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Upcoming Events: The Flora and Fauna of Ratlum Mountain: Come Out and See it on National Trails Day! Hike Will be Followed by Canton Land Trust Annual Picnic NOTE: Due to the rain in the forecast, the location for the annual meeting and picnic has been changed. It will now be held indoors, at 17 Noja Trail. Noja Trail is off of Christmas Tree Hill Rd., which is off of North Mountain Rd. NOTE: If there are thunderstorms by 2 p.m. the hike will be cancelled but as of noon the hike is still on as the forecast is improving and the storms are holding off for now. Celebrate National Trails Day with the Canton Land Conservation Trust on Sun. June 2 with a 2 p.m. hike of Ratlum Mountain, followed by the Land Trust’s annual meeting and picnic at 4 p.m. Those who can’t attend both are welcome to attend just the hike or picnic. Non-members are always welcome, and this is also a good time to join or renew membership at www.cantonlandtrust.org. This is a family-oriented, nearly 1-mile hike over moderate terrain. The hike will begin at the Sun, Wind, and Woodland Preserve. Land Trust Directors Nate Cantwell and Jay Kaplan (also director of Roaring Brook Nature Center) will lead hikers on an exploration of Ratlum Mountain’s flora, fauna, and history. Wear insect protection and sturdy shoes, and please leave dogs at home. In case of questionable weather, check back here for status. The picnic and brief annual meeting to elect next year’s officers and directors will begin at 4.m. at the Capen Cabin (there is a backup site in case of rain, check here for updates). The Land Trust board will provide hot dogs and burgers, and attendees are invited to bring side dishes or desserts. Directions: Take Indian Hill Road from Rt. 44 1.4 miles to its end, turn right on Breezy Hill Road. Proceed about 0.5 miles up the hill, the parking lot is on the left side of the road.
******************************************************************* Archaeology at the Mary Conklin Sanctuary New England Cottontail Cut Completed at Sun, Wind and Woodland
The forestry work has been completed and we have now reopened the Sun, Wind and Woodland Preserve to the public. The cut was intentionally left "messy" with brush piles and slash left behind to provide cover for small mammals and to protect tree seedlings by discouraging deer browse. We look forward to seeing the cut rapidly change as it develops into the brushland habitat needed by New England Cottontails and many species of birds. While the area is no longer closed, we urge people to stay out of the newly cut area. Please feel free to use the Sun, Wind, and Woodland On the eastern edge of the project, and the unmarked trail on the southwest border of the project. In addition to brush piles which might not be stable, the project deliberately leaves slash on the ground throughout the cut area. This material helps prevent erosion, encourages regrowth, and discourages deer from browsing on the new growth. It is deliberately difficult to walk through, so we urge people to stick to the trails. For more information and pictures of the forestry work please visit our Photo Gallery |