Exploring Volunteers Our National in Action Recreation Water Trails in Touch Spring 2017 in This Issue Message from the Chairman

National Heritage CorridorIn Touch with The Last Green Valley Member Magazine & 2016 Annual Report Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers Connecting in Action the Drops from Source to Sea

Trout in the Balance Access for All Building Bridges by Cleaning Up Water Quality Monitoring Exploring Volunteers Our National In Action Recreation Water Trails In Touch Spring 2017 In this issue Message from the Chairman...... 1 Connecting Drops • Pg. 2 TLGV Board of Directors and Staff...... 1 Connecting the Drops from Source to Sea...... 2 Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers in Action...... 6 Lake Associations Troll For Good Water Quality...... 8 Trout in the Balance...... 10 Building Soil Health and Improving Water Quality...... 13 Exploring Our National WQM In Action • Pg. 6 Recreation Water Trails ...... 14 Access for All...... 16 Business Partner Spotlight: Lakeview Marine...... 18 2016 By the Numbers...... 19 Building Bridges by Cleaning Up...... 20 Spring Outdoors in The Last Green Valley...... 22 Telling Stories that Matter...... 23 From Farm to Table – Tastes of the Valley...... 24 Lake Association • Pg. 8 Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy Polydys...... 25 TLGV Annual Meeting...... 26 Do You Walktober?...... 27 2016 Financial Report...... 28 Trout • Pg. 10 Thank you to our Members, Donors, Sponsors and Partners...... 29

In Touch is published twice a year by The Last Green Valley P.O. Box 29, 203B Main Street Danielson, CT 06239-0029 P.O. Box 186, Southbridge, MA 01550 860-774-3300 • 860-774-8543 fax Email: [email protected] www.thelastgreenvalley.org

Contributing Writer Fran Kefalas Design by Angell House Design Printed by The Pyne-Davidson Company on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

Cover: Glenn Krevosky holding a white sucker during their annual spawning run in the French River, N. Oxford, MA. Photo credit M. Fugatt-Krevosky. Water Trails • Pg. 14

Building Bridges • Pg. 20 Message from the Chairman Welcome to the third edition of Valley Legacy Society for anyone representatives from the funds your member magazine, In Touch, who wishes to benefit The Last directly, to learn more about them. which also serves as our Annual Green Valley in his or her will or We did not do any of these things Report for 2016. estate plans, no matter the size or alone. To all of our members, simplicity of the bequest. A legacy 2016 marked another successful donors, sponsors, volunteers and gift is a thoughtful way to ensure year for The Last Green Valley, partners, thank you! Your support that all the things you love about Inc. (TLGV), and we are pleased to makes our programming possible The Last Green Valley live on. We share our accomplishments with and improves the quality of life in hope that if your bequest plans you through the pages of In Touch. our communities. Your support for include The Last Green Valley, you With your help, we have continued our new endowment funds will will let us know so we can add your to focus our resources on what we ensure that we remain a uniquely name to the list. You can remain do best – connecting and inspiring rural, historic, and thriving region anonymous if you wish, or you people to care for, enjoy, and pass for generations to come. may let us publicize your name to on The Last Green Valley National inspire others. We work for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Heritage Corridor, and we not only Second, we have made it easier We hope you enjoy this issue’s focus value your support, but your input. If for you to participate in the long- on our watershed, with stories you have any comments, questions, term impact of this organization by ranging from brook trout restoration or concerns, or would just like to ensuring that any bequest or gift efforts to our new National chat about our work, please contact you make will benefit this region Recreation Water Trail designation Lois Bruinooge or me through the into the future. We partnered with for the Shetucket River. Perhaps these office at 860-774-3300. the Greater Worcester Community articles will inspire you to become a Foundation and the Community We look forward to connecting and water quality monitoring volunteer Foundation of Eastern Connecticut inspiring even more people in 2017. or to join us on a paddle. There is no to establish two endowment funds Together, we can care for, enjoy, better way to understand the issues in our name. These funds will and pass on The Last Green Valley in our watershed than by getting perpetuate our vision, increase National Heritage Corridor! your feet wet. our visibility and capacity to Behind the scenes, we have worked secure major gifts, and allow us hard to ensure the sustainability of to obtain high quality investment this organization into the future. management services. We invite Bill Jobbagy, Chairman First, we established The Last Green you to contact us, or contact Board of Directors

TLGV Board of Directors 2016-2017 TLGV Staff Bill Jobbagy, Chairman, Coventry, CT Ed Hood, Sturbridge, MA Lois Bruinooge, Executive Director Mike Nelson, Vice Chairman, Norwich, CT Jennifer Kaufman, Mansfield, CT Marcy Dawley, Project Administrator Myra Ambrogi, Secretary, Plainfield, CT Marty Nieski, Dudley, MA and Lead Ranger Thomas Dufresne, Treasurer Wayde Schmidt, Pomfret, CT LyAnn Graff, Office Coordinator Southbridge, MA Joan St. Ament, Woodstock, CT Bill Reid, Chief Ranger Donna Baron, Lebanon, CT Eric Thomas, Coventry, CT, representing Sharon Wakely, Finance Administrator Janet Blanchette, Thompson, CT the Governor of Connecticut Program Consultants Elsie Bisset, Voluntown, CT Mark Winne, Charlton, MA Christine Armstrong Debra Burns, Putnam, CT Education Outreach Coordinator Mary Ellen Ellsworth, Eastford, CT Liz Ellsworth James Gothreau, Putnam, CT Education Outreach Assistant Rick Hermonot, Sterling, CT Jean Pillo, Water Quality Monitoring and TRBP Coordinator 1 Сonnecting the Drps J. Pillo

2 A. Dabrowski from Source to Sea Water made The Last Green Valley Ziggy Waraszkiewicz of Charlton special. It cut its way through rocks said he has come to realize through and forests and valleys, carving out his water quality testing efforts babbling brooks, swift streams and just how connected the watershed powerful rivers that became the really is. “I like to take a map of economic engines of the colonies The Last Green Valley and I circle and the nation all the way into the where we are up in Charlton and mid-1900s. then I point to Long Island Sound. What we do up here in Charlton While the National Heritage ends up in Long Island Sound. Corridor’s waters power very little People don’t think about it, but industry today, they are still the ar- once you see it, it changes how you teries pumping life throughout the look at the water.” region, a fact recognized by The Last Green Valley for more than a Because of that interconnectedness, decade. Conservation of natural water quality monitoring is resources has been a mission of the critical, Pillo said. In some ways the National Heritage Corridor since it challenges faced by the waterways was designated in 1994.The focus today are more complex than on water blossomed in 2006 when they were decades ago, before the Corridor hired Jean Pillo and the Clean Water Act of 1972. “The began partnering with the Eastern Willimantic River used to turn Connecticut Conservation District colors depending on the dye being to oversee water quality monitor- used at the textile mills,” Pillo said. ing programs. In that first year, 8 “That river is a great success story.” sites along the French River where Chris Bellucci, an environmental tested for water quality. In 2016, analyst with the Connecticut 71 sites on streams and multiple Department of Energy and sites on 7 lakes were monitored. Environmental Protection, said In 2009, Bill Reid, TLGV’s chief when industrial sources were ranger, led TLGV’s effort to partner causing visible pollution of the with a number of organizations rivers, everyone could see the to create Source to Sea, where problems and understood where volunteers paddled virtually the the sources of the problems were. entire Thames River watershed. “We don’t have problems with The project was meant to highlight rivers turning purple or green both the recreational opportuni- anymore, but in a sense it’s more of ties and the interconnectedness of a challenge. It’s the stuff you can’t

J. Pillo the watershed. see that is causing the troubles we have. It’s more nonpoint source Clockwise from left: Pillo said the average person really pollution. We have to find the Paddling the Quinebaug does not think about the watershed. problems and then figure out River; Woodstock Everything from how the water gets where they are coming from.” Academy teachers in their wells, to what happens to Lauren Cremers and the waste they put into their septic Bellucci notes that the current era Susan Lovejoy search for systems is a mystery. The water requires strong volunteer programs, pollution-sensitive bugs in the Yantic River; and quality monitoring program is part such as the one Pillo and TLGV run. a “most-wanted” roach- of a multi-pronged approach to like stonefly found in a change that. Chaplin stream.

3 "We have a really nice river and it’s under-utilized. We want to get people out there on it. If we get them on the water, they will become invested in it.” Neal Hagstrom, a fisheries biologist with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection J. Pillo

“The Last Green Valley provides us Pillo said she also is closely watching Last Green Valley. It’s an hour from with really good information. They the Natchaug River, which is Hartford, an hour from Providence are well trained and they are really arguably at the opposite end of and even closer to Worcester. good volunteers. They contribute a the water quality spectrum. The There’s an opportunity for a water lot and they create local interest in Natchaug is considered a trophy recreation business — rentals, why [people] should care about a trout stream and a benchmark for tubing. There are some fishing stream, and that’s really important.” water quality. “It’s not a perfect guides making a decent living. It’s river, but it’s the least impacted not going to get someone rich, but Like the Willimantic River, the river system in our area,” Pillo said. there’s opportunity.” Quinebaug River is another good “There’s a lot of state forest and a example of the Clean Water Act’s Hagstrom’s belief comes from a lot of preserved land around it. The success. The Quinebaug is much 2015 survey of the Quinebaug land wasn’t good for agriculture cleaner today than in the past, River conducted by DEEP. “We have so it didn’t get cleared. It’s one of when it also turned color with each a really nice river and it’s under- our most pristine waterways.” As dye lot. But volunteer monitoring utilized,” Hagstrom said. “We want development begins to creep in has also shown the Quinebaug to get people out there on it. If we however, TLGV volunteers have River still has threats to its health. get them on the water, they will noted rises in water temperature Pillo said, “Stormwater runoff is become invested in it.” in some areas of the Natchaug. As the major issue. The river is not a trophy trout stream, those rises Bellucci said the state cannot do meeting recreational standards could be catastrophic for the fishery. the bulk of the work needed to after it rains.” In other words, “A small fluctuation can mean big prevent nonpoint source pollution swimming after a downpour would trouble for a cold water fish,” Pillo and increase use of the rivers on its not be a good idea. said. “If we want to maintain the own. Because both Massachusetts On a positive note, water quality Natchaug as a trophy trout stream and Connecticut are home monitors have spotted, for the first we have to address the causes of the rule states, the real work must time, triangle floaters in the stretch temperature increases.” happen with local officials. The of the Quinebaug that passes volunteer water quality monitoring Neal Hagstrom, a fisheries biologist through Putnam. Triangle floaters program is the best asset to spread with the Connecticut Department are fresh water mussels that are knowledge and create change, he of Energy and Environmental important indicators of river health. said. “The volunteers are there in Protection (DEEP), believes that The area is perhaps the river’s the community. They can tell their keeping the Natchaug and other most urban stretch, surrounded families and their neighbors what streams healthy can once again by pavement on both sides, and they’re doing and why, they can talk make the waterways economic triangle floaters had not been to town government and hopefully drivers. “I feel like there are some documented in the area before. that starts to have some impact.” untapped opportunities in The

4 Make a Soundour Choicece to ea STop 10 Ways You S

J. Pillo Can Prevent Water Pollution

Left: Water quality monitors have an In order to create better brooks, restored rivers and a healthier eye on you. Above: Lisanne Tholl sorts Long Island Sound, please make a personal pledge to: bugs along a stream in Chaplin.  Use fertilizers sparingly (choose slow release formulas) and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.

 Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams. Because Pillo works with TLGV, the

conservation district, and a broader  Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

coalition of organizations called  Compost vegetable and yard waste. the Thames River Basin Partnership,

 Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how she is able to use the data collected to prevent pest problems. by volunteers to help track down

sources of contamination and make  Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and recommendations for solutions.

Several stormwater cleanup  Wash your car on the lawn or take it to a commercial projects have been funded and carwash instead of washing it in the driveway. completed because of the data  Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil. collected by TLGV water quality monitoring volunteers.  Pick up after your pet and don’t attract waterfowl by feeding them. Lois Bruinooge, TLGV’s executive  Have your septic tank pumped and your system director, believes that collaboration inspected regularly. is critical to the organization’s conservation efforts. “We can BONUS extend the impact of our volunteer Become a volunteer water quality monitor water quality monitoring program in The Last Green Valley! by working with a wide range of HEY KIDS! partners,” Bruinooge said. “Those Join Flo in preventing water pollution! partnerships can and do help translate information collected by our volunteers into action.”

P.O. Box 29, 203B Main Street Danielson, CT 06239-0029 Financial support provided by the Long Island Sound Futures Fund Grant Program which is Phone 860-774-3300 funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in concert with the Long Island Sound Fax 860-774-8543 Study and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Email: [email protected] Shell Marine Habitat Program. www.thelastgreenvalley.org

5 Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers in Action J. Pillo

Diane Angotta sat in the rain this spending her time searching for there’s a reason to take a deeper fall, alongside a secluded stream critters the rest of the world look. Those bugs are a critical step as dusk was closing into night, might overlook. The work Angotta in the food chain for the fish and when she finally rejoiced. After does is called Riffle Bioassessment the fish feed the eagles,” Pillo said. hours of finding streams dried for Volunteers, or RBV for short. “The bugs aren’t pretty, but they up from drought, Angotta and a Using nets to collect underwater are important.” fellow volunteer found a stream bugs, volunteers sort and identify RBV testing has been hampered that survived the dry summer and them before sending samples the last two years by drought fall, and in it they found a bug to the Connecticut Department conditions, which also pose a risk whose presence meant the water of Energy and Environmental to the watershed. Once a habitat was clean. “It was one of our best Protection for confirmation. is no longer viable because of finds,” said Angotta, who lives in RBV testing is just one kind of drought, even after the water South Windham. “Whether the water quality monitoring the TLGV returns it may take years for the state agreed with us when they volunteers conduct, but is critical fish to make their way back up to analyzed it, I don’t know. But, it to determining the health of the the headwaters. was pretty exciting for us.” watershed. “Some of these bugs Jack Josti has been monitoring “We also realized we should are very sensitive to pollution,” said streams with The French River bring headlamps with us,” Jean Pillo, TLGV’s volunteer water Connection for five years. “When Angotta added. quality monitoring coordinator. I first started, I didn’t even know “If we find them we have a pretty Angotta is one of The Last Green where these places were, and now good indication of the stream’s Valley’s water quality monitoring I can almost understand what’s health. If we don’t find them, program volunteers and she enjoys happening with the river when

“The bugs aren’t pretty, but they are important.” Jean Pillo, TLGV’s volunteer water quality monitoring coordinator

6 I see it,” Josti said. The French seeing what’s out there and there River Connection volunteers are things you never give thought sample water chemistry instead of to until you realize how it might be using RBV because Massachusetts affecting our waterways.” environmental agencies prefer that approach. Through years of Angotta and Josti both said they testing, Josti said he and the other feel a responsibility to share volunteers are seeing a slow build- their knowledge and also take up of conductivity and salinity. action beyond the testing. Josti The two are closely tied together said The French River Connection as conductivity can be directly is a caretaker for the river and linked to an increase in dissolved that means alerting officials to salts and inorganic materials, potential hazards and doing such as alkalis, chlorides, sulfides regular cleanups of any trash and and carbonate compounds. debris. “If we see something we Both conductivity and salinity take care of it. We’re not going can negatively affect freshwater to wait for a special day to do a aquatic life. “Those are the things cleanup, we deal with problems as we’re keeping an eye on and the they come up.” temperature seems to be creeping Pillo said whenever she is out with up from year to year,” Josti said. a group of volunteers she tries “We’re building up the years of Left: Kevin Kelley and Michelle to show the connections. Those data so we can really understand Weiss use the Troll in Muddy Brook, connections extend beyond the what’s happening.” Woodstock. Above: Diane Angotta ecosystem within the waterway to In addition to the RBV and water identifies stream critters; and Jack Josti the symbiotic nature of the land and chemistry monitoring, 14 volunteers and Ken Parker monitor the French the water. “We’re not just taking River. Below: Jean Pillo conducts formed into three teams to collect note of the water bugs. If I see a RBV training; and trainees learn water samples from 14 sites that freshwater sponge, I’ll point that how to identify pollution-sensitive out and we will note what land were analyzed for E. coli bacteria. macroinvertebrates. Volunteers also collected a second animals and birds we see. I want the year of water samples and tested volunteers to understand the land for bacteria at canoe and kayak affects the water and the water launches along the Quinebaug affects the life on the land as well. River. There are also volunteers We talk about the whole picture.” monitoring 7 lakes throughout the Josti said he hopes over time the National Heritage Corridor. education effort of the water All of that data goes to state quality monitoring volunteers will agencies, which put the data grow even stronger. “We want into context. That context may to make people aware of what not always make it back to the happens when you do things like average person living in The wash your car in your driveway. Last Green Valley. However, the The Last Green Valley does a good volunteers have ways of spreading job of bringing all of us together the word about what they so we can share information and have learned. “Doing the water learn from each other. That’s monitoring, you’re very aware something I would like to see of your environment and natural continue, maybe even grow. And, resources,” Angotta said. “When I I think it’s always good to have an go out to do that river sampling I’m independent watchdog.” “The bugs aren’t pretty, but they are important.” Jean Pillo, TLGV’s volunteer water quality monitoring coordinator

7 Lake Associations Troll for Good Water Quality

When it comes to lakes and ponds, the truth can always be gleaned from the Troll. The Troll can reveal whether the lake is too warm, too salty, too acidic, or warn you when the conditions are just right for an algae bloom. It can also let you know when it's simply perfect for afternoon swims. has multiple probes to measure monitoring. “They have an investment temperature, dissolved oxygen, on the lake,” Pillo said. “I think that With more than 80 lakes and ponds pH, conductivity and turbidity. helps.” in the Last Green Valley, Trolls have become the regular companions of TLGV now has two Trolls that Pillo Pat Monahan of the Amos Lake volunteers looking to monitor water sends out for monitoring, but like Association in Preston said her group quality. “It started a long time ago,” the Webster Lake Association, is not only concerned with the lake, said Ernie Benoit of the Webster others have decided the Trolls are but the entire 940-acre watershed. Lake Association. Twelve years needed more frequently and have “It’s actually just 181 properties. The ago, to be exact. The Webster Lake purchased their own. watershed is huge, and the potential Association had formed to prevent for runoff is huge, but the number of Ziggy Waraszkiewicz is an almost- lake residents from incurring a dock individuals is not really very large.” one-man water quality monitoring tax, but soon started wondering team for Charlton. He monitors All three volunteers said the biggest about the water quality of its lake. South Charlton Reservoir in 9 threat to the water bodies is invasive After hiring an expensive consultant different locations monthly and species. Amos Lake, Webster Lake, to study the lake, the association also monitors 5 other lakes in town and South Charlton Reservoir are all thought it might be able to keep biannually. He also maps out the holding their own when it comes to tabs on the lake itself. areas where milfoil is growing on water quality, but it’s only because “We were using outdated high South Charlton Reservoir. of regular monitoring that the lake school equipment and not getting associations know that. But all three Charlton was able to get its the same results,” Benoit said. also believe the pressure on lakes and own equipment thanks to a The Webster Lake Association ponds is mounting. Runoff from roads Massachusetts program that funnels rented a Troll and eventually directly into the lakes or into their environmental fines to conservation began sharing the equipment feeder streams is a concern, as is the organizations. Having a dedicated with other organizations. As density of development around each Troll allows Waraszkiewicz to demand grew, the association of the lakes. monitor more lakes and ponds. decided to purchase its own. “I can do it when the time works “In the 80s we all thought these To be clear, these Trolls are not the for me now, so I can get to more lakes and ponds were going to stay creatures of myths and fables, but places,” Waraszkiewicz said. pristine,” Waraszkiewicz said. “But rather devices that have proven there are changes. There’s a lot more Like many other volunteers with invaluable to documenting the development now than there was lakefront property, Waraszkiewicz health of the lakes and ponds in then.” For Benoit the changes are is the first line of defense for the National Heritage Corridor. even more pronounced. He has lived the National Heritage Corridor’s Jean Pillo, TLGV’s volunteer water on Webster Lake all of his 77 years. lakes and ponds. Pillo said lake quality monitoring coordinator, “When I was a kid my best friend associations have proven to be trains volunteers to use an In- lived on the other side of the lake vital partners in water quality situ Troll 9500, a device that and we used to take boats and row

8 Far left: Ziggy Waraszkiewicz monitors a Charlton lake. Left: Volunteers from the Webster Lake Association monitor seasonally. Below left: Pat Monahan and Jean Pillo on the shores of Amos Lake. Below: The Webster Lake Association demonstrates its Troll; Pat Monahan samples Amos Lake; and volunteers use a viewing scope to measure the visibility of a submerged secchi disk as an indicator of water clarity.

over to each other’s houses. There weren’t many homes on the lake. In the ’60s you could drink out of the lake. You wouldn’t want to drink it now.”

Webster and Amos Lakes both experience tremendous amounts of use from non-residents. Monahan said that as a trophy bass lake, Amos Lake hosts many fishing tournaments and the lake association members often volunteer to educate visitors about good practices to protect the lake, said. “In almost every case when such as checking boats for any [Girard] explains why a practice invasives that might be hanging is not good for the lake, the on both before and after the homeowner is happy to take boats are in the water. The Amos care of it.” And by educating the Lake Association also educates lake association, the leadership new homeowners with a welcome is better able to respond to folder that discusses how to protect concerns, creating a constant cycle the water. The association tailors of education for better practices. the information to each property. That kind of diligence is necessary to protect the future of the lake. The Webster Lake Association informs its residents by teaming up Monahan said the Amos Lake with TLGV and Lakeview Marine Association has benefited greatly to offer educational paddles for from its association with TLGV by Walktober and Spring Outdoors. being able to connect with other lake associations to learn best Waraszkiewicz said in Charlton, practices. “The partnerships are Conservation Agent Todd Girard so important,” Monahan said. joins the lake association’s board “And, I’m sure our association with of directors on an annual cruise of The Last Green Valley has given the lake to point out both good us some credibility and helped us and bad management practices. with some grants.” “It’s always about education and information,” Waraszkiewicz

9 Trout in the Balance The eastern brook trout's tenuous 2014, Krevosky became the first With Dolge Court and another hold on its natural habitat in The person in Massachusetts to get current project, Mill Brook in Last Green Valley may be the single a permit to stock eyed eastern Webster, Krevosky believes he has most important indicator of the brook trout eggs in a location identified two streams that are delicate environmental balance he restored in Barber’s Hollow historic cold water streams with being played out every day in the Brook in Oxford. Pulling together enough flow and grade to be National Heritage Corridor. a team of volunteers, Krevosky unwelcoming to beavers once he first restored the stream channel, clears the stream beds. Even if the The eastern brook trout is the pulling out tons of trash, and beavers try, Krevosky is hopeful only trout native to the region then tracked down the source of that nature will persuade them to and, like the brown trout and the a fuel spill that was deteriorating move on. rainbow trout, its habitat requires water quality in the stream. Once clean, cold waters. “Brook trout Krevosky’s work is groundbreaking the work was done he began the are sort of the canary in the coal because, for the most part, hatching program. mine of cold streams,” said Alicea Connecticut and Massachusetts rely Charamut, Council Chairman of Then, the beavers moved in. In on stocked trout for their fisheries. Trout Unlimited’s Connecticut many parts of North America, Douglas Beaulieu, manager of Council. “Both temperature and beavers and trout have a wonderful the Quinebaug Valley State Trout water quality are critical to them.” symbiotic relationship, but not in Hatchery, Connecticut’s largest Massachusetts. Krevosky said a For a variety of reasons, those cold hatchery, said about 500,000 trout beaver dam creates conditions that streams the trout need to spawn will be stocked in Connecticut’s raise the water temperature too are endangered. Perhaps no one rivers and streams during the 2017 high for the trout. understands the myriad of reasons season from that one hatchery. better than Glenn Krevosky. By Krevosky either pays for his “We’ve been stocking fish in day Krevosky runs his business projects out of his own pocket or Connecticut for more than 100 EBT Environmental Consultants, in utilizes grants or proceeds from years,” Beaulieu said. Rainbow Oxford, MA, a role that arms him a Massachusetts program that trout, brown trout and other with deep knowledge of wetlands funnels environmental fines to fish like pike are not natives to and environmental factors, as well fund conservation programs. Those the region but were brought as state and federal regulations. funds are going to help Krevosky in for sport. No one expects In his spare time, Krevosky is on a complete the restoration of an them to create their own native mission to save cold water streams. unnamed yet historic headwater populations in the state, but, “We trout pool in Charlton on the line do have holdovers from year to “My passion is the trout,” Krevosky with Oxford, which he refers to as year, depending on conditions,” explains. “Protecting the cold the Dolge Court project. Krevosky Beaulieu said. water streams is the way to do it.” first had to prove that the stream It’s been a trial and error learning The Quinebaug Hatchery is was perennial, meaning that it process that stretches back to the essentially a farm for brook, brown flows year round. Next, he had to 1970s. Krevosky said his first goal is and rainbow trout. Beaulieu said track down the source of sediment locating historic cold water streams the process really runs on two-year contamination — catch basins that flow throughout the year cycles. The trout that hatched in which were not being properly and getting them marked as such. October will be stocked in 2018 maintained in a condominium Then he gets down to restoring the and 2019. The hatchery attempts development. Now that the stream stream channel and cleaning up any to stock a variety of sized trout, has been identified and the source negative environmental impacts. including fingerlings. of contamination has been located, Krevosky has learned the hard way Krevosky believes he can restore the Beaulieu and his staff gear up for that restoring a stream does not stream and make sure it stays viable. stocking trout in February with always mean it will stay viable. In the bulk of stocking happening in

10 “I want to leave something good behind, and if we can restore these cold streams and not just restore them but make them viable again, then we’ve done something.” Glenn Krevosky, EBT Environmental Consultants

March in time for April’s opening Charamut and McCaughtry said day. The stocking locations are care- Trout Unlimited is hyperaware of fully chosen by biologists, such as the environmental concerns that Neal Hagstrom, a fisheries biologist create negative impacts on the with the Connecticut Department fisheries. “As anglers we’re out of Energy and Environmental there and we see the challenges.” Protection, with the help of volun- McCaughtry said there is no ques- teer coordinators. Everything from tion that rivers and streams of the water levels to flow, temperature National Heritage Corridor are and quality is considered. better off today than they were several decades ago, but that does The Natchaug River is stocked with not mean they are safe from poten- larger fish because it is capable tial damage. “People don’t realize of supporting them, Beaulieu all the toxins that come off their said. According to Hagstrom, it’s a brake lines, and where do we build trophy trout stream because of its roads? Right next to the rivers and water quality. Charles McCaughtry streams. All it takes is one good rain of the Thames Valley Chapter of and those toxins run right into the Trout Unlimited said that besides water.” McCaughtry said too many the Natchaug River, the Fenton people do not understand how frag- River and the Mount Hope River ile the balance in the watershed is. are both among the Corridor’s waterways that provide excellent Jean Pillo, TLGV’s water quality fishing opportunities. monitoring coordinator, said urban and agricultural runoff are “Some of these streams you significant issues for the entire have to hike into and I suppose watershed, but Mother Nature also that’s why they’re still special,” has had a role. The dry conditions of McCaughtry said. “Every once in a recent years have severely hindered while I can catch a native brookie.” a number of headwater stream But, McCaughtry does not fish monitoring projects. “The streams for trout past July most summers. we’ve tested in the past just aren’t “The waters have warmed up to there,” Pillo said. Even after the the point that no matter what you streams start flowing again, it can do, if you find a trout to catch you take years for the fish to return to will kill it. The warm water disrupts their spawning grounds. their organs to the point they just Glenn Krevosky has been hard at work can’t survive any stress.” locating and cleaning up cold water streams in order to restore eastern brook trout habitat in Oxford, Charlton, and Webster. 11 NEWS FLASH TLGV and Partners Bring $6.1 Million to the Region for Forest Conservation! TLGV is proud to announce that it has successfully partnered with 19 organizations to bring $6.1 million Visitors enjoy self-guided tours of the Quinebaug Valley State Trout Hatchery. in new federal dollars to the region for healthy woods and forest land Which is why work like Krevosky’s waterways that might not appear to conservation. is so important. If he can show be close by. Stormwater runoff from Most of the funds will go directly to success, the idea of stream streets can introduce contaminants landowners for bird/wildlife habitat restoration might just spread. like oil, metals, and bacteria to a assessments and forest management For the eastern brook trout, that stream, plus thermal pollution when plans, good forest conservation means having a chance to reclaim rain water is warmed by contact practices, and easements for its natural habitat in The Last with hot summer streets. Blocked permanent woodlands protection. Green Valley. culverts, or culverts that are perched too high above the streambed, The funding was awarded by For Krevosky, it also meant 8 straight can prevent trout from moving the USDA Natural Resources weekends with a crew cleaning between stream segments in search Conservation Service after a out Mill Brook in the coldest part of deeper, cooler pools. The loss of very competitive process, and of winter. The team took out shade-producing trees and shrubs underscores the importance of our mountains of trash, including a along stream banks can also raise southern New England forests to not trampoline, and mud and sand water temperatures, and without only the region but the nation. that made their way into the brook leaf litter falling into streams each because of human activity. Krevosky The incredible lineup of top-notch and autumn, the base of the stream’s said his goal is not to just restore the dedicated partners includes: MassConn food chain can be severely depleted. stream to its historic state, but to Sustainable Forest Partnership/ bring it to a level where the brook The potential for negative impacts Opacum Land Trust, Northern RI trout can be successful. on the eastern brook trout are Conservation District, MA Executive in many ways emblematic of the Office of Energy and Environmental Pillo said the only way that The complexity of a watershed. “You Affairs, Providence Water, Yale Last Green Valley’s waterways will have to understand all the factors,” School of Forestry & Environmental continue to sustain themselves and Krevosky said. “You learn from Studies, CT Department of Energy the life that depends on them, is everything you do and you make and Environmental Protection, Hull if more people become aware of mistakes but the next project is Forest Products, Thames River Basin the intricate web of the watershed. better for them.” Partnership, New England Forestry The trainings she hosts for TLGV Foundation, Eastern CT Conservation volunteers mean anyone with an “I won’t live forever,” he added. District, Norcross Wildlife Foundation, interest can learn how to become a “I want to leave something good RI Division of Forest Management, RI water quality monitor, the first step behind, and if we can restore these Woodland Partnership, Harvard Forest, in better understanding our rivers cold streams and not just restore Yale Sustaining Family Forests Institute, and streams. them but make them viable again, Audubon Connecticut, Mass Audubon, then we’ve done something. And, I Pillo said it’s also critical for and of course the USDA Natural don’t want to just do that for two or municipal governments to Resources Conservation Service. three streams. I want to keep going.” understand the potential impacts Stay tuned for more information of development, sometimes on later this summer!

12 Building Soil Health Improving Water Quality

The  Last Green Valley is the lead isn’t getting into the soil. That’s a partner on a project funded by the waste of the farmer’s resources.” Natural Resources Conservation While important to farmland, Service (NRCS) for farmers who nutrients such as nitrogen and want to save time, effort, and phosphorus can also trigger algal money while improving soil health growth in waterbodies, creating and water quality. This project undesired consequences to the combines two of TLGV’s missions delicately balanced ecosystem. at its core - supporting agriculture According to the Environmental and improving water quality. Protection Agency, agricultural Farmers can improve soil health nonpoint source pollution is the and save money by implementing leading source of water quality conservation practices such as impacts to rivers and streams cover crops and no till farming. nationwide, the third largest These practices can reduce erosion pollutant source for lakes, the and runoff, reduce pest and weed second largest source for wetlands, problems, reduce fertilizer use and and a major contributor to fuel consumption with fewer tractor contamination in estuaries and passes, and mitigate drought with ground water. soils that hold more moisture. Farmers in the National Heritage TLGV, the Eastern CT Conservation Corridor already have been District, and the AGvocate rethinking farming practices and Program of the CT RC&D Council in many ways returning to their will provide technical assistance roots. Some farms, such as Ekonk to farmers who wish to enroll. In Hill Turkey Farm in Sterling, had the first full year of the project, already adopted soil conservation 3 producers obtained funds from practices such as cover crops and NRCS to implement conservation no till farming long before the practices on 101 acres of cropland. project launched. They are helping TLGV spread the word about the As part of this project, TLGV and economic and environmental its partners will also be looking at benefits of the program. the edge-of-field runoff on select participating farms. That runoff “It’s part of our work to support will reveal important information local agriculture and improve about soil health and the potential water quality in our waterways,” impacts to the watershed. “This said Lois Bruinooge, executive data could be very important for director of TLGV. “With the help everyone who participates,” said of farmers we can collect really Jean Pillo, TLGV’s volunteer water important information and also quality monitoring coordinator. Top and middle: Woodstock Orchards help them conserve their resources. “For example, if we find high levels uses precision planting equipment If we support agriculture we of nitrogen in the runoff we know to plant vegetables directly through support conservation.” the fertilizer the farmer is applying cover crops, eliminating the need for tilling. Bottom: NRCS’s Ray Covino leads a soil health training session. 13 Exploring Our National Recreation Water Trails

Bill Reid doesn’t think of himself partners and volunteers that make looked to expert paddlers in other as an expert paddler, but he it happen,” said Reid, who is TLGV’s conservation organizations to assist certainly has become the leader chief ranger. That first paddle and lead sections of the paddles. of a paddling movement. He sparked a nine-year movement, Together the coalition organized bought his own kayak in 2007, culminating with the National events, many of which turned into and soon after hosted one of The Recreation Trail designations. mini-festivals with group paddles. Last Green Valley’s first outdoor “There were flotillas of people,” Reid Tom and Wendy Brennan have membership programs, a paddle on said. “We had a blast. We introduced been along for paddling since the the Quinebaug River. “There were a lot of people to paddling in the beginning. The Brennans attended people there who knew more about region. As a result of Source to Sea that first paddle, and when Tom paddling than ever will,” said Reid. we were looked at as viable resource Brennan saw Reid setting up, for information about paddling in On that first paddle, Reid found he offered to help. Next thing the region.” happy participants, willing Brennan knew, he was a volunteer volunteers and a reason to shine a for TLGV, joining Reid on many Brennan, a member of TLGV and a light on one of the hidden gems more paddles. “We weren’t avid business partner through his business, of The Last Green Valley. Nine years paddlers,” Brennan said. “We used Village Electric, said he has joined later, the National Heritage Corridor to kayak now and then, but the about 75 miles of the paddles. The earned National Recreation Water more and more we paddled with Brennans live on more than 60 acres in Trail designation for a third major The Last Green Valley it was an Killingly, and try to be good stewards stretch of waterway — 22 miles influence on us. We saw what they to their land. The paddles, however, of the Shetucket River. The Last were doing, and we wanted to be opened their eyes even more to Green Valley now claims almost a part of it.” environmental connections. “I think 90 miles of National Recreation it was in Jewett City where we had to By 2009, Reid and TLGV had turned Water Trail, including 45 miles of the lower our kayaks down the face of a the idea of membership paddles Quinebaug River and 22 miles of the dam to get into the water,” Brennan into a massive effort to document Willimantic River. said. “It was great. I learned a lot the watershed. Source to Sea took about how the watershed flowed and “Like so many of our projects more than a year of planning and how it all ties together.” at The Last Green Valley, it’s our put Reid’s skills to the test. He

14 A. Dabrowksi Chapter of Trout Unlimited and a resident of Ashford, agreed with Hagstrom. McCaughtry said he recalls

A. Dabrowksi putting his canoe into the Willimantic River in the 1970s when he first arrived in Connecticut. “The least offensive Tying it all together for the “By designating these new National thing floating in the river alongside me rest of the region was the next Trails, we recognize the efforts was toilet paper and there was a lot of important step. Source to Sea of local communities to provide it,” McCaughtry said. “Our rivers and led directly to the effort to get outdoor recreational opportunities streams are vastly improved.” National Recreation Water Trail that can be enjoyed by everyone,” designations and to produce said then-U.S. Secretary of the McCaughtry has canoed the Shetucket TLGV’s Paddle Guide, which was Interior Sally Jewell. “Our world-class River into the Thames River down updated in 2016 to include the network of national trails provides to the Coast Guard Academy in New Shetucket designation and is now easily accessible places to enjoy London dozens of times. He’s canoed a comprehensive Paddle Guide for exercise and connect with nature in the Quinebaug River from Danielson the Quinebaug, Willimantic, and both urban and rural areas while also all the way to the Academy equally Shetucket Rivers. boosting tourism and supporting as much, and over the decades he’s economic opportunities in local led groups of Boy Scouts on both Reid also worked with the carpentry communities across the country.” trips. “Those are great paddles,” department at Harvard H. Ellis McCaughtry said. “You can see and Technical High School to create Neal Hagstrom, a fisheries biologist experience a lot of wildlife and information kiosks for canoe with the Connecticut Department nature.” and kayak launches along the of Energy and Environmental designated water trails. Brennan Protection, said the work to get Brennan's appreciation for nature helped Reid install many of the people out on the waterways is has grown by being outside. As a panels. Each kiosk has information critical to conservation. “From my child growing up in Norwich, he was explaining the section of water perspective I want more people outdoors because of his involvement trail that can be accessed from the on the water,” Hagstrom said. “I with the Boy Scouts. TLGV has helped launch area, and there are now want them paddling. I want them him expand that love to the water. 25 of them on the Quinebaug, fishing. I want them to use the “They are such a great group of Willimantic and Shetucket Rivers. resource because that’s how they people,” Brennan said. “I love the get invested in protecting it.” work they do. We [my wife and The Shetucket River National I] both try to be ambassadors for Recreation Water Trail designation Charles McCaughtry, membership The Last Green Valley. I keep their in 2016, like the designations before director of the Thames Valley brochures in my vehicle and I pass it, was a team effort by many them out to people. I think it's so partners, including the Rivers important to let people know what and Trails Program of the we have right here.” National Park Service, Connecticut Department of “Without somebody to watch over Energy and Environmental our waterways, who knows what Protection, Windham, Sprague, would happen,” Brennan added. Norwich, Norwich Public Utilities, “Every time I’m out on a paddle I’m Wheelabrator Technologies, Friends amazed. You get on the river and in of the Shetucket River Valley, just a few minutes you can be out in Willimantic Whitewater Partnership, the middle of nowhere on an amazing Willimantic River Alliance, teachers patch of water.” and students from Harvard Ellis Technical High School and volunteers Left: Tom Brennan finds joy on the from TLGV’s Water Trails Committee. Quinebaug River National Recreation Water Trail. Top: Paddling the The Shetucket River was one of Shetucket River National Recreation only three rivers to receive national Water Trail. Left: A new kiosk on the designation in 2016. banks of the Shetucket River.

B. Reid 15 Access

S. Swale for All The Last Green Valley’s universal much that he went to the University When Swale realized the trail assessment team has hit its of Connecticut to study forestry. answer was sitting in a bag in A stride. Every member has a role An accident on the job left him a her home, she snapped into and understands the goals. They paraplegic and his family looking for action, contacting TLGV Office have one mission — to figure out ways to help him get back to what Coordinator LyAnn Graff for help which trails in The Last Green he loves. About that time, TLGV with the next steps. Graff said Valley are accessible for people Chief Ranger Bill Reid approached all it took was an email to TLGV with mobility difficulties. Sandra Swale, Sipson’s mother, members and the Universal Trail about some new equipment the Assessment Process — known as The person behind their efforts has organization had to assess canoe UTAP — had a team. a burning desire to return to the and kayak launches. Sandra and woods he’s loved since childhood. Swale, Graff, Greg Stillman of her husband Tom had paddled with “When I’m out in the forest, it Brooklyn, Virge Lorents of Killingly TLGV on previous trips. makes me feel like, I don’t know and Angela Kneeland of East what the best word is — calmer, and “I was so focused on Gabe’s Putnam spent 2016 assessing canoe more centered with myself,” said recovery that I took the equipment and kayak launches in the National Gabe Sipson, 26. “I feel like maybe bag and it sat for a year,” Swale Heritage Corridor, which was the I’m more of a naturalist and things said. “During the first year he initial intent of the grant-funded align better, and it make sense. My wanted to get back into the woods. UTAP equipment. That data will perspectives are aligned better with We didn’t even know where to soon be available online and will what’s really important.” go. I remember going down to the offer valuable insight to anyone beach with him and there was a armed with TLGV’s Paddle Guide as For the last two and a half years, ramp, but in a wheelchair it was to which launches are best suited getting out into nature has been so hard to navigate. We ended up for those with mobility concerns. almost impossible for Sipson, who turning around to come home. We grew up in Woodstock climbing The team has also begun assessing realized there was no information trees, exploring the woods and hiking trails, such as the Air Line for a disabled person.” fishing. Sipson loved the outdoors so State Park Trail. TLGV Executive

16 Opposite page: Assessing the Riverside Park canoe and kayak launch in Brooklyn. Left: UTAP equipment and crew member Virge Lorents at work. Below: Recording data at the Riverside Park launch.

sure it’s disseminated to the people who need it most. Lorents is working on an event the UTAP team plans to host this year to get word out about the program and the trails that have been measured. The team could use more volunteers now that another set S. Swale S. Swale of equipment is coming.

Because of the work that has been Refers to the ability of individuals to get into an environment Access done, Sipson will be able to get outdoors again this spring. He Access Accessibility Refers to the design parameters of the appreciates what his mom and environment and whether the parameters provide access for people with others have done to help him and disabilities. An environment may not be accessible to every individual. others. “I just want to be able to for All go somewhere outside where there Director Lois Bruinooge said a sheets they’ll be able to decide for aren’t 1,000 other people,” Sipson second grant from the Connecticut themselves,” Swale said. said. “I want go somewhere quiet. Department of Energy and From what I hear, it’s going to Graff said the team learned that Environmental Protection was happen this year.” A the look of trails and launches can awarded to TLGV in January and be very deceiving when it comes will fund more advanced UTAP to their accessibility. The Air Line equipment, which will increase the Trail, for example, can provide speed of assessment. “It’s a slow a wonderful opportunity for process,” Stillman said. “We’re someone with mobility concerns, collecting a lot of measurements. including those in a wheelchair. The new equipment is automated.” However, getting onto the trail is The team spent spring, summer not always so simple. “If you can and fall collecting data on as many get on it, there are long areas that trails and boat launches as possible. are great,” Graff said. They retreated indoors once the “But, there are gates to stop four- weather turned colder to input the wheelers,” Swale added. “Those data into a program that will create also stop wheelchairs.” The team an information sheet for every is researching alternatives that can assessed locale. be recommended to trail managers. The information sheets will give According to Swale, “There are detailed and objective assessments gates that can let a wheelchair onto of the trail, its surroundings and a trail, yet stop a four-wheeler. access points. The trail might be We’re trying to find some grants suitable for a younger person with and see if now that we have this prosthesis but not suitable for an data, we might be able to make older person with a walker. “Not some sites even more accessible.” everyone with a prosthesis is going Lorents said it’s her hope to not only to be comfortable on the same collect the information but make

trail, but with the information S. Swale

17 Business Partner Spotlight Lakeview Marine

Susan Duquette grew up on Webster Lake, she’s raising her two children on the lake, and her business is on the lake. Everything Duquette does as the owner of Lakeview Marine is to ensure Webster Lake can be enjoyed for decades to come.

“I want to make sure the Kefalas F. lake is sustainable for future generations,” Duquette said. “I’ve Brayton said Lakeview really just seen a lot of changes in the last 30 facilitates the paddles and Webster years. There are a lot more houses. Lake Association member Ernie Practically everything is built up Benoit leads them. “I can’t match around the lake except the areas his knowledge of the lake and the where there are wetlands. There’s history of the region,” Brayton said. more traffic and more people. All “But we enjoy doing them.” of those things require us to take a Brayton said by offering kayaks closer look at the environment and and paddle board rentals, she make sure all the people factors

hopes Lakeview Marine is helping Kefalas F. don’t negatively affect the lake to increase the appreciation too much.” people have for their natural Left: Angela Brayton and Susan Duquette outside Lakeview Marine. Lakeview Marine sits on Thompson resource by getting more and Above: Angela Brayton welcomes more people to enjoy it. Road, not far from the state customers to the showroom. border with Connecticut in a spot Webster Lake’s history is rich and that has been a marina since the varied. While commonly referred mannequin sits on a chair on the 1950s. Duquette, whose maiden to as Webster Lake, the lake’s real ice at Lakeview Marine’s boat name is York, and her husband, name is actually Chargoggagogg- slips. Attached to the mannequin Rory, started Lakeview Marine in manchauggagoggchaubunagun- is a timing device that will trigger 2010. They took over the business gamaugg — or one of several other when Einstein falls through the from her father, who had owned similarly long versions of the name. ice. For a $5 entry fee, you can Action Marine for 19 years. From The lake is three ponds connected predict Einstein’s demise. Whoever the start they have been active by channels. It is considered a “great comes closest to the exact month, with the Webster Lake Association pond” by Massachusetts, and it is date, hour and minute of Einstein’s and in recent years they have the largest natural lake in the state, fall wins a cash prize. The rest of joined with The Last Green Valley. Connecticut or Rhode Island. the proceeds benefit the Webster Lake Association and other local Duquette said her interest in Brayton, who grew up in Webster organizations. TLGV started as a way to market and also lives on the lake, said the business and it soon became preserving the lake makes On a busy day on the lake, apparent that caring for the lake common sense for the business. everything from kayaks and was a common goal. By supporting the Webster Lake paddle boards, to jet skis and Angela Brayton, showroom and Association in a variety of ways, pontoon boats can be seen. All office manager for Lakeview, has such as hosting the association’s are available at Lakeview Marine. joined with TLGV to support several ICE-OUT contest, Lakeview Marine “Hopefully if people are out events. Lakeview Marine has can assist the association do its on the lake enjoying it, they hosted Walktober paddles on the work protecting the lake. For understand they should also take lake for several years and will do a the ICE-OUT contest, an Einstein care of it,” Brayton said. Spring Outdoors paddle this year.

18 By the Numbers 2016 in The Last Green Valley southeast massachusetts  Northeast Connecticut 

Acorn Adventures, ∩ Mystery Meanders and 1.86 Million 64,000 Member Programs, with People who visited National Heritage Walktober participants 18more than 500 people participating Corridor attractions or events

Participants who attended TLGV’s FIVE Historic preservation Historical Quarterly grants awarded Collaboration Series 20 89  Bald eagle sightings by 50 volunteers at 24 locations Streams and rivers during the annual mid-winter monitored by bald eagle survey 13 volunteers Acres of cropland with Award-winning photos chosen “Happy Chicken Days” by Julia Roemer new conservation 2017 | Explore The Last Green Valley practices that will for the 2017 71  build healthy soils Explore The Last Green Valley Calendar Lakes and ponds and reduce or  monitored by eliminate agricultural Community events  volunteers runoff. Three farmers attended by TLGV Rangers 101 participated in the   first year of this new 50 7 partnership program TLGV presentations to  community groups 20 66,101  Pounds of trash collected by Floating workshop and 2,213 4 quarterly meetings Students reached by TLGV’s hosted by the Thames 1,559 watershed and “Last Green Valley River Basin Partnership volunteers Grab Bag” educational programs   1 Miles of new National Tires removed by Recreation Trail on the volunteers Shetucket River  Complimentary 779 2016 25,000Explore! 22Issue Outdoor, Indoor & Copies of the 2016 Around Town Adventures in Explore Guide that were quickly m $ A National Heritage Corridor 308,110 distributed New canoe/kayak Value of volunteer hours to launches on the TLGV sponsored or funded Willimantic and programs Quinebaug Rivers 19 www.thelastgreenvalley.org • Toll Free 866-363-7226 2 Building Bridges by Cleaning Up

Reliance Health has used trash to build bridges. For 4 years, the Norwich-based community mental health center has organized monthly cleanups that build bridges to non-profits and community partners. Together, the small army of volunteers picked up almost 27,000 pounds of trash in 2016. Reliance Health does not make such a big dent in trash removal in one day, however. The organization holds monthly cleanups from April through September. In October, they celebrate their hard work.

Norwich is cleaner for it. But, the The idea of cleanups started as possible. The desire, from volunteers may have benefited four years ago with the RISE the start, was to build bridges Rmore than the city. “It has helped Committee, which connects between the organizations, their many people in many different Reliance Health clients to the services and the people they serve. ways,” said Suzee Costa, who spiritual community. Costa said Costa said soon after the committee facilitates Reliance Health’s RISE helping the community is a had the idea for the cleanups, Committee and volunteer efforts. mission that unites faith-based she learned about The Last Green “Everyone is working together organizations and local non- Valley’s program to fund cleanup and rolling up their sleeves for profits. Picking up trash was the efforts. TLGV has been running a the same project. It’s had a huge common denominator to get as cleanup program since 2012. In that impact on people.” many other organizations involved time 6,493 people have picked up

20 196,534 lbs. of trash. In 2016, the will join the cleanup or share their up to tackle the problem. “One of biggest collection year ever in both thanks for the work being done. the ladies was so excited, she felt weight and number of cleanups, Norwich Public Works is also a like her prayer had been answered, 66,101 lbs. of debris were removed major supporter of the effort. Costa and she was right there with us from the environment by 1,559 said the volunteers pick up as much cleaning up,” Costa said. “No matter people in 35 cleanups lead by 19 debris as they can, but sometimes who you are this is something you different organizations. According they have to leave a pile for public can do to make your community to reports filed by participants, 167 works because it’s simply too much a better place, and that’s one of cigarette lighters, 779 tires, 4,291 for the group to transport. the things we try to do at Reliance plastic bottles and 4,428 airline- Health is break down the stigmas The group moves around the sized alcohol containers were and bring people together.” city, hitting areas that have been among the trash picked up in 2016. suggested, but not focusing on While Reliance Health has been one area. “We are very careful Volunteers from Reliance Health and part of TLGV’s efforts almost from that we don’t want to enable St. Vincent de Paul Place work hard to cleanup Norwich. Photo credit J. Way, the start, every year brings new dumping,” Costa said. St. Vincent de Paul Place. groups to the cleanup program. Sometimes they manage to In 2016 the Town of Brooklyn unexpectedly grant a wish. A participated for the first time.“The neighborhood association was grant paid for everything we struggling to cleanup an area in needed to get going,” said Melissa Taftville that had been used as a Bradley, executive assistant for dumping ground until Reliance the town and the organizer of the Health's army of volunteers showed event. Bradley said Brooklyn plans to build on its first year haul of 1,020 lbs. of trash.

Costa is quick to point out that Reliance Health is not working alone. St. Vincent de Paul Place has become its largest partner and often has the most volunteers at cleanups. Often, when the group is out in a neighborhood, locals

21 ING OUTDOO SPR RS in The Last Green Valley In its second year, The Last Green In 2016 TLGV made a conscious Valley’s springtime walk program effort to only include programs is growing. After a successful 2016 hosted by land trusts and featuring walks and programs lead conservation commissions. “But by conservation organizations, the we had other organizations 2017 Spring Outdoors program asking if they could host walks,” will include any organization Dawley said. “This year it just wishing to host a walk, much like made sense to open it up to Walktober does in the fall. more organizations.” TLGV has developed an online brochure “Like everything we do it started (www.thelastgreenvalley.org/ because there was a need and explore-the-last-green-valley/ said. ”It’s all the more reason for a request,” said Marcy Dawley, spring-outdoors-2017) that allows The Last Green Valley to host these project coordinator for TLGV. Dawley to update the calendar events in the spring and the fall.” “People were asking us ‘why can’t with walks throughout the spring. we do something like Walktober Both Walktober and Spring at other times of the year?’” The 2016 Spring Outdoors featured Outdoors are a valuable 24 walks and was supported opportunity for organizations such While it draws inspiration from by 15 partners of the National as Joshua’s Trust, Hveem said, “The Walktober, Spring Outdoors differs Heritage Corridor. Joshua’s Tract Last Green Valley has a vantage in some key ways. Spring Outdoors Conservation and Historic Trust, point of the region as a whole starts on the spring equinox northeast Connecticut’s largest land and beyond. We get focused on March 20 and runs through to conservation organization with the 14 towns, but we are part of the summer solstice June 21. The 4,000 acres protected in 14 towns, a large region. The Last Green length of the program means the held about half of those walks in Valley makes us raise our heads up same walk can be a very different celebration of its 50th Anniversary. and look beyond our immediate experience at the start of Spring “For a long time we’ve been a part community and to see how we are Outdoors and at the end. “What of Walktober,” said Mike Hveem, connected to so many and how we you see in March is going to be executive director of Joshua’s Trust. could better work together.” very different in May or June,” “We think it’s great to expand Dawley said. “That really makes By expanding the number of that into a new season.” Hveem these walks unique in that way. organizations offering walks, said in 2016 Joshua’s Trust found You can go on the same walk more Spring Outdoors will have a greater that a number of participants than once and have very different variety of events in 2017. Some attended every walk held by the experiences. It’s a pretty great way Walktober leaders have redesigned organization, including repeats. to get to know a particular area.” their walks to take advantage of “There is such a great variety yet the different season. Dawley said it’s the same property,” Hveem that even knowing the National Heritage Corridor as well as she does, she was able to find new walks thanks to Spring Outdoors. She already has her eye on several walks she plans to participate in for 2017, as “It’s a good excuse to get outside and explore something new in The Last Green Valley.”

1 that1 Matter

History is being brought into the 21st Century thanks to grants from The Last Green Valley. TLGV awarded more than $8,000 in grants in 2016 to five organizations. The projects use digital technology and other creative methods to market and interpret historic and cultural resources in the National Heritage Corridor. All grantees must contribute a one-to-one match to their projects. The following grants were awarded:

The Norwich Historical Society The Finnish American Heritage The Killingly Historical and won a $2,500 grant to complete Society in Canterbury received Genealogical Society received a the Norwich Freedom Trail and a $2,500 grant for the design $1,950 grant to purchase a scanner the Millionaires’ Triangle, both and replacement of the and a VHS to DVD recorder for key elements ONEof Walk Norwich, a Heritage SocietyTWO sign and to add digitizing booksTHREE and tapes to historic and cultural walking tour professional labels to the museum preserve the information they of Norwich. The project uses digital and archival items. The project contain for future generations. technologyTelling to bring the stories of gives the society greaterStories visibility Norwich’s rich heritage and cultural to the public. sites to life by bringing awareness and appreciation of the community The Town of Coventry received to visitors. a $956 grant to print and share a collection of historic photos given to the Town. As part of the project, the FOURTown will work to identify some of the photos and create digital and hard copy books and poster boards.

The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust in Scotland won a $760 grant to create a period-correct sign to display outside of the Huntington Homestead.FIVE The sign will assist visitors by displaying the homestead’s hours of operation.

23 The Last Green Valley’s 11th from Devon Point Farm, Lapsley Annual Tastes of the Valley Orchard and Maple Lane Farm. event on September 18 raised Additional participants included: more than $25,000 for TLGV Baffoni’s Poultry Farm/The From Farm programs and endowment Chicken Lady, Beltane Farm, funds. Event co-chairs Laura and Black Pond Brews, Blackmer Scott Moorehead, along with Farm, Buell’s Orchard, committee members Joan Gray to Table - Cafemantic, Cloverleigh Farm, and Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Creamery Brook Bison, Grill created an extraordinary evening 37, Hosmer Mountain Soda, of food, fun, and fundraising for Marty’s of Dudley, Mountain The Last Green Valley. Dairy, Palazzi Orchard, Publick Tastes Held at The Mansion at Bald House Historic Inn, Roots Down, Hill in Woodstock, the event Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Simply of the celebrated locally-grown foods Fresh Solutions, The Inn at while raising funds for the Woodstock Hill, The Mansion at National Heritage Corridor. Bald Hill, These Guys Brewing Local restaurants prepared Company, The Vanilla Bean tasting portions using food and Café, The Vienna Restaurant, Valley beverages grown and produced Wayne’s Organic Garden, in The Last Green Valley. We-Li-Kit Farm, Westford Hill Distillers, Willimantic Brewing For the fourth year in a row, Company, Woodstock Farms, and participants voted Bella’s Bistro Woodstock Sustainable Farms. from Putnam as the “Best Cuisine of the 2016 Tastes of We are grateful to Kathleen the Valley” for its Rustic Italian Thompson for donating her Meatball made using products musical talents, and to Dorothy from 18th-Century Purity Farm, Drobney for capturing the Bigelow Brook Farm, Chase event on film. The event was Road Growers, Couet Farm & also a success because of the Fromagerie, Ekonk Hill Turkey businesses who donated auction Farm, Good Bug Gardens, Hart’s and raffle items, and because of Greenhouse & Florist, Lapsley the following sponsors: Orchard, New Boston Beef, Platinum Level: Fiberoptics Taylor Brooke Winery, Turtle Technology Inc., Rebecca Ledge Farm and UConn Spring Harvey, Savers Bank and UNFI Valley Student Farm. Helping Hands. The “Best Beverage” Gold Level: Keith & Elaine competition was won by Ben’s Knowlton, Putnam Bank and Beans of Putnam. Ben’s Beans Savings Institute. served Sumatra Dark Roast, Guatemala Light Roast, and Silver Level: Sara DiIorio, Peru Decaf and used products Southbridge Savings Bank and from The Farmer’s Cow. Titan Energy.

New this year, Chefs Allen and Bronze Level: CNB a division of Carolyn Granberg of Bella’s bank ESB, Gerardi Insurance, Bistro were given the honor Hull Forest Products, Jewett City of choosing a “Chef’s Choice” Savings Bank, Village Electric winner and picked 85 Main and Weiss & Hale Financial. from Putnam for its Ginger Five-Spiced Beef with Steamed Be sure to check out the back Buns, Bok Choy Slaw, and cover of this magazine for an Apple & Currant Hoisin. 85 exciting announcement about Main incorporated products Tastes 2017! 24 D. Drobney VOLUNTEER Spotlight Nancy Polydys

Nancy Polydys has traveled the world and visited every continent, but there is nowhere on Earth she would rather call home than The Last Green Valley. A Connecticut native and resident of Scotland, Connecticut for the last 18 years, Polydys said while she loves traveling, she loves coming home.

“This place really is The Last Green Valley,” Polydys said. “I fly a lot and I’ve flown over this dark spot many times. You can really see how special it is when you’re flying. You’re flying over this massive amount of lights and there is this dark spot. It’s impressive to see.”

Polydys chose Scotland as the location to build her home also led her to the The Last Green of endowment and something to because of her connection to the Valley. “When you live in an area keep this region as it is.” outdoors — a connection that you should participate in what it Polydys did not make the decision began as a child in East Hartford, has to offer,” Polydys said. lightly. She said after years of which was once a small town. When she moved to the National working with the organization “There were woods in back of Heritage Corridor, Polydys looked she realized her donations are my house and a pond at the end around for local organizations and well spent. TLGV does a lot with of the street,” Polydys recalls. “I groups to get involved with and a small staff, ensuring its funding spent most of my days playing in she became a member of TLGV. is maximized. Every dollar is spent the woods, even in the winter. After retiring 10 years ago, Polydys to further the mission of the We would slide down the hill and decided to turn that membership organization, she said. over some brooks into the woods into a volunteer effort and became And, many of the programs that are crashing every so often. I even a volunteer TLGV Ranger. Polydys run by TLGV actually multiply the made fishing poles, used string for said she began volunteering at donations by bringing visitors into the line and Christmas tree hooks every organization she had an the area that spend their money for the hook. Did I ever catch interest in to see which would be here. “People come from all over anything? No. But, it was fun. We the best fit for her. TLGV stuck and to visit this area because it’s rural,” could only fish in the spring when inspired Polydys to do more. Polydys Polydys said. “The Last Green Valley the Connecticut River overflowed has also decided TLGV and one protects the area and also attracts to the Hockanum, which flooded other organization are important people to the area.” Programs such my wonderful play area.” enough to her that she has named as Walktober have positive effects them benefactors in her will. After a career traveling all over on the local economy, which is the northeast and spending time “I would like to see this area important to her. “I’m a localvore. in major cities, Polydys wanted to preserved,” Polydys said. “I was There isn’t anything I need that I live with nature once again. She rewriting my will and I decided can’t buy locally and usually from found a piece of property with the I would make The Last Green a locally owned store, not one of perfect hill and landscape to allow Valley one of my beneficiaries. I those big chain stores. Everything her to pursue one of her passions, know their federal funding won’t we need is right here.” bird watching. That love of nature continue. They do need some kind which led Polydys to Scotland

25 Tours and Awards on a Summer Evening The Last Green Valley's Annual Meeting

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) Roland Beland was recognized Regan Miner from Norwich, for their hosted its Annual Membership for his support of the water trails leadership in creating so much Walk- Meeting on June 15, 2016 at Allen program, going above and beyond tober excitement in the City and for Hill Farm in Brooklyn, Connecticut. in supervising carpentry students inspiring so many other communities More than 130 members enjoyed from Harvard H. Ellis Technical to follow their lead. a gorgeous summer evening, High School during construction Representatives from many of The starting in Allen Hill’s restored and installation of 16 information Last Green Valley’s communities were red barn, then touring the farm kiosks at public canoe and kayak also on hand to receive new welcome by hay wagon and visiting the launches on the Quinebaug, plaques suitable for hanging outside site of a Native American fish Willimantic and Shetucket Rivers. their town halls, to let residents and weir on the Quinebaug River Mike Nelson, Community Service visitors know that they are within a with Emeritus State Archaeologist Supervisor for Charter Communi- Last Green Valley National Heritage Nick Bellantoni. cations, was presented with the Corridor Community. Executive Director Lois Bruinooge “Voice of the Valley” award for The following Board members and Board Chairman Bill Jobbagy providing innovative, outstanding, were re-elected to 3-year terms: also thanked all of TLGV’s and in-depth coverage of issues Bill Jobbagy, Mike Nelson, Myra members, donors, partners, and that matter in The Last Green Ambrogi, Donna Baron and Mark volunteers for their support, and Valley, and for guiding or directing Winne. The following TLGV members presented TLGV’s annual awards. thousands of local programs. were newly-elected to the Board for Alix McNitt from the Chamber of The final award was the announce- 3-year terms: Debra Burns and Jimi Central Mass South was recognized ment of “Team Walktober 2016,” Gothreau. for her service on the TLGV Board bestowed upon Dianne Brown & from 2012-2016. B. Zoldak

Town officials receive their new “Welcome to a Last Green Valley Community” plaques at the TLGV Annual Meeting.

26 Do you Walktober?The Last Green Valley’s signature event continues to grow as it approaches its 27th year. The 2016 Walktober featured more than 240 unique events, with more than 300 opportunities to participate, and drew more than 64,000 visitors to the National Heritage Corridor.

Here are some fun facts about Walktober 2016:

• The event has come a long way from its start in 1991, when Walking Weekend was born with 20 walks over Columbus Day Weekend, making it even older than the National Heritage Corridor. In fact, Walking Weekend began as a way to highlight the region while it was still working to get its federal heritage corridor designation. By 2007, the event had grown so large that it became Walktober.

• There were so many walks in 2016 that they no longer fit on TLGV’s map in the Walktober brochure.

• Norwich has been the leader in walks for the last several years. The Norwich Community Development Corp. first began the idea of pooling resources around the City to make Norwich a destination place for Walktober. In 2016, Norwich hosted 34 unique Walktober events, with many of the walks occurring multiple times throughout the month.

• Walktober honored two people with the designation of Team Walktober 2016. Regan Miner, consultant with the Norwich Historical Society, and Historical Society Secretary Dianne Brown, were the first team to share the honor. Together the two women took the idea of using Walktober to create a destination and ran with it, creating a model that communities such as Southbridge, Putnam and Windham have borrowed to their advantage.

• Southbridge celebrated its community by hosting 31 unique experiences for Walktober. Walks included hikes around the town’s reservoirs, an introduction to bees, an Octoberfest celebration and a walking tour though the National Historic District of downtown.

• Walktober 2016 was bigger than ever thanks to 140 partners and the inspiring volunteers who organized and led Walktober activities. Plans for Walktober 2017 are well underway.

27 The Last Green Valley, Inc. Statement of Financial Position as of September 30, 2016 Audited Financial Statement Assets Current Assets: Changes in Unrestricted Net Assets Cash $390,893 Revenues and Gains (FY 2016 Income Sources): Grants Receivable 74,959 National Park Service $534,777 Investments 50,761 Sales – Merchandise 1,356 Inventory 1,291 Grants 69,358 Prepaid Expenses 3,528 Contributions 9,580 Total Current Assets $521,432 Memberships/Fees 131,777 Property and Equipment: Interest Income 719 Machinery and Equipment 25,842 Unrealized Investment Gain 761 Less Accumulated Depreciation (25,842) Advertising Income 15,120 Fundraising Event 27,605 Net Property and Equipment 0 Total Revenue 791,053 Total Assets $521,432 Expenses (FY 2016 Expense Allocations): Programming 558,498 Liabilities and Net Assets Management & General 76,551 Current Liabilities: Fundraising 34,810 Accounts Payable $ 21,291 Total Expenses 669,859 Accrued Expenses 28,018 Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets 121,194 Grants Awarded 18,666 Increase in Net Assets 121,194 Total Current Liabilities 67,975 Net Assets – Beginning of Year 332,263 Total Liabilities 67,975 Net Assets – End of Year 453,457 Net Assets: Unrestricted $453,457 Total Net Assets $453,457 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $521,432

28 C. Cutler Thank you to all of The Last Green Valley’s Members, Donors, Sponsors and Partners From 10/01/2015 - 12/31/2016

Federal Funding William MacLaren * Town of Chaplin Chamber of Commerce, National Park Service, National Bishop Jane & Mr. Jack Middleton * Town of Eastford Windham Region Heritage Areas Program Quiet Corner Inn Town of Hampton Beverly Champany Federal Highways Administration, Faith A. Robinson Town of Putnam Charlie Brown Campground Recreational Trails Grants Wayde & Mary Beth Schmidt United Technologies Joseph Charron Program administered by Glenn Warner & Marguerite Davis Village Electric Chase Graphics the CT Dept. of Energy & Mark & Michele Winne * John & Sarah Waterman The Christmas Barn Environmental Protection Wyndham Land Trust, Inc. Weiss & Hale Financial, LLC Warren & Marguerite Church US Dept. of Agriculture, Natural William J. Zenko Circle C Campground, Inc. Resources Conservation $250+ Clara Barton Birthplace Museum Service, Regional Conservation Allen Hill Farm * $100+ Partnership Program Clarus Studios, Inc. Valerie Amsel 85 Main CNB, a division of bank ESB Angell House Design Pamela Adams Patrick J. Collins Gifts of Cash Brooklyn Historical Society Advanced Back & Wellness Center Columbia Historical Society Margaret Campanelli The Adventure Park of $10,000+ Connecticut Campground Owners Cedar Ledge Tree Farm Outdoor Ventures Bill & Silvia Jobbagy * Association Ellen Chase Aetna Foundation, Inc. Millennium Power Partners, L.P. * Roberta Cook The Daniel Rust House Alpaca Obsession, LLC Cook's Farm Orchard $5,000+ Marcy Dawley & Bob White Anonymous (9) Connecticut Audubon Society Mills Family Charitable Trust Michael & Carlee Drummer The Arc Quinebaug Valley Richard & Mary Cooper Thomas & Lynne Dufresne Archambault Insurance Associates Peter & Dawn Curry $1,000+ The Farmer's Cow Artique, LLC Carolyn Cutler Sherise Abbate-Witkoski Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. Ashbel Woodward Museum Daughters of the Holy Spirit The Allstate Foundation Sharon Gabiga Dan & Mary Atwood Anne DeBowes Myra & John Ambrogi * Roger & Nancy Gale A. David & Margaret Babbitt Mary Ellen Dee Anonymous (2) Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. * Marilyn & Peter Barlow Devon Point Farm A. Shepard Boote & Holly Ann Gilbert Donna Baron Dog Lane Café Heath Drury Boote * Dave Goodrich Ann Barry & Dennis Landis Gary L. & Catherine A. Donn Jeff Conrad Paul Goulet Janet & Dennis Blanchette Maryellen Donnelly Elaine Crooke * Halagan Design Group Bed & Breakfasts of Mystic Country Dudley Conservation Land Trust Eastern Savings Bank Hall Communications Bed and Breakfast at Jacqueline Dunaway John & Joan Gray Hart's Greenhouse & Florist, LLC Taylor's Corner Ann Dunnack Betty Hale Hull Forest Products Alice Belden * Lucian Dzialo * Rebecca M. Harvey Doug Kehl * Bella's Bistro ECFLA/Wolf Den Land Trust Marjorie L. Hoskin * Lucille A. Langlois * John & Janice Benda Eileen D. Brown Charitable Trust Ivanhoe Tool & Die Co., Inc. Gary & Frietha Lawrence * The Benevity Community Olga Ezis Keith & Elaine Knowlton * Impact Fund Kenneth E. Mahler & Fat Cats Events & Marketing, LLC Estate of Catherine Lynch Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Christine A. Strick Rudy J. & Joy P. Favretti Scott & Laura Moorehead * Black Tavern Historical Society Marty's of Dudley Mary & Ken Feathers Nancy Polydys * Blackmer Farm Jeffrey & Amy Miller Lenore Felpel & Jim Hamel Putnam Bank Dean & Sandra Blanchard * Morning Beckons Farm First Congregational Church Savers Bank Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Booklovers' Gourmet of Woodstock Savings Institute Bank & Trust Program Robert & Katherine Boucher Douglas & Theresa Fleming Southbridge Savings Bank Janet Robertson Boy Scouts of America - CT Rivers John Folsom Council UNFI Helping Hands Committee Semaki & Bird Kerstin & Richard Forrester * Tom & Wendy Brennan Richard & Jane Smith Fort Hill Farms & Gardens, LLC $500+ Steve & Karen Broderick * Sturbridge Tourist Association Laura & John Foxx Joellen Anderson Arthur & Lennox Brodeur * Taylor Brooke Winery Paul & Donna Frenette * Anonymous Jim & Helen Bruinooge Titan Energy Frog Rock Rest Stop, LLC Bogey Lanes Buell's Orchard Garden Gate Florist John Boland & David & Nancy Bull Janet Garon Susan Preston Boland Business Systems & Incentives, Inc. George's Galley Byrnes Insurance Agency "Thank you" Tony & Ruth Bys * Tom & Nancy Gerseny Charlene Perkins Cutler to our members. Michael & Vivian Camara Ron & Norma Gingras * Joe & Jean Drake Your loyal support Canterbury Historical Society Girl Scouts of Connecticut Thomas & Nancy Dziki helps us connect Caprilands Institute Don & Patricia Gladding * Farm Credit East people to the places Captain Grant's 1754 Golden Lamb Buttery Jewett City Savings Bank and stories that Betty Challgren * Charles F. Kane, Jr. matter. James Gothreau Ellen Lehtimaki * Goudreau's at Nash's Garden Center

* Has contributed to one of The Last Green Valley’s endowment funds with either the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. 29 The Governor Jonathan Trumbull The Mansion at Bald Hill Marilyn & Bob Rath House Museum Marcy's Tailored Organizing Rawson Materials LyAnn Graff & Ken Carpenter * Service, LLC William B. Reid "Thank you" Brett & Diane Grant * Robin & Joe Marinelli Elizabeth Reid & James Corcoran to our business Sonia & Kevin Greene Rocco Marino * Reliance Health, Inc. partners and Paul Grenier * Jeff & Cheryl Mathieu Renee's Working Girl Catering sponsors. Our Ann Gruenberg Peggy & Christopher Mc Kleroy Bill & Ellen Rewinski * communities are Guns of Norwich Historical Geoffrey & Kimberly McLean Lillian Rhodes better places to Society, Inc. Mark Melady Katharine Richardson live, work, and play Gurleyville Native Produce Tony & Terri Messa Barry & Jane Rider because of you. Hampton Antiquarian & John Meyer & Carolyn Mills-Meyer Peter Rimkus & Debbie Myers Historical Society, Inc. Peggy Miller * Joyce M. Rivers Richard & Sarah Hardy David Mitchell Pamela Rodgers Town of Killingly Roslyn Harrington John F. Monroe Sally Rogers * Town of Sprague Russell F. Harris Jaime & Michael Montville Deb Romaniw * Traveler Restaurant Jolene & Roger Hart Thomas Moretta Roseland Cottage Trinity Catholic Academy Thomas & Donna Hawkins David J. Morris Roseland Park Trink-et Shoppe Heifer International Daniel G. Mullins * James & Deborah Russel Vanilla Bean Café Heirloom Food Company Nathan Hale Homestead Sandra Brodeur Robert & Susan Vincent Henrietta House B&B and Red David & Karen Nelson * Sawmill Pottery Barbara Vizoyan * House Farm Michael J. & Tenley G. Nelson Gerald W. Sazama Voluntown Economic Richard & Elena Hermonot/ The New Roxbury Land Trust, Inc. Eric Schott Development Commission Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm Northeast Connecticut Scotland Historical Society/ Cristine M. Waldron Beverly Hiatt Farmers’ Market Edward Waldo House Wallis Cove Cabins Hidden Treasures Shop Northeast Opportunities for Sharpe Hill Vineyard Walter & Carolyn McGinn, DMD Highland Campground Wellness, Inc. Kevin & Linda Shaw Richard P. Watson Highland Festival Association of Northeastern Connecticut Art Guild Frank & Susan Shuell * Webco Chemical Corp. Scotland, CT Northeastern CT Chamber of John & Nancy Silander The Webster Dudley Edwin Hinkel Commerce Ted & Barbara Simmons * Business Alliance Holiday Hill Day Camp/ Holiday Norwich Historical Society Slater Memorial Museum Webster Lake Association, Inc. Recreation Center OFS Fitel, LLC Caroline E. Sloat Gary & Carol Weed Robert & Leslie Holland Carol & Bob Oliver * Mark & Debby Smith Carolyn & Robert Werge * J. Edward Hood Oliver Wight Tavern at Warren & Angela Smith Leslie Wertam The Hoot, Inc. Old Sturbridge Village Society of the Founders of Norwich E. John & Kathryn White Carolyn Huff Thomas & Marie Olson South Charlton Reservoir Association Leslie White J & D Civil Engineers, LLC Opacum Land Trust, Inc. Southbridge Hotel & Wiggin and Dana, LLP Jeff Helgerson Excavating, Inc. Oxford Firefighters Association Conference Center William Benton Museum of Art Robert E. & Joan Johnson Pakulis Farm Joan St. Ament * Ben Williams * Joshua's Tract Conservation & Robert Paladino & JT Moore Ernie & Sandy Staebner Willimantic Brewing Co., LLC, Rest. Historic Trust Palazzi Orchard Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stetson, Jr. & Pub Brewery Killingly Historical Society Palmer Arboretum Strong Body/Strong Mind Family Willimantic Food Co-op Mary Eliza Kimball * Patricia Papini Yoga Studio Windham ARTS Hans & Christina Koehl * Richard Paradise & Denise Sturbridge Lions Club Windham County 4-H Foundation Bruce & Donna Kosa Lachapelle Sullivan & Company Real Estate, LLC WINY-AM Radio Station/Osbrey Marilyn L. Labbe * Ken Parker Sunnyside Farms Broadcasting Company Lakeview Marine - Parker Memorials & Stone Co. * The Sunshine Shop Inc. Blanche Y. Wojick & family Paddlesport Rentals Ted & Lori Parker Dana & Cheryl Swenson * Janice E. Wojick Landon's Tire, Inc. * Jeff & Lindsay Paul Nancy & Janina Swiacki Lucy Wong Donna LaPointe Paul Wakely Builders, LLC Barbara Tate & Jon Kornhauser * Woodstock Academy Lapsley Orchard Claude R. Pellergrino & David Taylor * Woodstock Agricultural Society, Inc. Leslie & Paul Lavallee * Susan Zimmerman James & Elaine Tenis Woodstock Business Association Law Office of Andrea L. Truppa Peppertree Camping, Inc. Terri's Embroidery & More Woodstock Orchards, LLC Lebanon Historical Society Museum PierceCare Tom & Lee Terry * Woodstock Sustainable Farms & Lebanon Life Publications, LLC Pine Hill Alpaca Farm, LLC Theatre of Northeastern CT at the Manton Green B & B Scott & Rebecca Lehmann Pizza Pizzazz Bradley Playhouse Woodstock Valley Electric Peter & Eleanor Linkkila * Plainfield Historical Society Eric & Lisa Thomas * Loretta Wrobel Bonnie & Gary Lipstreu * Plainfield Lions Club, Inc. Thompson Historical Society YMCA Camp Woodstock Lisbon Historical Society Pomfret Horse and Trail Thompson's Cleaning Service William Zamagni, Sr. Emily Logee-Savoie * Association, Inc. Thompson Speedway Longmeadow Automotive Publick House Historic Inn Motorsports Park Larry & Kitty Lowenthal Putnam Business Association Three Rivers Community College $50+ Sherry Magnan Janice Putnam Threefold Research Dean & Suzanne Albro Mansfield Downtown Partnership The Pyne-Davidson Co. Ron & Gwyneth Tillen Susan E. Allen Mansfield Drive-In Theatre & Quinebaug Valley Regional Edward R. Tollmann * Julia Altdorf Marketplace Rotaract Club Town of Ashford Anonymous (7)

30 Avalonia Land Conservancy Groton Open Space Association Pamela Rosenlund * Steven & Delia Ayer H. Janet Babineau Grow Windham Irene Ross Kelly Bailey John Baldwin Linda Gustafson Irene Roy Caroline Barrows * Ballard Institute & Museum Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center Jim & Pam Rubovits Brian Bartizek of Puppetry Sue Harkness Marylou Savoy * Susan & Rob Beach Merilyn G. Bambauer * Aaron & Alison Hill * Robert Sawyer Timothy & Heather Bell James Belisle Hitchcock Free Academy Robert Schoff John & Penny Bennett Scott Benoit Steve & Susan Hogan Dave & Marilyn Schreiber Joe Berardy Curtis & Carol Berner Jim & Brenda Houghton William Shanahan Ruth Bergeron Honore & Harry Birkenruth Tom Hughes & Andrea Amato * Grace A. Sheehan Shirley Bernstein Alton & Jill Blodgett Rebecca S. Ikehara * Solair Recreation League Doug Berrisford Ruth Bourassa Dorene & Walter Jette Amanda Starbala & Skye Garofalo Ruth Blakney Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Jonathan Trumball Jr. House Museum Bruce & Georgia L. Stauffer Claire Bolduc Mary Brodhead * Jorgensen Center for the Patricia T. Stevens Melissa Bonsall Richard Carpenter Performing Arts Thomas & Sandra Swale Thomas & Kathy Borner Chamber of Central Mass South Peter Joyce Ted Theodores Charles & Rita Borovicka Tom Chamberland * Ayla Kardestuncer Thread City Community Steve & Katrina Bousquet Ted & Susan Chambers Stanley Karro Development Corp. R. Sky Bridgman Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Doug & Jennifer Kaufman Karin Tourtellotte Gloria Briere Click, Inc. Judith Ann & Edward Keegan Bill Tremblay * Linda Bronstein Dale Cloud Carlotta Kennedy United Health Group Lois Bruinooge Russ Cohen * Killingly Business Association Robert Visny * Sue & Nick Buehler Mary C. Colburn Killingly Grange #112 Cheryl Wakely Bob Burgoyne Connecticut Eastern Angela Kneeland Susan Waldron Karin Burlingame Railroad Museum Glenn Krevosky * Lynn & Donna Weaver Tom Callinan & Ann Shapiro Colleen & Robert Cording * Gary Lamirand, Jr. * William & Michelle Weiss William & Naomi Campbell Rodney & Barbara Coriarty Ken & Linda Lamothe Westfield Congregational Charles Carey CT Farmland Trust Rosemary Lang Church, UCC Joyce Carpenter Robert Curtis Patricia L. LeBeau Shawn & Allison Whiston Lenore & Stuart Case Sherill Cyr * Jo-Ann MacFarlane * Robert & Pauline White Pat Charron Catherine & Julius D'Agostino Mansfield Historical Society Susan Wiley Tom & Linda Chase Barbara Day Museum Willimantic Whitewater Partnership Craig & Mary Cheyne Day Kimball Healthcare Mansfield Public Library Windham County Agricultural Anne Christie & Steve Russo Jean de Smet Jean & Jack McClellan Society, Inc. Lauren Churchill Caroline Delaney * Mary McGrattan Windham County Town Clerk's Eleanor Clark Mary DeMarco Loretta McHugh Association John Cole Beth Desjardin Melissa & Jason McLevy Windham Textile and Lois & Madison Cole History Museum Linda K. Duckstein Sandra Mello Joyce Coleman Sylvia Jane Wojcik Megan Duffy Richard & Ann Merritt Maureen Combs The Woods at Long Pond William Dwyer Alan & Katherine Miller Coreplus Federal Credit Union Eastern CT Conservation District, Inc. Ann Milner $25+ David Corsini & Delia Berlin Eastern CT Regional Tourism District Donald & Kathleen Morin * Susan Abbood Ray Dahlstrom Liz Ellsworth Mystic Aquarium/ Edward Adams Erin Daly Sea Research Foundation Lois & Joe Fay * Frank & Terry Aleman Faith Damon Davison Carol S. Nelson * Linda C. Felt Jeanne Alexander Barry & Jean Davis John R. & Carol A. Nelson Stephen Ferriss David M. Allen Susan Davis & Jeff Simpson Kurt & Carolyn Nelson Maggie & George Ferron Peter & Judy Andersen John F. Dean Judy Nilson Finnish-American Heritage Society Erick & Aimee Anderson Ann DeFranco Robert Nilson Thomas Foley, Jr. Margaret Anderson Judi & Stu Deglin Norwich Community Development Don & Janice Francis * Anonymous (5) Tom DeJohn Corporation Friends of the Ledyard Libraries Christine Armstrong John & Kathy Delaney Eileen G. Fritz * Oxford Historical Commission Ken & Sally Demars Peter & Judy Georg Bruce & Linda Parsons Christopher & Kathleen Demers Timothy & Patricia Gillane Marianne Pedersen Clare Despathy Joy & John Glynn Leslie N. & Lynne W. Pitman "Thank you" Patrick & Eileen Dolan Patricia A. Goff Preston Historical Society, Inc. to our nonprofit Marcia Donofrio Irene Profetto * Ron & Carolyn Goldstein partners. We are Joan & John Donoghue Marion B. Racine The Governor Samuel strongest when we Mark & Dorothy Drobney Huntington Trust Howard Raphaelson work together to F. Aldrich Edwards Vernon Gray, Jr. Phil & Janet Renn Liz Elliott Michele Greaves & Joe Popvitch Anne Roberts-Pierson care for, enjoy, and pass on our historic, Mike & Mary Ellen Ellsworth Anne & Barry Greene, Jr. John & Linda Rodolewicz Jerome & Diane Ethier cultural, and natural Karen Greer Jeanette Rohan * Kelsey Evans George & Sandra Groom Margaret Rohloff * treasures. Jim & Shirley Faucher Geraldine Gross Linda Rollin

* Has contributed to one of The Last Green Valley’s endowment funds with either the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. 31 Lisa Faucher Margaret A. Pothier Under $25 Janis & Cary Fausey June Powell Sally Balukas Debra Fisette "Thank you" Alexander & Maureen Prokos Maurice & Rebecca Beaudette Ronald & Barbara Fitzpatrick to our donors. Girish Punj & Karen Mathews Ruth T. Berube Susan Foster & Roger Solomon Every dollar you Joan E. Putney Antony & Michaela Bradford Peter Fox provide helps us Robert Quevillon Warren & Dale Bratter Don & Janice Francis * to inspire new Linda Racine Ralph Chartier Elizabeth Gannon caretakers and Lawrence Rainville Ken Chauvin Neal & Carol Ganz stewards of this Paul & Joyce Rak Mike Cristina Claire Gates special place. Enrique Ramirez & Robert & Paula Erickson Patricia Gelinas Robin McCoy-Ramirez Hope K. Fitz Charles Giardino Andy & Jessica Reed Susan E. Hansen Richard & Diane Giggey * Michael D. Longenbaker Jeff & Gloria Regan Linda Hanson Jane Goldman Nicholas Longo Paulette Remillard Craig Johnson Barry Gorfain & Debbie Tedford Jeff Lorello Gloria Ricker Bruce Kohl Erik Gottlieb & Nancy Ciccone Earl & Peg Manz Linda Rollin Andy Krofina Gabrielle (Labonte) Gratton Judith Marcus Peter Roper Mary Ann Lally Amy Green Steve & Linda Mark Steven & Kristen Rosenfeldt Wendy Lennon Alison U. Haber Bill & Nancy Mason Lester Ruth Jeni Luther David & Marjorie Hall Colleen & Andrew Massey Rev. Barbara Schreier Karen Mullins John & Susan Hall Sara May Virginia & Christopher Sears Madeline Oden Roswell & Gretchen Hall Dale & Judith Maynard Julia Sedor Scranton's Shops Christine & Richard Haller William Maynard Nancy Sheldon David & Debbie Stoloff Susan Hardin Kathy Mayotte Mike & Susan Sherman Paul Warren * Kathleen Hart Dolores McCarthy Ann Shrayer Margaret Weaver Maureen Hart Pam McCormick Thomas Sinkewicz Bruce & Donna Young Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh Kate McGill John Sloan Elizabeth Hayden Walter & Carolyn McGinn Evelyn Cole Smith Steve & Leesa Heath Kathy McGrath Steve Smith Gifts In Kind Paul & Ann Hennen David G. McKinley Jan St. George 18th Century Purity Farm Joseph E. Hickey, Jr. Kathleen McNeill & Jay LaSalle Jim & Vicky Stahr 85 Main Maura Higginson Joyce Meader William Stallman 241 Church Street LLC John & Jessica Hoadley Nancy Mercier Liz & Gregory Stillman Advanced Back & Wellness Center Joann Hodge Kim Messier & Jan Ilvonen Cecelia Sullivan * Allen Hill Farm, LLC David R. Hoey Michael & Kathleen Michalak Jo Ann Szela Alpaca Obsession, LLC Don & Rachel Holmes Larry Millhofer Barbara & Paul Szostakowski Bella's Bistro Donald B. & Janis Hoyle Wendy Mis Helen G. Thompson Bigelow Brook Farm Eleanor W. Hubbard Anthony & Shirley Mongillo Beverly Thornton Janet & Dennis Blanchette Jorie Hunken Ginny Moore Dianne Tremblay Black Pond Brews David Hynes Dorothy & Denis Morin Patricia A. Trotter Blackmer Farm John Ilewicz Stan Morytko, Jr. Jennifer Tufts Brialee RV & Tent Park, Inc. Sandra Johnson Judy Moulton Cindy M. Uva Lois Bruinooge Mark & Sue Johnston Beverly Muldoon Sally Van Dyke * Brush It Off LLC David & Carol Jordan Anne H. Nalwalk JoAnn Vertefeuille Buell's Orchard Irene Juthnas James Nardulli Lawrence & Danielle Vincent The Bulletin/Norwich Magazine Ruth Karl Maureen Nicholson Murray Wachman Cafémantic Patricia Kearns Denise Noiseux Linda Walsh Cedar Street Café Kevin Kelley Richard & Avis Norman Walter Watson & Charles Sotir Chamber of Central Mass South Paul & Patricia Kelly Elizabeth Noyes Alicia Wayland Charter Communications Gary Kendrick Keith & Dena O'Hara Family Kent & Mary Weaver Chase Road Growers Doris Kennedy Michael O'Keefe Dana & Michael Wehking Chickadees John Kochinskas Ernest & Norma O'Leary Vicki Wetherell The Chronicle Donna Koenig Gloria O'Neil Jim & Joyce Wicks Cloverleigh Farm Ann Kouatly Sue Orcutt William Winter Connecticut Audubon Society John Kucharski Leila F. Ostby Walter Wojciehowski Connecticut Tigers Barbara Laliberte Robyn & Jeff Ouimet Carol Wood Cornerstone Creations Robert Lalumiere Ronald Pariseau & Linda Sulkazi Patricia Zalesny Coulet Farm & Fromagerie Nancy Lamirande Anne Paton William & Kathleen Zamagni Crabtree & Evelyn Nancy Lamontagne Bill & Terri Pearsall Joan Zawacki Creamery Brook Bison Sally Larmon * Christine Petersen & Danielle Zecco Marcy Dawley & Bob White David Lawrence Christian Wagner Susan Zimmerman & The Day Paul Lee Donna Petrangelo Claude Pellegrino Dexter-Russell, Inc. Mary Beth Leonard Tamsen & David Philippi Brian Zoldak Mark & Dorothy Drobney Sophine Lever John & Jean Pillo Droll Yankees Frank Liberty Rita Pollack

32 Thomas & Lynne Dufresne Stonebridge Press/Villager Gifts in Memory The Last Green Valley Eastford Building Supply Newspapers In memory of James L. Ayers Legacy Society Edible Arrangements Taylor Brooke Winery Donna LaPointe We are grateful to our members Thai Orchid Restaurant who have chosen to support The ERS Westcott Stone & Mulch In memory of Louise Barker Theatre of Northeastern CT at the Last Green Valley through their The Farmer's Cow Anonymous First Niagara Bank Bradley Playhouse wills or other estate plans. Foxwoods Resort Casino These Guys Brewing Company In memory of Carlos Barton Anonymous Friends of the Prudence Crandall Kathleen Thompson Anonymous Laura Moorehead Nancy Polydys Museum Thompson Speedway In memory of Edward "Bill" Bushey Frito-Lay Motorsports Park Edward Adams Garden Gate Florist Trink-et Shoppe Maurice & Rebecca Beaudette GO Interactive Media, LLC Turtle Ledge Farm Ruth T. Berube Grill 37 UCONN Spring Valley Student Farm Rodney & Barbara Coriarty Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center Vanilla Bean Café Mary Ellen Dee Hall Communications Vienna Restaurant & Historic Inn Mary DeMarco Hart's Greenhouse & Florist, LLC Paul & Sharon Wakely Jacqueline Dunaway Hartford Courant/ Walter & Carolyn McGinn, DMD Olga Ezis Courant Community Wayne's Organic Garden Janis & Cary Fausey Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh Westford Hill Distillers Douglas & Theresa Fleming Henrietta House B&B and William Benton Museum of Art Amy Green Red House Farm Claire Williams Linda Gustafson Heritage Information Radio, Willimantic Brewing Co., LLC, Jolene & Roger Hart AM 1700 Rest. & Pub Brewery Beverly Hiatt Richard & Elena Hermonot/ Willimantic Food Co-op Jeff & Cheryl Mathieu Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm Windham Textile and Mark Melady Hosmer Mountain Soda History Museum John R. & Carol A. Nelson Hull Forest Products WINY-AM Radio Station/Osbrey Marilyn & Bob Rath Inn at Woodstock Hill Broadcasting Company Scranton's Shops Joe Cleans Woodstock Agricultural Society, Inc. Richard & Jane Smith Jorgensen Center for the Woodstock Farms Performing Arts Woodstock Sustainable Farms & Town of Chaplin Killingly Parks & Recreation Manton Green B & B Leslie Wertam Lapsley Orchard The Yankee Xpress Wiggin and Dana, LLP Lebanon Historical Society Museum Windham County Town Clerk's Association Lisbon Cinema 12 Gifts In Honor Blanche Y. Wojick & family Michelle Lundstrom/Ben’s Beans In honor of Arline Bowen Janice E. Wojick Mansfield Parks & Recreation Anonymous Bruce & Donna Young The Mansion at Bald Hill Maple Lane Farms In honor of Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni In memory of John H. & Marty's of Dudley Anonymous Ellen P. Goff The Metro Bistrot In honor of Marcy Dawley Patricia A. Goff John Meyer & Carolyn Mills-Meyer Pamela Rosenlund In memory of Phyllis & Scott Moorehead Arthur Kuper In honor of Christina Mazza Mountain Dairy Marion B. Racine Michael J. & Tenley G. Nelson Dave Goodrich In memory of Martha MacLaren New Boston Beef In honor of Mike Nelson William MacLaren Noah's Ark Pet Shops of Carol S. Nelson Sturbridge, Inc. In memory of Nancy Moretta In honor of Bill Reid Richard & Avis Norman Thomas Moretta Charles F. Kane, Jr. Old Sturbridge Village In memory of John F. Papini, Jr. In honor of Edward P. Starti Oxford Firefighters Association Patricia Papini Palazzi Orchard Anonymous In memory of Haig Vizoyan Jean Pillo In honor of Dick & Sandie Eleanor Provencal Williamson (2) Barbara Vizoyan Publick House Historic Inn Jim & Helen Bruinooge Putnam Business Association Putnam Town Crier Putnam Traveler Rapscallion Brewery "Thank you" Rawson Materials to our volunteers. Rolf Bodyworks You create magic Roots Down when you share your Sharpe Hill Vineyard Simply Fresh Solutions love for The Last Slater Memorial Museum Green Valley.

* Has contributed to one of The Last Green Valley’s endowment funds with either the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut or the Greater Worcester Community Fund. 33 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Danielson, CT Permit No. 111

The Last Green Valley, Inc. P.O. Box 29 203B Main Street Danielson, CT 06239-0186 P.O. Box 186 Southbridge, MA 01550

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

Stay tuned for a new twist on our signature event in 2017 – Tastes of the Valley presents A Farmer at Your Table on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge. D. Drobney