BRANFORD LAND TRUST ANNUAL REPORT, OCTOBER 2019 • VOLUME 29, NUMBER 2

WITH AN EYE TO THE FUTURE, THE BRANFORD LAND TRUST EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence

ne thing that unites us as a president of the BLT. “We are a nation is land: Americans stronger organization for having gone Ostrongly support saving the through the rigorous accreditation open spaces they love. Since 1967, program. Our strength means special the Branford Land Trust has been places – such as Short Beach Preserve, doing just that for the people of Van Wie Woods, and the Pisgah Brook Branford. Now, the BLT is pleased to Preserve – will be protected forever, announce that it has achieved national making Branford an even greater place recognition as an Accredited Land for us and our children.” Trust – joining a network of more than The Branford Land Trust is a 501(c) 400 land trusts across the nation that (3) non-profit organization, founded have demonstrated their commitment in 1967 with the goal of protecting to professional excellence and to Branford’s natural resources. For more maintaining the public’s trust in their than 50 years, the Trust has honored work. its mission by acquiring and managing “It is exciting to recognize the open space, promoting education Branford Land Trust with this national about our natural resources, and mark of distinction,” said Tammara encouraging our community to get Van Ryn, executive director of the involved. Today, the BLT owns more Land Trust Accreditation Commission. During the past five years, and than 1,000 acres in over 130 parcels “Members and donors can trust that with the help of countless volunteers, and holds conservation easements the BLT, along with more than 400 the BLT has organized and provided on another 400 acres. The BLT is run accredited land trusts across the extensive documentation and was by volunteers and supported by over country, are united behind strong subject to a comprehensive third- 500 member families and businesses. standards and have demonstrated party evaluation prior to achieving For more information, visit www. sound finances, ethical conduct, this distinction. In August, the Land branfordlandtrust.org. responsible governance, and lasting Trust Accreditation Commission The BLT is one of 1,363 land trusts stewardship.” awarded accreditation, signifying its across the United States according confidence that the BLT’s lands will to the Land Trust Alliance’s most be responsibly protected forever. recent National Land Trust Census. Accredited land trusts steward A complete list of accredited land almost 20 million acres of land – the trusts and more information about the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, process and benefits can be found at Massachusetts, and www.landtrustaccreditation.org. n Rhode combined. “Accreditation demonstrates the Branford Land Trust’s commitment to permanent land conservation Above, BLT members look out across the in Branford,” said Pete Raymond, Vedder Property in .

PROTECT | LEARN | EXPLORE OUR GROWING MEMBERSHIP Meg Kilgore, Membership

n this last fiscal year, not only did Pete Raymond lead the Land Trust through the rigorous process for the IBranford Land Trust to become accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, but he also developed a list of Branford homeowners whose property is adjacent to one of our Land Trust properties. In April, Chris Cheney and a crew of help- P.O. Box 254 ADVISORY BOARD ers sent letters to these homeowners, introducing them Branford, CT 06405 John Anderson to the land trust and asking for their support since they (203) 483-5263 Bob Babcock benefit directly from the efforts of the land trust to protect branfordlandtrust.org Chester Blomquist open space for Branford. Jonathan Clark Then in May, the annual letter to request our BLT PRESIDENT Tom Cleveland members to renew their membership was also was mailed. Peter Raymond Chris Collins The results of both of these efforts gave us 440 current Elizabeth Dock Connie Drysdale active members. In addition, BLT has 77 Lifetime members, VICE PRESIDENT for a total of 517 members. Michael McGuinness Ted Ells Larry Fisher The Membership Committee consists of Connie Drysdale, who for years has checked our P.O. box and SECRETARY Gary Garnet Lauren Brown Karyl Lee Hall entered all our checks into a spreadsheet, Marcia Wheeler Maryanne Hall who then posts this information on our membership data TREASURER Karen Hannon base, Chris Cheney and myself who thank you all for your Ainsley Highman Robert Olejarczyk membership, and Bill Horne and Gary Garnet who know Bill Horne Barbara Johnson the whole procedure and help out as needed. CORRESPONDING Thanks to all of our members! And, for others who have SECRETARY Paul Kazmercyk overlooked renewing your membership yet this year, just Christopher Cheney Meg Kilgore Todd Konnik go to our website where you can renew your membership DIRECTORS Louise LaMontagne online, or send your check to P.O. Box 254, Branford, CT. n Gunther (Bud) Dannheim Bill Leece William Donaruma Carol Lemmon Bob Hull Doug Marsh Jonathan Katz Pat McGlashen Steve Mentz Harry Merrick BLT ANNUAL MEETING Jen Payne Joan Merrick Lauren Brown, Secretary Gaile Ramey Ellen Page Matt Reed Stephanie Peck Our annual meeting, held June 19 at Willoughby Julie Wagner James Perito Wallace Library, drew an overflow crowd of about Lynn Perone John Watson 70 people to hear Mark Urban, an award-winning Marcia Wheeler Elizabeth Possidente Matt Radulski scientist, professor of and evolutionary Bill Reynolds biology at the University of Connecticut, founder BRANFORD LAND and director of the Center of Biological Risk, and TRUST NEWS Richard Shanahan EDITORS: Heather Smiarowski global expert on climate change impacts on nature. Connie Drysdale Maria Storm President Peter Raymond gave a brief report on our Jen Payne Stephen Weinstein activities and accomplishments for the year, which John Watson Larry Wheeler are detailed in the pages of this Annual Report. Christopher Woerner At the meeting, by unanimous vote, the bylaws were amended to allow all officers to serve three The Branford Land Trust NEWS is mailed to all Land Trust members. consecutive terms rather than only two. n It is produced by Words by Jen, Branford, and printed with soy ink on FSC Certified paper with 50% post-consumer content.

2 www.branfordlandtrust.org BRANFORD LAND TRUST For more information, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER 12 NOVEMBER 24 Explore Killam’s Point BLT ANNUAL BRANFORD ANNUAL PRE- Co-sponsored by the BLT and First RIVER PARADE THANKSGIVING WALK Congregational Church of Branford. Saturday, 10:30AM Sunday, 1:00PM Killam’s Point is off Shore Drive just west of the Orchard House Adult Day Celebrate the beauty of the Join the us for our traditional Care Center. Drive to the end of the Branford River! Join kayakers, pre-Thanksgiving hike at Van Wie road to the parking area. canoeists, and paddleboarders Woods, exploring fields, woodlands, from Branford and surrounding streams, and granite outcrops OCTOBER 19 communities as we paddle in a boat of the 100 acres donated by two KILLAM’S POINT IN FALL parade from behind the Branford generations of the Van Wie family. SPLENDOR High School to Branford Point. Led by Land Trust Trustees and Saturday, 10:00AM to Noon Advisory Board members, this is Led by educator and naturalist Jim (Drop boats off behind Branford a great opportunity to enjoy the Goggin. Walk the trails and enjoy High School between 10:30 and outdoors and refreshing fall weather magnificent views from granite 11:15AM, then drive to the parking with friends and family. bluffs. Watch the birds and animals lot at Parker Memorial Park at preparing for winter. Wonder over Branford Point to leave their cars, We’ll meet at the trailhead at 87 the forest in amazing color. Diversity take the shuttle bus - hired for this Red Hill Road. See our website for and serenity awaits those joining event - back to the high school for complete directions. us for a family outing. Registration the 12PM parade start.) required. Call 203-314-7128. The walk is approximately two miles Paddlers are encouraged to long (90 minutes) and of moderate decorate their boats (or persons). difficulty with two or three short Bring a picnic for you and your steep stretches. Walkers have the Work Parties Get to know some of the BLT properties family to enjoy lunch at Branford option of a shorter (1-mile) walk. and spend a little time with some great Point afterwards. (Rain date: Please wear appropriate dress and people. A great chance for school-age October 13, parade starts at comfortable, supportive walking kids to pick up some community service 12:30PM, drop-off 11:00AM- shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks credits. 11:45AM). For updated information welcome. The walk is appropriate call Matt Radulski at (203) 627-1063. for kids as young as six or seven. October 19 - Red Hill Woods: We will continue removing Japanese barberry and invasive plants from the stream floodplain and the area of dumped rock and fill near the highway. Meet at 9:00AM.

November 16 - Lucy Hammer Woodland: We will return to the trail that runs along the top of the ridge, which has become overgrown by Euonymus. Time and number of volunteers permitting, we will clear the top of the dam and check the other trails. Meet at 9:00AM.

Additional Work Parties scheduled for December 7, January 18, and February 15. For details, call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) or visit our Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Walk at Van Wie Woods website.

www.branfordlandtrust.org 3 BRANFORD LAND TRUST LAND BRANFORD WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS! Joan Merrick, Nominating Committee

he Branford Land Trust Board of Directors is pleased Directors (2019-2021) to announce the election of two officers and three TDirectors to the Board at the June, 2019 Annual Meet- BOB HULL ing. Lauren Brown was elected to a third two-year term as Retiring after 41 years as library director in North Branford, secretary, and Robert Olejarczyk was elected to a second Bob went to work on Land Trust trails and fields with Matt two-year term as Treasurer. Two new directors elected for Reed and the gang in 2017. He also serves on our Property three-year terms are Bob Hull and Jen Payne. Steve Mentz Management Committee. Bob has lived in Branford since will serve his second three-year term as director. 1976, and he and his wife Deb, a lifelong resident, raised We sincerely thank retiring Directors Amos Barnes, and three children here. Bob is an avid gardener and hiker, and Matt Radulski for their service and hope they remain active has enjoyed getting to know many Land Trust properties members for years to come. for the first time.

STEVE MENTZ Officers (2019-2021) An avid open-water swimmer as well as hiker and outdoorsman, Steve moved to Short Beach, Branford, in LAUREN BROWN, SECRETARY 2000, where he and his wife have raised their two now- Motivated by a love of the outdoors and dismay at teenaged children. His fascination with how humans relate the rapid disappearance of open space, Lauren Brown to the natural spaces and environments that surround first joined the Land Trust board in 1976. She served them also influences his professional work as a professor as president from 1984-1988, and has continued to be of English literature with a special focus on Shakespeare involved. She and her husband, John Herzan, spearheaded and the “environmental humanities.” He is particularly the passage in 1987 of the state scenic roads legislation, interested in how coastal communities such as Branford which lends protection to beautiful byways such as Route relate to their salt-water environs. 146, and with then Land Trust President Jeff Clark, she worked hard for the preservation of Beacon Hill. She has JEN PAYNE written two botanical field guides and leads Land Trust Jen has been working with the Land Trust since 1995, when wildflower walks. then-President Peter Borgemeister called on her to help write press releases. After one of his famous “windshield ROBERT OLEJARCZYK, TREASURER tours” of Land Trust properties, she was hooked. Jen has Robert holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting worked behind the scenes ever since, including creating from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master’s and maintaining the Land Trust website, designing various degree in business administration from fundraising brochures and event flyers, and helping University. Robert has been with the Land Trust for the to coordinate publicity to BLT members and local media. past four years and he currently serves as treasurer. For the Jen is the editor of the Land Trust’s newsletter, which past 24 years he has been employed by the South Central she has had a hand in for more than 20 years, as writer, Connecticut Regional Water Authority in New Haven where designer and committee member. She is the owner of he currently serves as the rates, revenues and financial Words by Jen, a graphic design and marketing company, planning manager. He also serves as a director/treasurer and the author of several books about nature and the of The Watershed Fund, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to acquiring environment. n watershed land and promoting environmental education. Formerly Robert has served as the treasurer of the CT Agricultural Experiment Station Associates, and as the administrative and policy council chair for the CT Section of the American Water Works Association. He has also served as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus (Eldorado Council #10) and was a member of the Leadership Center, Class of 1999. Robert currently resides in Branford with his family. In his spare time he enjoys gardening and golfing.

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4 www.branfordlandtrust.org BRANFORD LAND TRUST FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2018-2019 Robert J. Olejarczyk, Treasurer

he Branford Land Trust concluded the fiscal year and protection of our properties, and public outreach. ended April 30, 2019 in a strong financial position. For During the fiscal year these expenses accounted for 61% of Tthe eleventh consecutive year, operating revenues our total expenses with the remaining 39% being devoted exceeding expenses! to professional services (legal, audit and insurance). Membership dues, donations, gifts and rental income The organization’s balance sheet continued to be strong comprise approximately 66% of our operating income with over $12.3 million in assets, with approximately $11.5 while our investment income and gains/losses on the million, or 93%, classified as land held for conservation. investments comprised the remaining 34%. Overall the The Land Trust has no outstanding debt and holds a line Land Trust’s revenues decreased from the previous fiscal of credit with a local bank which can be used to fund short year while our investment income was impacted by the term needs. The line of credit has a zero balance currently. less than favorable market conditions. The Land Trust I would like to thank the members, contributors, also received a $91k grant from the State of Connecticut volunteers and fellow board members and advisors for Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for their financial support and time. It is with your continued the Red Hill Woods property. support we are able to fulfill our mission. n Being an all-volunteer organization, dedicated to the preservation of more than 1,000 acres, most of the Land Trust expenses are related to the acquisition, maintenance

ACQUISITION REPORT Bill Donaruma, Chairperson

hat started out as an easy donation last summer demanded more attention than Wanticipated. Because of Jim Perito’s patience and professionalism, the donated parcel transaction was finally complete in April 2019. The acquisition of a small pond (0.9 acre) is located at the end of Orchard Avenue. This parcel is in close proximity to 35 acres of Branford Land Trust property. While no other acquisitions were completed, the committee has been active in reviewing other parcels. After two site visits and talks with the owner of one of the properties, the committee decided it did not fit in the criteria of the Branford Land Trust. Two other parcels kept us busy with several site visits as well. Both were strategic to other BLT properties primarily for preservation purposes. The owners at this time have not made any decisions. n

Branford Festival goers explore a map of BLT properties throughout town.

www.branfordlandtrust.org 5 BRANFORD LAND TRUST LAND BRANFORD COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION by Martha Rice, Community Outreach & Education

Wrapping up the celebration of its 50th anniversary and on into 2019, the Branford Land Trust offered a variety of events for members and the general public to enjoy.

Photos by Gaile Ramey, Martha Rice, and Jen Payne

Annual Meeting Effects of Climate Change on CT, James O’Donnell, CT Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation, UCONN / Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Bird Walks Chris Woerner Poetry Reading Carol Altieri, Juliana Harris, Nancy Meneely & Jen Payne Wildflower Walk at the Goss Property Lauren Brown / CT Trails Day / Branford Festival Project Limulus / 50th Anniversary Celebration & Dedication of the Red Hill Woods Bog Walk 24th Annual Branford Land Trust Environmental Day Camp / Branford River Parade. Matt Radulski Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Walk at Van Wie Woods November Lecture Changes in the Land, Town Historian Jane Bouley / Explore Killam’s Point (Spring on the Point, Horseshoe Crabs, Summer on the Point, Virtual Treasure Hunt at Killam’s Point), Martha Rice Animal Tracking Classes Tom Cleveland and Chris Woerner

Animal Tracking Classes with Environmental Day Camp For Project Limulus more than 20 Tom Cleveland (pictured) and Chris includes hands-on activities like touch BLT volunteers participated in the Woerner are popular winter events tanks, woodland and Long Island 2018 surveys, with 50 crabs tagged. for young and old alike. Sound exploration, nature crafts, and more!

6 www.branfordlandtrust.org BRANFORD LAND TRUST Dave Andrews Kattie Konno-Leonffu Robin Axtell Beth Lapin Bob Baker Alice Laurenson Hanna Beatty Ed Logan Clarice Begemann Pat Lowe Ken Bjork Chad Lyons Pat Black Craig Machado Adrian Bonenberger Eunice Mahler-Haug Jane Bouley Gabriel Mahler-Haug Frazier Bronson Kyle Malonis Jennifer Broom BRANFORD Andrew McCarthy Weylin Burke LAND TRUST Charlotte McCarthy Mike Calter Shirley McCarthy Beverly Chambers VOLUNTEERS! Tom McGlashen Bill Canfield Emma Melvin Travis Canfield olunteers are the lifeblood Rob Mendelson Stephanie Carvin of the Branford Land Trust. Angie Miccinello Bill Chapin VNothing happens without Dorothy Millen Michael Chiarappa them. We are extremely grateful to C.J. Miller all the volunteers who have helped Eric Cottle Judy Miller maintain our properties, contribute Maureen Criscuola Annette Murano to our newsletter, stuff envelopes, Paul Criscuola Sean + Megan Nolan help with educational programs and John & Barbara Clark Maureen O’Connor events, and given so much time to Robin Comey the accreditation effort. We thank Emily Oldfield Peter Craig you. Jody Paviglionite CT Farmland Trust Lynne Peck Ann Davis This list does not include members Matt Pekar Maria DeAngelis of the Board of Directors or the Greg Pretak Deb Deford Advisory Board, all listed on Page 2. Aaron Radulski Paul Derdeyn They began as volunteers, too, and Tim Rice Chris Eddy have made that special commitment Steve Reed Nathan Elsden to leadership. Thank you. Ryan Roberts Ellen Flanagan Leah Robinson Charles Fowler Please let us know if we missed your Kath Rondinone Meredith Gaffney name — an unintentional omission John Ruckes John Gallalee — or if you would like to become Tim Shannon Lee Garber a Land Trust Volunteer. Email Joan Danny Shapiro Pete Gloor Merrick, [email protected]. Lisa, Jason, Colin & Emerson Shuff Edison Goff Jacky Skelly Judith Hall Erica Snow Maryanne Hall Iryna Solomko Connie Hanrahan Caroline Spaulding Arthur Haug Connor Spaulding John Haug Barbara Spencer Kerry Holmes Maddie Steinman Margrit Hutchinson Michael Steinman Molly M. James Maura Sullivan Bob Kantor Doss Venema Larry Keckler Nancy Wallace Dennis Kelly Kristen Weidner Maggie King Steve Zaehringer

www.branfordlandtrust.org 7 BRANFORD LAND TRUST LAND BRANFORD HOW WE OUT ON THE TRAILS MANAGE OUR Matt Reed, Trail Maintenance Committee

PROPERTIES ur Trails Crew volunteers helped with two main projects this year: trails Dave Andrews, Property Management maintenance and keeping our open space fields from being closed in by Oinvasive plants, and vines. We’ve worked through all four seasons, ne of the requirements of twice a week, most Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Our work hours total is ap- Land Trust Alliance accredi- proximately 1,500 for the year — not counting the monthly Saturday work parties. Otation is to annually moni- Besides the annual trimming/cutting of the vegetation growth from our trails, tor our properties. This helps the we began a program of installing secured cedar log “steps” on the steepest Branford Land Trust assure we know sections of our trails, to date at Short Beach, Van Wie, Red Hill Woods, and the current state of our land and may Hammer Preserves. These make trails easier to manage for hikers, and in some highlight actions we need to take for cases, help deter erosion in the trail. Any feedback about this effort would be its long-term health. appreciated. With more than 1,000 acres in We’ve contracted tractor brush-hog work to clear most of our fields, but have Branford, spread over 70 different added a walk-behind brush cutter to our tool kit for the field edges that are parcels of land, conducting this typically home to strangling invasives. Twice-a-year cutting of our cleared areas monitoring requires significant effort. has made the mowing work much less difficult. But in deference to the Monarch Fortunately, the BLT is able to rely on butteries who pass through Branford annually, we have set aside stands of our community. milkweed in Medlyn, DeLeo, and Zielinski fields for cutting after their migration. More than 40 volunteers Trails Crew plans for the upcoming year include a once a year trimming of our participate by walking the property BLT trails and continued maintenance of our eight open space fields. boundaries, inspecting the land Many thanks to the dedicated, hard-working, and patient “Regulars” of the and noting issues such as boundary BLT Trails Crew who have put in so much time and effort this year. n encroachment, presence of invasive plants, and improper use, such as timber harvesting, trash dumping, hunting, ATV use, etc.. The annual monitoring typically takes place in November and December, when much of the vegetation has died. This literally helps us ‘see’ the state of our land, and the colder weather can make walking in wetland areas a little less sticky. After walking the properties, volunteers write a report of their observations, which helps inform future efforts to assure the long-term health of the land. Our monthly work parties and weekly trail and field maintenance projects, along with focused efforts on areas of specific concern, are coordinated by our Property Management Committee. Last year, they undertook a town-wide Hello Neighbor mailing to introduce the BLT to its property neighbors. All of these volunteers recognize the importance of open space in Branford and are willing to give their time and effort for our community. n

8 www.branfordlandtrust.org BRANFORD LAND TRUST It is because of the generosity of our MEMBERS AND DONORS that the Branford Land Trust is able to actively commit to its mission to preserve open space in Branford and to promote our community’s appreciation of Branford’s diverse natural features. Everything you read about in this newsletter is possible because of you!

Kent & Leonor Bloomer David Colley* Jane Bouley Chris Collins Patricia Bourne Mary Connolly Fred W. and Barbara Bowden Wayne Cooke* Michalah Bracken Lynda Corcoran Frances Acquarulo Jim & Pamela Bradley Matthew and Denise Cordner Nina and Moreson Adams/Kaplan Branford Garden Club, Inc. Anthony & Roseanne Corso Susan Addiss* Branford Rotary Club* Catherine Cox John & Keith Allen/Hyatte Branford Veterinary Hospital, LLC Greg & Kim Cox Eva Allison Cecilia Bratten Marjorie Crelin* William & Sylvia Altmannsberger* Reilley Brigg Criscuolo Engineering LLC Patrick Alvino Warren & Nancy Brini Bernadette DiGiulian & Leo Cristofar American Endowment Foundation Anthony & Julie Broom Donald & Susan Crockford-Peters American Polyfilm, Inc.* Jennifer Broom Gunther & Lisa Dannheim Greg & Nina Ames Leon Brown Jennifer Davies John & Ann Marie Ammann Joshua Brown* Robert & Ruth Davis John & Marilyn Anderson John Herzan & Lauren Brown* Janet Vaill Day Anne Anderson* Frederick Bruening David & Diane DeBell* Anderson-Wilcox* Philip & Gloria Bruneau Cathryn Holinger & Edwin deCossy Juliette & David Andrews Lizanne Fontaine & Bob Buckholz Michelle & Albert Defeo Kathleen Anthony Kathy Buckley Allan & Patricia DeFilippo Joan Armstrong William & Judith Burch Deborah & Harry Deford/Stout Anthony & Ann Arpino Judith Burke Mary DeGrand Robert & Maryann Babcock Thomas Burke Angelo DeLeo* William Bailey* John & Wendy Burton Cheryl & Ty Della Pietra/Wenger Ellis Baker John & Madelyn Burzenski Douglas Denes Robert Baker Susan & Jim Buydos John & Maureen Derbacher Peter Banca* Mark and Nickolay Byers/Kolev* Eric Dervinis Kelly Barbaris Berclee Cameron Larry & Bill Desbiens/Marsland Elizabeth Barnes Sally & Jim Cammarano Dorothy Desi Ruth Magraw & Michael Baron Herbert & Alice Camp Alyssa DesRosier John Barron* Joseph Cappa* Andrew DeVito Barry Beatty Helen Carocci Carol Dew Robert & Regina Bejnerowicz Jack & Elaine Carr Diana & Gino DiCarlo Bill Beletsky* Toni Cartisano Ken & Patricia Dickinson Mary Belknap Jeffrey & Nancy Cave Gregory & Denise Dickson Claire Bennitt* Beverley Chambers Charles Dimmler* Frank Berardesca* Andrea Bloom & William Chapin Elizabeth Dock* Joan Berdick* Chris Cheney Donna Doherty Robert Berdon* Michael Chiarappa Lynn Dorsey Randy Reinhold & Rita Berkson Norbert Church Joel Rosenbaum & Connie Drysdale Alfred & Lisa Bertoline David & Nancy Cioffi Andrea Duffy Perry Bessas Jeffery & Martha Clark Dorothy Dupont* F. Vining Bigelow Andrea Schieckel & Jonathan Clark David Dziura Klas & Dorothy Bjork Tom & Wendy Cleveland/Lewis Frederick & Betty Eckert Kenneth Bjork & Family Kevin Coady* Christopher Eddy Richard M Blacher Richard & Kathleen Coan/Mitcheon Elizabeth Jonas & Tom Eisen Peter & Pat Black Richard & Sandra Coddington Theodore & Kristina Ells Blakeslee Prestressed* Michael Cohen Terence & Elizabeth Elton/McMahon* Fred & Morley Bland* Alpha Coiro Joanna Erikson David Blanusa* David Colbourn Stephanie Farber Chet Blomquist Marilyn Collett Alice Fleming & Gary Feder

www.branfordlandtrust.org 9 BRANFORD LAND TRUST LAND BRANFORD Sara Fern Richard & Sharon Hosley* Helen Lukievics & Ernest Lendler David Feuerman* Diane Hull Dorothy Levy Stanley & Deb Fisher Sharon Huttner Mary Lewis Alan & Polly Fitz Jeanne Hyatt Karl & Judith Liebmann Rober t& Mary Anne Fitzgerald Lawrence & Lucie Iannotti Pat McNichol & James M. Link Shirley & Robert Fleming Joseph Ifkovic Kathleen Linta* Jeffrey Forbes Margaret& Charles Ikeda Alice Locarno Paul Ford* Joseph J. Inguanti The Lockery Family Forma Therapeutics* Christopher Jensen Damon Loftis Christine Wood & Alan Forman Bruce Johnson Donna & Ann Marie Lorello Parker & Kathleen Fox Raymond & Sarah Johnson Thomas & Marion Lovig Mina Fraenza-West Barbara Johnson Kenneth & Deborah Lowe* Franklin Construction* Carl & Patricia Johnson Mary Lowery Freethink Technologies John & Gerry Joy Edwina Stevenson & John B. Lust Susan & Philip Froshauer/Mancini* Winnifred Judge* Ann Lynch Melissa Funaro Nancy Kahl Barbara & William Lyons Ralph & Annette Gagliardi Ron & Margaret Kaiser James & Grace MacBride Shirley McCarthy & John Gallalee Paul Kallert Rob Roy MacGregor Don & Margery Galluzzi Carol Kaminsky Alfred Mahan Nina Gambardella* Robert and Ellen Kantor/Flanagan Peter Makosky Gary & Michelle Garnet Robert & Ellen Kantor/Flanagan Jennifer Marks Betsy & Walter Gay Nina Adams & Moreson Kaplan* Barbara Marks* Mark Gaynor Jonathan Katz Andrew W. and Susan W. Marlatt Tom Ghoreyeb Eunice Kaymen Tina (Justine) Marlowe Bill Gilpatrick Kay Kazmaier Chris & Laurie Marseglia Giordano Construction Co* Paul Kazmercyk Sylvia & Philip Marsh Robert & Lou Ann Giunta Giunta Amy & Larry Keckler Joann & Charles, Jr Martindale Foundation* Gerlinde Kehlenbach Joan & Richard Matz Julie Wagner & Peter Gloor Suzanne Kelley Ralph & Lisa Mauro Rachel Lamb & Richard Goodwin* Dennis & Marie Kelly* Dennis May Colin Gordon* Robert White & Patricia Kelly-White* Dennis P. and Roseann C. May Cheryl Maclachlan & Fred Gorelick Frank & Kimberly Kenna Preston Maynard Judith & Rod Gottlieb/Ross Kenna Charitable Fund Ed Mazur Sallie Gouvemeur Trudy & Theodore Kiaunis Donna & Charles Mazzucco Kim & Gretchen Granbery Meg Kilgore* William McDonald* Bob & Mary Grande Tracey &Thomas Kimball/Day Michael & Maureen McGuinness Jay & Carolee Gravina Maggie King John & Cathy McGuirk Margaret Gray Charles & Gretchen Kingsley* Elizabeth McMahon Vicky & Steven Greenberg Susan Kirby Gary & Trudy McNeil Jerald & Tanya Greenvall Jan Kirby Richard Meffert* David Grewal/Cammack Bengt & Siv Kjellberg Robert&Valerie Mendelsohn/Small Bill & Paula Grimm George & Alice Klein James & Roberta Mendillo Jon & Joan Grossman David Klein Alinor Sterling & Steve Mentz GSL 2015 Trust Allan Kling* Harry & Joan Merrick Arlene Hackbarth Arthur Knowlton Scott Merrick Ann Hadley* Gary & Hedda Kopf Sean & Kristin Merrill Karl & Janet Hager Ron Koppel Stephen and Diane Mierz Sue Haigney Dick Korby Ron & Sue Miller Bill & Judy Hall Henry & Christine Kraver Susan M. and Ronald E. Miller Janet Hall Patricia Kahlbaugh & John Kreider Betty Miller Martin & Hazel Hallier Philip Kucera Don & Meg Mitchell Peg & Ed Hammond Si-Hoi Lam Stephen Montano Carl Wies & Margot Hardenbergh* Louise LaMontagne Richard & Ina Montelius Roy & Eleanor Harrison Robert Lancefield John & Nancy Morse Lucy & Bob Hayden* Anthony & Eunice Lasala Lily Morse H. Ainsley Highman Jim & Mary Laske Evelyn Moulton Brian J. and Eleanor D. Higney James & Tootsie Laske Caroline Mulligan Edwin de Cassy & Cathryn Holinger Robin Latta Tweedy Annette Murano Ferrin C Holmes Maryann Leach Joseph & Barbara Naylor Roger Holt* Katharine Higgins & William Leece* Peter Neill* Lea Brilmayer & Bill Horne Blake & Lois Lehr Nancy Young and Paul B. Ford, Jr. New Carol Sanders & Alan Horwitz Gary & Carol Lemmon York Community Trust

10 www.branfordlandtrust.org BRANFORD LAND TRUST Gina Nichol Jane & Kevin Roche* Steve & Cele Syrotiak Jon & Lorie Nicholas Molly Rodgers* Nan Norene & Robert Taplin Delores Nicholas Teolinda Rojas Diane Taylor Nan Norene David & Susan Rood Tony & Mavis Terry Margaret Normand David Rose* Gilbert Testut Lois & Terry O’Brien Fred M. & Carol Rosenthal The Betty and Wes Foster Family Michael & Maureen O’Connor Pamela & Chandan Roy Foundation John & Jean O’Connor Ethan & Gloria Ruber/Freimann The Lucille and Philip Mickelson Gift Kevin O’Donnell* Lisa Rucinski* Fund Robert Olejarczyk John & Nina Ruckes The Nature Conservancy** Karen Osborn Joseph Russo* The New Haven Hiking Club John & Roberta Ottenbreit Hope Ryan Thimble Bed & Breakfast, LLC** Linda Oulton Robert Sachs* Jill Thomas Ellen & Robert Page Gregory Sachs* Bruce & Marjorie Thompson Virginia Page Donald Santacroce* Virginia Thompson Stephanie Page Clarence & Carolyn Sasaki Shawn & Cheryl Tiernan Jean Pantalone Diana & James Sattelberger/Sligar* James & Carmela Tierney Donald Patenaude Alis & Robert Sauers Tilcon Connecticut, Inc.** Jody Paviglionite Otto Schaefer Bill Tower Max Payne William Schaeffer Trailblazer Central LLC David & Jo-Ann Pearsom Caleb Scheetz John Triana Tom & Lynne Peck Daniel & Janet Schmittt Mary and Frank J. Troncale Lynne Peck Mal Schwab Bradley Vagasky Stephanie & Richard Peck Frank Sciulli Dave & Deb Vallas Kate Walbert & Rafael Pelli* Francine Sears* David & Nancy P. Valley James & Anita Perito Lorraine Serra Robert, Jr Valley* Lynn Perone* Anita Shaffer Valley Family Trust Eva Peterson Richard Shanahan* Joyce Doss Venema George Peterson Susan E. and Thomas J. Shanley Carlos Vidal William & Pamela Peterson Frank & Barbara Shaw Elizabeth Weisner & Fred Volkmar Guido Petra* Jane & Jerry Shaw Wadsworth Family Foundation* Peter Pinchot* Kathleen Shemke Peter Banks & Nancy Wallace Nancy Pinckney Truman Sherk Alexine Wallace Frank Pinto Richard Shimwell Francis & Martha Walsh Patty & Tom Pollard Judith E & Cassidy S. Shosie/Vare Gary & Christine Wanerka Portfolio College Counseling Penelope Bellamy & Mark Simon Audrey & Johnny Ward Margaret McKenna Porto Mark Simon Denise Webb Chas & Elizabeth Possidente Roxane Siskind Steve & Penny Weinstein Donald & Sheila Potter Patrick & Jacky Skelly Holly and Adam Weinstein* James Powell John Smith Jakob & Gisella Weissbach-Licht Elena Leschenko & Randy* Poxson* David W. Smith Mary Welch* Jonathan Preston Geoffrey Smith Robert Weltzien Karen Pritzker * John & Constance Smith Larry & Marcia Wheeler Marilyn Proto Barbara Soffer* Maureen & Russell White Thomas & Elizabeth Pugh Anthony Solomine Tiffany Davis & Martha Wieler Mark & Fran Rabinowitz Susan Solomon Richard & Karen Wies* Paul & Barbara Racette Albert & Ruth Spring Carl H. and Margot Wies/Hardenburgh Richard & Eleanor Radune Jane K. Staniewicz Lisa Peccini & Chris Willems Thomas & Nancy Rafferty Patricia &Edward Stannard Scott & Sarah Williams Gaile Ramey Arlene Steinlauf* Susan and Raymond F. Wilson Christine Randall Guy Steucek* Richard & Susan Wing* Arthur Randall* Micheal & Jane Stitelman Dona & Anton Wohlert Peter & Megan Raymond Lee Stolzman Paul, Maureen & Jonathan Wolter Raymond James Financial Services Shepard & Marlene Stone Judith & Peter Young Linda & Tim Reason Stony Creek Brewery Stephen & Diane Zack Matt Reed* Maria & Bruce Storm Josephine & Stephen Zaehringer Pamela Reis Virginia Stuermer* J E Zetterberg* Bill & Sharon Reynolds* Phyllis Sturtevant Howard & Linda Zonana n Rose Rita Riccitelli Richard Sullivan* Barry & Joan Richter Sunflower Child Care John Roach Astrid Swanson *Lifetime members Elizabeth Braddon & Wally Robinson Bonnie Symansky

www.branfordlandtrust.org 11 BRANFORD LAND TRUST LAND BRANFORD Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #559 New Haven, CT P.O. Box 254 Branford, CT 06405

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The mission of the Branford Land Trust is to preserve open space in Branford, and to promote our community’s appreciation of Branford’s diverse natural features.

Autumn Meditation painted-paper collage, 15 x 15 by Anne Coffey, annecoffey.com