SHARINGSHARING THETHE LANDSCAPELANDSCAPE A Publication of The Friends of State Parks Summer 2016 July 10, 2016

for Connecticut’s state parks, forest recrea- NEWS from HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK tion areas, historic sites, conservation areas Page 11 and much more. NEWS from FRIENDS OF HAMMONASSET STATE PARK Page 12 MORE NEWS from HAMMONASSET STATE PARK CONTENTS Page 13 FCSP MISSION Page 1 NEWS from FRIENDS OF FORT TRUMBULL STATE FCSP MISSION PARK Page 13 GREETINGS from PRESIDENT PAM Page 2 NEWS from DINOSAUR STATE PARK Page 14 FCSP was the brainchild of then State Park A LETTER from CONNECTICUT FOREST & PARK Director Robert Freedman and Sleeping Giant ASSOCIATION Page 2 NEWS from THAMES RIVER HRITAGE PARK Page 15 Assoc. member, Randall Miller. As the pair ATTORNEY GENERAL GEORGE JEPSEN HOSTS AMENDMENT EVENT Page 4 NEWS from GFRIENDS OF AMERICAN LEGION & hiked the Giant on sunny afternoon, they PEOPLE STATE FOREST Page 15 BUDGET DEAL GIVES DEEP A NEW STATE PARK discussed the benefit to the state parks in Page 5 NEWS from FRIENDS OF HEUBLEIN TOWER AT TAL- COTT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Page 15 having an organized volunteer group serve as a CFPA—ANNUAL MEETING at NEW CT GROWN support system for a park. Connecticut State STRUCTURE Page 6 IMPORTANT DATES—FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT Parks had nine “Friends” groups at the time, NEWS from CONNECTICUT FOREST AND PARK STATE PARKS Page 17 ASSOCIATION Page 6 each with its own mission to support a specific FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS Page 17 2016-2017 BUDGET IMPACTS STATE PARK & focus of a single park. The discussion turned to FOREST RECREATIONAL AREAS Page 7 A CALL TO GIFT SHOP MANAGERS Page 17 the need for a conduit to communicate with all PRESS RELEASE from Dennis Schain of DEEP FRIENDS and SOCIAL MEDIA Page 18 of the Friends groups as well as, to support the Page 7 STATEWIDE NETWORK OF FRIENDS Page 19 many park and forest recreation areas that did FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS—2016 LEGISLATIVE DAY Page 9 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Page 19 not yet have a support group. The seed for the NEWS from FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT STATE IMPORTANT LINKS Page 19 creation of The Friends of Connecticut State PARKS Page 9 GALLERY Page 19 Parks was planted. CONNECTICUT OPEN HOUSE DAY Page 10 FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS Page 19 The first members of FCSP were a small group NEWS from FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS Page 11 of energetic and enthusiastic folks with a vision for a statewide volunteer support system for NEWS from GROTON OPEN SPACE ASSOCIATION Sharing the Landscape 1

GREETINGS from which it was taken and, with no notice to the volumes about the passion the Conservation PRESIDENT PAM State’s Land Managers and its citizens. The community and the citizens of Connecticut have opening language of the Conveyance Bill, for their State Parks and Forests. With the con- “Provisions of the General Statutes notwith- tinued support of Friends groups and our standing”, allows Legislators to disregard any state’s many conservation organizations, the Dear Friends: existing statute that protects the property. A fervent hope is that the Amendment will be This year of 2016 has been very busy for Constitutional Amendment is not so easily pushed over the finish line in the next session. Friends of Connecticut State Parks, Friends ignored. Keep up the great work and thank you all. Groups, the Connecticut General Assembly and The Connecticut Forest & Park Assoc., the for the DEEP State Parks Division. This edition Friends of Connecticut State Parks (and the 24 of Sharing the Landscape will be more of a Sincerely, Friends Groups), the Connecticut Lands photo journal of the year to date. Legislative Coalition and many more organizations Pamela Aey Adams issues do require some explanation and worked tirelessly advocating for the passage FCSP President information can be found in this publication. of the Amendment. Passage of this first-time I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Amendment would require a 3/4 majority of our Friends who supported the effort for a vote in both the Senate and House then, be Constitutional Amendment to better protect placed on the State Election ballot in the state lands. The Amendment passed … sort of. upcoming even-year election and passed by More explanation on that in paragraphs to popular vote. Just days before the close of follow. the 2016 session, the Senate passed the For those not familiar with the issue, here is Amendment with the requisite majority of some information. In 2016, Conservation Senators voting to support the Amendment. organizations in Connecticut proposed a Literally minutes before the closing of the session, the House passed the Amendment Constitutional Amendment which would better A LETTER from CONNECTICUT protect State Park, State Forest and but, did not achieve the required majority. Agricultural Lands. One might believe that such While this means that the Amendment will FOREST & PARK ASSOCIATION a significant piece of Legislation would not be not appear on the 2016 Election Ballot in needed as state land is already protected. This November, the legislation can be reintro- 2016 Legislative Session Final Recap is not the case. Unbeknownst to most citizens, duced in the next session (or subsequent ses- a piece of legislation known as the Conveyance sions) and, requires only a simple majority to Teaser Text: The 2016 Legislative session along Bill allows Legislators to give appear on the 2018 Ballot. with the budget, bonding, and conveyance act away state land to Historically, Amendments to Connecticut’s are finally over. This was a BUSY year, so read government or private Constitution often fail or, take ten or more on to see the full story of the good, the bad, entities without monetary years to pass and become law. The fact that and the ugly. compensation to the this Amendment to Protect State Lands taxpayers or program from gained so much support in its first year speaks Continued on page 3 Sharing the Landscape 2

Continued from page 2 Passage of SJ 36 was an ENORMOUS first step opportunities from 1) a per-person admission toward better protecting your state lands, fee at all state parks, and 2) funds raised from The 2016 session opened on February 3rd and and many legislators were wonderfully state park concessions, services, and concluded at midnight on May 4th. Every supportive to make this happen (though amenities. This is another step toward finding moment counts in the frenetic 13-weeks of Senator Kevin Witkos and Representative a more sustainable funding source for session, and CFPA was busy working for your Roberta Willis pictured above deserve extra Connecticut’s beautiful but under-resourced forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces special mention)! State Parks. up until the very end. H.B. 5150/P.A. 16-86: Public Notice of SB504/P.A. 16-1: The 2016 Conveyance Act But it seemed that the unfinished business Planned Tree Removals along Municipal (the annual bill that allows the General remaining after the clock ran out on May 4th Roads. This bill requires: 1) utilities to Assembly to sell, swap, or give away public would never actually end. There were two provide a plan for their proposed tree pruning lands) was voted on during the Special Session. special sessions held after May 4th to vote on and removals to each town annually by the There were 7 new sections of the Conveyance bonding, the budget, the budget implementer, end of January. Towns have 14 days to make Act that never had a public hearing as did the and the conveyance act. Following is our recap these plans publicly available; 2) utilities must earlier version of the bill (HB 5619). One new of the most significant bills that CFPA was remove or dispose of debris from their section renewed a 30-year lease (for $1/year) directly involved with this year: authorized vegetation management; and 3) of CT DEEP lands in Ridgefield for athletic fields Municipal Tree Wardens are authorized to and enabled the town to install lights on that Key Bills Passed post a group of shrubs proposed for removal land. S.J. 36/Resolution Act 16-1: Constitutional rather than individual shrubs. Representatives Amendment to Better Protect Public Lands. Mike D’Agostino and James Albis were critical Cuts to Key Environmental Programs S.J. 36 passed both chambers on the last day of in negotiating this important bill. The bonding and budget revisions at the end of the regular legislative session. This priority the 2016 session made deep cuts to resolution (which has to be passed again in the H.B. 5627/P.A. 16-72: Remove Requirement environmental priorities as well as many other 2017-18 legislative session to make it onto the to Pay Sales Tax at Gates to State Parks. The programs across state government as part of November, 2018 ballot) would ensure a public “budget implementer” passed at the end of approximately $1 billion in cuts. Following are process before state-owned public lands could the 2015 session added a 6.35% sales tax on some of the key programs that were impacted: be sold, swapped, or given away by the top of regular parking fees at State Parks, mu- General Assembly. Specifically, the General nicipal lots, and hospital/nursing home park- Community Investment Act (CIA) – which Assembly could not require a State agency to ing areas with over 30 spaces. Thankfully, this gives grants for farmland preservation, historic sell, swap, or give away public lands without 1) sales tax requirement (which had led to mak- preservation, open space protection, and a public hearing, and 2) a ing a LOT of change and increased waiting affordable housing projects – had $1 million 2/3rd majority vote on a bill times to enter State Park gates) was removed. swept into the General Fund which was in ad- dedicated to that specific dition to $6 million swept in the 2015 Deficit proposed conveyance of S.B. 386/P.A. 16-5: State Park Sustainability Mitigation Plan as well as the 50% sweep public land. Report. CT DEEP must report to the Implemented as part of last year’s biennium Legislature on potential revenue-raising budget. Continued on page 4 Sharing the Landscape 3

Continued from page 4 Department’s ability to function effectively ATTORNEY GENERAL GEORGE across all programs. In addition, the JEPSEN HOSTS AMENDMENT Recreational Trails and Greenways – which responsibility for maintaining the Old State gives grants through CT DEEP for trail and House was transferred to CT DEEP with EVENT greenway projects to municipalities and others inadequate funding and no staff to do the – was reduced by $5 million which eliminated job. This transfer is equivalent to an all remaining funding for recreational trails in additional cut to the overburdened, under- 2017. CFPA, the CT Greenways Council, and resourced agency. The cut to CT DEEP others will be working to get this funding included the elimination of funding restored. ($270,000) that provided critical support for the CT Council on Soil and Water Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Conservation and the Conservation Districts. (OSWA) – which gives grants through CT DEEP to land trusts, municipalities, and water CT Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) – companies to acquire valuable open space budget was cut by $12,000, representing a properties– was cut by $7 million. cut in general fund dollars of 6.5%. How CEQ will absorb this cut is unclear, but the great CT State Attorney General George Jepsen and his wife Diana, greet people to their lovely home. Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust (RNHT) news is that the CEQ was saved from – which acquires land for State Parks, Forests, elimination (!) which had been put forward in CT State Attorney General George Jepsen and Wildlife Management Areas – was cut by earlier budget proposals. opened his West Hartford home to $5.75 million. Conservation Organizations who came Department of Agriculture (DoA) – budget together to support the Constitutional Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) – which was cut by $433,000, representing a cut in Amendment to Better Protect State Lands. acquires development rights for farms to keep general fund dollars of 8%. them in farmland – was cut by $5 million. CT Agricultural Experiment Station (Ag Cuts to Environmental Agencies Station) – budget was cut by over $1 million CT Department of Energy & Environmental representing a cut in general fund dollars of Protection (CT DEEP) – general fund budget over 12.5%. was cut by $7.5 million, representing a cut of over 10% which will likely Thank you to everyone who contacted their result in the closure of Legislators in support of these important some campgrounds, re- legislative priorities. The budget and bonding duced seasonal staff to overshadowed much of this session and that maintain park facilities news was mostly bad, but the public policy and to serve as lifeguards, bills that passed were significant victories and generally hurt the thanks to your support! Continued on page 5 Sharing the Landscape 4

Continued from page 4 BUDGET DEAL GIVES DEEP A Attorney Jepsen spoke of the admiration he NEW STATE PARK had for the work of the conservation community and why volunteers are vitally important in influencing legislation. Speakers talked about the importance of this critical piece of legislation and why every supported needed to continue to contact Legislators and write letters of support. David K. Leff (popular author and former Deputy Commissioner of DEP), Eric Hammerling (Exec Director of CFPA), both crafters of the language in the Amendment, and Karl Wagner (CEQ Exec. Karl Wagner, Executive Director of CEQ Director) spoke passionately about why future generations who will grow up here. A In a shrewd financial move on behalf of the protection of our valuable State parks, Forests truly inspirational evening which buoyed up General Assembly, the 2017 Budget requires and Agricultural lands are so important to the the volunteers for the last push to pass the the Office of Legislative Management (OLM) to future of Connecticut and for the well-being of Amendment. lease or sublease the Old State House to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for $1. As a result, DEEP will take over management of the iconic Hartford monument, whose roots date to 1796. Under the original 2016-2017 budget, OLM had $589,589 earmarked to run the building. About $400,000 has been transferred to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection – State Parks Division, but even with that allocation, DEEP's overall general fund budget has been cut about 11 percent to $63.9 million, meaning the agency is being asked to Executive Director of CFPA, Eric Hammerling addresses David K. Leff: Connecticut Author and former D.E.P the audience. Deputy Commissioner. provide more services with less funding. Additionally, no staff was allocated to the DEEP to operate the facility. The DEEP is currently assessing the expenses of operating the building. Given the current Continued on page 6 Sharing the Landscape 5

Continued from page 5 meeting. situation, it is likely there will be some changes The timber used to construct the pavilion was in days and hours of operations at the Old 100% CT-grown and it was cut and sawn into State House. The building is a popular timbers and boards by local mill operators attraction in Hartford logging 47,522 visitors in and construction crews. The result is a 2015. spectacular open-are structure which will support the many programs of the Agricultural Station and supporting organizations.

NEWS from CONNECTICUT FOREST AND PARK CFPA’s Trails Day – Bigger & Better Than Ever

The 2016 CFPA Connecticut Trails Day Weekend (June 4 & 5) provided something for everyone. Seasoned hikers, casual walkers, paddlers, families and even Fido could find an event that Executive Director of CFPA, Eric Hammerling would satisfy their trail interests. This year trail enthusiasts could choose from 222 different CFPA - ANNUAL MEETING at hikes in 131 towns. Friends Group members NEW CT GROWN STRUCTURE led a number of walks. In addition to members of CT Forest & Park Assoc., Volunteers from Friends of American Legion & Peoples, Friends The Connecticut Forest & Parks Assoc. held its of Goodwin SF, Groton Open Space Assoc., Annual Meeting on May 19, 2016 at the newly Friends of Mansfield Hollow, Friends of completed CT Grown Pavilion at Lockwood Sherwood Island, and Friends of The Canal Farm—CT Agricultural Sta- offered one or more walks in their areas. While tion in Hamden. More than the weather did not cooperate on Sunday in 100 guests attended to see some locations, most walks went off without a the pavilion, celebrate with hitch. A fabulous time was had by all! a ribbon cutting and, carry The ribbon cutting! out the business of CFPA’s Sharing the Landscape 6

2016-2017 BUDGET IMPACTS $25 million to $23 million. While some eliminate about $1.8 million from the cost of STATE PARK & FOREST projects will be delayed, most projects will operating the state park system and help us remain on track. achieve the overall savings required by the RECREATIONAL AREAS state budget for the upcoming fiscal year," said The Department of Energy and Environmental The Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. "We will Protection’s overall General Fund budget has program funds were reduced from $5 million begin to roll out adjustments in our days and been cut about 11 percent to $63.9 million, to $0. This will certainly impact many hours of operations and in services soon after meaning the agency is being asked to provide municipal open space and park projects. July 4th. We will also continue our analysis of more services with less funding. The Bureau of park operations to identify the potential for Outdoor recreation will absorb $2 million more savings - and expect to take additional dollars in reductions. PRESS RELEASE cost-cutting steps in the spring of 2017." from Dennis Schain of DEEP The State Parks are currently assessing what The following adjustments at state parks are they will need to do to move forward. The Adjustments at CT State P a r k s Steps being put in place after the July 4 holiday daily operations and services at the parks will Being Taken to Reduce Operating Costs weekend: not be noticeably different between now and Focus is providing services on days, times, the July 4th Holiday weekend. Following that, it and locations of greatest use Campgrounds is likely that changes will have to occur which will impact the park and forest recreation Connecticut's Department of Energy and Three campgrounds - with the lowest rates of areas. While shuttering facilities is not likely, Environmental Protection (DEEP) is taking utilization - will be closed soon after the July 4 Director Tom Tyler reports that the following steps to reduce operating expenses at state holiday: actions are being considered: removing and parks by using resources more efficiently and laying off lifeguards from a number of beaches focusing on the days and times of greatest • Devils Hopyard, East Haddam and reducing the number of lifeguards at the public use of park campgrounds, beaches, • Salt Rock, Baltic shore, reducing the length of the recreational museums, and nature centers. • Greens Falls, Voluntown season, closing some campgrounds and moving camping reservations to other State Park "Our plan is designed to reduce expenses All other state park and forest campgrounds locations, reducing lawn mowing, reducing while providing the highest quality outdoor will close after Labor Day - with the exception bathroom cleanings and reducing seasonal recreation opportunities for the public and of the campgrounds at Hammonasset Beach staff hours. The reductions will ramp up ensuring public safety," said DEEP Commis- and Rocky Neck State Parks, which will remain rapidly after July 4th. sioner Robert Klee. "By carefully analyzing open through Columbus Day weekend. how and when the public uses our state park Bonding for the State Parks system we will achieve the savings we need Several of the campgrounds in the state park was also reduced although, while keeping much of what we offer at our and forest system have traditionally remained not to the same extent as the 109 parks open and available to the public." open until the end of September - but the general Fund Budget. number of fall campers is small and can b e Bonding was reduced from "Through the efficiencies we have identified, Continued on page 8 Sharing the Landscape 7

Continued from page 7 State Park Museums and Nature Centers State Park Maintenance Accommodated at Hammonasset Beach and Rocky Neck. Days and operating hours for some state park There will also be reductions in the staffing for museums and nature centers are being maintenance of our parks. At less-visited sites, DEEP will contact those with reservations at adjusted after the July 4 weekend to focus on _ the public will see less frequent lawn mowing Devils Hopyard, Salt Rock or Greens Falls and the times when the most people visit these and 'other maintenance work. The focus will be offer them the opportunity to switch their sites: on maintenance and repairs that assure the reservations to another campground at no health and safety of park visitors. cost, or to receive a full refund. • Dinosaur State Park - The museum grounds and trails will be closed on Mondays. Additional Changes Expected State Park Beaches The museum there has been closed Mondays, but there has previously been access to the Commissioner Klee said, "As we move into the All State Park beaches will remain open for the grounds on that day. second part of the fiscal year and next spring public to enjoy. There will be adjustments in there will likely be additional adjustments. In the days, beaches, or areas of the beaches, • Gillette Castle - Will be open Thursday making these decisions, our focus will remain staffed by lifeguards to focus on the days and through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through on serving the greatest number of people and locations with the largest number of beach Labor Day, when it will close for the year. It protecting public safety." goers. has previously been open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Columbus Day. Background Information • Shoreline Parks - Hammonasset, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Silver Sands - lifeguards • Heublein Tower at Talcott Mountain • Connecticut has 109 state parks - as will be scheduled five days a week, Wednesday State Park - Will remain open Thursday well as campgrounds managed by the park through Sunday. These beaches have through Sunday until Labor Day. It is system within its 32 state forests - that attract previously been guarded seven days a week. expected to move to a six-day a week sched- approximately nine million visitors a year. The These beaches are least crowded on Mondays ule during peak fall foliage season. It has state park system offers opportunities for and Tuesdays. traditionally been open seven days a week in hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, the fall. and picnicking, among many other activities. • Inland Parks - Black Rock, Burr Pond, Indian Well, and Squantz Pond Parks, will have • Putnam Memorial State Park - The • The total operating budget for state lifeguard coverage between three and five days Visitors Center will be open weekends only, parks - including salaries, benefits and direct per week, including weekends - which are the when it draws the largest number of visitors. operating expenses - is about $18 million a busiest days at the parks. It has been open seven days per week. year. These beaches have previously been guarded Other museums and smaller nature centers • DEEP has full-time Parks Division staff of seven days a week. may have slightly changed hours as well. 70 and relies on more than 500 seasonal workers to assist in operating the parks during Continued on page 9 Sharing the Landscape 8

Continued from page 8 Friends and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman spent an hour in the LOB Concourse talking with the busy summer season. The cost-cutting every Friends Group in attendance. A widely- measures being taken by DEEP do not involve attended press conference was also held to layoffs of full-time staff. The plan does call for announce a newly proposed Constitutional reduced hours for many seasonal workers. Amendment to better protect State Park, For-

est and Agricultural Lands. Many Senators • The appropriated General Fund budget and Representatives, who are also State Park for DEEP for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and Forest Adopters, were present to support was reduced by approximately $10 million. To the Amendment and the Conservation allow the Agency to operate within this budget, organizations. At least 50 State Park Friends the plan for operating state parks calls for $1.8 Volunteers were present at the Press Kathleen Kennedy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. million in reduced spending. Conference. The event garnered good press coverage and started the momentum to pass FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT the Amendment. STATE PARKS 2016 LEGISLATIVE DAY

March 9 was a very busy day for the Friends of FCSP, President Pam Adams, Senator Art Linares and CT State Parks at the Legislative Office Building Cliff Carter. and the Capitol. Sixteen Friends groups from across Connecticut came together and set up displays and exhibits involving the many accomplishments of the Volunteers over the past year. Legislators stopped by Lt. Governor Nancy to chat with their area Wyman chats with Continued on page 10 Sharing the Landscape 9

Continued from page 9

Lance Hansen, Ralph Scarpino and FCSP Board Member Steve Fish.

Friends of Heublien Tower Board Member Janet Carville Friends of Machimoodus and Sunrise. Beth Volle, William Case, FoHT President Jay Willerup & Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman.

CONNECTICUT OPEN HOUSE DAY The 2016 Connecticut Open House Day was held on June 11 and is a day-long celebration of everything that makes Connecticut unique! Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman speaks with GOSA Now in its 12th year, Connecticut Open House members. Day invites residents to discover and rediscover Connecticut’s fascinating world of art, history and tourism. Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman chats with Friends of Gillette Castle and Mr. & Mrs. Gillette (Harold and More than 170 local attractions from historical Theodora “Tedi” Nivers. sites and museums to renowned theatres and unique foodie stops will offer free or discount- ed admission, special activities, giveaways and hands-on activities for kids. With so many op- tions, it is a wonderful way to learn about the many activities available in our amazing state.

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman discusses happenings at Mansfield Hollow with Ron Manizza. Continued on page 11 Sharing the Landscape 10

NEWS from FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS

NEWS from GROTON OPEN SPACE ASSOCIATION

GOSA President Joan Smith. FCSP Board Member Diana McMasters, Sidney VanZandt and Paul McMasters.

NEWS from HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK

GOSA Volunteers wait to register bidders. Harkness Plant Sale – Always a Draw

GOSA held its annual Gala and Auction at the Despite rainy conditions, avid Gardeners and Mystic Marriot on April 21, 2016. More than plant enthusiasts came to Harkness with sunny 200 guests happily placed bids on hundreds of dispositions and abundant smiles. Many came items which included flying lessons, stays at Auction Items. in garden boots and happily sloshed through vacation homes, hand-crafted pottery and the puddles seeking interesting plant varieties jewelry, wines, antiques, dinners at area and the Harkness’ garden signature flower – restaurants and much more. Bidding was Heliotrope. The kids seemed especially followed by dinner and a short program led by delighted to be allowed to splash around in the President Joan Smith explaining the GOSA’s mud. Daughters brought Moms to pick out successes in land acquisition in the past year. Mother’s Day gifts and husbands brought All proceeds from the event wives for the same reason. By all accounts, it go to acquiring conservation was a very successful event. properties and making them accessible to the public.

Sidney VanZandt Continued on page 12

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Continued from page 11 NEWS from FRIENDS OF HAMMONASSET STATE PARK

Friends of Hammonasset Celebrate New Nature Center The Friends of Hammonasset Beach and the CT DEEP State Parks Division celebrated the open- ing of the new Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach in Madison. Under sunny skies, Governor Malloy joined the Friends of Hammonasset, State Officials from DEEP and Dept. of Construction Services, area Legislators and Town Officials in cutting the ribbon to the state-of-the-art Nature Center. The ribbon cutting took place just prior to the Memorial Day Weekend to the delight of the hundreds of guests and park goers who witnessed the open- ing. The Friends of Hammonasset funded the interactive and high tech exhibits while the

Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. speaking to the crowd. Continued on page 13 Sharing the Landscape 12

Continued from page 12

D.E.E.P. Commissioner Robert Klee & Friends of The West Beach Pavilion. Hammonasset President, Chris Koster. Governor Malloy sharing his opening remarks. state funded the construction of the building. MORE NEWS from FRIENDS OF The Friends worked with the DEEP to develop HAMMONASSET STATE PARK exhibits which reflected local ecology and New West Beach Bath House and Pavilion global environmental issues. The attention to detail was apparent in every aspect of the On May 26, 2016, the new West Beach Bath House and Pavilion quietly opened its doors building. The building is a “Green” building at then West end on Hammonasset Beach. with solar heating, heat pumps and the use of While there was much fanfare at the east end natural lighting where possible. The Nature of the park at the Nature Center, the West Center can operate as a year-round learning Beach Bath House quietly basked in the sun The West Beach Bath House. facility. as beach visitors marveled at the new restrooms, picnic areas, concession stand and The Friends of Hammonasset raised the money changing rooms. The former West Beach NEWS from FRIENDS OF through many seasons of Plant sales and pavilion had to be torn down after Storm FORT TRUMBULL STATE PARK Christmas Tree sales braving weather extremes Sandy swept away all of the sand under the Friends of Fort Trumbull Host USCGA Band to do so. Congratulations to structure, eliminating access and leaving waves lapping against the underside of the On Sunday May 29, 2016, the United States all involved for this beautiful building. The new Bath House is a welcomed Coast Guard Academy Band saluted the new addition to the state’s addition to the popular west beach area of memory of those who served our country with largest state park. Hammonasset Beach. a free public concert held at Fort Trumbull Continued on page 14 Sharing the Landscape 13

Continued from page 13 than 2000 tracks at the park – some exposed State Park. The Friends of Fort Trumbull and some still buried for protection. assisted park staff in readying the museum and The Friends Volunteers are very active in the grounds for the concert. Hundreds of music park, helping to raise funds for exhibits, lovers perched on the hill overlooking the educational films and interpretive programs. They are the sponsors for Dinosaur State Park stage and musicians against a backdrop of the Day and operate the Park’s Gift Shop. Most Thames River and . It was a recently they worked with the DEEP Park staff beautiful day to enjoy great music and to to design and develop the newly renovated remember our Veterans. Discovery Room – a hands-on educational experience for schools groups and park Park Supervisor Meg Enkler & Friends of Dinosaur visitors. President Kathleen Kennedy.

NEWS from DINOSAUR STATE PARK

Dinosaur State Park Celebrates 50 Years The Friends of Dinosaur Park and Arboretum kicked off a year-long 50th Anniversary celebration of the discovery of the Jurassic-age Dilophosaurus tracks in Rocky Hill – now Dinosaur State Park. The tracks were discovered by a bulldozer Operator while clearing away dirt for the construction of a state Diane Joy of DEEP. building. There are more Continued on page 15 Sharing the Landscape 14

Continued from page 14 NEWS from THAMES RIVER NEWS from FRIENDS OF HERITAGE PARK AMERICAN LEGION & PEOPLES Thames River Heritage Park Ready to Launch STATE FOREST The newly formed Thames River Heritage The Friends of American Legion and Peoples Park is set to begin operation on July 1, 2016. State Forests, Inc. (FALPS) with the Farmington The park, a collaborative effort involving the River Coordinating Committee (FRCC) Cities of New London and Groton, the Town sponsored an informational presentation by of Groton, The State of Connecticut DEEP DEEP Inland Fisheries Biologist, Mike State Parks Division, the U.S. Navy and the Beauchene about Connecticut’s new species of Submarine Force Library & Nautilus Museum, microscopic algae -Didymo (Didymosphenia Avery-Copp House and numerous heritage hillii) aka. “Rock Snot” found in the West and historic sites, will focus on the lower Branch of the in Pictures from 50 years ago! Thames River. All of the sites will be connect- Barkhamsted, CT. The program was held on ed by a Water Taxi which will run Friday June 17, 2016 at the through Saturday from July 1-Sept. 18. The Nature Museum. Water Taxi will run hourly in a clockwise loop, starting and ending at Fort Trumbull State NEWS from FRIENDS OF Park in New London. The Water Taxi will connect New London and Groton and take HEUBLEIN TOWER at TALCOTT visitors to forts, historic sites and, the US MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Coast Guard Museum when it is completed. Ample time will be allowed for shopping and We continue forward on with of our projects at dining. Taxi service runs from 10:00AM to hand and have taken on a few new ones as 9:00PM. well. We always work in conjunction with the State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection staff and Some of the delicious fare from the event. management. Our park supervisor, Vincent Messino continued to guide his staff and make the Tower experience a memorable one for all who visit.

Our most visible project has been the restoration of Louise Heubleins bedroom, located on the second floor of the tower building. We’ve done the ceiling, walls, lights, Continued on page 16 Sharing the Landscape 15

Continued from page 15 Board member Bill Case headed up a totally enthusiasm, a fresh set of eyes, and knowledge floors, and are finishing up the restoration of new experience at the Tower this summer. of the business has seen our sales numbers the three large round-top windows. Look for Bill and his daughter came up with the idea of increase dramatically. this room to be completed in the very near a ‘Hike to the Mic’. This was a sponsored future. musical experience event, free to the public. In November, Vin Messino received word of his There were six bands that played music in the transfer to another State Park. Vin had been The Friends of Heublein Tower held a memorial croquet court. This was a great, successful, an integral part of our success. While we will this summer for our founder, Pat Heublein. family oriented fundraising event. Plans have miss Vin, we wish him well on his next adven- Her family came from near and far to see the already started for this coming year. ture and thank him for his service. He will al- bench the Friends purchased for the public to ways remain our friend. enjoy on the observation level. The Board felt The Tower Toot, always held the third week- that without her initiative, the tower might end in October, continues to bring the most Also this past fall, Kathryn Hoidge, our Board never have been made accessible to the public, people to the Tower. Board members Co -president informed us that after decades of let alone the improvements in its condition. Barbara and Otto Ruppert have made this our dedication, countless hours of meetings, largest annual fundraising event. Scha Musi thousands of donated dollars, and many September also saw the 2nd annual En Plein Air entertained the crowd with their traditional successfully completed restoration projects, at Heublein Tower. Local gifted artists came music and silly antics. The weather was not she was going to retire and move to Florida. out to the Tower and painted for the public to the best, but the crowds came out to support Kathryn has been the face of the Tower since enjoy. These pieces are now for sale to the us as they always do. she joined the Board in 1995. Her dedication is public. honorable; she did this because she knew the This last year saw the beginning of one of the tower was special and wanted the public to most unusual projects at the tower. Hops! feel that way too. We will miss her guiding We harvested hops found on the grounds hand, but she taught us well and we will carry with the help of hop farmer, Matt Durgin. on. While we didn’t have a huge harvest, Matt brewed a fine ‘Heublein Heritage Hopped IPA’. This is one of the more creative uses of our talents and we hope to release a limited amount of beer to the public as another way to raise awareness and funds for our restoration projects.

We have had a change in the management of our gift shop. This past season Janet Carville handed the reins over to our newest Board member, Beth Volle. Beth brings her years of Co-president Kathryn Hoidge, second from left with her Artist, Janet Iffland works on family. her painting. retail experience to the mountain. Her Sharing the Landscape 16

IMPORTANT DATES FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT vendor that's better than the one we STATE PARKS FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT are currently using, etc.). STATE PARKS Friends of Connecticut State Parks Hats: Possibility of group orders. (Some Friends of Connecticut State Parks hats are Vendors have high minimums for opening or www.friendsofctparks.org now available! These beautiful hats with our custom orders, perhaps we could share some logo are now available. They have an of those orders to reach a minimum we FCSP Networking Workshop: adjustable back band. They are $20.00 per couldn't reach on our own.) This event will be held at the new Meigs Point hat plus shipping. Please contact; Nature Center in September 2016 - Date TBA. Pamela Aey Adams Staffing and volunteers Friends of Connecticut State Parks Annual [email protected] While each park has its own "personality" and Dinner strengths, I feel that we could learn from each This event will be held at the Sherwood Island other, and share ideas to increase our sales and State Park, Thursday, October 6, 2016. More A CALL TO GIFT solve some of the challenges we encounter information will be following. along the way. SHOP MANAGERS Friends of Heublein Tower: It would be great if we could get together for a Hi! www.friendsofheubleintower.org group meeting. Maybe our Park Supervisor My name is Beth Volle and I'm the new ‘Hike to the Mic’ Saturday and Sunday, August Linda Vossen will let us use her DEEP office in 27th & 28th. Information at manager at the Heublein Tower Gift Shop and Bloomfield. We could meet up at Heublein www.hiketothemic.com. located in Talcott Mountain State Park. I have Tower in Avon/Simsbury, or at a more centrally ‘Tower Toot’ Saturday and Sunday, October worked in retail for 40 years and I'm enjoying located site. If you're interested, please let me 15th & 16th. this new challenge! When working on the know! Here is my contact information: transition with the former manager, I had an Beth Volle / email: idea that perhaps it would be beneficial to talk [email protected] /Home to the managers of gift shops located in the Phone: (860)658-4676 other state parks, or those who have sales through their websites. I look forward to hearing from all of Some of the topics I would like to explore: you! Cheers! Publicity - Advertising- Website Sales

Sharing information about wholesale resources (Maybe you have a great t-shirt Sharing the Landscape 17

FRIENDS and SOCIAL Group Name: Web Address: Facebook Page: Other: MEDIA Friends of Connecticut State Parks www.friendsofctparks.org Yes In case you wanted to connect CT Forest & Park Association www.ctwoodlands.org Yes Twitter and support other friends. American Legion & Peoples State Forest Yes Beckley Furnace www.beckleyfurnace.org Yes Buff Point Chatfield Hollow Dinosaur Park & Arboretum www.dinosaurstatepark.org Yes Fort Trumbull www.fortfriends.org Yes Battlefield www.fortgriswold.org Yes Gillette Castle www.friendsofgillettecastle.org Yes Goodwin www.friendsofgoodwinforest.org Yes Groton Open Space Association www.gosaonline.org Yes Hammonasset Beach www.hammonasset.org Yes Harkness www.harkness.org Yes Heublein Tower www.friendsofheubleintower.org Yes Collis P. Huntington Lovers Leap Mansfield Hollow www.friendsofmansfieldhollow.org Yes Friends & Neighbors of Putnam Sessions Woods www.fosw.org Yes Sherwood Island www.friendsofsherwoodisland.org Yes Sleeping Giant www.sgpa.org Yes Sunrise & Machimoodus The Canal Yes Valley Railroad State Park www.essexsteamtrain.com Yes

Friends of Valley Railroad www.friendsvrr.org West Rock Ridge https://westrockpark.wordpress.com

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A STATEWIDE NETWORK QUESTIONS and ANSWERS FRIENDS of OF FRIENDS If you have any questions that you would like CONNECTICUT STATE PARKS Friends of American Legion & to pose to other Friends groups, this will be a Peoples State Forests venue for questions and answers. The Board of Directors Friends of Beckley Furnace questions will be in the next newsletter with Pamela Aey Adams, President 860-537-3060 Connecticut Forest & Park Association the answers for all to see. Friends of the Canal [email protected] Sally Harold, Treasurer Friends of Chatfield Hollow and Forster Pond Sheila O’Neill, Secretary Friends of Connecticut State Parks Please e-mail questions to: Pamela Aey Adams Eileen Grant, Legislative Liaison & Past Friends of Dinosaur Park & Arboretum [email protected] President Fort Griswold Battlefield Foundation Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park Members Friends of Gillette Castle State Park IMPORTANT LINKS Bob Bell Friends of Goodwin State Forest Margot Burns William Doheny Groton Open Space Association Friends of Connecticut State Parks (FCSP) Steven Fish Friends of Hammonasset Beach State Park www.friendsctstateparks.org Eric Hammerling Friends of Harkness Memorial State Park Diana McMasters (Past President) Connecticut Forest and Park Association Friends of Heublein Tower Randall Miller (Past President) Friends of Collis P. Huntington State Park (CFPA) Shaun Roche Friends of Machimoodus & Jay Willerup www.ctwoodlands.org Sunrise State Park* Friends of Mansfield Hollow State of Connecticut-Department of Energy Ex Officio Susan Whalen, DEEP Deputy Commissioner Friends and Neighbors of and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Putnam Memorial State Park Michael Lambert, DEEP Bureau Chief www.ct.gov.deep Friends of Sessions Woods WMA Thomas Tyler, Director, State Parks Division Friends of Sherwood Island State Park Sleeping Giant Park Association GALLERY Friends of Valley Railroad West Rock Ridge Park Association If you’re interested in sharing pictures of your favorite event, please sent them to:

[email protected] Website: www.friendsctstateparks.org Friends of Connecticut State Parks, Inc.

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