CONNECTICUT Woodlands MAGAZINE

CFPA’S CONSERVATION

INSIDE AGENDA for 2017

THE MISSING : A RARE ALSO: DURHAM SAYS GOODBYE TO A TREE. COVERTS PROGRAM HELPS FOREST OWNERS

The Magazine of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association Spring 2017 Volume 82 No. 1

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association, Inc.

OFFICERS PRESIDENT, ERIC LUKINGBEAL, Granby VICE-PRESIDENT, STARR SAYRES, East Haddam TREASURER, JAMES W. DOMBRAUSKAS, New Hartford SECRETARY, ERIC HAMMERLING, West Hartford FORESTER, THOMAS J. DEGNAN, East Haddam

DIRECTORS STARLING W. CHILDS, Norfolk R. RICHARD CROCE, Killingworth RUTH CUTLER, Ashford CAROLINE DRISCOLL, New London PETER KNIGHT, Bloomfield MICHAEL LECOURS, Farmington SCOTT LIVINGSTON, Bolton JEFF LOUREIRO, Canton ANTONIO MAZZARA, Stamford TERESA PETERS LAUREN L. McGREGOR, ESQ., Hamden Limb by limb, the tree was taken down. Story on page 9. JEFFREY O’DONNELL, Bristol DAVID PLATT, Chester RAYMOND RADIKAS, Glastonbury

HONORARY DIRECTORS GORDON L. ANDERSON, St. Johns, FL Connecting People to the Land Annual Membership HARROL W. BAKER, JR., Bolton RICHARD A. BAUERFELD, Redding Our mission: The Connecticut Forest & Park Individual $ 35 GEORGE M. CAMP, Middletown Association protects forests, parks, walking Family $ 50 ANN CUDDY, Ashland, OR trails and open spaces for future generations by SAMUEL G. DODD, North Andover, MA connecting people to the land. CFPA directly Supporting $ 100 ASTRID T. HANZALEK, Suffield JOHN HIBBARD, Hebron involves individuals and families, educators, Benefactor $ 250 JOSEPH HICKEY, Wethersfield community leaders and volunteers to enhance JEAN CRUM JONES, Shelton and defend Connecticut’s rich natural heritage. Patron $ 500 EDWARD A. RICHARDSON, Glastonbury CFPA is a private, non-profit organization that Guardian $ 1000 L.P. SPERRY, JR., Middlebury SALLY L. TAYLOR, Mystic relies on members and supporters to carry out SIDNEY VAN ZANDT, Noank its mission. Life Membership $ 2500 Our vision: We envision Connecticut as a STAFF place of scenic beauty whose cities, suburbs, TRAILS STEWARDSHIP DIRECTOR, CLARE CAIN, Old Lyme and villages are linked by a network of parks, Corporate Membership FIELD COORDINATOR,TRAILS PROGRAM, forests, and trails easily accessible for all people COLIN CARROLL, New Haven to challenge the body and refresh the spirit. We Club / Non-profit $ 75 MANAGER OF EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT, ELIZABETH FOSSETT, Meriden picture a state where clean water, timber, farm Sustaining $ 100 MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING DIRECTOR, fresh foods, and other products of the land make MARTY GOSSELIN, Durham Landmark $ 250 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ERIC HAMMERLING, West Hartford a significant contribution to our economic and EDUCATION DIRECTOR, EMMA KRAVET, New Haven cultural well-being. Stewardship $ 500 DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, JAMES W. LITTLE, Hebron Leadership $ 1000 DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR, KARA MURPHY, Guilford Connecticut Woodlands LAND CONSERVATION DIRECTOR, LINDSAY SUHR, North Haven Published quarterly by the FOREST & PROGRAM DIRECTOR, GOODWIN FOREST CENTER, BETH BERNARD, Woodstock Connecticut Forest & Park Association, OFFICE MANAGER, TERESA PETERS, Durham 16 Meriden Road, EDITOR, CHRISTINE WOODSIDE Rockfall, CT 06481-2961 BOOK REVIEW EDITOR, DAVID K. LEFF Indexed in the Connecticut Periodical Index, COPYEDITOR, ROBIN GOLD ISSN 00106257 GRAPHIC DESIGNER, KAREN WARD Telephone: 860-346-TREE Fax: 860-347-7463. Printed on FSC Certified Paper E-mail address: [email protected] from responsible sources Web site: ctwoodlands.org

2 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 CONNECTICUT Woodlands

The Magazine of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association Spring 2017 Volume 82 No. 1

CONTENTS FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

6 THE MISSING FENS: 4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. RARE AND GROWING RARER. Happiness as defined by Danish people. The latest in an occasional By Eric Lukingbeal. series on the state’s 13 imperiled ecosystems. 5 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE. By Jamie Tommins. When is your public land “protected”? By Eric Hammerling. 9 RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE: AN ILLUSTRATION. 15-21 CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY. A Durham church straddles P CFPA’s Legislative Agenda for 2017. the emotional fence between P keeping a diseased giant copper FROM THE ARCHIVES. Connecticut State Library preserves beech and cutting it down. CFPA’s archives. By James W. Little. By Teresa Peters. P LAND CONSERVATION. 6 12 A TRIBUTE TO NORM SILLS, Amazing woman, amazing gift. APPALACHIAN TRAIL LEADER. A quiet Salisbury farmer led a 22 NEW ENGLAND TRAIL On the Cover: major trail relocation. POET-IN-RESIDENCE PROJECT. Poems by Amy Nawrocki. Rare and beautiful, a calcareous in the By Christine Woodside. Phillips-Lovdal Preserve in Southbury, a 23 ALMANAC. property of the Southbury Land Trust. 13 THE COVERTS PROJECT FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS. Spring at the singing ground: PHOTO BY KATHLEEN GROLL CONNOLLY It’s between you and me. The American woodcock. By Stephen H. Broderick. By Katherine Hauswirth.

24 FROM THE LAND. Quinnehtukqut cooking stories. By Jean Crum Jones.

26 BOOK REVIEWS. P Aldo Leopold’s daughter reflects on life in the Leopold shack. Reviewed by David K. Leff. P Martin Podskoch’s encyclopedic history of the Connecticut CCC camps. Reviewed by Robert M. Ricard. P On the Trail, a thoughtful history that nevertheless leaves out Connecticut. Reviewed by David K. Leff. P A British writer celebrates the many objects made out of ash trees. Reviewed by David K. Leff. P The bestselling Lab Girl, a scientist’s engaging memoir. Reviewed by Kathleen Groll Connolly.

30 ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE. Groundbreaking environmental journalist retires: Bob Wyss’s students at UConn wrote many articles for Connecticut Woodlands. By Terese Karmel.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Happiness as defined by Danish people

BY ERIC LUKINGBEAL same 13 countries consistently make the According to Charlotte Higgins, writing in top of the rankings. The top 10 for 2016 the Guardian, hygge is “a feeling of calm ur Declaration of were, from 1 to 10, Denmark, Switzerland, togetherness and the enjoyment of simple Independence says Iceland, Norway, , Canada, Nether- pleasures, perhaps illuminated by the gen- that “life, liberty, lands, New Zealand, Australia, and Sweden. tle flicker of candlelight.” Some have sug- O and the pursuit Based on these rankings, happiness seems to gested that the Danes invented the idea to of happiness” are inal- have something to do with physical activity, get through the long, boring, cold, and dark ienable rights. Happi- fitness, and good health. The Netherlands winters. Hygge can be part of nouns, verbs, ness is not defined, and reports the highest levels of physical activ- adjectives, or compound nouns. Hyggebuk- we all have our own ity on Earth. They are also the tallest peo- ser are pants you would never wear in pub- definitions. Most of us ple. Switzerland, which came in first in 2015, lic but which you secretly love. In general, would probably agree enjoys the lowest obesity rates in Europe. the Nordic countries do very well year after that the absence of unhappiness does not Taking a lot of saunas seems to help as well; year. Their societies have several things in result in happiness. Finland has 5.2 million people and 3.3 common: free university education, social So, what does result in happiness? And, is million saunas. security, universal health care, paid fam- happiness important? From an evolutionary How do other industrialized countries ily leave, and a minimum of one month’s standpoint, it is doubtful. Geoffrey Miller, stack up? The United States is number 13, annual vacation. an evolutionary psychologist at the Univer- Germany 16, United Kingdom 23, Japan According to Meik Wiking, author of The sity of New Mexico, observes, “Evolution is 53, Russia 56, China 83. Countries at the Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy good at getting us to avoid death, desper- bottom are from parts of the world with Living (William Morrow, 2017), the Danes ation and celibacy, but it’s not that good extreme poverty, very low GDP, and repres- are able to be happy because they recognize at getting us to feel happy.” Still, the right sive governments. that, “After our basic needs are met, more to pursue it is one of our most important According to the UN, seven key ingre- money does not lead to more happiness.” founding principles. dients lead to a country rating high on the Hygge’s essence, in my mind, is at the Happiness has been studied—a lot. A happiness scale. They are longer life expec- heart of a really good hike on trails through few years ago, the United Nations General tancy, social support, freedom to make life the forest. I think I understand the essence of that word at the end of a good trudge, Assembly invited countries to measure their choices, low perceptions of corruption, gen- after all of the effort, bugs, sweat, and mud national happiness. Using data from the Gal- erosity, experiencing less inequality of happi- are behind me. Then I rest, eat, and drink lup World Poll, information from more than ness, and a higher per capita GDP. with my companions. I feel a sense of peace 150 countries was collected. The relevant Denmark bears additional scrutiny because and satisfaction. data included real gross domestic product, it has finished first in three out of four years. healthy life expectancy, generosity, freedom A Danish word, hygge (pronounced HOO- Eric Lukingbeal is a retired environmental to make life choices (such as marriage), and ga), has no English equivalent but means lawyer who lives in Granby with his wife, the country’s perception of its corruption. something like “coziness.” Sally King. UN reports on the happiness measure- The word was a finalist in last year’s ments were first issued in 2012, and the Oxford Dictionary word of the year contest.

COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF GREENHOUSE GASES: P Cars and buildings hurt CONNECTICUT P School forests help Also: WOODLANDS A sustainable timber harvest, New England Trail poems, and trimming around electric lines

4 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR‘S MESSAGE When is your public land “protected”?

BY ERIC HAMMERLING and wildlife areas totaling hundreds of ears to identify and nip potential problems acres have highlighted weaknesses in the in the bud, and advocating for resources to s you know, the protections granted to Connecticut’s ensure properties are not neglected. About Connecticut conservation lands. These weaknesses 25 state parks have started “Friends” groups, Forest & Park could result in the sudden “unpreserva- and these local stewards are becoming more A Association has tion” and subsequent development of and more valued for their efforts as state been advocating for a those lands. resources diminish. constitutional amend- I am convinced that three essential ele- Your support enables CFPA to keep fight- ment to protect your ments need to be in place for the true, sus- ing to ensure these three elements are in state-owned public tainable protection of your public lands. place for your public lands. The commis- lands, and your support sioners of the Department of Energy and 1. Legal Protection has been essential to Environmental Protection and Agriculture A thoughtfully crafted conservation the considerable progress that has been made so now have the legal authority to place con- restriction such as a deed restriction far. As you might imagine, during this campaign servation restrictions on lands they hold on (defended by the attorney general) or a con- I have been thinking a lot about what “pro- behalf of the state (legislation that CFPA, the servation easement (held by a capable third tected” really means. Connecticut Land Conservation Council, party such as a land trust) is often critical Like many of you, I used to believe that and others successfully fought for three years to ensure the natural resource values of the designation as a state park or forest would ago). CFPA and our partners are advocating land are protected. offer protection for public land, but lots of for resources (staff and funding) to ensure experience over the last several years has 2. Resources for Property Management, public lands are adequately maintained, and shown that these designations in them- Monitoring, and Defense this has been an enormous challenge as the selves are not enough. Indeed, the Con- Managing the property with a good plan state continues to reduce its workforce and necticut Council on Environmental Qual- based on a comprehensive baseline study of program budgets. Finally, CFPA is support- ity was prophetic as it wrote the following resources at the time of acquisition, moni- ing friends groups alongside the Friends of passage in the introduction to its outstand- toring the boundaries and natural resources Connecticut State Parks, and by directly sup- ing 2014 report, “Preserved, But Maybe of the property with regularity, and being porting the Friends of Goodwin Forest as Not—The Impermanence of State Conser- prepared as the landowner or easement well as encouraging new efforts such as a vation Lands”: holder to defend the values of the land if potential friends group for the new Auerfarm When Connecticut residents visit violations occur help ensure the property is State Park Scenic Reserve in Bloomfield. a beautiful state park or wildlife area being adequately protected. Your public lands deserve protection, and they often are contented by the knowl- 3. Local Advocates/Volunteers your ongoing support and involvement are edge that the land is set aside for for- for Support essential to ensure that protection happens. ests, wildlife and all people for all time. Local volunteers make a huge difference Eric Hammerling has directed the Connecti- Except usually it isn’t. Recent proposals when they are willing to help with activities cut Forest & Park Association since 2008. He to exchange or convey state parks, forests such as maintaining trails, providing eyes and lives in West Hartford with his family.

About Connecticut Forest & Park Association ADVERTISING RATES and Connecticut Woodlands Magazine Full page: $450 Connecticut Woodlands is a quarterly magazine published since 1936 by CFPA, a member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to conserv- Half page: $225 ing the land, trails, and natural resources of Connecticut. Quarter page: $112 Members of CFPA receive the magazine in the mail four times a year.

For more information about CFPA, to join or donate online, visit our Eighth page: $75 website, www.ctwoodlands.org, or call 860-346-TREE. Design services available for a fee. Give the gift of membership in CFPA. Contact Marty Gosselin at 860-346-TREE.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 5 CONNECTICUT’S 13 IMPERILED ECOSYSTEMS

often bear an outward similarity. According to Dr. Erik Kiviat, a biologist and director THE MISSING FENS: of the Hudsonia research center, fens are characterized by low, shrubby veg- etation on saturated but not flooded soils. RARE AND GROWING RARER However, unlike more common wetlands, classification as a calcareous fen depends The latest in an occasional series on the state’s 13 imperiled ecosystems on two specific criteria. First, the fen must sit on an area of calcareous bedrock, usu- ally or marble, and second, the BY JAMIE TOMMINS I’d come to glimpse this habitat before it fen must be fed by from sub- disappeared. I would find it with the help of surface seeps or surface springs. When the rom a snowy gravel road on the shoul- the Connecticut Critical Habitats Database der of Canaan Mountain, in Litch- groundwater flows saturate the soil, and with a few tips from Kenneth J. Metzler, from the bedrock reduces its acidity, creat- field County, the flat Housatonic who had personally collected much of the Valley looks like the work of a god- ing a habitat of either pH-neutral or slightly data. Before retiring from his 30-year tenure Fsized steamroller. A geologist, however, alkaline wetland—a calcareous fen. as a botanist for the state geological survey, might revere this gulf between mountains Places where this combination can occur Mr. Metzler authored a paper with University more for its tectonic masonry. This immense are extremely rare. The primary limiting of Connecticut biologist Dr. David L. Wag- stretch of lowland is Robbins , the factor is suitable bedrock, which in the ner that listed calcareous fens as one of the largest inland wetland in Connecticut, but Northeast is confined to a thin band of 13 most imperiled ecosystems in Connecti- it is also perhaps the finest and most opu- and marbles called the Gren- cut. He’d warned me that the search would lent marble sink that has ever been crafted, ville Shelf Sequence running up the New be difficult even if I knew exactly where to cut from the bedrock of the so-called mar- York–New England border. Nearly all of the ble valleys of northwestern Connecticut. Yet look. “I’m not sure what they even look like fens in the region occur along that line— such elegant stonework does not explain the now,” he said about he’d mapped but significantly, only where this bedrock is biologist who describes this region to me within Robbins Swamp a decade ago. “Ten able to affect the chemical composition of as “magical.” years, even though it doesn’t sound long, is a groundwater-fed wetland. Overall, such As I admire the view, snow melting down a lot of time for the vegetation to change.” sites in Connecticut number somewhere the slopes of the surrounding mountains I was far from optimistic. A wildlife director between 10 and 15. pours into this sink like a faucet. In the pro- with the Connecticut Department of Energy When geology matches , how- cess, the waters flow and filter over the cal- and Environmental Protection, which owns ever, a fen can occupy a landscape in sev- cium-rich, or calcareous, bedrock on its way most of Robbins Swamp, had told me there eral ways, and most wetlands classification to the valley floor. Since the drain of this sink were no intact calcareous fens there anymore. systems distinguish between multiple kinds is clogged by thousands of years of accu- If that were the case, I wanted to see what had of calcareous fens. The primary division is mulation, the groundwater rises. When this happened to them. It would help me under- between “sloping fens,” or spring-fed fens happens—and only this exact sequence— stand what might become of the rest. occupying hillsides, and “basin fens,” which conditions are ripe for the creation of what occur in saturated lowlands. Further distinc- Found Only Here has been called the rarest habitat in North tions exist between “rich” and “poor” fens, America: a small, unassuming patch of open In Connecticut, most fens go by the names which are sometimes used to describe pH or wetland called a calcareous fen. of brooks, , or , to which they nutrient levels, but Dr. Kiviat prefers simple

6 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 CONNECTICUT’S 13 IMPERILED ECOSYSTEMS

terminology to describe the complexity of intact into the present day. “These are not another 40 to 70 years for a forested swamp fen habitats. “When I go out in a field and static habitats,” said Tim Abbott, regional to predominate. look at a fen, at least in this region, I see a land protection and greenprint director at However, one study of a prehistoric fen in mixture of different communities,” he said. the Housatonic Valley Association. “They New York found evidence that fens have the “I might see rich, medium-rich, and other go through a process of natural succession.” potential to sustain themselves for thousands stuff all mixed together.” Succession occurs when a low, open fen is of years, raising the possibility that succes- To the previous criteria, Dr. Kiviat adds colonized by taller and denser grasses, which in sion may not always kick in. Meanwhile, Dr. a third condition for identifying fens: vege- turn can give way to woody plants, tall shrubs, Kiviat’s research suggests that one driver of tation. Perhaps the most important feature and, eventually, timber forest. Since most fen rapid fen succession might be coming from of fens is the habitat they provide for high indicator plants are fairly short, the growth of modern humans. Undisturbed fens are low- numbers of rare plant species, many of which a tall canopy deprives them of sunlight, driv- nutrient environments, and most fen indi- are found nowhere else—they are “faithful ing them out of the habitat. To prevent this, cator plants have evolved to survive on rel- to fens,” as Dr. Kiviat puts it. A common fens need someone to pull the weeds—or per- atively low levels of nutrients such as nitro- method of studying fens is to measure the haps eat them. “What probably kept these sys- gen and phosphorous. Yet these nutrients presence and abundance of these species, tems open historically was mastodons,” says are also found in common sources of human which biologists refer to as “fen indicator Mr. Abbott, “large grazers and browsers who pollution. Nitrogen is a component of many plants.” In Connecticut, these include a vari- went after the woody stuff.” Later, the fens fertilizers, and runoff from developed areas ety of sedges, notably the threatened Bar- were sometimes cleared of woody plants by can deposit those nutrients into a fen. Mean- ratt’s sedge, as well as flowering plants like occasional Native American burning practices. while, Dr. Kiviat explains that through a pro- spreading globeflower and the rare showy Early European settlers drained many fens cess called atmospheric deposition, phos- ladyslipper orchid, which was a favorite of for crops, but remaining fens often benefit- phorous compounds emitted by Midwest- Charles Darwin. ted from the presence of nearby farms. “What ern power plants arrive on westerly winds Like the presence of living corals in a coral probably kept them open in the last 300, 400 and settle in aquatic habitats on the eastern reef, fen indicator plants are an indicator of years were a lot of cows.” seaboard. He believes that increased nutri- the health of the fen ecosystem. By exten- The “really awful problem,” as Mr. ents levels from these sources can allow more sion, their absence can signal degradation. Abbot puts it, is that few of these distur- common vegetation to move in and outcom- In 2010, Dr. Kiviat published a study of fens bance sources occur in the fens today. “Most pete the fen indicator plants. In his research, in New York and Connecticut that selected of them are on a new trajectory to a less Dr. Kiviat has found a correlation between sites based on the condition of their fen diverse expression of a calcareous wetland high nitrogen levels and the presence of non- indicator plants. After narrowing his sam- complex with trees,” he says. One ques- fen-specific vegetation. “It makes the habi- ple down to the healthiest sites available, tion researchers try to answer is how long it tats better for certain things, mostly com- the study included just two fens in the state takes to lose an open fen to natural succes- mon species”—tall plants like cattails of Connecticut. sion. Without such disturbances as , or woody shrubs—“but worse for any of the which can flood an area and revert a fen to rare species.” A Habitat in Flux an earlier stage, it typically takes just 15 to 25 The fens have existed in Connecticut years for succession into tall shrubland, and since the end of the last Ice Age, but there is some debate about how they’ve remained

A calcareous fen in the Phillips-Lovdal Preserve in Southbury.

KATHLEEN GROLL CONNOLLY

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 7 The problem of , mean- The plan announces several actions to ensure while, is unquestioningly the fault of human the survival of fens, including “minimize actions. The European variety of common habitat degradation from nutrient concen- reed, most often called by its Latin name trations,” “minimize habitat fragmenta- phragmites, is a more robust strain of its tion,” and “implement wetland restoration native counterpart and grows rapidly in wet- and enhancement projects,” with the intent lands across the United States, including to implement these strategies over the next fens. Tall and dense, with thick roots, phrag- WIKIMEDIA COMMONS 10 years. Yet with the state currently deal- mites choke out virtually all other vegetation turtles thrive in calcareous fens. As inva- ing with a budget shortfall, the outlook for in an area when left unchecked. Other tall sive plants move in, they struggle to find open the Wildlife Action Plan is uncertain. Bill invasives such as purple loosestrife, barberry, nesting sites. Hyatt, head of DEEP’s Bureau of Natural and shrub honeysuckle seem to spread par- Resources, informed me that because of the targets for poachers, who sell them as pets ticularly quickly in the alkaline conditions hiring freeze in place, positions vacated by on the black market. Dr. Kiviat characterizes of a fen. “They just go berserk in it,” says retirements automatically disappear from the the practice as “elephant ivory writ small.” Mr. Abbott. department. This applies even to positions In both their Southeast and Northeast Our most destructive impact on the fens, that were created to fill a necessary role in populations, bog turtles depend on open, however, is likely still to come. Climate the state’s core environmental strategy. The groundwater-fed wetlands with low vegeta- change is expected to bring both warmer department’s most recent retirement, said tion for nesting sites. They also require the and wetter conditions to the fens, which Mr. Mr. Hyatt, was the position in charge of the ability to move within a matrix of suitable Abbott says will benefit many of the taller phragmites control ward. habitat areas. In the Northeast, those hab- successional plants and invasives. And as Dr. Today, a handful of fens in Connecticut itats are calcareous fens, which means that Kiviat points out, many fen indicator plants remain outside either state or Nature Con- populations are deeply affected reach the southernmost limit of their ranges servancy protection. Another state program, by incursions of invasives and successional in the fens of northwest Connecticut. Cli- the Green Plan, provides incentives for DEEP plants in fens over time. “They live longer, mate change will likely push those ranges or other conservation groups to increase the sometimes, than their habitat does,” says Mr. north, removing species like the rare showy amount of land under conservation owner- Abbott, who then mentions that the loss of ladyslipper out of the state for good. ship, but neither it nor the Wildlife Action one adult male per year from the largest sin- Plan include calls to purchase unprotected gle population in the state would be enough Endangered Gardens fens. At Robbins Swamp, a revised manage- to wipe out that population relatively quickly. ment plan in 2002 led to new parcels being Most of the remaining open fens in Con- Ensuring the survival of the state’s bog turtles added to the state’s Wildlife Management necticut today are the property of The will likely require managing the fens to pro- Area there. Not included were the two fens Nature Conservancy, which began purchas- tect and maintain open habitat where it still identified at Robbins Swamp by Mr. Met- ing fens around the same time as Mr. Met- exists—again, pulling out the weeds. “You’re zler’s Connecticut Critical Habitats Database. zler and Dr. Wagner’s “Imperiled Ecosys- gardening for rare plants,” he says. “You’re With the coordinates from the database in tems” study. Mr. Abbott was a director of gardening for bog turtle.” my phone, I parked at the marble quarry— the conservancy’s Berkshire-Taconic Pro- But gardening in a fen is a bigger task than Mr. Metzler’s suggested entry point—and gram during this period, which operated it might seem, and current practices to main- hiked north up the railroad bordering the with an emphasis on preserving the matrix of tain the fens are limited. The Nature Conser- swamp to the latitude of the fens. When I calcareous wetlands in the tri-corner region vancy actively manages phragmites on all of its arrived at my bearing, the view was of an of Connecticut, New York, and Massachu- fens, but David Gumbart, the land conserva- endless succession of trees. setts. He describes this work as a good first tion director for the conservancy’s Connect- I hiked in and around the forested swamp step, but points out that considerable man- icut office, says that complete removal using interior—technically trespassing, since this agement is still needed to address the present herbicides is only feasible on a small scale; was unprotected land—but there was noth- and future threats facing Connecticut’s fens. larger tracts are only mowed. Purple loose- ing else to see. Either the data was wrong, “Your work is absolutely not done when strife is similarly hard to uproot, and doing so which did not seem likely, or the fen was no you’ve put the 10-acre fen into conservation on a wide area can damage the soil; the next longer there. Ten years is a long time. What ownership,” says Mr. Abbot. “If what you care best thing is to merely cut the seed heads. might the rest look like in 50? about is the of that rare system— In both cases, vegetation stature is improved I put the question to the man tasked with the plant and animal species that they sustain, for bog turtle nesting, but this comes at the protecting most of the fens in the state of including one federally listed species—then expense of the rare fen plants. With limited Connecticut. Mr. Gumbart’s response: there are a lot of stewardship implications.” resources, management of fens involves mak- “Who knows?” That federally listed species is the bog tur- ing choices about what is worth protecting. tle. Endemic to only two isolated regions There is, however, one agency in Connect- Jamie Tommins is a writer in Hartford. Con- of the eastern United States, bog turtles icut with a mandate to protect the full suite nect with him at jamietommins.com. Our se- are so threatened that no sources for this of biodiversity in the fens. In 2015, the state ries on Connecticut’s 13 imperiled ecosystems story would confirm their present or even DEEP released its updated Wildlife Action is inspired by a 1998 study by Kenneth J. Met- past locations. Small and described by Mr. Plan, which listed calcareous fens among the zler and David L. Wagner for the state’s Blue- Abbott as “adorable,” the turtles are coveted 10 key habitats in need of future protection. Ribbon Task Force on Open Space.

8 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 TERESA PETERS The copper beech in its last days. Church members considered it almost like a family member. RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE: AN ILLUSTRATION A Durham church straddles the emotional fence between keeping a diseased giant copper beech and cutting it down

BY TERESA PETERS

beloved giant copper beech tree stood on Main Street in Durham on the grounds of the United Churches. It was not the oldest or biggest, but this beautiful Fagus sylvat- ica had graced the campus since around 1870. Brides and grooms, the newly baptized, A and confirmands posed for photographs under its spreading branches. Surrounding the tree were Main Street, the historic Greek Revival-style sanctuary build- ing, a parking lot, and a historic inn, now used as the church office. Directly under the tree’s branches ran a sidewalk linking the buildings and parking lot. The tree had little wiggle room. Several years ago, a canker appeared on the once-smooth trunk. The church consulted an arborist. Treatments began, and that summer, John Andrulis, chair of the congregation’s board of trustees, wrote to the congregation about “the declining state of our beloved copper beech tree.” The arborist had applied the insecticide Xytect 2F and the fungicide Agri-Fos. A mulch of hardwood chips, donated by a member, was spread around the tree’s base to pro- vide nutrients. “The goal was to hopefully avert further decline of this estimated 150-plus- year-old tree,” he wrote in an email to the parishioners, adding, Our tree has been in decline for some time due to a soil-born pathogen and began showing signs through bleeding cankers, small oozing spots dark in nature on the lower 5–6 feet of the trunk of the tree over the last couple of years. At the onset of the preventative applications and continuing during the summer months, unfortunately the liquid that drains from the bleeding cankers has an aroma that attracts TERESA PETERS the Ambrosia Beetle, and our tree was attacked. A crew from Allan’s Tree Service removes limbs.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 9 He explained that the beetles tunnel into and Environmental Protection forester and broke off, crashing down onto the sidewalk, the tree and release spores of a fungal sym- member of the Connecticut Urban Forest right on the spot where, that afternoon, vol- biont, which attacks the already weakened Council; CFPA Forester Tom Degnan of unteers had stood for hours loading supplies tree. He went on in the email: Burns & McDonnell, and Robert Marra of for the church’s Durham Fair booth. It was Also noticeable during the summer the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment not rainy or windy; this branch just fell. Now months was wilted foliage mostly on the Station. After checking out the tree, Mr. we had upset volunteers and an insurance lia- Main Street side of the tree. Borers are Donnelly emailed a response to the church: bility issue on our hands. causing the wilted foliage on scattered I agree with everything that you have An 8-Ton Trunk branches, the foliage is wilting mainly written in the email sent to the mem- The board of trustees contracted with on the street side of the tree and is dis- bers—it is a very good and succinct sum- Allan Poole, owner of Allan’s Tree Ser- colored or turning brown prematurely. mary of a sad situation. I guess that the vice, to take the tree down. Mr. Poole had The branches and limbs affected will die only thing that I might add to the dis- attended nursery school at the church and and produce no foliage in the next year. cussion is that the tree does seem to remembers playing under the tree as a child. be undergoing some sort of retrench- The council asked the arborist to look at The day his workers cut down the tree, ing process, in which many of the lower the tree again. The news was grim. It was October 24, 2016, Mr. Poole posted pho- limbs are doing well—and that the main near the end of its life. It might live five tos on Facebook. The crane operator who problems seem to be largely isolated (at more years at the most. Therefore, expensive had been lined up to remove the tree trunk this point) to specific parts of the tree treatments did not seem the right strategy. immediately backed out when he saw the (one lead in particular). That may not The arborist estimated the cost of remov- photos. He did not think his crane could be good news—trees often do not die all ing it at between $4,000 and $5,000, and lift it. Measurement of the trunk calculated at once but often die in stages—which is grinding the trunk an additional $1,000. The the weight at 16,550 pounds (8¼ tons). A what could happen with this tree, partic- board of trustees met and decided to seek a wedding would take place on November 12. ularly if an effort is made to save those second opinion because the tree meant so We had only three weeks to get the stump parts of the tree that appear to be doing much, personally, to the congregation and its ground and get our campus cleaned up. Lin- past generations. well. I could envision a scenario by which ing up a bigger (affordable) crane took up continued treatments of the trunk keeps some of this precious time. Our plan was Dying in Stages the lower branches alive, while the upper to have the trunk brought to City Bench, Other professionals we consulted recom- parts of the tree need to be sequentially a sawmill specializing in making furniture mended elaborate, expensive treatment plans removed as they die back. Probably not out of large, historic trees. We had a gener- with no guarantees. As the office manager a great solution. ous donation designated for tree removal, for the Connecticut Forest & Park Asso- The church had very limited funds, and so we had some money budgeted to trans- ciation, I knew several local foresters, so we continued with some inexpensive treat- port the trunk to City Bench and cut some I joined the church’s tree committee and ments, spreading oak chips around the base, huge slabs, but we did not have enough to sought second opinions from Chris Don- watering during droughts, and prayer. Then, have the slabs kiln-dried. Without kiln dry- nelly, a Connecticut Department of Energy one day in September 2016, a huge bough ing, the slabs could warp. As we looked for another crane, the huge trunk lying on Main Street caught the atten- tion of Dylan Ward, a sawmill operator in Branford. He came into the church office and offered to move the trunk to his saw- mill for free. The tree committee then let him know that we wanted some slabs for the church and that we wanted everything in writing. He agreed, but these negotia- tions took precious time from our timeline.

Professor Studies a Slab Meanwhile, as the trunk lay waiting for a crane, a professor at nearby Wesleyan Uni- versity contacted the church wanting a cross- cut slab for his atmospheric research. We saved a slab for Dr. Johan C. Varekamp, who is busy studying it. He sent this update: We got the slab [to] Wesleyan (1050 TERESA PETERS lbs!) and planed it, ground it down, and A pathogen attacked the tree, causing cankers. polished it, and then put polyurethane

10 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 [s\ A TREE THAT FELT LIKE A FAMILY MEMBER

This tribute and eulogy, written just before the copper beech was removed, appear on the website of the United Churches of Durham. Visit the page at ucdurham.org/ copper-beech-tree.html. Durham’s cherished copper beech tree stood beside our congregation for about 125 years. From genera- tion to generation, the tree witnessed countless bap- tisms, confirmations, weddings, and worship services. Many moments were captured under her boughs. Unfortunately, the beloved tree suffered from dis- ease and insect infestation causing dangerous falling limbs. Arborists tried to treat these problems, but for TERESA PETERS safety reasons, the tree had to be cut down in October Tree workers stand with an enormous cross-section of the trunk. 2016. The tree trunk circumference was 184 inches and she stood 62 feet tall with a branch spread 92.5 feet wide. The spirit of the copper beech tree lives on it. It looks great. It will go on display with markers for “significant his- on as a cross section of the trunk is being studied in toric events,” as voted by the student body and by the faculty for the last 120 a course at Wesleyan University and will be on per- years (that is my social experiment). On the back side, I am drilling out holes manent display at their College of the Environment. from every annual ring which we analyze for mercury, lead, nuclear bomb remnants and for stable carbon isotopes. The latter will tell us about the addi- EULOGY FOR OUR COPPER BEECH TREE tion of CO2 to the air from the burning of fossil fuels. The Hg [iron] and Pb [lead] records give a 120-year history of pollution for a tree next to the road This historic copper beech tree came on a boat in in Durham. We expect to see the onset of the use of leaded gasoline and Hg the form of a small sapling, along with a few oth- pollution from coal burning. Someone else will study the width of the rings, ers from England. Copper beech trees are ancient, their volume and mass, and reconstruct a climate record for the last 120 years slow-growing trees. All over Europe you can find (all with 1-year resolution). them planted at crossroads as sacred symbols of I will use the slab as a class project (“Living in a Polluted World” class in wisdom, a reminder to take the wise path in life. Environmental Studies) that I teach this spring. The students will do most of This tree loved this land and grew. She grew proud, the analyses in my lab. strong, majestic, and pointing toward the heavens. She stood as a witness to countless births and bap- Right Tree, Right Place tisms. Children have climbed her limbs and played I won’t go into detail about all the other moving pieces, among them: How to in her shade. She has withstood storms and gales, get pieces of wood from the beloved tree to parishioners who want to make a keep- floods and droughts. She loved this corner of the sake. Should we commission a bench to be made from the trunk? Possible fund- world. She watched a small community picnic grow raising to pay for kiln drying the slabs. Planning and conducting a memorial ser- into a booming award-winning fair. She has seen vice on the tree’s last day standing. Dealing with upset townspeople who did not horses and buggies become all sorts of automobiles. realize it was coming down. Dealing with hate mail and, yes, even a death threat: She has witnessed many brides and all their chang- “Whoever cut that tree down should be shot.” (Did I mention that I joined the ing fashions. Many a confirmation class has stood tree committee because I wanted to save the tree?) proudly photographed beneath her boughs. She has Many in the congregation want to plant another copper beech there. They want mourned our losses and heard the bells ringing from to propagate and plant an offspring of our beloved tree from collected beechnuts. the church tower all these many years. She has loved But copper beech trees are often called the “manor tree.” You plant them out on this land and this community. And we have loved an open part of your sweeping manor lawn so they can spread. Our tree was sur- her in return. We are grateful for her ever-present rounded by a cluster of historic buildings, and we were lucky no storm caused wisdom, her shade, and her strength. Now as she it to fall on the buildings. If our tree had been lucky enough to be planted on a drops her leaves, as her bark fades and her branches sweeping lawn—it might still be standing. fall, she speaks clearly that her days are numbered. With heavy spirits, we must shepherd her into the Teresa Peters of Durham is the office manager for the Connecticut Forest & Park next phase of being. She never really belonged to us, Association and a member of the United Churches of Durham parish. She thanks Rick but she belongs to God’s creation. She will return and Pam Huntley, Lorrie Martin, Pastor Jeanette Cooper Hicks, the Eames family, to the earth. Like all living things that are loved, her John and Lou Ann Andrulis, Nancy Manzara, and Allan Poole. She apologizes to spirit will remain vital to us and we will grieve like Alex and Shiloh Estrom, whose wedding photos could not be taken under the tree they any other loss. had loved.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 11 A TRIBUTE TO NORM SILLS, APPALACHIAN TRAIL LEADER A quiet Salisbury farmer led a major trail relocation

BY CHRISTINE WOODSIDE the history-making period when that group ast summer, the Connecticut trails com- worked with the federal government acquir- munity lost a quiet leader who donated ing land to protect the AT, during the 1980s years of his life to the project of pro- and 1990s. He switched hats from his roles L tecting the route of the Appalachian in one organization to the other effortlessly. Trail and preserving its former route as At times, he wrote letters to one on the let- the Mohawk Trail, now one of the Blue- terhead of another. Blazed Hiking Trails. Norman Sills of Salis- Mr. Sills coordinated a committee join- bury, a farmer and later the town historian ing hiking volunteers and officials that who volunteered for the AT’s maintaining researched how the federal government organization, laid out a 15-mile relocation could permanently protect the AT in Con- along the Housatonic River between Corn- necticut. This group recommended moving wall and Falls Village in the late 1980s. He the AT to the west, off private land (today’s died August 28, 2016, in Salisbury at the Mohawk Trail). Mr. Sills wrote to then age of 94. CFPA director John Hibbard on Decem- Like other Connecticut trail leaders in ber 29, 1987. “We are all very interested in his time, Mr. Sills made great strides in retaining the present trail as a Blue Trail,” building and saving trails because he stayed he wrote, “and I believe our trails commit- CFPA active in three important volunteer organi- tee (CFPA) has agreed to accept it.” The Mr. Sills cut a new route for the Appalachian Trail in the 1980s and advocated for the saving zations. He served on the Connecticut For- next summer, he appealed to Leslie Caroth- of its former route as a Blue-Blazed Hiking est & Park Association’s Trails Commit- ers, then the commissioner of the Connect- Trail called the Mohawk Trail. tee, maintained the AT with the Connect- icut Department of Environmental Protec- icut chapter of the Appalachian Mountain tion, for help protecting trail access points Club, and was a member of the Appalachian for the Mohawk. Trail Conference board of directors during Mr. Sills walked, mapped, and cut a new route for the AT that, although flatter than the Mohawk route, provided hikers on the famous trail between Georgia and Maine stunning views of the river.

Saw Hikers from the Farm Mr. Sills was born on June 29, 1922, in New York City. He graduated from Hamden Hall Country Day School, Mount Hermon School, and the University of Connecticut, where he studied agriculture. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and finished his degree after the war. Mr. Sills ran a dairy farm in Salisbury for 24 years, then worked as AT coordinator for the Appalachian Moun- tain Club for five years. He hiked the entire AT during 1984 and 1985. He completed the Long Trail twice and climbed multiple peaks throughout the Northeast. Mr. Sills told me in 1992 that he had WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The route of the Appalachian Trail along the Housatonic River, a project Norm Sills spent years known nothing of the AT until he started realizing. noticing people walking along a section that

12 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 crossed a farm he rented in Salisbury for 17 years, near Rand’s View. Seeing those hikers obviously changed his life. Besides his trail maintenance and committee work, he was a field editor of the Massachusetts–Connecticut section guidebook that the ATC publishes. Mr. Sills remained calm during a turbulent time for the AT. A 1968 federal law estab- lished it as a national park, and throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s, the National Park Service worked with states and hiking clubs, identifying, buying and (at times) con- demning land around the trail to protect the trail corridor. The groups recommended the western route. Some of the townspeople and property owners were not happy about the HOLLY DRINKUTH Thomas Worthley shows Coverts seminar participants lumber made on a portable mill during trail project, and the controversies ended up the Saturday afternoon tools and equipment demonstration during the 2012 weekend seminar. in the local press. NPS public hearings on the trail could be contentious, with people yell- ing, “Get it out!” Thus, Mr. Sills became a public figure in the trail world. He knew every landowner THE COVERTS PROJECT FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS along the Mohawk and AT routes, and he met with them and corresponded with them. It’s between you and me He told a reporter for the New York BY STEPHEN H. BRODERICK Times in 1988, “Even though some people are temporarily unhappy, in the long run this onnecticut’s forests are vital to the health of our land. They clean our air and water. trail will be of benefit to the public forever.” They provide homes, food, and cover for our wildlife. They provide timber and a A decade and a half later, Mr. Sills told the host of other products we all need. In forests, our cherished hiking and other rec- Times that most people in Salisbury accepted C reation activities take place. The list of reasons goes on. and liked the AT. Almost three-quarters of Connecticut’s forestland are in private hands. Thousands of Mr. Sills was predeceased by his wife, individuals and families own most of these woods that provide so many essential bene- Nancy, and two brothers. His children fits. Sound stewardship of privately owned forestland is in everyone’s interest. To put it are Peggy Huckel, Jeffrey Sills, Mark Sills, another way, private forests do the public good. Ginny Filkins, and Jim Sills. He also leaves Good forest stewardship requires informed decision making and an ability to sort in-laws, nieces and a nephew, and seven through a daunting and often confusing array of choices: Is my forest currently good grandchildren. wildlife habitat, or could I be doing something to make it better? What should I do In 2010, I corresponded with 88-year- about this person who wants to buy my timber? Why are the leaves on my sugar maples old Mr. Sills, who had a gmail account. He turning brown? Such questions are challenges even for forestry professionals, and very was trying to sell his collection of Appalachia few Connecticut forest owners are professionals. Further, with every passing year, fewer journals (which I also edit). He was moving professional foresters are available to help the tens of thousands of woodland owners in to Noble Horizons, a residential health care the state. Currently, the state of Connecticut employs three foresters whose job descrip- facility near the AT, to join his wife of 60 tions include education and assistance for private forest owners. In a few years that num- years, who was ill. He told me that he had ber could well be 0. written a privately printed book called Love Letters from the Trail or Hiking the Appala- Forest Owners Teach Each Other chian Trail in the 1980s. “That is intended Enter the Coverts Project. Created simultaneously in Connecticut and Vermont 34 for my children and grandchildren in case years ago, the Coverts Project is designed to create and foster landowner-to-landowner they might be interested. Books on hiking communication channels through which forest stewardship information can flow. At the AT are a dime a dozen, as you proba- its core, the Coverts Project is crafted on one simple, research-proven communications bly know.” principle: People are most apt to adopt a new idea if a trusted peer has already done so Not a dime a dozen. I’ll be contacting his and affirms its value. family to see if I may read his book. For example, I love to fly fish, and I enjoy browsing through fishing tackle shops. Christine Woodside is the editor of Connecti- Often, a shop owner will show me a new fly and wax eloquent about how it just catches cut Woodlands. fish like crazy. I’ll take that under advisement and may or may not buy one. But if I get

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 13

on the water and my fishing buddy has that the field exercises and stimulate interaction various states, some of which go by different fly and is catching fish like crazy, you can among seminar participants. New Coverts names: Master Woodland Stewards, Master bet the next time I’m at the tackle shop I’ll cooperators leave the seminar with per- Forest Owners, and the Keystone Program, be stocking up. sonal action plans to guide their steward- to name a few. All are based on these same For almost 40 years, I’ve stood up in ship activities at home and in their com- principles and were built on the success of front of private forest landowners as a pro- munities. Many cooperators establish long- the original Coverts Projects in Connecti- fessional forester and tried to convince them term relationships with motivated and like- cut and Vermont. that active, sound forest stewardship would minded friends. be rewarding for them and good for the for- The seminar is offered at a very reason- Change Your Life est. Over the years, we’ve often followed up able cost and includes meals, lodging, train- If you are a woodland owner, land trust with some of them to see who actually acted ing and reference materials, and periodic fol- member, local land-use commissioner, or on our advice. Many, many times, those who low-up workshops that are free to partici- did had a neighbor or friend who was already pants. The Coverts Project has always been environmentally motivated local volunteer, practicing good forest stewardship and find- and continues to be supported primarily by and you are not already a member of this ing it rewarding. It was this affirmation by generous private donors—most notably, for uniquely qualified group, please consider trusted peers, who had no other reason than many years, the Connecticut Chapter of the it. As several past Coverts cooperators have their own satisfaction and fulfillment for pro- Ruffed Grouse Society, led by John Milling- asserted, it might just change your life. moting good stewardship that ultimately ton, Harry Henriques, Tom Ettinger, and The Coverts Project is a proven, cost- inspired others into action. Pete Kunkel. For 14 years now, Connecticut effective means of promoting and foster- The goal of the Coverts Project has been Forest & Park Association has been among ing sound forest stewardship on thousands to create and support hundreds of experi- those donors. of forested acres in our state. The costs of enced, informed peer forest landowners, called Cooperators Share Knowledge the program are remarkably small com- Coverts cooperators, around the state. Coop- pared with the benefits it consistently pro- erators are unbiased, volunteer stewardship In exchange, participants agree to volunteer duces both for individual participants and ambassadors who share information and their as Coverts Project cooperators, returning to the Connecticut public. In this era of shrink- experiences with others. They provide good their communities and sharing what they’ve ing public resources, the CFPA is playing an examples of proactive forest management. learned with others. Cooperators agree ever-increasing role in keeping this critically They help bridge that gap between interest P To develop a sound forest and wildlife important program alive. From where I sit, and action by their woods-owning neighbors. stewardship plan for their own woodland CFPA and the Coverts Project are an almost or for a woodland that they are involved The Three-Day Seminar perfect fit: an organization with 100 years of in managing How does it work? Each year, a select excellence in training and supporting forest- P To maintain, for at least one year, an up- group of woodland owners and environmen- based volunteers, and a program that relies to-date set of reference materials (pro- tally concerned individuals are accepted to on such volunteers to effect sound man- vided by the Coverts Project) and be participate in a three-day training seminar. agement of our state’s forests. Once again, available to answer questions other land- There they learn about Connecticut’s forests CFPA is proving itself to be a conservation owners have and about where, how and why they grow leader in an area where critically important P To make an active effort to reach out as they do. They learn about different wild- impacts extend across our state and beyond. life species, their needs, and how to provide to and motivate other woodland owners Stephen H. Broderick is a certified forester. He for them. They learn about the many natu- in their community was formerly the extension forester at the Uni- ral resource professionals and organizations Although the initial commitment of a available to help them, and how to put this Coverts Project cooperator is one year of versity of Connecticut, forester and program knowledge to work on their own woodlands. participation, many cooperators continue director at the Goodwin Forest Conservation For many years the Coverts Project semi- their interest and affiliation long after the Education Center, and the CFPA forester. nar has convened at the Yale Camp, a remote year has passed. Today there are hundreds He cofounded and directed the Connecticut facility located in the heart of the Great of them, some who have remained with the Coverts Project for 25 years. Assisting in this Mountain Forest in Norfolk and Canaan. program for decades. Through this network article was UConn Cooperative Extension As- Imagine cabins and bunks and massive stone of informed, enthusiastic individuals, many sistant Professor Thomas Worthley, who directs fireplaces, healthy and hearty meals, indoor thousands of Connecticut landowners have the annual Coverts seminar. and outdoor classrooms, and dramatic nat- learned about and are practicing sound for- ural surroundings. Seminar participants est and wildlife conservation. The seminar gather on Thursday evening for introduc- is just the beginning. The work these land Editor’s note: For earlier articles about the Co- tions, orientation, and conversation by the stewards do on their own land and in their verts Project, see “Under Coverts,” by Thomas fireplace. Most of the next three days are own communities makes a positive differ- Worthley, Volume 75 no. 4 (winter 2011), page filled with lessons in the field and inside, ence for our woods and wildlife. 16; and “The Coverts Project,” by Christine covering forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Sci- Today, the Connecticut Coverts Project is Woodside, Volume 66 no. 3 (Winter 2002). entists, foresters, and other experts guide one of approximately 20 similar programs in

14 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 2017 CONSERVATION AGENDA FOR THE LAND & PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT

2017 POLICY PRIORITIES U.S. Department of Transportation/ Following are a few critical reasons why a FHWA Recreational Trails Program more public process for selling, swapping, or 1. * Support necessary second passage and others) that further the conserva- giving away public lands is necessary: of a Constitutional Amendment bill tion of forests, open space, and trails. that would protect State lands from Honoring Land Donors: Many public lands being sold, traded, or given away by Sign up for Policy Alerts at www. were donated to the state by families and indi- the Legislature without appropriate ctwoodlands.org and/or contact our viduals with the expectation that their gen- public process. Executive Director, Eric Hammerling, erous gifts would benefit the public. A pub- 2. Maximize retention of healthy trees in via 860/346-TREE or ehammerling@ lic process is an important way to ensure that the public right of way and ensure pub- ctwoodlands.org. the history of the land and donor intent be lic notice requirements are followed. considered. CFPA Public Policy Committee 3. Support authorizing legislation Preserving Benefits: Public lands are CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SPRING 2017 Chairman David K. Leff Eric Lukingbeal (a.k.a. “Project Green Space”) that important to protect air and water qual- William D. Breck John C. Larkin, would enable municipalities to col- ity, provide wildlife habitat and recreational John E. Hibbard Lobbyist lect up to 1% of real estate convey- opportunities, and serve as demonstration Lauren L. McGregor Eric Hammerling, ance fee on buyers to support local areas for positive land management. A pub- Hon. Astrid T. Hanzalek Staff open space and farmland acquisition lic process helps to consider what values could as well as park, forest, and trail man- be lost, and how potential losses would be agement projects. POLICY PRIORITY #1: AMEND CT CONSTITUTION TO mitigated or avoided. 2017 FUNDING/RESOURCE PROTECT PUBLIC LANDS Protecting Valuable Assets: State Parks PRIORITIES Resolution Act 16-1 – “A Resolution Propos- like Hammonasset Beach or Talcott Moun- 1. * Publicize impacts to the public and ing an Amendment to the Constitution of the tain draw tourists, increase home values, critical conservation programs from State to Protect Real Property Held or Con- improve public health, harbor wildlife, and enacted and proposed state budget trolled by the State” – was passed in the 2016 both attract and keep businesses in Connect- cuts. session (as Senate Joint Resolution 36), and, icut. Our state may be in fiscal crisis now, but 2. * Establish a new, secure source of as required for proposed constitutional amend- thoughtful protection of public lands should funding for State Parks operations ments, must be passed a second time to allow help the economy rebound. and maintenance. the public to vote on this important referen- Securing State Investments: Public land 3. Protect the integrity of the Com- dum question in 2018. is one of the best investments we have made munity Investment Act (CIA) fund This Resolution would amend the state con- in Connecticut over the past 100 years. State against raids and earmarks. stitution to require that State-owned public Parks and Forests attract over 8 million vis- 4. Support bonding for the State Rec- lands must receive a public hearing and a two- itors, generate over $1 billion, and support reational Trails & Greenways Pro- thirds vote before being given away, swapped, over 9,000 jobs every year. The public lands gram, Open Space and Watershed or sold by an act of the General Assembly. In that provide these and other benefits should Land Acquisition program, Farm- our region, Maine, Massachusetts, and New not be given away without due consideration land Preservation Program, and Rec- York constitutions already include similar pro- and public input. reation and Natural Heritage Trust tections for public lands. Providing Places for Everyone: Public Fund. It is important to note that this constitutional lands benefit those who have less. Many in 5. Support funding and positions at CT amendment would not change the existing Connecticut cannot afford to travel to the DEEP essential for managing and statutory processes that allow State agencies to Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Yosemite acquiring parks, forests, and open administratively transfer public lands or convey National Parks. Connecticut’s State Parks space lands. surplus lands. These processes are well-summa- and Forests, most of which are accessible for 6. Support key Federal programs (e.g., rized on the CT Council on Environmental free, are our local places for inspiration and Forest Legacy; Land and Water Con- Quality website on the page entitled “Guide an important part of our legacy to our chil- servation Fund; No Child Left Inside to the State Lands Transfer Process.” dren and future generations. Act; New England Trail funding through the National Park Service; the *Detailed write-ups on priorities with an asterisk are found on the following pages.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 15 FUNDING PRIORITY #1: • Fish stocking and hatchery operations would Dedicated Conservation Account SAVE SEASONAL WORKERS AND be dramatically reduced, and no field data If State Parks and Campgrounds were able to AVOID IMPACTS would be collected on the health of fresh- use the $6 million they generate to maintain and Connecticut’s State Parks draw 8-9 million water fish or their habitats. improve Parks, they would be incentivized to people each year and are one of our most • No Child Left Inside, the Summer Fishing be more entrepreneurial and provide additional important economic, historical, and recre- Program, which provides outdoor educa- or improved services to the public. A dedicated ational assets, but they are chronically under- tion and urban fishing experiences, and other conservation account (which existed before it funded and now rank 49th in the country in the popular programs for families would end. was swept in 2009) funded by revenues gener- percentage of the overall state budget that they • Public amenities like the new nature center ated by the Parks and Campgrounds would also receive. Parks are also 100% reliant on the Gen- at Hammonasset Beach SP, museums, and help CT DEEP plan further ahead in hiring sea- eral Fund (only one other State in the nation is nearly all park buildings would eventually sonal workers and meeting ongoing operations funded so lopsidedly), and are extremely vul- be closed to the public. and maintenance needs that bridge fiscal years. nerable to cuts in tough times. New revenues, such as rental fees for the cab- Economic Impacts If CT DEEP is forced to reduce its General ins built for the State Parks’ 100th Anniversary, Fund budget by 10% in FY 2017-18, they The economic benefits currently generated and other relevant sources could be directed to would have to eliminate all seasonal workers. and supported by State Parks, Forests, Wild- this Conservation Account. Seasonals perform a majority of DEEP’s criti- life Management Areas, boat launches, and cal field functions, collect entrance fees, main- other facilities could be lost if these public assets Iron Rangers or EZ-Pass tain public lands and buildings, and are the least become liabilities through neglect. The current It is worth investing in Iron Rangers or another expensive personnel with minimal fringe ben- benefits to Connecticut are enormous: suitable technology such as an EZ-Pass that efits, but their positions are completely reliant • CT State Parks generate ~$1 billion/year would enable people to pay a parking fee with- on the General Fund. and support 9,000 jobs. out having seasonal staff standing in toll booths Without seasonals, the General Fund • CT Forests (state and private) generate ~$3 all day. This would operate similar to the park- would lose over $6 million in Park and billion and support 13,000 jobs annually. ing machines currently used in many towns that Campground entrance fees and other rev- • In Connecticut, 1,570,000 people partici- provide a receipt that you could put on your enues which they currently collect. pate in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watch- dashboard. There would be some moderate up- Eliminating seasonals would impact public ing activities which generate a combined front equipment costs, but it would enable the health and safety, recreation and facilities main- $1.67 billion every year. State Parks to re-allocate their staff resources from toll booths at less well-visited parks, and tenance, and ultimately hurt CT’s economy in FUNDING PRIORITY #2: the following ways: GENERATE REVENUES FOR CONSERVATION generate revenues through adding Iron Rang- ers at State Parks that currently do not charge Public Health and Safety Impacts To avoid cuts like eliminating seasonal work- • 8-9 million annual visitors to State Parks and ers that would hurt Connecticut, the General parking fees. These funds would have to be Forests would be on their own without life- Assembly and Governor should support ideas placed in a non-lapsing dedicated account for guards, trash collection, or public services. that would generate revenues and permit rev- the program to pay for itself and then pay div- enues to be placed in a dedicated account for idends for the Parks. • No wetlands management to respond to an Parks to protect the value of CT’s investments. outbreak of mosquito-borne disease such as Eliminate Free Park Passes

CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SPRING 2017 THE COMMUNITY IN CFPA Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) which There are several ideas that we The current policy of providing free Char- occurred in CT in 2013. briefly describe here: ter Oak season’s passes to citizens over 65 is Passport to the Parks • No beach/water quality monitoring or well-intentioned but is simply not sustainable. A $10 charge added to 2-year DMV Vehi- informing the public when water quality Connecticut is the 7th oldest state in the nation cle Registrations would generate $14.3 mil- is hazardous. with a current median age of 40.5 years. Also, lion/year in new revenues for State Parks, off- • No safety patrols by seasonal workers at Connecticut residents rank 3rd in the nation set the proposal to eliminate seasonal workers for good health and longevity. More than 15% campgrounds, boating areas, parks and for- and seasonal operating costs, and help stabilize ests, and other areas to help focus DEEP’s of our population is older than 65 today, and the level of service provided by Parks. For $5 understaffed environmental law enforce- that percentage is expected to grow more than per year, all residents with Connecticut vehicle ment officers. 100% over the next few decades. A discount on registrations would get unlimited access to the park passes is reasonable, but free passes are an • Increased response time to clean up hazard- State Parks and Forests. For comparison, one ous materials spills, and minimal investiga- visit to a shoreline Park is $13, and a season’s unnecessary drain on state resources. Another tion into claims of environmental violations. pass to the State Parks is $67. This would help option is to raise the age of eligibility for these Public Recreation & Facilities Impacts CT DEEP redistribute more seasonal workers special passes from 65 to 70 or even 75. Of • All campgrounds would be closed, and to managing land, wildlife, and water resources course, if the Passport to the Parks is adopted, DEEP would only be able to staff a lim- for the public since fewer seasonals would be all expenses associated with Park passes can ited number of park facilities for supervised needed to staff entry gates. be eliminated. day use only.

| CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 16 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | FALL 2014 FROM THE ARCHIVES CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY PRESERVES CFPA’S ARCHIVES BY JAMES W. LITTLE

he history of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association by Hartford’s social glitterati, captures the spirit of 1920s ama- is the history of how Connecticut forests were protected, teur theater and the enthusiasm of that grassroots land preser- how state parks came into being, how trails became a sig- vation campaign in which CFPA took a leading role. Tnificant part of the landscape, and how a small but deter- There is just way too much to list here. The accomplishments mined group of conservationists rescued Connecticut’s land. of CFPA are really mind-boggling and too often forgotten. The Now the documents telling that inspiring story have been pre- library now offers a wonderful way for researchers to find infor- served and organized. mation and continue the work of detailing, as a model for future Five years ago, CFPA donated its archives to the Connecti- action, the work done by CFPA pioneers. cut State Library so the public and researchers could more eas- The especially challenging part of the collection was handling ily access the documents and photographs documenting CFPA’s the great number of photographs and slides. A dedicated volun- long and fascinating history. Now we’re delighted to announce teer, Marcia Furman, sorted and preserved these visual records. CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SPRING 2017 that the collection is organized, and we urge the public to visit Ms. Furman, a student at the Simmons College Graduate School the library and study these valuable papers. The finding aid of Library and Information Science, worked as an intern at the for the archives has been posted online at ctstatelibrary.org/ state library, and continued working on the CFPA photos and RG169_007.html. slides after her internship ended. “I feel a strong personal con- Two individuals have been instrumental in organizing and pre- nection to the photograph collection,” she said. “Many of the serving the files. Allen Ramsey, assistant state archivist, has taken images are of places familiar to me, including trails I had hiked a personal interest in the CFPA documents since the first day he with my children. I never knew who maintained the trails. . . . I arrived at the Middlefield headquarters on December 17, 2012, now greatly appreciate the difficult work they do. Because trails and took away boxes and boxes of papers, minutes, photographs, were preserved and accessible to the public, I have my own pho- and artifacts. In short order, he returned copies of the minutes tographs and many memories to cherish.” to us, and organized and catalogued paper files for easier access. We thank the state library and especially Mr. Ramsey and The documents are a wonderful way to learn how conserva- Ms. Furman. Please visit the library and tell your state legis- tion developed in Connecticut. The Board and Trails Commit- lators you support continued funding of its good work. Like tee minutes are examples of how history is often made by just a state parks and forest, the library is an essential resource so often few committed people. taken for granted. P Old brochures explain the issues with deforestation and the The secured Archives Reading Area in the state library’s His- danger of fire—a big concern in the early 20th century when tory and Genealogy Unit reading room is open Tuesday through tens of thousands of acres burned in the state all summer long. Friday 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. P Papers recount the inspired process that went into the cre- If you do not already have an archives pass you will need to get ation and expansion of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails. one at the H&G reference desk. The reference staff will assist P Letters tell why state officials approached CFPA in the 1920s, you with the researcher application process. For more infor- back when we were called the Connecticut Forestry Association, mation, please see the library’s online guide to using archival to ask for help in promoting state parks. And so we amended our records, libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/hg/using-archival-records. name to the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. James Little is the development director of the CFPA. P An original typescript of the pageant to celebrate the opening of Peoples State Forest, written by Elliot Bronson and performed

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 17 FALL 2014 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 17 TRAILSver 5,000 Connecticut DAY O families, friends and Participate! Join us on the trails neighbors will lace up and discover something new. their hiking boots to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities scheduled for Trails Day 2017. This event helps promote the beautiful trails, parks, open spaces and special places around the state. Many visitors will visit these sites for the first time. Trails Day also supports CFPA. Be part of the celebration. Visit the CFPA website to find an event near you and join in the fun! CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SPRING 2017 THE COMMUNITY IN CFPA

Visit our online event directory to see what’s in store this year.

* All photos contributed by Give Back! Trails Day is a great opportunity to volunteer Trails Day leaders. and help make our trails and open spaces better.

18 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | FALL SPRING 2014 2017 CFPA’S PREMIERE EVENT Register your event today at JUNE 3 & 4, 2017 ctwoodlands.org/ TD2017Reg

Family hike Orienteering

Trail run CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SPRING 2017 Historic walk Long- distance hike Paddle Lead! Share your passion and lead an event. Bike ride

Variety! It’s not just about hiking ... on the water, the mountain or in the city, Trails Day events have something for everyone.

Give Back! Trails Day is a great opportunity to volunteer Questions, contact Trails Day Coordinator Chuck Toal, [email protected]. and help make our trails and open spaces better.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 19 FALL 2014 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 19 CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SPRING 2017 O 20 Mrs. Query could regularly be seen building gram and Grassland Reservesgrant recipient. an EnvironmentalQualityIncentives Pro restorations. Shewasanactive ownerand grants toguidetimberharvests andhabitat hiring forestryconsultantsand applyingfor sure thatherlandwasproperlymanagedby years. Sincethe1990s,Mrs.Query made woodland thatsheactivelymanagedfor25 a 100-acreparcelofmixedgrasslandand practiced whatshepreached.Sheowned farming community. could workwiththetowntoenhance cuss promotingagricultureandwaysthey ing ofTollandfarmersinhergaragetodis- commission inTollandbyhostingameet groundwork forestablishinganagricultural ted andreceived.Mrs.Queryalsolaidthe Open Spacegrantsthatthetownsubmit of EnergyandEnvironmentalProtection write andsubmitmorethan10Department for townpreservedopenspace,andhelped committee, helpedwritemanagementplans on thetowncouncil’slandacquisitionsub- write theTollandconservationplan,served tools forremovingthem.Shealsohelped and sharingherknowledgeofthevarious schools, organizinginvasiveplantseminars, mittee, conductingoutreachtoTolland She alsoservedontheeducationsubcom for subdivisionorpotentialpreservation. visiting andratingeverypropertyproposed ing developthepropertyratingsystemand the openspaceratingsubcommittee,help and waselectedvicechair.Sheservedon Tolland ConservationCommission(1998) of life. that wasvisiblerightuptoherfinalmonths “spirit ofadventureand can do approach” crossed herpath,andsheinstilledinall “fierce loveoflife”waswitnessedbyallwho LAND CONSERVATION Mrs. Query was the type of person who Mrs. Query was a founding member of the

| CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS |SPRING 2017 Lois Barlow Cox Query. Mrs. Query’s importance oflandconservationthan better embodiedcommunityandthe ne couldnotfindanindividualwho BY LINDSAY SUHR Amazing woman,amazinggift - - - - - Mrs. Querysodearly loved.Herlegacy“of and continuetheforestmanagement that end of2016andhopestoenhance thetrails Query’s 100-plus-acrewoodland atthevery uary 2014.CFPAtookownership ofMrs. ation inherwill.Mrs.Query died inJan to theConnecticutForest&ParkAssoci forever fromdevelopmentbydonatingit and cherishedsomuchwouldbeprotected she madesurethatthepropertymanaged Historical Society. Tolland GardenPathsClub,andthe ber oftheTollandLibraryAssociation, local nursinghome,andwasanactivemem Eastern ConnecticutHealthNetworkand Church ofTolland,donatedtimetothe also servedintheUnitedCongregational ral andhuman-madedisasters.Mrs.Query aged andorganizedsheltersduringnatu ing fortheAmericanRedCross.Sheman- trade whotaughtnursinganddisasternurs- itarian efforts.Mrs.Querywasanurseby ment, butalsotovarioussocialandhuman- day, dedicatingtimenotonlytotheenviron humor tokeepthetreksfunandupbeat. friends, alwaysusingherwonderfulsenseof sharing naturewithhermanyhikinggroup brochures. Shewasanavidhikerandloved functions while handing out invasive plant her dressedupasaninvasiveplantfortown on foreststewardship.Youcouldalsofind rode downMainStreetpassingoutliterature rain vehicle with CovertsProject signs, and Memorial Dayparade,decoratedherall-ter ber theyearshereserved a spotinthelocal unteers abouthersuccesses.Friendsremem invited back to speak with new Coverts vol- and forestmanagementwasconsistently walks toteachpeopleaboutconservation Coverts Cooperatorvolunteerwholedmany conservation fun.Shewasanaward-winning grasslands forrarebirdspecies. erty, maintainedherpond,andmanaged treated invasiveplantsthroughoutherprop property andthroughouttown.Shecut and maintainingbridgestrailsonher Even asMrs.Query’shealthwasdeclining, She seemedtohaveendlesshoursinher Mrs. Queryneverceasedtomakelifeand ------Quotes from Friends and Colleagues Quotes from Friends andColleagues property andineachpersonshetouched. loved” willliveonintheprotectionofthis and acommitmenttothecommunityshe strength andvision,servicegoodworks, Lois BarlowCoxQuery of CFPA. Lindsay Suhr is thelandconservationdirector Neighbor andFriend blessed toshareherlegacy.”—Kathy Bach, know herandshareadventures. Weare lives thatshetouched.Weareallblessedto was not timid in sharing that love with those her trailsinTolland.Loisloved the landand be asgrandMachuPicchuorhumble the most happiness. Those adventures could trip ortheexecutionofitthatbroughther whether itwasthejoyofplanningnext cially thewoodscalledtoher.I’mnotsure The oceans,rivers,mountainsbutmostespe- lived theadventurevicariouslythroughher. try. She adventured everywhere and we all her antiqueracecarcrossingourgreatcoun of theoutdoors.Hiking,gardening,orin P “IcannotthinkofLoiswithoutthinking Committee schi, formerChair,TollandConservation and preservationofland”—PhilipMore conveying themessageofconservation ship withmanylandownershashelpedin P “Herknowledgeofthetownandfriend- at theNorcrossWildlifeFoundation Director ofLandProtection&Stewardship around.” —DanDonahue,Forester& energy, fantasticattitude,andfuntobe P “Justawonderfulperson,fullofgreat COURTESY OFTHEFAMILY - - CFPA IN THE COMMUNITY | SPRING 2017 21

CFPA A stone wall in the forested 105-acre parcel in Woodstock A stone wall in the forested 105-acre parcel in John Hibbard has donated to CFPA. SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS |

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in 2017 in the nation on June 3 & 4. your favorite trail with others. Connecticut Lead a Trails Day hike and share Lead a Trails Join the fun! Visit ctwoodlands.org to sign up. Visit No experience necessary & online Lead Your Own Lead Your registration continues through May 15. Be part of the biggest trails celebration Trails Day Event Day Trails

ohn Hibbard, whose pivotal career directing the Connecticut Forest & Park Forest & directing the Connecticut whose pivotal career ohn Hibbard, dedication to 1963 to 2000, has continued his lifelong Association ran from in north to CFPA of 105 acres of his family forestland conservation with a gift Mr. Hibbard’s example inspired CFPA’s establishment in 2001 of its Hibbard Mr. Hibbard’s example inspired CFPA’s Mr. Hibbard grew up in Woodstock, graduated from the University of Connect in Woodstock, graduated from the University Mr. Hibbard grew up The land is a rolling mixed hardwood forest with stone walls and extensive wet- with stone walls forest mixed hardwood The land is a rolling

est, part of which surrounds a three-mile section of the Blue-Blazed Nipmuck Trail. est, part of which surrounds a three-mile section Connecticut and the Norcross Wildlife Foundation to conserve 531 acres of for- Connecticut and the Norcross Wildlife Foundation CFPA to act quickly in acquiring critical properties and easements. One of the trust’s CFPA to act quickly in acquiring critical properties CFPA joined with the University of significant acquisitions came in 2010, when Trust for Land and Trails, which provides a readily available source of funding for Trust for Land and Trails, which provides expansion of hiking trails, work on the effort to protect the Appalachian Trail in expansion of hiking trails, work on the effort work toward the state’s Forest Practices Act. State Park, his work for the 1971 Landowner Liability Law that encouraged the State Park, his work for the 1971 Landowner acquire Haley Farm State Park, and his Connecticut, leadership in the effort to while leading CFPA were his work with a coalition to acquire Talcott Mountain while leading CFPA were his work with the U.S. Army and worked for the U.S. Forest Service. Among his achievements for the U.S. Forest Service. Among the U.S. Army and worked icut in 1958, and in the five years before beginning his career at CFPA he served in five years before beginning his career icut in 1958, and in the events on this land. lands, making it very valuable for conservation. It abuts 23 acres owned by the valuable for conservation. It abuts 23 lands, making it very and educational CFPA sees potential for a future trail loop town of Woodstock.

ern Woodstock.

JOHN HIBBARD DONATES 105 ACRES 105 DONATES JOHN HIBBARD J NEW ENGLAND TRAIL POET-IN-RESIDENCE

hroughout the year, the New England Trail RAVENS OF WEST ROCK OTHERWISE poet-in-residence, T David K. Leff of Along the ridge, the Old Baldwin Parkway The turn off to Otherwise is wet Collinsville, Connecticut, presents poetry in this space lays the augury of lost asphalt, but I trek and treacherous. We hike along the margins to amplify understanding of over the Blue Trail, preferring the variability where thick flat stones teeter over sod the 215-mile-long trail. The NET is the first of the of stepping stones and scrub oaks, forgoing and loose bramble, otherwise 11 national scenic trails the straight path of buzzing mosquitoes pulling tired legs and twisting ankles. designated by the U.S. Congress to get its own for the low chuckle of unseen birds. Pausing to share water and dried berries, poet. The trail begins at we tighten laces and call out Long Island Sound in Unknowingly, I believe first in grouse and turkey Guilford and continues to far away caribou gods who otherwise north through the traprock then predict crow forms, unaccustomed would not hear us. ridges and backcountry of to the throaty, mechanical gurgle of their calls. Connecticut and Massachusetts to the Ears betray them before the eyes do. The ascent is too migratory for humans New Hampshire border. prone to uneven suffering who Emerging from the blazes, I see their outlines otherwise ignore visions of glacial talus stenciled on high tension wires, scanning the valley Featured poet: drying in cloud cover. Such failures demand and screaming at my intrusion. Big as hawks AMY NAWROCKI engineered wood planks, a succession and burly as storks, they circle, landing of stairs, sequestered small rocks with deliberation on iron trees. In my feet, that otherwise pile like unsorted souvenirs. I feel their gronks and kraa-kraa-kraas Amy Nawrocki is the poetry editor for The vibrate and unsettle the cloudless day. I follow The final split foresees the lookout Wayfarer and the author but the lake is invisible and we must navigate of five poetry collections, including Four Blue Eggs their cries with my eyes. I want to distinguish by cairns and consider lichen and Reconnaissance. Her them from others, to prove my ornithology, in the empty sage-gray hyperbole work has appeared in many print and online to understand the echo of black and the vision where otherwise herds would come publications including of voices tactile in their cacophony. As I watch in hungry flocks to paw Fox Adoption Magazine, Sixfold, Coastal Connecticut they turn into metaphors, witches whose wings at tundra with boreal hooves. Magazine, The Loft Poetry signal the purple of bruises, demons’ kin fit Anthology, and Wildness: Voices of the Sacred for gothic poems and graveyards. Landscape. She is the co- author of A History of The nest is nearby; the mother is angry. Connecticut Food, A History of Connecticut Wine, and Spells are cast. They are, after all, soul devourers Literary Connecticut. She who tear me apart with their darkness, teaches at the University of Bridgeport and lives in who send me back to the forest wanting Hamden with her husband evermore to be one of them. and their two cats.

22 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 ALMANAC

BY KATHERINE HAUSWIRTH adjusted to the grainy gray of the evening, and I watched the arly one spring, so early we shapes of the boys doing their still needed to zip our win- adolescent thing—making little ter coats to our chins, I took jokes, bumping into each other, my 12-year-old-son Gavin checking their phones. I wor- E and his friends to a talk and ried about whether they’d be walk in Westbrook. We were at able to hold still long enough the Stewart B. McKinney National to fully take in the moment Wildlife Refuge’s Unit, (and not disturb the older and it was time for the annual pre- members of the crowd). Soon, sentation on the American wood- WIKIMEDIA COMMONS though, we all fell silent. With a Woodcocks arrive in New England in early cock. A small troop of interested souls gath- bit of direction from Ms. Laudano and other spring and then begin their fascinating rituals. ered in the refuge’s stone headquarters as dusk folks in the know, we strained to hear the started to encroach. first clue that a male was nearby and ready American woodcocks are listed by the for love: “PEENT! . . . PEENT! . . . PEENT! International Union for Conservation of . . . PEENT!” Nature and Natural Resources as a species of SPRING AT THE This male woodcock, who remained hid- “least concern,” owing chiefly to their exten- den from view, was projecting his somewhat sive native range, which includes the United nasal voice in all directions, calling while States, Canada, Mexico, Saint Pierre, and SINGING GROUND: slowly turning in a circle on the ground. Miquelon. After a winter in warmer climes, And then he shot up into the sky. We craned these birds start northward migration early in our necks and swiveled our heads. Fingers the new year, arriving in the Northeast from pointed and hushed voices gave a play-by- mid-March to early April, when courting and THE AMERICAN play—“there he is!”—“no, there!”—“he’s breeding begin. over there now!!” I felt jumpy inside. Before seeing the birds, His flight had an erratic pattern, and there was a slideshow to view, and I knew WOODCOCK the surprising whistling sound made by his that missing dusk would mean missing the feathers in flight helped us locate him. As he magic of these birds’ springtime courtship rit- handy when the females make their shallow descended, he emitted another noise, which ual. But after a while, I relaxed into it. I knew nests on the ground. Even when a camera some describe as “whimpering chirps.” Then that the presenter, Patti Laudano, has been lens captures them front and center, we can he landed about where he started, repeating giving these talks for more than 10 years and the ritual in the hopes that a female might only detect them with a great show of peering has her timing down to a science. Ms. Lau- respond. Eventually his performance stopped, and squinting at what appears to be a nonde- dano, president of the Potapaug Audubon so I hope he had some luck, although it script pile of leaves. Society based in Essex, helps monitor the would be hard to tell in the dark what exactly Woodcocks may blend in, in terms of local population of this particular species to happened. His success would have meant that color, but they break the typical bird mold inform Connecticut Department of Energy the pair mated—and let’s leave this part of in other ways. They have short legs and an and Environmental Protection data. the story discreet. I wasn’t the only one who was jumpy. overall chubby look, and their exception- The brown, pink, and gray mottled eggs My gaggle of boys squirmed, and this was ally long, thin beaks—designed for digging that result from woodcock pairings hatch no reflection on the presentation. They were up earthworms—help even amateur birders within about 20 days, and the small families just being their age, overflowing with bound- identify them. It’s not only looks that make on the forest floor (which lack the regular less energy. And they wanted to meet these them stand out from the avian crowd. The presence of a father) stay in the nesting area birds, live and in person! But we became males are rock stars, in terms of their court- until it’s time to fly south again, in October. more attentive when the audience was asked ship performance. In fact, the birds require The mothers are quite protective over to play a visual game with the projected pho- an open tract of “singing ground” to make their nests. Ms. Laudano remembers her tographs: find the American woodcock! Both it all happen. first encounter with a woodcock—a mother sexes of the bird are virtually indistinguish- Our group stepped out into the chilly air bird who must have stayed with the nest able from the leaf litter. They sport a mottled and our footsteps crunched toward a flat, until Ms. Laudano practically stomped on brown camouflage, which comes in especially grassy section adjacent to the forest. My eyes continued on page 25

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 23 FROM THE LAND who greeted the first European settlers to New England preceded them by more than 9,000 years. Over the centuries, the Native Americans had learned the secrets of cultivat- ing and living off the bounty of the landscape. As a dietitian-nutritionist, I became impressed by the superb diet of these pre-contact New England natives, based on the variety and abundance of healthy foods they ate. They consumed a hyper-local and hyper-seasonal diet. The early European explorers testified to the agile and vigorous bodies of the natives, QUINNEHTUKQUT who demonstrated remarkable endurance and stamina. The squaw cooks were skilled and knowledgeable in gardening, gathering, and preparing foods in a wide variety of ways. The COOKING STORIES women experimented with herbs and devel- oped intricate methods of soaking, grinding, ADOBESTOCK.COM stewing, and baking that maximized the fla- vors of the natural ingredients that came from their homelands. They fed their families well. BY JEAN CRUM JONES which means land beside the long, tidal river. To the very early English settlers, the The tribal past seemed to surround me on the Native American diet and way of life was hortly after marriage, I found a box of farm, and as soon as I moved there I wanted strange. They did not graze livestock. Cows, arrowheads in my husband’s desk. Jones to know more about the people who shared pigs, sheep, and chickens were European family members through four genera- the land of which I, too, was now a caretaker. animals, nor did the Indians consume dairy S tions collected arrowhead chips from Fortunately, my new next-door neighbor, my one area, not far from a stream near the products. The Native Americans did not grow father-in-law, had long held the same inter- southeast border of our farm. Availability of wheat or any other grain that English settlers est. Philip was a great admirer of the native game, fish, a large fertile field, and nearby recognized, nor did Native Americans fence peoples of Connecticut and their nature firewood indicate this spot might have been any farm fields. The Native American gardens knowledge as well as their respect for the a good village site for a small band of Ameri- looked rather untidy to English eyes. Their land. He served as a Connecticut Forest & can Indian families. Not far away is a hill that bark homes seemed impermanent, as did the Park Association director for many years, then would have provided a windbreak from the custom of many of them, moving from a sum- he went on to become a founding trustee for winter winds. The Jones family believes that mer camp to a winter shelter place. But, as the the Institute of American Indian Studies in American Indians must have camped here. first English newcomers began starving after Washington, Connecticut. This is a unique We have a high hill on the farm that is their arrival in the early 1600s, they began to educational and research center for Indian called Israel’s Hill. How did it get its name? eat the unfamiliar foods offered by their hos- life in New England. The institute is dedi- The story goes that there was a Native Amer- pitable Native American hosts. Eventually, cated to discovering, preserving, and dissem- ican guide in the late 1600s to whom the many of these Native American foods have Stratford settlers gave a Christian name, inating the pre-European history of Native come to define our iconic New England way Israel. In the late autumn, Israel would lead Americans. I learned much from Philip as he of eating today. These include our clambakes some Stratford men to this hill to hunt for shared stories about the Native Americans in and lobster dinners, raw and stewed oysters, deer. Invariably, they were all successful and Connecticut while he served on this board clam and corn chowder, baked beans, corn returned with venison for their families. Even of trustees. I was especially impressed by the on the cob, cornbread, roast turkey and duck, today, this place remains a good place for us core spiritual belief of the Native Americans succotash, pumpkins, squash, berry cakes, nut to harvest deer. that the goodness of the land was for all. breads and sauce. From the Jones family, I inherited a small Of all the natural food sources for the Native Foodways: Hyper Seasonal collection of ash woven baskets made by a Connecticut native, the most dependable Native American farm worker who lived in the Philip gave me an American Indian cook- was fish. Generally, Native American villages small farmhouse down on our valley farm. My book called Native Harvests by ethnobot- were located near a harbor, lake, or stream. father-in-law, Philip Jones, remembered visit- anist E. Barrie Kavasch. From this book, I These waters furnished valuable, readily avail- ing “Indian John” in the 1920s. The upstairs began learning about American Indian food- able sources of high-protein fish year-round. attic was full of leaves and herbs drying on long ways. Ms. Kavasch, who lives in Bridgewater, Fishing by the river yielded herring, shad, strings strung across the whole space. published the book first in 1979 (Random salmon, bass, pike, perch, trout, turtles, eels, The invisible presence of Native Americans House), expanded it in 1998 (Birdstone Pub- and much more. By the sea, Native Ameri- is everywhere in Connecticut. Our state name lications), and made further additions in 2005 cans harvested oysters, clams, scallops, crabs, is from the native word “Quinnehtukqut,” (Dover Publications). The Native Americans and lobsters. Out in a canoe, they caught cod,

24 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 TASTING NATIVE bluefish, swordfish, halibut, and seal. During feature of Quinnehtukqut cookery and the winter, they would engage in ice fishing on most common meal. Also produced in the CONNECTICUT FOOD frozen streams and rivers. garden were squash and pumpkins. They It seems that Native American cooking has the Game was also important and well liked. had an important place in the diet and were makings of a culinary trend, but relatively few Their woodlands were regularly burned used—young or mature, fresh or dried—as a restaurants in this country focus on American Indian once or twice a year and appeared open and main dish or mixed into bread or porridge. dishes. When the federal government forced tribes park-like. A primary purpose of the regular Squash and pumpkin seeds were a delicacy to move to new areas, this upended the tribes’ food- ground fires was to drive game for hunting and were either roasted or dried for multiple ways. There are almost as many cuisines as tribes, (though there were many other ecological cooking or medicinal uses. and Native Americans have preserved their way benefits). Venison meat was one of their sta- The native peoples accumulated an exten- of cooking mostly through oral tradition and within ples, and they hunted for a supply each fall. sive knowledge of wild plant usage through families. Bear furnished juicy steaks as well as a deli- thousands of years of observation and exper- A highly regarded café, Mitsitam, operates at the cious fat to use for cooking. Raccoon, bea- imentation. Some “wild” vegetables they Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American In- ver, otter, skunk, rabbit, woodchuck, squirrel, used in their cooking included Jerusalem dian in Washington, D.C. The food is set up in a series rattlesnake, frog, whale (if washed ashore)— artichoke, fiddlehead ferns, lambsquarters, of stations, each dedicated to a different region of they ate meat of many animals and wasted chickweed, purslane, milkweed, cattails, wild the country. Here in Connecticut, the Mashantucket no part of the animal. Native Americans did leeks, groundnuts, arrowhead plant, and yel- Pequot Museum runs a café that serves some not eat carnivorous animals, such as wolves. low lilies. authentic food dishes of the Eastern Woodlands Also enjoyed by the natives were the multi- Children were enlisted to harvest the wild Indians. Chef Sherry Pocknett, a member of the tude of wild birds that lived in the or berries of the meadows and open woods. They Mashpee Wampanoag tribe of Cape Cod, is the food woods—ducks, geese, partridge, woodcock, gathered strawberries, raspberries, blackber- manager. She also teaches indigenous Connecticut quail, pigeons, and turkey. ries, blueberries, huckleberries, gooseberries, cooking classes in the winter. and elderberries. Berries were eaten fresh, Daily Grinding of Maize added to breads, or dried for winter use. In southern New England, the staff of life Another very important source of food for was maize, and there were innumerable ways the native peoples were food nuts. They con- From the woods, meadows, waters, and of preparing it. Maize could be cooked by served acorns, beechnuts, black walnuts, but- cultivated fields, the native Connecticut tribes itself or in a variety of combinations with ternuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and hickory enjoyed a wonderful diversity of foods from fruits, vegetables, nuts, flesh, and fish. For nuts. These were enjoyed raw or roasted, and this fruitful land and lived well. Catastroph- many dishes, the kernels had to be ground if ground, they could be mixed with water to ically, their way of life disappeared. Their into meal or flour, so grinding was a daily create a beverage or they could be used as a place names for our rivers and hills remain activity. As valuable as maize was for natives’ seasoning in cooking. Sugar and salt were not and remind us of them. Their invisible pres- diet, beans were just as important. Most often, available so were not used in native cooking. ence is challenging us today to love our earth beans and corn were cooked together— (Northern New England tribes tapped maple and to remember their heritage. A hike along “sutsguttahhash.” Today’s dietitians refer to trees for syrup.) The hickory tree was especially one of their ancient trails restores our senses combining corn and beans together as com- prized for its sweet-tasting nuts. The starchy and our souls. We remember the sacredness plimentary proteins, because each plant fur- and protein-rich American chestnut was eas- of honoring the land that feeds and belongs nishes a missing amino acid for the other, so ily harvested, and these nuts were enjoyed for to us all. together the mixture is as nutritious as an ani- their sweet taste. Chestnut meal was com- Jean Crum Jones lives with her farming fam- mal protein serving. Succotash was the central monly used in making breads and puddings. ily in Shelton.

WOODCOCKS continued from page 23 for these birds are needed for courtship, and woodcock require us to do more than sim- her—suddenly flew up into her face. I hope they are also favored for nighttime roosting in ply look out our windows to see if these awk- for such an exciting moment one day, willing the summer and early autumn. Young, open ward and endearing creatures have appeared to risk the palpitations it may invoke. hardwood stands that primarily contain seed- yet. But the pilgrimage to their territory has, Although this species is of “least concern,” lings and saplings serve as nesting and brood- for me, become a much-beloved milestone it’s worth noting that the American wood- rearing areas. Similar stands with a dense that marks how I welcome spring. I hope I’ll cock population is decreasing overall in its overstory are used by the whole age gamut see you at the singing ground, or trodding usual areas of occupancy. Fewer and fewer for daytime feeding and resting, and fertile, the leaf litter extra carefully, as the pace of old farms are reverting to forests, and these moist areas hosting alders and second-growth our Connecticut spring begins to quicken. have been the best locales for providing the hardwoods can supply the many earthworms Katherine Hauswirth lives in Deep River and multiple habitats that the bird needs. Accord- needed for nutrition. blogs at fpnaturalist.com. Her new book, The ing to the Connecticut DEEP, no less than When spring arrives, bringing the American Book of Noticing: Collections and Connec- four habitats are needed to support the wood- robin, tree buds, and fresh trickles of water, tions on the Trail (Homebound Publications) cock. The open areas that are singing grounds the very particular needs of the American will be available in May.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 25 BOOK REVIEWS

watched a variety of wildlife from a muskrat swimming beneath ice STORIES FROM THE LEOPOLD SHACK: to the sky dance of a woodcock. We meet the family’s pets from dogs to a raven to a fox squirrel. We share their enjoyment using simple SAND COUNTY REVISITED hand tools and their evenings of singing accompanied by guitar. By Estella B. Leopold. Readers also gain insight into Aldo Leopold as a man of compas- sion and kindness. Estella calls him “a great storyteller,” which “made New York: Oxford University Press, 2016. 325 pages him a good teacher.” He was a humane person who sought release of two men jailed after vandalizing the beloved Shack in 1939. Her BY DAVID K. LEFF mother (also Estella) is vividly rendered and a full partner in the Shack nyone who has honed his or her sense of enterprise. Author Estella finds in her parents “the wonder or found inspiration in Aldo Leop- nucleus for the pervasive harmony” of their lives and old’s iconic A Sand County Almanac (1949) “the happiest married couple I ever knew.” A will delight in this heartening memoir by his Young Estella and her mother were the last family daughter. Aldo Leopold (1897–1948) was a grad- members to see Aldo Leopold alive after he assigned uate of the Yale forestry school, an employee of the them tasks to help control a fire on a neighbor’s U.S. Forest Service in the Southwest, and creator of farm. He marched off to the conflagration with a the discipline of wildlife management while teach- backpack pump and suffered a fatal heart attack. ing at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He After the news broke, “a heavy weight hung over was first to establish a moral basis for conservation the two of us. . . . we felt an emptiness that cannot by asserting a “land ethic,” which “simply enlarges be described.” the boundaries of the community to include soils, The book tells how Aldo Leopold’s legacy was waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the both broad and deep. All five children went on to land.” He became a pioneer in ecological restora- become distinguished scientists interested in eco- tion after purchasing 80 acres of degraded farmland logical systems. They preserved the Shack and its in central Wisconsin where he turned a decrepit barn land, and each adopted what Estella calls “the Shack into a family retreat called “the Shack.” idea.” In places as far as Costa Rica, each found a Born in 1927, Estella first came to the Shack with her father, rural retreat “for feeling close to the land, a place to work with the mother, three brothers, and sister in 1935 when she was 8 years land” and “observe the ecosystem and its fauna.” old. The greater part of the book is devoted to rebuilding the Shack Estella’s story “is about two things: familiarity with nature and and the family’s efforts to restore the land with trees and native prai- togetherness.” It is told with insight and tenderness. She ends with rie plants. It was, she writes, “a reciprocal exercise in restoration— the observation that “natural beauty can set the stage for discerning every weekend we worked on restoring the land; every weekend it poetry in the land. It can also be a basis for perceiving ethical val- restored us.” She also covers a natural history of the land, its ongo- ues in one’s life.” ing restoration to the present, the permanent preservation of the David K. Leff, the poet-in-residence of the New England Trail, is the property, and the creation of the Aldo Leopold Foundation to con- author of many books about New England, adventure, and the sense of tinue her father’s work. place. He lives in Collinsville. The whole family pitched in to fix up the Shack. She lovingly recounts her father reframing windows, her brothers searching for building materials at the Madison dump and for driftwood lumber along the nearby river, and the women mixing cement for the chim- CONNECTICUT CIVILIAN CONSERVATION ney. They built bunks for sleeping and various pieces of furniture, including the Leopold bench, a simple structure of six pieces of lum- CORPS CAMPS: HISTORY, MEMORIES, ber. The endeavor joyfully “carried us all, a family of seven, into a communal work project.” AND LEGACY OF THE CCC “The place became a theater in which we could live simply, expe- By Martin Podskoch. rience what was growing around us, and enjoy all of it.” Year after East Hampton, Connecticut: Podskoch Press, LLC, 2016. 543 pages year, they spent days planting pines, tamaracks, mountain ash, and other trees as well as vegetation they often found along rail- BY DAVID K. LEFF road and highway rights of way where cow, plow, and mower hadn’t wiped them out. In their attempt to restore native plants, they exper- imented with burning their fields and other techniques. he Civilian Conservation Corps, better known to most as the At the Shack, the family chopped wood and enjoyed the “vinegary CCC, was an initiative of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New smell” of freshly split oak. They hunted, practiced archery, fished, Deal. The CCC was the outdoor component of the public work banded birds, kept a phenological journal, gardened, and swam. They T relief program. The CCC put unemployed, unmarried men to

26 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 work on natural resources projects, primarily in state and federal for- in Cockaponset State Forest in south-central Connecticut. Much of ests and parks. Between 1933 and 1942, the federal program helped the CCC work from this camp was in building or enhancing Chatfield families survive the Great Depression when civilian jobs were unavail- Hollow State Park. Mr. Podskoch writes that 250 enrollees arrived able by providing training, direction, food, shelter, and a small sal- on May 23, 1933, and pitched their canvas Army wall tents in a large ary for more than 3 million young men. Martin Podskoch’s volumi- field near Chatfield Hollow Brook. Soon five wooden barracks were nous book about Connecticut’s CCC camps was a labor of love. Mr. built, and the enrollees moved in. Next begins an example of one of Podskoch outlines the history and organization of the CCC, both Mr. Podskoch’s fun sidebars telling the story of a significant vehicular nationally and in Connecticut. His most important contribution is accident involving enrollees. After four paragraphs of this story, Mr. his recording and presenting of the personal stories of CCC alumni Podskoch restarts his narrative of camp projects. He tells, for exam- and their families. ple, that three crews were sent to Hammonasset A good place to start this book is to sit down in Beach State Park to build and improve entrance a cozy place, turning the pages randomly, looking roads. In 1934, crews built a masonry dam that at the many pictures and their captions. Doing this created seven-acre Schreeder Pond (Mr. Schree- I found myself delving deeper and better under- der became state forester in 1948). The enrollees standing Podskoch’s approach. He includes a built or repaired many hiking trails and built Oak touching treasure trove of recollections and mem- Lodge in 1936; today the lodge is a natural his- ories of a generation that fought World War II. tory museum. Many of the culverts, graded sec- Here are their stories, mostly told by themselves; tions, and stone steps they built on roads and trails other times by friends and family. The author are still there. The camp closed March 31, 1937. devotes 37 pages to the history and organization Then begin the recollections, the richest part of of the CCC. Next, he covers the histories of each the book. Most of the young men came from poor camp. In, for example, in the chapter “Clinton/ families or had no families at all. They were mostly Chatfield Hollow State Park/Killingworth,” he unskilled, unemployed, often homeless, poor, and describes Camp Roosevelt, beginning with details sometimes destitute. The New Deal was developed of its location, purpose, organization, and admin- specifically to help people like these young men, istration structure. He then quickly presents the and the CCC helped most, but could not save everyone. Following lives of the first enrollees who arrive. Next, Mr. Podskoch tells in their stint with the CCC (typically two years), they entered the work- detail the projects the CCC men at that camp worked on. He con- force as the economy slowly recovered. Many went to serve in World cludes each chapter with detailed (some long, others quite short) rec- War II. Many describe their CCC days as preparing them well for the ollections by the former workers. These are accompanied by remem- war. The stories are full of rich nuggets of experience. Enrollee James bered poems, songs, sketches, pictures, and other rich memorabilia. Gassinger’s poem, “Reincarnation,” is just plain wonderful. Printed in The chapters are liberally peppered with narratives and sidebars wher- the “Camp Fechner News,” January 1937, the poem is really a story ever and whenever he wishes. These digressions, though sometimes of this man’s redemption. interrupting reading flow, are wonderful because they are rich with interesting tidbits of local knowledge and curios. Robert M. Ricard is a senior extension educator for the University of Camp Roosevelt was of course named after FDR and was located Connecticut Cooperative Extension.

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goal of completing the trail strengthened a tightly knit ON THE TRAIL: A HISTORY OF AMERICAN HIKING community of trail builders, but also gave rise to the By Silas Chamberlin. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2016. 230 pages concept of thru-hiking long-distance trails resulting “in a new type of hiker who foreshadowed the dis- solution of that community” by loner individualism. Thru-hiking began on Vermont’s Long Trail in the BY DAVID K. LEFF 1920s, but as early as 1928, the Green Mountain Club his concise, compelling history of hiking begins passed a resolution that speed records undermined the in the mid-19th century as urban walking intention of the trail. Appalachian Trail Conference morphs from a necessity to a leisure activity for leaders never expected AT hikers to travel the trail’s Tthose well off enough to have the luxury of free entire length. Many of them thought the goal-ori- time and the money to take new modes of transpor- ented long-distance hike subverted the value of hik- tation such as streetcars. Silas Chamberlin, an inde- ing itself. Mr. Chamberlin covers the journey of Earl pendent scholar on trail policy who once served on Shaffer, the first to thru-hike the AT in 1948, and the the Adirondack Mountain Club trail crew, traces hike of Emma Rowena “Grandma” Gatewood, at age not only America’s passion for recreational walking, 67 the first woman to complete the trail solo in 1955. but trail development, the advent of clubs and the The backpacking rush that began in the 1960s is social culture they created, hiking equipment, the seen as a mixed blessing because new hikers often did backpacking craze of the late 20th century, and the not join clubs and their sheer number degraded many impact of the National Trails System Act. backcountry places they sought to enjoy and protect. Although Connecticut trails and the Connecticut Mr. Chamberlin also sees a downside to enactment Forest & Park Association are not mentioned (the author is a Penn- of the 1968 National Scenic Trails System Act, which, he contends, sylvanian and goes into some detail about the Keystone State), this took a toll on volunteerism because the public began perceiving trails book establishes a useful historical context in which to view devel- as something provided by the government. These subjects are prob- opment of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails. Connecticut readers will ably deserving of a more nuanced analysis that includes changes in come away realizing that both our extensive trail system and the vol- backcountry ethics and the current state of partnerships on feder- unteer spirit of construction and maintenance are precious assets that ally designated trails. should not be taken for granted. To his credit, Mr. Chamberlin mentions the lack of diversity in The book’s main argument—that the typical hiker has transformed hiking clubs and their programs to involve minority youths, espe- from a “net producer” of maps, well-maintained trails, advocacy, and cially in urban areas. He also covers the role of women, who were outings, to a “net consumer” of equipment, information, and fed- welcome in most clubs from the beginning. erally subsidized trails—expands the author’s reach from the realm The book would have been stronger with some attention paid to of history into contemporary debate. Perhaps this change from pro- expansion of the National Trails System, including the New England duction to consumption reflects evolving motivations for hiking that Trail. Analysis of the impact of multi-use rail trails on clubs and users have long included a love of scenery, spiritual renewal, health, escape would also have been useful. Mr. Chamberlin’s insights into the cur- from urban commotion and routine, and patriotism. In the early rent state of trail volunteerism and community activity are incisive, years, scientific inquiry and religion were often part of the equation. but, unfortunately, he covers very little about what is being done to But development of lightweight materials such as nylon tents and deal with the issues he so well presents. freeze-dried food that facilitated the backpacking revolution of the On the Trail is valuable for understanding how the nation’s sys- 1960s popularized the notion of individual escape into nature and tem of footpaths has evolved. One hopes it will energize and inspire eroded some of the communal culture of hiking. In Mr. Chamber- a new generation of trail users, builders, and maintainers. If the lin’s view, this is a large part of what led to a consumptive attitude. book’s biggest fault is to leave readers hungering for more, that is Beginning with founding of the Appalachian Mountain Club in not such a bad thing. 1876, Mr. Chamberlin takes readers on a quick tour of the vibrant social community of hiking that involves excursions, trail work, and conservation advocacy. Among others, he gives attention to the Sierra THE MAN WHO MADE THINGS OUT OF TREES Club, Oregon’s Mazamas, and the Green Mountain Club whose By Robert Penn. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2016. 245 Pages. Long Trail was the first long-distance footpath and a laboratory for trail construction. College outing clubs were crucial to building and BY DAVID K. LEFF sustaining the culture of hiking, and the Dartmouth Outing Club, established in 1909, gets particular attention as the most influential, his might well be titled, “The Man Who Revered Ash Trees.” though not the first. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts also get a nod British author and journalist Robert Penn, who has written for inspiring young people. about bicycles and created a television series about his country’s Mr. Chamberlin succinctly covers development of the Appalachian T woodlands, does mention other tree species, a little. But he is Trail from Benton MacKaye’s vision in a 1921 article to its comple- effusive about European or common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and tion with construction of a Maine stretch in 1937. The common its close relative, America’s native white ash (Fraxinus Americana).

28 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | SPRING 2017 He delights in ash’s beauty and versatility in every- Arctic was not arctic. She travels to Norway to begin thing from tool handles to ladders, wagon wheels to experiments that she knows will still be producing toboggans. Ash, Penn writes, “is one of the great- data long after she is gone. She runs a lab where est gifts with which nature has endowed man in the they use measurements of stable isotopes of carbon, temperate regions of the planet over the course of nitrogen, , and oxygen to elucidate infor- human history.” mation about metabolism and environment, both Mr. Penn determines to find a mature ash and have it today and in geologic time. cut and milled to get as many different uses as possible, This book covers much more than the inner lives not wasting any part of the tree. His goal is twofold: of plants because Dr. Jahren weaves the threads of to make the case for ash as a sustainable resource, and science in the larger story of her life. That story is to highlight “the pleasure we take from things made about a little girl who finds it natural to help her dad, from natural materials as an extension of the pleasure a physics teacher, but unnatural to be like other kids, we take from nature itself.” He ultimately manages to especially girls. It’s about her evolution as a woman produce 44 different products from his tree includ- scientist in a male-dominated profession, in which ing a canoe paddle, spoons, desk, firewood, tent pegs, she seizes the freedom to achieve but not without experiencing both charcoal, tool handles, benches, tables, dominoes, bicycle wheel rims, subtle and direct discouragement. It’s about the rigors of follow- and paneling. ing one’s inner compass. The bulk of the book is given over to Mr. Penn’s visits to the various craftspeople engaged to make things from his tree. Doing so enables A big part of the story is about her one-of-a-kind lab mate, Bill him to take readers on a historical tour of humankind’s relationship Hagopian. They meet during graduate school, forming a quirky to ash through history and to celebrate traditional craftsmanship and friendship and intellectual partnership. They go dumpster diving for the lessons it teaches for contemporary society. parts to build Dr. Jahren’s first lab, drive all night to attend confer- I must admit to a bit of disappointment that in visiting the United ences 3,000 miles from home, and save Mr. Hagopian from home- States to investigate baseball bats, Mr. Penn did not explore the ven- lessness with hideaway living quarters in a university closet near their erable world of Native American ash splint baskets despite his interest bare-bones lab. After they both endure an existence that is at times in ancient craft, including 2,000-year-old ash bowl fragments found held together by baling wire, they finally land at the University of in a layer of British peat. Furthermore, he gives short shrift to poten- Hawaii, where Dr. Jahren is now a tenured professor and Mr. Hago- tially devastating contemporary threats to ash, especially emerald ash pian is now senior research laboratory manager at the Jahren Lab. borer in North America and ash dieback in Europe. Given his deep Along the way, Dr. Jahren finds romance and marriage, becomes a understanding of the tree’s historical importance, I would have liked mother, and learns to manage mental illness. to hear his views on the impact of these disasters to both nature and With so many threads, the narrative is sometimes episodic. A few culture, and what is being done to combat the threat. times, I felt the story lost direction, but curiosity compelled me to keep reading. Does she ever find a permanent home for her lab? Does her research bring us closer to understanding the growing con- LAB GIRL ditions of the past—and what do her discoveries imply for the future? By Hope Jahren. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2016. 304 pages Does she overcome her self-consciousness and grow more comfort- able with her unusual path? Does she find a satisfying personal life? BY KATHLEEN GROLL CONNOLLY I was also compelled to continue because Hope Jahren is a fine writer. The narrative is introspective but never self-absorbed. The o trees live in families? Do they defend one another? Do trees feel a loss when one of their community disappears? What if a writing is often lyrical and at other times, she plays for irony. She is tree somehow remembers the climatic conditions of its seedling never self-aggrandizing, nor judgmental. Lab Girl achieved best- Ddays, but experiences a changed climate as it seller status in several nonfiction categories. It is a New reaches the century mark? York Times 2016 Notable Book and has received hun- If you’re ready to entertain the possibilities (and dreds of positive reviews on Good Reads and Amazon. implications) of a journey to the inner lives of plants, When you’re finished with the book, offer it to any as well as a journey to the inner life of a plant scien- young woman or man who aspires to a career in the tist, welcome to Lab Girl. life sciences. The Junior Library Guild rates it “NH,” Hope Jahren has spent a career devoted to under- appropriate for ninth graders and older. I highly rec- standing plants’ “deep otherness.” She has earned the ommend this book for anyone interested in the life of right to say, “Plants are not like us.” Dr. Jahren is a notable woman scientist and an interest in cutting- an award-winning geobiologist who has traveled the edge plant research. globe for more than 20 years to study the interactions Kathy Connolly is a landscape designer, speaker, and of the earth, atmosphere, and vegetation. She tun- writer from Old Saybrook. Read more of her work and nels through permafrost to understand the remains find out when she’s giving a talk at of 50-million-year old forests that grew when the speakingoflandscapes.com.

SPRING 2017 | CONNECTICUT WOODLANDS | 29 ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

GROUNDBREAKING ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALIST RETIRES Bob Wyss’s students at UConn wrote many articles for Connecticut Woodlands

BY TERESE KARMEL about what happens “Getting the chance with issues like climate to work with Bob has obert L. Wyss, a noted journalist change (since) there been one of the greatest and professor at the University of had been such mas- pieces of luck in my own Connecticut, will retire from his sive miscommunication career,” Dr. Rubega faculty appointment this spring R between the scientific said. “He knows how after 15 years with the journalism depart- community and report- to tell a story; he knows ment. Mr. Wyss developed and edited ing this,” he said. how to write a sentence, many of his students’ stories for publica- Mr. Wyss pointed out and he’s up for new tion in Connecticut Woodlands magazine. that it’s been almost things, perennially.” With the support of a National Sci- 30 years since Colum- Writer and former ence Foundation grant, Mr. Wyss worked bia University envi- UConn professor Tim- with UConn administrators, science fac- ronmental science pro- othy Kenny called Mr. ulty, and staff members to create environ- fessor James Hansen’s Wyss the “hardest work- mental science courses in the journalism prescient testimony ing guy I know,” a gen- department. The courses taught science to Congress warn- erous person, and excel- students to communicate in clear lan- ing that the earth was Bob Wyss lent teacher. “I’ve never guage and journalism students to inter- warmer in 1988 than heard him say an unkind thing about any- pret science for the public. ever recorded and that the greenhouse one,” Mr. Kenny said. For several years, Mr. Wyss has taken effect had advanced to the point where Mr. Wyss, who is 68 years old, plans students on spring break field trips to extreme weather like heat waves could be to write a book about vintage baseball, the Florida Everglades, New Orleans, predicted. revisions to his groundbreaking textbook, and southern Louisiana, where they have Mr. Wyss believes climate change Covering the Environment: How Journal- reported stories on disappearing spe- remains the biggest concern of the envi- cies, the vanishing jungle, the effects of ronmental science community. “It’s an ists Work the Green Beat (Routledge Press, Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill, and overwhelming concern—it covers every- 2008), and another book on coal pollu- more. Samples of their work appear at dig- thing.” Although the United States may tion and a clean-air campaign in St. Louis italjournalism.uconn.edu/everglades14/. be more prepared to adapt to it, the devel- in 1941. He started his career as a reporter “Universities are often silos of learn- oping world will suffer most, he said. “I with the Providence Journal in 1974, and ing where people in different disciplines can’t think of a more important subject to has written countless stories for media never get together,” Mr. Wyss said. “One teach environmental journalists. You have outlets and professional journals. He is of the exciting things we’re trying to do to be able to understand the complexity author of The Man Who Built the Sierra is break down boundaries and barriers so of the science. We teach basic beat report- Club: A Life of David Brower (Columbia that people can communicate with each ing—how to get out and get information University Press, 2016), a penetrating other in different areas.” on this specialized facet.” look at the revolutionary conservationist, Through a three-year $500,000 NSF Although newspapers, going through which, one reviewer said, “makes clear the grant, awarded during the summer massive structural changes, don’t cover multiple layers of Brower’s personality,” of 2015, and an additional $150,000 the environment as much as they used both professional and personal. Mr. Wyss from UConn sources, Mr. Wyss created to, “you see a lot of information from also writes a blog, coalblacksky.com. advanced classes, co-taught by ecology freelancers and people in the scientific He will work with the university in the and evolutionary biology professor Mar- world on the Web,” Mr. Wyss said. He search for his replacement and said that garet Rubega and Robert Capers, collec- believes that these stories are responsible he is grateful that the university and the tion manager of UConn’s greenhouses. for expanded public acceptance of climate department are committed to replacing The funds also support guest lecturers and change and its causes. him with an environmental journalist. graduate research. Mr. Wyss’s colleagues praised him for Terese Karmel is a pre-journalism advisor The classes were formed in part through his commitment to his field, to his stu- and lecturer in the journalism department Mr. Wyss’s conversations with other sci- dents, and for his considerable skills. ence journalists. “We had concerns at the University of Connecticut.

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