May Jun Jul Aug 2016 Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center Vol. 44 No. 3 DPNC’s 70th year will be remembered as an epic period in the evolution of our organization as we integrate Coogan Farm into our operations and continue to implement our strategic plan: Vision 2020. We have set the bar high to trans- form our organization within and without. On April 25, 2016 - the same date the Pequotsepos Wildlife Sanctuary was originally incorporated in 1946 - the grand opening of the Avery House & Welcome Center and the Jules X Schneider Na- ture & Arts Barn launched a new era for us, and for the expanded communities Maggie Jones we serve, just in time for the longer, warmer days of spring and summer. The facilities, land and habitats of Coogan, including the Giving Garden, provide indoor/outdoor classrooms for a range of new and expanded programs and possibilities. We invite you to sample the walks, talks, and events we have planned for the coming season. To help manage a larger orga- nization and workload, we are making shifts to build infrastructure and capacity in administrative processes and operations. We have created new positions, and revised and/or expanded existing jobs and Board committee roles. In Fall 2015, Davnet Schaffer was promoted to associate director (in addition to her role as head of our Nature Preschool). We recently welcomed new full-time staff members Jeremy Ladyga as director of development, and Cassandra Meyer-Ogren as manager of events, volunteers and membership. With our busy spring-summer season now in full swing, we have an expanded staff of educators leading programs for all ages on site at DPNC/Coogan and travelling to schools, libraries, natural areas and other venues around the region. Many of our staff offer special skills that serve us well. For example, educator Sophia Luckenbill, in addition to her background in scientifi c research and teaching, also helps with grant writing. Nikki Boushee, who works at the front desk and in the store, is applying her artistic abilities to help create new exhibits. Seven of our education staff participated in the DEEP’s spring training session for Wildlife Rehabilitators to help us address a need for en- hanced capacity and expertise in handling wildlife emergencies. A number of our regular summer staff return for Summer Camp 2016. Some of our camp counselors have been with us for up to 15 years, a sure sign that they like the Nature Center and what we/they do and that we recognize the to page 2 --> Thank You Chickadee Newsletter Patrons Chickadee Patrons help defray the cost of this newsletter. Patron donations are $135 per year for individuals and $175 for businesses and are invaluable to the Nature Center. INDIVIDUALS Jan Abrahamson & Brian Chmielecki Harvey & Jeanne Demovick Lauren McGowan & Chris White Gabriel & Denisa Asfar Harry & Sue Ferguson David & Linda Nolf Kimber L. Barne Joseph & Nancy Gilbert John & Julia Parry Jeff rey and Anne Barnhart Hilary & Henry Hardaway Michael Schefers & Sylvia Lynch Frances & Gary Benne Paul & Cathleen Holland William & Barbara Tu s Jane & Dan Brannegan Lucia & Rod Johnstone Susan Twing & Ted Steinetz Mary & David Dangremond Charles Leogrande BUSINESSES CTM Media Group Poor Morgan Tidal River Clothing Four Paws Veterinary Services Stonington Natural Health Center Wai e’s Insurance Agency, Inc. Peter J. Famiglie , MD Three R’s Company Thanks to all our patrons! DDIRECTOR’SIRECTOR’S MESSAGEMESSAGE --> from page 1 value the talent they bring to us! In the Day’s Best Of Reader’s Choice Awards recognizing the best in eastern CT, we won the Best Preschool category and placed second in Best Summer Camp and Best Animal Rescue! We are building on a tradition of seven decades of excellence with the natural world as classroom, creating a bright future for the Nature Center and the region with an expanded greenway close to Mystic’s urban center offering new opportunities for people to connect to nature. No one would have predicted how I-95 and Exit 90 has changed the face of Mystic, bringing visitors here from near and far. The intersection of rural and urban landscapes and wild ecosystems (native plant and ani- mal communities) is much more pronounced in Connecticut than it was 70 years ago, and through the years DPNC has helped to protect our region’s unique character and sense of place. We are still forging new partnerships with schools, volunteers, civic groups and organizations, work- ing together to inspire and educate others to value nature’s benefi ts and to protect nature for its own sake and ours. This includes sustainable agriculture (food production and education in our Giving Garden and new teaching kitchen), helping to foster a balance between satisfying human needs/ feeding people and protecting water, land and climate resources as we adjust our framework and embrace our mission: to inspire an understanding of the natural world and our place in it, past, pres- ent and future.” Stay tuned! DPNC Execu ve Director Volunteer Spotlight: Dick Conant As part of ‘Celebrate 70’ this year, we will feature profi les of some of our amazing volunteers. You will fi nd more Volun- teer Spotlight profi les on our website, www.dpnc.org/blog/. If you’d like more informa on about volunteering, email Cas- sandra Meyer-Ogren at [email protected] Name: Richard “Dick” Conant Age: 60 and coun ng Town of Residence: Mys c (Groton side) What’s your ‘real’ job: Re red from 33 years with the Federal Government as a marine biolo- gist with the Na onal Park Service, Aqua c plant biologist with the research branch of USDA, a wetland biologist with the Corps of Engineers, and fi nally as the Environmental Department Direc- tor at Subase. I now volunteer with the Avalonia Land Conservancy, the Mys c Boy Scout Troop 2, St Patrick Church, and of course the DPNC. What do you do as a DPNC volunteer? Control of invasive species, e.g., pulling/cu ng/treat- ing such invasives as Oriental bi ersweet, Japanese barberry, Privet, etc. Maintenance of trails, e.g., clearing downed trees/limbs, cu ng back overgrowth, blazing trails and maintaining signage, and minor trail/bridge repairs/improvements How long have you been doing it? About six years now Why do you do it? It’s great to get outdoors and into the local woods for some fresh air and good exercise and hopefully my work fi lls a need for the DPNC What’s the genesis of your wonderful support for the Nature Center? I hope all my volun- teer ac vi es are a way of giving back to the local community where I have lived and raised a family for almost 25 years now What’s your favorite part of what you do at DPNC? Chainsaw work clearing trails and cut- ng bi ersweet vines...Free the Trees! Call 860-536-1216 or visit www.dpnc.org to register. 2 Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center - 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic CT - www.dpnc.org CCELEBRATEELEBRATE 7070 LECTURELECTURE SERIESSERIES Getting the “Bird Shot”: Good Luck and a Little Skill Thursday, May 12 at Coogan Farm 6:30-8:30pm Adults and older interested children. Local photographer Barry Watrous offers an informative presentation on being prepared to get “that shot!” Enjoy an informative slide show and then take a walk to practice your skills. Bring a camera to practice with. Admission is free, and the program is open to the public. Pre-registration is appreciated. Horseshoe Crabs Thursday, June 9 at DPNC 6:30-7:30pm Join Educator Laura Craver Rogers who leads horseshoe crab surveys for DPNC and Watch Hill Conservancy for a presentation on the Horseshoe Crab. This ancient sea creature has survived in the oceans for millions of years with its primitive design still intact. We will discuss physical adaptations, nesting and breeding habits as well as its ecological significance and importance to humans! Admission is free; the talk is open to the public. Pre-registration is appreciated. Extraordinary Eels Wednesday, July 13 at DPNC 6:30-7:30pm DPNC’s Head Educator, Steve Sarnoski, a knowledgeable fisherman, offers a pre- sentation on the American Eel. Learn about the natural history and life cycle of North Americ’s only freshwater eel, as well as the unique migration patterns of this interesting fish. Admission is free, and the talk is open to the public. Pre- registration is appreciated. Busy Beavers Thursday, July 28 at DPNC 6:30-7:30pm DPNC Educator Amy Stich will discuss the natural history and adaptations of the American Beaver. These sometimes maligned mammals are the engineers of the animal world. Presentation includes hands-on opportunities with a pelt, skull and beaver chew. Adults. Admission is free, and the talk is open to the public. Pre- registration is appreciated. Black Bears of CT Thursday, August 18, at Coogan Farm 6:30-7:30pm Join DPNC’s Head Educator, Steve Sarnoski, for a presentation on the American Black Bear. Learn everything you need to know about this gentle giant of the for- est that is making a comeback in southern New England. We will discuss its life cycle, feeding habits and natural history, as well as provide tips for what to do if you cross paths with a black bear in your yard or along a trail. Admission is free, and the talk is open to the public. Cancellation Policy Pre-registra on allows the Nature Center to secure staffi ng and materials for programs, so that we may best serve you. We require pre-registra on and pre-payment for most programs in order to reserve a space.