the Valley. Miles of beautiful roads, many with tgreenvalley.info legendary site of the demise of the last she- scenic designations, are perfect for bike is a site designed wolf in Windham County at the hands of touring. Th e guide is actually a series of for tourists; Israel Putnam, and the Old Trinity Church loop tours that connect to spokes that, in and greenval- in Brooklyn, the oldest Episcopal Church turn, connect to other loops. Th e user can leyinstitute.org in Connecticut. click quickly between loops and spokes to is devoted to Go Fourth is an on-going summer customize a variety of touring options. Each continuing education for land use decision celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of loop and spoke is presented as an individual makers. In 2007, the following new products happiness. Go Fourth provided a schedule of map with mileage, heritage highlights, lodg- were made available for tourists. New edu- the wide array of events designed to lift the ings, restrooms and snack locations. Tours of cational resources and developments related spirit, free the imagination, and celebrate the northern and southern routes through Th e to the GVI website are discussed in other region’s rich heritage. From early June to mid- Last Green Valley are being planned. portions of this report. Hill Towns, Mill Towns Driving Tour centers on Routes 12 and 169 in northeast Connecticut and off ers interest- ing details on the history of the region. Originally published in 1988 by the Association of Northeast Connecticut His- torical Societies, Inc., the self-guided tour has been updated and put on-line by Th e Last Green Valley. Hill Towns and Mills Towns traces the life of the villages in the region from the 1600s to the present day. Th e Mill Town Tour uses Route 12 and the Quinebaug River to organize an adventure through Plainfi eld, Brooklyn, Killingly, Putnam and Th ompson. Connecting from Route 12 over the West Th ompson Dam to Route 169, the Hill Town Tour begins in Woodstock at Roseland Cottage, a Na- tional Historic Landmark, and tours south along Route 169 from hill-top to hill-top QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 14 GROWING LEADERSHIP

WATER QUALITY la Coughlin, the Citizen Science Program and stonefl ies, as indicators of water qual- MONITORING Coordinator for the Connecticut Audubon ity. Th is training was coordinated with the Th e Volunteer Water Quality Moni- Society Center at Pomfret and USDA Connecticut Audubon Society Center at toring Program, initiated in April 2006, Natural Resources Conservation Service Pomfret. Mike Beauchene of the CT DEP has continued to expand in 2007 under staff Todd Bobowick and Seth Lerman, also participated in one training event. the coordination of Jean Pillo. Th e U.S. trained a total of 44 people how to visually Environmental Protection Agency awarded assess stream watershed conditions by use of the fl edgling program loaner equipment the StreamWalk protocol developed by the at a Hartford ceremony celebrating World USDA NRCS. StreamWalks were organized Water Quality Monitoring Day on October in the summer of 2007 in the Poquetanuck 18, 2006. Th e CT Department of Envi- Cove watershed in the southern part of the ronmental Protection provided funding to Corridor in cooperation with the Poqu- purchase equipment and outreach materi- etanuck Cove Preservation Committee, als in support of the Rapid Bioassessment and with assistance of the Quaddick Lake for Volunteers and StreamWalk programs Association, the upper Five Mile River was through the EPA Clean Water Act NPS also partially assessed. grant program. Funding provided by the In fall 2007, over 50 people regis- Massachusetts Executive Offi ce of Energy tered to participate in the Rapid Bioas- and Environmental Aff airs enabled the sessment for Volunteers program. Rapid support of existing volunteer water qual- bioassessment is a means of water quality ity/quantity programs in Massachusetts. In monitoring using pollution sensitive stream total, over $20,000 of support from these invertebrates, like certain types of mayfl ies three sources was gratefully received and J.PILLO put to good use this year. In April 2007 the Water Subcom- mittee of QSHC’s Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee sponsored its fi rst workshop in cooperation with many mem- ber organizations. Th is workshop, entitled “Beneath the Surface, Understanding the Lakes We Love,” featured speakers on lake water quality monitoring and aquatic inva- sive species. Th e 40+ workshop attendees were provided with a wealth of information about watershed behavior that will impact water quality of their lake and guidance on how to form a lake association with a focus on protecting water quality. Special thanks to Webster Lake Association for its extraordinary eff ort to bring equipment and demonstrate the In-situ Troll 9500 multi- parameter water quality measuring tool and to the Woodstock Conservation Commis- sion, who co-sponsored the workshop. Th e QSHC Water Quality Monitoring Program, working in cooperation with Pau- J.PILLO THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 15 THE GREEN VALLEY J.GOTHREAU J.GOTHREAU

Th e Green Valley Institute (GVI) was 2007 Program Impacts: created to help document, plan for and • GVI has been recognized for its work protect the priceless resources of Th e Last by nine regional, state and national Green Valley as our region grows. Its mis- sources. In 2007 it received the sion is to improve the knowledge base from Partnership Award from the Eastern which land use and natural resource deci- Connecticut RC&D Council for sions are made, and to build local capacity working on conservation and develop- to protect and manage natural resources ment issues in the region and for the as our region grows. GVI is a partnership Greenway/Blueway project. among the Quinebaug-Shetucket Na- • Seventy-nine short courses, workshops tional Heritage Corridor, the University and training sessions were taught to of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture 1,259 Corridor community leaders, and Natural Resources, the University of landowners and others in town halls Massachusetts, and Th e Nature Conser- and other community buildings, bring- vancy Connecticut Chapter. Its programs ing the information directly to the are made possible through active partner- target audience in their own communi- ships with many other organizations, and ties. the active involvement of QSHC’s Natural • Two more towns received their first Resources and Agriculture Committee. map set of Natural and Cultural Since land use and natural resource plan- Resource Inventories, bringing the total ning and management are primarily local Corridor towns with GVI map sets to activities, GVI programs specifi cally target 19. GVI also has developed a method- three local audiences: private landowners, ology to map co-occurring resources, municipal leaders and land use commis- another tool to help towns prioritize sioners, and contractors, realtors and others their resources and incorporate those who convert open space to other uses. GVI goals into their Plans of Conservation works to ensure that these groups have and Development or Open Space the knowledge and resources they need to Plans. GVI worked with 8 towns make good decisions as they plan for the to develop their own co-occurring future. resource maps in 2007. • GVI staff met with individual land- owners about land conservation meth- ods which contributed to at least 687 QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 16 J.GOTHREAU INSTITUTE J. BOLAND C. RETTENMEYER

acres of additional land that is now in Massachusetts portion of the French River. project in the corridor. the process of, or has been permanently • GVI worked with the CT Department • GVI co-sponsored the First Annual CT protected. Since 2001, 7,412 acres of of Agriculture and five Corridor towns to Smart Growth Conference with 1000 undeveloped land have been perma- add Locally Important Farmland Soils as Friends of CT, and presented a ses- nently protected from development, or a soil category that is approved for state sion “How to Build Support for Smart are in the process of such protection, as farmland preservation funding. Growth in Rural Communities.” a result of information provided by GVI • Twenty-nine additional Corridor forest • Partnering with the UConn Landscape staff and/or programs. owners have completed a six-part forest Architecture Program, Goodwin Forest • GVI and other partners assisted The stewardship short course. and U.S. Forest Service, GVI developed Nature Conservancy, Connecticut • GVI conducted a day-long Stewardship and printed an Urban Tree Selection Chapter and Connecticut DEP with Workshop for land trusts, conservation Manual. The guide will help communi- their proposal for a $1 million grant commissions and other volunteers. In ties with site plan review, street and road to protect wetland bird habitats in addition, “Management of Conservation side plantings. the Quinebaug Highlands/Natchaug Easements,” a one-hour program for land • Two additional Fact Sheets were developed Basin Area. Completion of this proj- trusts and others, has been developed. for the 10-issue series, all of which are ect represents more than $4 million • GVI prepared a Build-Out and Cost available on-line: Community Involvement worth of resource protection and will of Community Services Study for identifies ways to engage community result in 1,100-acres of permanently Lebanon and presented the findings to members in working together in planning preserved wetland and upland habitat. the Finance Board and other interested their town’s future; Wetland Plants provides • Two additional Corridor communities citizens. As a result, for the first time information to land use officials to help received assistance in forming new con- Lebanon’s budget included $100,000 set them in site plan review. servation commissions. GVI has now aside for open space. • GVI’s GIS center has worked to update helped 13 Connecticut towns create new • GVI partnered with Eastern and expand the Corridor’s available map conservation commissions or revitalize Connecticut RC&D Council in data and has added an Eco-Region Map. inactive ones, and one other now has a bringing a three-part seminar series • GVI continued its three-hour work- conservation subcommittee. on Advanced Approaches to Land shop “Conservation Development • GVI and the UConn Center for Land Use Protection. Topics included fiscal Options: Finding a Balance that Works” Education and Research provided GIS and impacts of land protection, conserva- for the Eastern Connecticut Realtor’s GPS training classes to 12 participants. tion subdivisions, limited development Association. A follow-up survey indicates • GVI worked with the UMASS Landscape techniques and transfer of development that of previous attendees, 93% can bet- Architecture and Regional Planning rights (TDR). GVI is working with the ter assess natural resources, 86% have Department on a study to locate canoe CT Office of Responsible Growth to shared land protection strategies with and kayak access points along the explore the possibility of a pilot TDR others, 50% have now used digital maps, THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 17 and 50% have considered and/or recom- GVI Partners in 2007: mended a site to a developer as a potential Central Massachusetts Regional Planning HERITAGE conservation subdivision. Commission LANDSCAPE • Greenway/Blueway Maps, based on Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust regional workshops and meetings with Connecticut Association of Conservation and INVENTORY conservation commissions, have been pre- Inland Wetlands Commissions PROGRAM pared and displayed at three recent regional Connecticut Audubon Society A partnership among the workshops. CT DEP is working toward Connecticut Department of Environmental an interactive state-wide map, a direct out- Protection Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Cor- ridor, John H. Chaff ee Blackstone come of GVI’s greenway mapping work. Connecticut Forest & Park Association River Valley National Heritage Cor- • GVI supplied a monthly news column Dudley Conservation Land Trust for 19 town newspapers and websites ridor (National Park Service) and Eastern Connecticut Forest Landowners Associa- the Massachusetts Executive Offi ce as a way to educate a broader audience. tion/Wolf Den Land Trust Articles cover a variety of natural resource of Energy and Environmental Af- Eastern Connecticut Resource Conservation & fairs, Department of Conservation and land protection topics and have been Development Area well received. and Recreation. Eastern Connecticut Soil & Water Conservation Th e Heritage Landscape Invento- • Corridor towns are continuing to fol- District ry Program was designed to protect, low through on information provided Joshua’s Tract Conservation & Historic Trust by GVI workshops; 10 Corridor towns promote and enhance our common Massachusetts Association of Conservation wealth of natural, cultural and recre- now include Conservation or Open Space Commissions Subdivisions in their regulations, and ational resources. Massachusetts Executive Offi ce of Energy and Th e goals are to create a sense three more are in the process. Environmental Affairs, Department of of stewardship among residents by • GVI completed a major revision to its Conservation and Recreation increasing public awareness of the rich website to provide additional land use Mid-State (MA) Trail Association information to Corridor communities collection of heritage landscapes that Natural Resources Conservation Service – greenvalleyinstitute.org. exists and facilitating their preserva- Northeast Connecticut Council of Governments tion. Th e program involves several THE GREEN VALLEY Opacum Land Trust distinct phases: research and fi eldwork, INSTITUTE Southeast Connecticut Council of Governments presentation and education of preser- Personnel University of Connecticut Center of Land Use Edu- vation tools to the communities, and Steve Broderick cation and Research and Extension Geospatial development of a historic landscape Co-Director, Senior Educator in Forestry, UConn Technologies Program preservation plan. Th at plan includes Susan Westa University of Massachusetts Department of amassing all historic research in one Co-Director, Asst. Educator in Land Use and Natural Resources Conservation location, inventorying existing condi- Natural Resources, UConn Windham Region Council of Governments tions, analyzing the signifi cance and Michael Altshul Wyndham Land Trust integrity of the landscapes, developing Geographic Information Systems Specialist, UConn - and numerous municipal boards, commissions and a preservation approach, and putting Ruth Cutler staff from throughout The Last Green Valley. in place an appropriate maintenance/ Land Trust Liaison and Volunteer Coordinator, stewardship plan. UConn Robert Levite, from UMass and a Holly Drinkuth member of the Green Valley Institute Land Conservation Coordinator and TNC team, served as the regional project Quinebaug Highlands Project Director coordinator for the program in Th e Robert Levite, Esq, Last Green Valley. Th e towns of Brim- Extension Natural Resources Educator, UMass fi eld, Dudley, Oxford and Sturbridge Paula Stahl participated in the initial undertaking. Asst. Educator in Community Planning and Th e Last Green Valley also hosted infor- Community Finance, UConn mational meetings and helped publicize Mark Westa the endeavor. Assoc. Professor of Landscape Architecture, UConn QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 18 Nature teaches more than she preaches. JOHN BURROUGHS

GROWING FUTURE STEWARDS

ON-LINE EDUCATIONAL materials that are in sync with the state Local History/Th e Stories of People and RESOURCES standards for education in each grade level. Place include a section on Prudence Crandall, On thelastgreenvalley.org, teachers can avail Connecticut’s State Heroine and off ers units Valley Quest is an on-line guide to themselves of resources in local history, on multiple viewpoints and discrimination sources of educational programming dealing science and nature, and literature, each for middle and high schoolers. Telling the with history, natural history, the environ- developed by experts in education. Story of How We Got Here is a curriculum ment and agriculture as off ered by our many Science and Nature: Understanding that uses original historic documents and oral partners, augmented by QSHC interpretive Th e Last Green Valley promotes the use histories to integrate social history, art, and materials. It has been very popular with of the scientifi c method to learn about writing into a stimulating educational experi- teachers, group leaders and parents. the ecology of Th e Last Green Valley. Th e ence for students in grades four and up. Joining Valley Quest is a selection of Story of the Temperate Forest: One Plot at Earth Day Recycling Program for curricula materials that reinforce the mis- a Time is a curriculum and activity guide middle schools is discussed in the section sion of Th e Last Green Valley by inspiring for students in grades three and up. It is on Growing Environmental Stewards. and educating its future stewards. Teach- accompanied by an evaluation rubric and ers appreciate the value of well-developed student-designed fi eld guide project. THE LAST GREEN VALLEY ANNUAL REPORT 2007 THE LAST GREEN VALLEY 19 JEAN PILLO Christopher Dodd, U. S. Senator, Connecticut “The Last Green Valley is an exceptional example of an effi cient and productive public-private part- nership. I congratulate the residents, businesses and towns in the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley for their dedication to preserving the cultural and environmental treasures of the region. I am proud to stand with them in supporting efforts to make this region a self-sustaining heritage area so future generations can enjoy the unique beauty of this historic section of our country.”

Edward M. Kennedy, U. S. Senator, Massachusetts “In the past decade, the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor has rallied residents, nonprof- its, businesses and towns in “The Last Green Valley” to preserve the region and its resources. The corridor is a tribute to the dedication and vision of the people involved in its partnerships, and I commend them for their leadership.”

John Kerry, U. S. Senator, Massachusetts “The folks at the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor, Inc., have worked tirelessly to protect and restore our communites’ treasures. Their efforts ensure that our natural resources and landmarks that tell our story and defi ne our region’s character will be there for the future stewards of The Last Green Valley.”

Joseph Lieberman, U. S. Senator, Connecticut “It has been my privilege to support the efforts of Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor, Inc., over these many years. They have had a resound- ing success in marshalling the energy and creativ- ity of residents, businesses, towns and nonprofi ts to coalesce around the preservation of the historic and natural resources that make this region The Last Green Valley. I commend their hard work, applaud their impressive accomplish- ments and look forward to their continued success.”

Richard E. Neal, U. S. Congressman, Massachu- setts “Preserving The Last Green Valley helps ensure that the scenic and historical doors to this precious region remain open for future genera- tions. It utilizes our rich past and environmental treasures in the best, productive way - ultimate- ly creating jobs and a renewed economic vista for central Massa- chusetts and northern Connecticut. I applaud the efforts of QSHC over the past year and congratulate the work of so many residents, businesses, nonprofi ts and towns.”

Joseph Courtney, U. S. Congressman, Connecticut “I applaud the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor for its regional stewardship and advocacy. It has tirelessly advanced the valley’s balanced smart growth and provided an important founda- tion for future caretakers of the Last Green Valley.” QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR QUINEBAUG-SHETUCKET HERITAGE 20 “It [the Corridor] has helped the region in many ways. The corridor has given numerous grants throughout the years for items such as mill restora- tion, sustainable agriculture, historic preservation, river cleanups, community festivals, trail projects, downtown streetscape improvements, school cur- riculum development and more…The corridor is the prime promoter of our natural resources…has helped farmers fi nd a niche with agri-tourism and developed comprehensive tourism material for the northeast corner of the state…Write to your sena- tors and representatives, applaud their efforts and urge them to ensure the corridor is reauthorized. The region is lucky to have the designation and the people committed to maintaining it.” – Norwich Bulletin, Opinion, April 30, 2007.

“There is a growing interest and concern by the residents of The Last Green Valley in the future of our region. The interest is evidenced by the increased participation in Walking WeekendS events. It is evidenced in the growth of Farmer’s Markets and locally-produced food. It is evidenced by the concern for the environment as well as our historic roots. The QSHC has helped cultivate that interest and can be a key to a healthy future for the region.” – Robin Chesmer, Graywall Farms

“QSHC provides a forum and mechanism where regional conservation needs can be identifi ed, and discussed, and support found. It also provides the means to expand successful local programs throughout the Corridor. It is the one organized networking opportunity crossing town and state lines that we have in this region for conservation/ preservation issues.” – Ken Parker, President, French River Connection

“Until QSHC came on the scene, Northeastern CT was an aggregate of towns with differing rules, regulations, values, and visions. I believe that these same towns see themselves as part of a larger whole. I honestly did not think that this change was possible in such a short amount of time. The Corridor has brought together many disparate interests (historical, tourism, agricultural, environmental, planning) and developed a holistic approach to both development and preservation efforts.” – Leslie Lewis, Walk Connecticut Coordinator, CT Forest & Parks Association, CT Greenways Coordinator, retired QUINEBAUGSHETUCKET HERITAGE CORRIDOR, INC. Preserving Th e Last Green Valley

107 Providence Street, Putnam, CT 06260 P.O. Box 186, Southbridge, MA 01550

Fax: 860-928-2189 • Toll Free: 866-363-7226 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thelastgreenvalley.org and www.visitthelastgreenvalley.info

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