NEWSLETTER OF THEw CONNECTICUTww.ctwoodla FORESTnds.or g PARK ASSOCIATION CFPA News Notes Conserving the land, trails, and natural resources of Connecticut since 1895

Summer 2013 Volume 6 Issue 1

Hartford Foundation Grant Connecting Kids with Nature Building the Gateway to the NET Broadens Trail Protection Try this fun outdoor Project Lots of great work happening in Thank You CT Trails With this generous funding, Learning Tree activity with your Guilford to complete the southern CFPA will be able to protect favorite young naturalist this gateway to our newest National Day Weekend trails for the future. summer. Scenic Trail. SPONSORS! Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Page 3

Connecticut Off ers a Record 267 Events on CT Trails Day Weekend

There is no other trails celebration like back riding, running, trail maintenance, it. Connecticut Trails Day Weekend, part kayaking, bird watching, history walks, of American Hiking Society’s National letterboxing, and more. The celebration Trails Day initiative, has led the nation is a great way to discover a new trail, try in the most trail events over the past de- out a new activity, or learn something cade. CFPA is happy to report that 2013 new about Connecticut and/or nature. has proven to be another record year. An A key resource for those participating astonishing 267 outdoor events in 153 in CT-TDW is CFPA’s famous CT Trails towns on over 575 miles of trail were reg- Day Weekend booklet. The colorful and istered for the 21st CT Trails Day Week- informative booklet is not only essential end on June 1-2. No matter the number for promoting the events, but it is also a of events, the celebration is always a fun, great resource to fi nd fun trails and new healthy, and wonderful way to connect places to visit throughout the year. This with Connecticut’s trails and beautiful year 30,000 printed booklets were dis- landscape. tributed around the state to Connecticut CT Trails Day Weekend (CT-TDW) public libraries, Stop & Shop stores, out- Hikers enjoy the view from the Ma abese is coordinated by CFPA and happens door retailers (such as Eastern Mountain Trail overlooking the Middletown Reservoir. Photo: Bill Flood because of the hard work of many people Sports, L.L. Bean, REI, and Trailblazer), for several months in advance of the fi rst and other select locations. If you are a and are excited to introduce it to new weekend in June. A wonderful, diverse CFPA member, there was no need to try people who they hope will enjoy the trail group of outdoor enthusiasts and orga- to track one down; members receive the too. If you participated in a CT-TDW nizations begin in winter to reach out to booklet in the mail. Booklets can also be event, consider sending a thank you to potential leaders, and dream up and plan picked up each year at the CFPA offi ce the leader and perhaps their affi liated their own unique, fun events to include and an electronic version is posted online organization for their time and effort— in the annual booklet. at ctwoodlands.org. even though they don’t expect it! There is always something for ev- CT-TDW would not happen if it were The other group that makes CT-TDW eryone. The guided events range from not for the hundreds of volunteers who happen includes the many sponsors who easy, family-oriented education walks organize and lead the individual events. support the production of the booklets, to long hikes over challenging terrain. They are a committed, generous group the materials for the leader packets, the Individuals and families can choose from who often lead events year after year. activities such as hiking, biking, horse- They do so because they love their trail Continued on page 3

CFPA News Notes Connecting people to the land. Conserving Connecticut. 1 1 CONNECTICUT FOREST PARK ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS From the Executive Director President: Eric Lukingbeal, Granby Vice-Presidents: Conservation at the Capitol William D. Breck, Killingworth Every year since 1897, CFPA has put together an “Agenda for Connecticut’s Land Geoffrey Meissner, Plantsville David Platt, Higganum and People.” The Agenda lays out CFPA’s conservation priorities for the year, and Starr Sayres, East Haddam contract lobbyist John Larkin helps lead our efforts to implement it. Treasurer: A summary of the legislative action on CFPA priorities follows: James W. Dombrauskas, New Hartford 1. Reducing Economic Losses and Enhancing Public Safety in Future Storms Secretary: Eric Hammerling, West Hartford H.B. 6538: An Act Concerning Arborists and Tree Wardens. This bill requires that Forester: Steve Broderick, Eastford municipal tree wardens or their deputies must become qualifi ed within 1 year of be- ing appointed by either taking coursework or being a licensed arborist. Before this Directors: landmark legislation, there was no professional knowledge requirement for mu- Russell Brenneman, Westport Robert Butterworth, Deep River nicipal tree wardens—a position of great infl uence over tree management in every Starling W. Childs, Norfolk town. Result: Now Public Act 13-203. Ruth Cutler, Ashford H.B. 6360: An Act Concerning the Implementation of Connecticut’s Renewable Thomas J. Degnan, Jr., Old Lyme Energy Strategy. CFPA was part of a working group which defi ned the process by Laurence Diamond, Coventry which electric utilities must notify landowners and respond to appeals on tree prun- Caroline Driscoll, New London Astrid T. Hanzalek, Suffi eld ing proposed within a “Utility Protection Zone” (8 feet on either side of telephone David Lauretti, Bloomfi eld poles/wires). This zone will be managed with an emphasis on “Right Tree, Right Michael Lecours, Farmington Place.” Result: Now Public Act 13-298. David K. Leff, Collinsville Miranda Linsky, Middletown 2. Realizing Economic and Public Health Benefi ts of Keeping State Parks Open Scott Livingston, Bolton CFPA requested funding for the State Parks in the State Budget and through S.B. Jeff Loureiro, Canton 1011 that would have allowed DEEP to raise additional revenues from weddings, Lauren L. McGregor, Hamden pavilion rentals, and cabin rentals. These requests were unsuccessful. It is important Jeffrey O’Donnell, Bristol to note that CFPA and the Friends of CT State Parks asked Legislators to “Adopt” Deborah C. Spalding, Guilford the State Parks and Forests in their districts, and more than 50 legislators did. Richard Whitehouse, Glastonbury 3. Protecting the New England Trail Honorary Directors: Gordon Anderson, Glastonbury S.B. 1015: An Act Concerning the New England Trail National Scenic Trail. CFPA Harrol W. Baker, Jr., Bolton promoted this bill to add the New England Trail to the Connecticut statutes as a Richard Bauerfeld, Redding land protection priority parallel to language existing for the Appalachian Trail. George M. Camp, Middletown Result: Now Public Act 13-231. Ann M. Cuddy, Ashland, OR Prudence P. Cutler, Farmington 4. Land Acquisition Samuel G. Dodd, North Andover, MA The Budget includes $10 million in bonding for open space protection, $10 mil- Grace W. Ellsworth, Haddam lion in bonding for the acquisition of priority state lands, $10 million in bonding John E. Hibbard, Hebron Philip H. Jones, Jr., Shelton for farmland preservation, and the Community Investment Act (which funds open Edward A. Richardson, Glastonbury space, farmland, historic preservation, and low income housing projects) survived L.P. Sperry, Jr., Middlebury intact without being raided. Sally L. Taylor, Mystic 5. Late-Session “Rats” Sidney Van Zandt, Noank S.B. 190: ATV Policy Bill. This bill would require DEEP to implement its 2002 ATV STAFF Policy by July 1, 2014. The 2002 ATV policy is not working, and this bill will not Eric Hammerling, Executive Dir help. Result: Thankfully, this bill was vetoed by Governor Malloy. Jennifer Benner, Communications Assoc Lori Paradis Brant, Education Dir H.B. 6672: An Act Concerning the Conveyance of Certain State Land. This bill will, Steve Broderick, Forest & Program Dir, Goodwin amongst other things, transfer ~8 acres to the town of Madison from lands man- Forest Conservation Education Center aged as part of the Hammonasset State Park complex. This land is to be used as Clare Cain, Trail Stewardship Dir open space/access associated with the recreational activities at the former Griswold Marty Gosselin, Membership & Marketing Dir Airport site. People disagree on whether this is land with high conservation value, Leslie Lewis, WalkCT Dir but it is clear that the public hearing process and normal DEEP process was circum- James W. Little, Development Dir vented, and that is a shame. Result: Now Special Act 13-23. Lindsay Michel, Land Conservation Dir Kara Murphy, Advancement Asst The General Assembly is now out of session for the year, but we encourage you to Teresa Peters, Offi ce Mgr keep in contact with your legislators and remind them that conservation is impor- tant to you too. Thanks for your support!!

2 CFPA News Notes www.ctwoodlands.org Continued from page 1 Thank You 2013 CT Trails Day Weekend Sponsors! promotion of the celebration, and the Connecticut ($10,000+) Burns & McDonnell CFPA staff needed to coordinate and Connecticut Forest & Park Association Connecticut Community Foundation carry out these tasks. The Connecticut Connecticut Department of Energy & Ensign-Bickford Foundation Trails Day Weekend sponsors and vol- Environmental Protection (DEEP) Horst Engineering unteer leaders (and organizations) are Connecticut Light & Power Lynch Toyota Stop & Shop Murtha Cullina, LLP the vital supporters who help make this Reid and Riege, P.C. celebration a reality. Thank you to every- Forest ($5,000) Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc. Robinson & Cole, LLP one involved for making this celebration Crosswicks Family Foundation, LTD Tilcon CT, Inc. a success. If you would like to express Loureiro Engineering Associates Walk (Other) your appreciation and/or share your CT- United Technologies Corporation The Connecticut Water Company TDW or other CT trail experiences with Tree ($2,500) Kaman Corporation us, please visit us on Facebook and post Aquarion Water Company of CT a message on our wall, www.facebook. com/CTForestandParkAssociation. Hartford Foundation Grant Broadens Trail Protection As most of you know, the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails are one of CT’s most valu- able resources for outdoor recreation, but what many people do not realize is that about 40 percent of the trail system resides on private property. We are lucky to have so many willing landowners open their property for public enjoyment and we thank them for their continued support, but we know that issues arise and not having permanent protections in place makes the trails vulnerable to long road walks and closures. One of the most important jobs here at CFPA is working CFPA Development Director James Li le (center) celebrates trails with the staff of the Connecticut with landowners to secure permanent Community Foundation (le and right), a new sponsor of CT Trails Day Weekend. Photo: Staff protection along trail corridors. With a 3-year $165,000 grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, work has begun on a protection plan for the northern part of the New England Trail (NET). CFPA staff have met with local land trusts, town planners, and trail managers to discuss property ownership, current local conservation plans/proj- ects, trail issues, connectivity, and future goals. Gathering this information will allow CFPA to collaborate on and priori- tize conservation projects, contemplate trail improvement reroutes, and possible connector trails in a comprehensive trail protection/enhancement plan. Through this process, CFPA hopes to hone in on aspects that work and set the precedence Hikers make new discoveries as they happen CT Trails Day Weekend is a time for outdoor upon a lady slipper wildfl ower during a CT fun for people of all ages and abilities, like for similar plans throughout the 825-mile Trails Day Weekend outing on the Nehantic these hikers at the Meshomasic State Forest in Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. Trail in Griswold. Photo: Clare Cain Glastonbury. Photo: Eric Hammerling

Connecting people to the land. Conserving Connecticut. 3 CONNECTICUT FOREST PARK ASSOCIATION Education Exchange Another PLT CT Educator centered on tapping into the restorative Wins Award power of nature here in Connecticut. At CFPA we hope that Newtown and In December of 2009, science teacher all Connecticut residents will continue Edmund Smith participated in our fi rst- to discover the nurturing benefi ts of con- ever Project Learning Tree GreenSchools necting with nature on a regular basis. workshop. Ed teaches at Two Rivers We invite everyone to take advantage of Magnet Middle School in East Hartford programs like the free WalkCT Family along with our PLT CT Outstanding Rambles and to discover new places to Educator of the Year 2011-2012, Christie visit at www.walkct.org and along the Hazen. This past March, Ed was recog- Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. nized as Educator of the Year at the CT Outdoor & Environmental Education Trees, Energy, and Investiga- Association (COEEA) Annual Conference held at Central CT State University. Ed tions, Oh My! thanked many folks and organizations, PLT CT is excited about its growing rela- including CFPA, in providing him the tionship with eesmarts, an energy educa- tools and information he can use to keep tion initiative, funded by the Connecticut his teaching interesting and evolving. Energy Effi ciency Fund. This summer, Congratulations, Ed! we are offering energy and recycling PLT CT educator Edmund Smith (le ) is presented with the Educator of the Year award professional development workshops for Conferences in the Air by COEEA President Geoff McCann (right). teachers using PLT’s GreenSchools In- What a busy spring for our education di- Photo: Rebecca Meyer vestigations. These investigations put the rector, Lori Paradis Brant, as it is a great student in the driver seat as they exam- learning time for educators. Lori led an used at nature centers and in the class- ine their energy and water use, school- early childhood workshop at the Keefe- room setting. Rachael and Lori also gave yard habitats, waste and recycling, and Bruyette Symposium at the University a GreenSchools presentation to the entire environmental quality at their school. of Saint Joseph where she also enjoyed conference audience. Spring 2013 was in- The workshops will guide teachers in lunching with CFPA Board member, deed buzzing with lots of great activities. facilitating these hands-on activities with David Leff. David was also a presenter. their students who collect and analyze While the symposium focused on using Peace and the Natural World data that can be used to help their local math and science, both David and Lori in Newtown school make environmentally-sound and used that theme to help preschool educa- curriculum-based decisions. Both CFPA’s executive director and edu- tors learn about using nature and the As part of the collaboration with cation director were honored to partici- outdoors as part of their curriculum. eesmarts, PLT CT is thrilled to receive pate in a panel of environmental educa- nearly $5,000 worth of investigative For the fi rst time, Lori and her DEEP tors about the healing power of nature in equipment the teachers can borrow for partner, Rachael Sunny, presented early April. CFPA was a sponsor of this their students to participate in the col- “Growing Tomorrow’s Conservation- special event, which presented Richard lection of data in their classroom, school, ists” at University of Connecticut’s CT Louv, Audubon Medal Winner and best- and schoolyard. Light meters, watt Conference on Natural Resources. The selling author of Last Child in the Woods meters, infrared thermometers, and more event attracted college students, nonfor- and The Nature Principle. mal educators and resource professionals will be loaned to teachers participating in Louv read aloud a thoughtful essay he from around the state. the program. For details on this exciting had written after the horror occurred in collaborative, visit www.ctwoodlands. The K-12 teachers and nonformal Newtown. He read and talked about the org/educ. educators at the COEEA Annual Con- peacefulness one can feel when being in ference also enjoyed a choice of one of an outdoor setting and the stories and Project Learning Tree CT (PLT CT) is an three different PLT-themed workshops comments he hears from people around environmental education initiative sponsored in the offerings. Led by Cheri Collins, the States on the tranquility they fi nd by CFPA and DEEP (Department of Energy a PLT CT steering committee member, in nature. The follow-up Q&A between & Environmental Protection). Rachael Sunny and Lori, these sessions the audience and the panel of educators gave participants practical activities to be

4 CFPA News Notes www.ctwoodlands.org &RQQHFWLQJ.LGVWR1DWXUH

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Connecting people to the land. Conserving Connecticut. 5 CONNECTICUT FOREST PARK ASSOCIATION Trail Mix Spring Trails Workshop Gives Building the Gateway to the NET in Guilford Peoples State Park A Boost Many hands make light work—or in the CFPA is pleased to case of trails, make great progress. 30 vol- announce a grant unteers joined CFPA for its annual Spring from the Guilford Trails Workshop, which was at Peoples Foundation to assist State Forest in Barkhamsted in late April with construction this year. The sun was shining, the bugs of the New England were out, and the tools were singing as Trail’s (NET) southern we got down to some good old fash- gateway. The trail ioned, dirty trail work. begins (or ends, de- pending which way Projects included building a native you are travelling) timber bridge, constructing new trail, at Guilford’s Chit- refreshing blazes, posting directional tenden Park on the signs, improving drainage, building bog Long Island Sound. bridges, and repairing a section of a 220 Photo: Staff The grant, totaling $10,000 over 3 years, will be instrumental stone-step Civilian Conservation Corps in developing a new section of trail that highlights the NET and its connection to (CCC) staircase. Thank you to all who the Sound. A new boardwalk will be built to allow visitors and hikers to better pitched in to improve the trails. Maran- experience the natural beauty of the shoreline at the trail’s most southern point. dinos, a local New Hartford grocery, provided great food to top off the event! The Foundation’s generous award will be complimented by other important Special thanks also to Erik & Helen Ann donations to the project, including that of the Department of Economic & Com- Landgraf, Sue Stagg, DEEP staff at Peo- munity Development, the Town of Guilford, the National Park Service (NPS), ples State Forest, and all of our workshop and CFPA. To date, $60,000 has been raised for the project with an additional leaders! If you are hiking in Peoples State $20,000 still to be secured. Forest this summer, be sure to appreciate The boardwalk and an overlook platform at Chittenden Park, will provide a the recent improvements. vantage point to view Faulkner’s Island, Chaffi nch Island Park, and the West River; an opportunity to educate the public about the surrounding wetlands Why a Chainsaw Safety & AND the NET; and a special place for hikers going out for a day trip or who may Certifi cation Policy? be beginning or ending their 215-mile journey on the NET. The trail, now blazed continuously through Guilford, offers an incredible link for area walkers between CFPA's Trails Committee and full Board the shoreline and historic downtown and the bluffs of North Guilford. recently approved a new chainsaw use Work on the project will commence in late 2013 with a planned offi cial dedica- and certifi cation policy. Why would we tion of the NET’s Gateway to Guilford on June 2, 2014, which will coincide with do such a thing? Chainsaws can be an in- the Town of Guilford’s 375th celebration and CT Trails Day Weekend. valuable tool in maintaining and clearing trails, but they are also among the most hazardous power tools used. The un- chainsaw operation. By promoting a cul- ing able to use a saw in the fi eld. guarded blade, uneven terrain, weather, ture of safety among our volunteers, we operator fatigue, and unpredictable hope to avoid injury or unsafe situations. Photography Exhibit Set to cutting situations create a recipe for high Rather than reinvent the wheel, CFPA Share the Beauty of the NET will follow the nationally recognized U.S. hazard potential. But through the use of The popular idiom, “to blaze a trail,” Forest Service (USFS) and the Game of proper operating procedures, personal evokes both a forward motion through Logging (GOL) curricula as our standard protective equipment (PPE), saw safe- new terrain, and also a backward glance for chainsaw safety and training. This guards, and proper work planning, these that anticipates those who may follow is a 16-hour course, although refresher hazards can be greatly reduced. the newly cleared path. How a trail is courses are usually only 8 hours. Trail CFPA has adopted a chainsaw safety marked and mapped, as well as its views, managers and regular volunteers who and certifi cation policy for our organiza- birds, fl owers, caretakers, travelers, his- now use saws to maintain portions of the tion to ensure that our volunteers are tory, and future are some of the many Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System will be well-educated in the practice of safe elements that come into play in a new required to have some training before be-

6 CFPA News Notes www.ctwoodlands.org body of photographs taken by renowned FAHS students are artist Barbara Bosworth, the fi rst NPS piloting a program Artist-in-Residence of the NET. modeled after the Ap- This September and October the NPS, palachian Trail’s “Trails in cooperation with the CFPA and Appa- to Every Classroom” lachian Mountain Club, will present the (TTEC). They chose exhibition, “To Be At The Farther Edge: Rattlesnake Mountain, Photographs along the New England a highlight feature on Trail/Barbara Bosworth.” Panoramic Connecticut’s portion photographs will be on display at nine of the NET/Metacomet locations near the NET. Three of the ven- Trail, located in Farm- ues will be in Connecticut: CFPA Head- ington as their focus. quarters (Rockfall), New Britain Museum The students have of American Art (New Britain), and Uni- been challenged to versity of Hartford (West Hartford). For document Rattlesnake more information about the exhibit, visit Mountain’s rich history www.net-air.com/BarbaraBosworth. in a number of ways. FAHS students celebrate their work on the NET “Trails to Every Classroom” pilot program on the summit of Ra lesnake Mountain in They are creating a Farmington. Photo: JoAnn Byrne A New Generation of Envi- “Tales from the Trails” ronmental Leaders Evolves video to highlight Rattlesnake Mountain’s the NET. One of the challenges of state School districts around the state are importance and a kiosk with interpre- and national trails is the need to make pushing for new curriculum fostering tive signage to include QR codes for strong connections with their host “trail “Twenty-fi rst century learning skills.” birding on the trail. While taking part in communities,” the real sustainers and These skills include problem-solving & this TTEC pilot program, students have stewards of the trails. In Farmington, the critical thinking, communication & col- engaged in multi-disciplinary learning, TTEC model has provided multiple solu- laboration, and innovation & creativity. developed a deep connection to the area, tions to increasing environmental aware- CFPA has partnered with the NPS and and gained an understanding of respon- ness and stewardship while presenting the Farmington Alternative High School sible trail stewardship. students the opportunity to develop (FAHS) to provide students with a mean- “Twenty-fi rst century learning skills.” This opportunity has not only been ingful experience that emphasizes the positive for the Farmington students —JoAnn Byrne & Michelle T. Kinsella, development of these skills while learn- and teachers, but also for the CFPA and Ph.D, educators at FAHS ing area history, geology, and ecology.

Give the Gift of the Great Outdoors! Enclosed are dues of $______This is a gift membership In addition to supporting trails and Connecticut’s conserva- Gifted From:______tion legacy, CFPA membership benefi ts include: • Subscriptions to Connecticut Woodlands (magazine) and Member Name: ______CFPA News & Notes (newsletter), and a copy of the annual Address: ______Connecticut Trails Day Weekend booklet • Invitations to special meetings, educational programs, City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______and workshops Phone: ______• Membership discounts for the Connecticut Walk Book, East and West editions, and with partners like Eastern E-mail Address: ______Mountain Sports Charge Card: Master Card Visa Exp. Date: ______Membership Categories Card Number: ______Individual….....$35 Save Time - Join On-Line! Family...... $50 Signature ______www.ctwoodlands.org/join-us Club/Nonprofi t...... $75 Supporting...... $100 If paying by check please make payable to CFPA. Benefactor...... $250 Mail Payment to: CFPA, 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT 06481

Dues are deductible from your federal income tax to the extent allowed by law. Bequests are deductible for federal estate and gift tax purposes.

Connecting people to the land. Conserving Connecticut. 7 CONNECTICUT FOREST PARK ASSOCIATION NEWS NOTES - SUMMER 2013 16 Meriden Road Non Profi t Org Rockfall, Connecticut 06481 U.S. Postage Paid Permit #1225 (860) 346-TREE Hartford, CT www.ctwoodlands.org www.facebook.com/CTForestandParkAssociation Offi ce Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CONNECTICUT FOREST PARK ASSOCIATION Find event times, details, registration CFPA News Notes information, and the latest events at: VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1 www.ctwoodlands.org/events

Save the Dates to Hit the Trails Running

Fun Run, Saturday, August 10, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CFPA Headquarters, Rockfall (Middlefi eld)

Run for the Woods, Saturday, September 7, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington

Join CFPA August 10 for a 5K Fun Run on the new Highlawn Forest Trails at CFPA’s headquarters in Rockfall. This event is free (but donations are always appreciated). Use the Fun Run to get ready for the September 7, Run for the Woods, which will include a 5K Walk, 5K Run, and a 15K Run all at beautiful Sessions Woods WMA in Burlington. Run for the Woods is a fund-raising event, so please plan to participate as a walker or runner while raising funds for CFPA trails. Look for more information at www.ctwoodlands.org. Photo: William Breck

8 CFPA News Notes