The Land Heritage Coalition focuses on local land use issues, seeking ways to foster support of farming, to acquire open space and to protect wetlands, flood plains, surface and ground water sources.
Founded in 1985 as the Red Hill Coalition, the LHC is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to support farming, open space preservation, and water and wetlands protection. The LHC sponsors free and open educational programs and outdoor group activities that bring together citizens in Glastonbury.
Upcoming Land Heritage Events
Glastonbury Side of Great Meadows
Hike Date: Sunday, January 29th, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. Parking lot at the Glastonbury side Ferry Landing (Ferry Lane/Route 160)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; bring snowshoes if you have them. If no snow, we will still hike.
Coordinator and hike contact: Rich Sawitzke for hike information, or in case of inclement weather 860-368-1502
Directions from Glastonbury Center:
Take Main Street South to State Route 17 South. Take a right onto Route 160 (Tryon Street). Take a right to stay on State Route 160 (Ferry Lane), travel to the end at the Connecticut River. Total trip approximately 5 miles.
Description:
To stat we will take the small park loop trail, then branch out into some of the Great Meadows farmland property north of the landing. The length of the hike, however, will be determined by weather and snow conditions and the interest of the group. Folks are encouraged to bring their snowshoes, if they have them. While the hike is relatively level and considered easy to moderate, participants should be agile enough to wear snowshoes – or navigate deep snow in boots – if conditions warrant.
Basic Membership is $25. Please make check payable to: Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc
And Mail To:
Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc PO BOX 634
South Glastonbury, CT 06073
or
Click DONATE below and pay by Credit Card
If you would like to update your contact information, be removed from our mailing list or have a question, please contact Jackie Parente at the above address or by phone at 860-918-3752. Thank you.
Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury
2021/2022 Summary of Activities & Upcoming Events
PROGRAMS
“Bats of Connecticut” Presentation via ZOOM – February 15, 2022
Kim Hargrave, education director of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC) in Mystic, will present an informative program on the importance of conserving and protecting these fascinating flying mammals that are living in our state. Kim will explore our local bats, the threats they face and what we can do to help. For latest program details, and to register for ZOOM, visit: www.lhcglastonbury.org.
“Seeing the Forest Through the Trees” Presentations via ZOOM
November 15, 2021 – “Through the Eyes of the Forest Manager”
Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County, Vermont, Forester discussed how New England’s frame and enrich our lives, making our region a beautiful place to live, while also providing many critical benefits: cleaning our sir and water, providing habitat for birds and wildlife, sequestering and storing carbon, and much more. He discussed how we can manage forests in a way that is responsible and regenerative, producing renewable resources while protecting biodiversity and habitat.
January 19, 2022 – “Forest Stewardship – Advocacy & Education”
This program featured Eric Hammerling, Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, the oldest conservation group in the state, and Thomas Worthley, Associate Extension Professor, UCONN Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment. The speakers discussed such topics as the current state of Connecticut’s forests, some of our forest health concerns, the effect of a changing climate, the role forests play with respect to climate change, and how sound, well –conceived forest management practices are of benefit to all of us.
3. March 23, 2022 – “Urban Forestry”
The third, and final, program in our series will host Danica Doroski, DEEP Urban Forest Coordinator, and Andrea Urbanco, DEEP Regional Forester, for the Glastonbury area. While Connecticut has increased its forest canopy to near 75% over the years, much of these forest areas are small woodlands in private ownership or in residential areas. They will discuss the importance of urban forests in Connecticut and actions that we can take to manage, protect and improve them.
“Stewardship of the Earth” Film Series
March 11, 2021 – “Chasing Ice”
Co-sponsored with the First Church Outside Group, the final film in our “Stewardship of the Earth” series chronicles photographer James Balog’s quest to document glacial decline in the Artic, After witnessing climate change in the Artic in 2005, Balog conceived the “The Extreme Ice Survey” which, with hauntingly beautiful videography, captures ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate.
Chrisoph Geiss, Professor of Physics and Environmental Science, at Trinity College commented on the film and conducted a question and answer session.
WALK SERIES
The 2021/22 Walk Series, organized and coordinated by LHC board member Charley Smith, consisted of guide led walks and hikes, along with informative brochures.
May 16, 2021 – Birding Walk at Longo Open Space - Wind Hill Farm, with bird expert Michael Corcoran.
September 26, 2021 – Cotton Hollow South History, narrated by Dr. Brian Chiffer. Shared activity with Save Cotton Hollow Mill Coalition.
October 25,2021 – Greyledge Farm Open Space, Sparrow identification & other birds with Michael Corcoran.
November 28, 2021 – Thanksgiving Walk at Hollister/Whitehouse, with Jim Cole & Dennis McInerney.
January 30, 2022 – Horton Farm – Connecticut River, Snowshoe Walk with Rich Sawitzke.
February 20, 2022 – MDC Property, Keeney St., with Whit Osgood. New Town Open Space.
April 17, 2022 – Blackledge Falls led and narrated by Michael Corcoran.
PROJECTS
1. Cotton Hollow Mill Wall Preservation
Following the Town’s acquisition of the site, in a cooperative effort with the Cotton Hollow Mill Coalition, the Town of Glastonbury, and the Historical Society, LHC took the lead to prepare a successful application for a $35,000.00 grant from the Norma and Natale Sestero Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The grant will be used to undertake masonry work to stabilize the historic mill wall, improve trail access, and install interpretative signage. Towering above Roaring Brook are the remains of the five story Cotton Hollow Mill, an iconic link to Glastonbury’s History. The wall harkens back more than 200 years when the Hollow was a key manufacturing center in Connecticut.
2. Invasive Plant removal at Ferry Park
Organized by LHC’s Courtney MacDonald, and working with the Pollinator Pathways group and the Town Park Dept., two very successful invasive plant removal days were held in the spring. Large growths of wild garlic and Japanese knotweed were removed from Ferry Park’s grounds. These invasive plants create a monoculture, chocking out beneficial native plants.
Notes:
Videos of our ZOOM programs may be viewed on You Tube, which can be found on the LHC website, or by going directly to You Tube, and searching for Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury.
Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury
2019/2020 Summary of Activities
Programs – “Stewardship of the Earth” Film Series
November 13 – “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time”
The film chronicles the extraordinary career of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold and the impact his ideas still have today. His “Land Ethic” philosophy inspires us to see the natural world as a community to which we belong and to treat it as such. UConn professor Thomas Bontly shared his impressions of the film and led as open audience discussion.
January 20 - “The Biggest Little Farm”
John Chester’s award–winning film provides a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet. In the Chester’s efforts to create a 200 acre farm from barren land, they uncover a biodiverse design for living in harmony with nature. Glastonbury farmers Bethanne Dufford Couture and Chris Bassette offered their views about local farming as an introduction to the film.
March 11 – “Chasing Ice”
Co-sponsored with the First Church Outside Group, the final film in our “Stewardship of the Earth” series chronicles photographer James Balog’s quest to document glacial decline in the Artic, After witnessing climate change in the Artic in 2005, Balog conceived the “The Extreme Ice Survey” which, with hauntingly beautiful videography, captures ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. Chrisoph Geiss, Professor of Physics and Environmental Science, at Trinity College commented on the film and conducted a question and answer session.
Walk Series
The 2019/20 Walk Series, organized and coordinated by LHC board member Charley Smith, consisted of guide led walks and hikes, along with informative brochures.
May 11 – Birding Walk at Wind Hill Farm, with bird expert Michael Corcoran.
May 19 – Invasive Plant Identification at Wind Hill Farm, led by Ananya Aggarwal, LHC’s supported participant in the UConn Natural Resource Conservation Academy.
September 29 – Cotton Hollow History, narrated by Dr. Brian Chiffer.
December 1 – Thanksgiving Walk at Hollister/Whitehouse, with Jim Cole & Dennis McInerney.
January 25 – Audubon-Austin/Matava parcels, with Larry Lunden, GreatMeadows Conser. Trust.
February 1 – Point Road/River Meadows, with Larry Lunden, Great Meadows Conservation Trust.
February 15 – Hockanum Meadows led and narrated by Goodwin College’s Bruce Morton.
April 18 – Portland Reservoir/Meshomasic State Forest, with a narrative of the CCC and history of the forest, led by LHC’s Michael Corcoran and narrated by John LaShane.
Thanks
Special thanks to Norma and Natale Sestero Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which provided a grant to purchase a complete audio/visual system for greatly improving LHC’s presentations. We also wanted to thank our film Sponsors Wind Hill farm, Cotton Hollow Kitchen, Two Hopewell, and First Church; and Contributors Christine Penny for framed photography door prizes, Christine Nair for baked goods, Karen McRee (SoG) for coffee, and Meghan Hayden of River Bend Bookshop.
Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury
2018/2019 Summary of Activities
Programs
November 14 – “Plain Talk about Sustainability in Glastonbury”
This event is the first of three that LHC plans for the 2018/19 series on sustainability. This forum featured four experts discussing what Connecticut towns are doing to anticipate long-term issues related to climate change, including recycling, food plain and wetland protection, and smart growth.
This film explores how growth and sprawl affect the quality of life in New England. By examining the history of land use and the changes that have hit working forest, farms, village centers, and urban downtowns, the video looks at how communities have tried to preserve the qualities that make them unique.
Sponsored with major support from Prides Corner Farms, this is LHC’s final program in this year’s Sustainability series. Our speaker is Douglas Tallamy, photographer, professor, and author of Bringing Nature Home. He is the recipient of the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd Jr. Award of Excellence. His engaging presentation discusses how native plants promote biodiversity, as well as the link between healthy local ecosystems and human well-being, and how invasive plants harm local wildlife.
Walk Series
The 2018/19 Walk Series, organized and coordinated by LHC board member Charley Smith, consisted of guide led walks and hikes, along with informative brochures.
April 22 – Goodwin College Connecticut River Trail, guided by Bruce Morton.
May 11 – Birding Walk at Wind Hill Farm, 8 AM. with bird expert Michael Corcoran
September 23 – Trees of Interest on Main Street, narrated by Frank Caputa (with GPIP guide booklet.
October 14 – Fall FoliageConnecticut River Boat Tour, presented by Goodwin College’s Bruce Morton.
November 25 – Thanksgiving Walk at Great Pond Preserve, led and narrated by Whit Osgood.
February 18 – Full Moon winter walk, Windhill Farm event, cosponsored by LHC.
February 24 – Longo Open Space/Windhill Farm Snowshoe Walk, led by Al Tinti.
March 24 – Crowe Point Late Winter hike, led and narrated by Goodwin College’s Bruce Morton.
Initiatives
1. Natural Resources Conservation Academy
LHC is sponsoring a student in the 2018/19 UConn Natural Resources Conservation Academy:
Ananya Aggarwal: Invasive Species
2. Glastonbury Plan of Conservation and Development
LHC presented verbal and written support for Open Space and Farmland preservation; and, sustainability issues for incorporation into the updated POCD.
3. Open Space and Farmland Preservation
Supported funding for 40 acre purchase of land containing headwaters to Grindle Brook, and purchase of development rights for 48 acre Sugar Hill Farm and 50 acres of Rose Berry Farm
Education
November 14, 2018 –“Plain Talk about Sustainability in Glastonbury”
This event is the first of three that LHC plans for the 2018/19 series on sustainability. This forum featured four experts discussing what Connecticut towns are doing to anticipate long-term issues related to climate change.
April 4, 2018 - ‘Responding to Climate Change in CT’
A forum, the final event in the Climate Change series, brought together four experts, Juliana Barrett, James O’Donnell, Morgan Tingley, and Giovianni Zinn, moderated by Andy Bauer, who focused on the local impacts of climate change and what citizens can do to help mitigate those changes.
March 7, 2018 - ‘Comfort Zone’
This film, the second presentation in LHC’s 2017/18 Climate Change series, took an in-depth look at what happens when global climate change comes to our backyard, and what a family in up-state NY did to address issues on a local level.
November 15, 2017 - ‘Climate Change, Separating Science from Spin’ with Dr. Yohe.
Dr. Gary Yohe, the Huffington Professorship of Economics at Wesleyan University, gave a comprehensive introduction to the science of climate change. This was the LHC’s kickoff in a series focusing on climate change and sustainability. Dr. Yohe was a senior member of the Inter-governmental Panel on climate change that received a share of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He serves on the New York City Panel on Climate Change and he was Vice Chair of the third National Climate Assessment Development and Advisory Committee for the third assessment, released in 2014.
April 29, 2017 - Words from The Wild: Poetry and Music To Celebrate Poetry Month,
Spring and The Natural World was presented at Welles Turner Memorial Library. The free, public event featured New England Trail Poet-in-Residence David Leff, who will take his audience “hiking by poetry” along the New England Trail; music by a cappella quartet Wait For It; and a tribute to the legacy of renowned poet and former Glastonbury resident Hugh Ogden.
April 5, 2017 - Fifty Years Behind the Binoculars, an evening exploring the state of birds in
Connecticut as seen through the eyes (and binoculars) of the Audubon’s Senior Director of Science and Conservation, Milan (“Miley”) Bull.
March 22, 2017 - Hidden Connecticut, Hartford Courant writer Peter Marteka was Featured Speaker to explore hidden hikes and gems and Connecticut.
Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 - Sustainable Organic Lawn Care.
Over the course of two program years, we offered three programs concerning sustainable lawn care and the potential hazards of pesticide use on lawns. We showed the movie, A Chemical Reaction, which described the successful efforts of a Canadian town to ban the use of chemical pesticides. During two additional programs, we offered scientific research on pesticide use through a presentation by Environment and Human Health, Inc., gave an overview of effective lawn care methods, and introduced organic lawn care products that are available.
November 16, 2016 - Connecticut River Geology.
Richard Little, Professor of Geology at Greenfield (MA) Community College, presented an informative and entertaining program on the geologic formation and evolution of the Connecticut River Valley. Organized by LHC’s Christine Witkowki, and cosponsored with the Great Meadows Land Trust, the well- attended event was held at the Riverfront Community Center.
April 16, 2016 - Butterflies in My Backyard.
Victor DeMasi, a conservation officer in Redding, CT and a research affiliate at the Yale Peabody Museum, explained the life histories of local butterfly species and described how a butterfly garden promotes a diversity of species, with an emphasis on monarchs and tiger swallowtails. Held at the Riverfront Community Center, and co-sponsored with the CT Audubon Center at Glastonbury, The program raised awareness on the importance and beauty of native butterflies. Folks were also encouraged to cultivate milkweed, which is an important plant in the life cycle of monarchs, which have been declining in population.
Walks and Hikes
Our outdoor group activities promote awareness and appreciation of our local environment and offer participants an exposure to nature and the outdoors. Each of the walks is led by a knowledgeable docent.
March 25, 2018 – Blackledge Falls / Birch Mountain Hike, with guides Frank Kaputa and Jim Cole
April 22, 2018 – Goodwin College Connecticut River Trail, guided by Bruce Morton
May 6, 2018 – Birding Walk at Wind Hill Farm, with bird expert Michael Corcoran
September 23, 2018 – Trees of Interest on Main Street, narrated by Frank Kaputa (with GPIP guide booklet)
November 25, 2018 – Thanksgiving Walk – Great Pond Preserve, led and narrated by Whit Osgood
Initiatives
Natural Resources Conservation Academy. The LHC, working closely with Wind Hill Community Farm and Board member Barbara Wagner, sponsored two local high school students in the 2016 program. This highly successful program partners with Connecticut conservation organizations and municipalities to mentor high school students on conservation projects, benefiting the students, their community, and the organization. The students presented their work at a poster session at LHC’s annual meeting on March 22, 2017. Coordinated by UCONN’s Dr. Laura Cisneros, students Chloe Hansen and Laura Nelson were 2018's participants. LHC and Wind Hill Community Farm is again sponsoring a student in the 2018/19 UConn Natural Resources Conservation Academy: Ananya Aggarwal: Invasive Species
Glastonbury acquisition of Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) property. LHC offered strong support for Glastonbury’s acquisition of the 718 acre MDC land, which spans nine parcels from South Glastonbury to East Glastonbury. We spoke in support at the July 26, 2016 Town Council meeting. This acquisition is among the largest open space efforts in central Connecticut. Over next year, LHC hopes to explore trail potential on the properties.
Glastonbury Plan of Conservation and Development: LHC presented verbal and written support for Open Space and Farmland preservation; and, sustainability issues for incorporation into the updated POCD.
Open Space and Farmland Preservation: Supported funding for 40 acre purchase of land containing headwaters to Grindle Brook, and purchase of development rights for 48 acre Sugar Hill Farm and 50 acres of Rose’s Berry Farm.
Glastonbury Greatest Pumpkin Program. Co-sponsored with Melsens Farm & Pet Supply, the family celebration took place for three years (2015, 2016, and 2017). Beginning with the distribution of free pumpkin seeds and a workshop on growing organic pumpkins, the program strives to encourage citizens of all ages to enjoy fruitful gardening using organic methods. Each year, the event culminated with a weigh-in for the heaviest pumpkin in various categories of growers and a fun family celebration with food, games, and music, all free and open to the public.
Glastonbury Farmers’ Market. For four consecutive years, we provided financial support to our local Farmers’ market. This enabled the market to remain nonprofit and surmount the initial financial hurdles.
Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury 2017 Activity Summary Programs
1. March 22 –‘Hidden Connecticut’ Guest speaker Peter Marteka kicked off 2017’s program calendar at LHC’s annual meeting. Peter shared his thoughts about ‘Hidden Connecticut’ and his favorite hikes in the Connecticut River Valley. Peter writes the popular column, “Nature”, appearing each Sunday in the Hartford Courant. 2. April 5 – State of the Birds in Connecticut Milan “Miley” Bull, Senior Director of Science and Conservation for Connecticut Audubon, explored the state of birds in Connecticut, as seen through his eyes (and binoculars). Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Miley tapped his wealth and depth of knowledge about Connecticut bird species and the challenges of bird conservation in the state. He described the current situations of our Connecticut species, noted species’ decline, and offered possible remedies and ways that we can all support this valuable ecological asset. 3. April 29 – ‘Words from the Wild’ LHC and Glastonbury Poet Laureate Alexandrina Sergio sponsored a delightful program featuring David Luff, the New England Trail Poet-in-Residence, and ‘Wait for It’, a local gospel/jazz/folk quartet. David took his audience hiking on the Metacomet trail through the words of his poetry in a series of haibun, work that combines haiku and prose. In a tribute to the late Hugh Ogden, longtime Glastonbury resident, renowned poet, and Trinity English professor, selections of his poems were read by family members and LHC friends. 4. September 30 – Glastonbury Greatest Pumpkin The third annual Greatest Pumpkin Program was co-sponsored with Melsen’s Farm & Pet Supply. Close to 100 people showed up for the weigh-in, with prizes for various categories of pumpkins, and family celebration with fun, refreshments, music and games. The grand prize winning pumpkin weighed 124 pounds. The program encourages citizens of all ages to enjoy fruitful gardening using organic methods. 5. November 15 – ‘Climate Change – Separating Science from Spin’ Dr. Gary Yohe, Wesleyan Professor, presented the first of a three part program on Climate Change. This informative talk at the Community Center was well attended. The series continues on March 7, 2018 with a screening of “Comfort Zone” , which takes an in-depth look at what happens when global climate issues come close to home; and concludes on April 4, with a panel discussion on the local impacts and what we can do locally. Walk Series The 2017 Walk Series, organized by LHC board member Charley Smith, consisted of guide led walks and hikes, along with informative brochures. 1. February 26 – JB Williams Park Snowshoe Hike While the weather did not allow snowshoeing, a hike was led by LHC’s Dave Ahlgren and Rich Sawitzke. The hike followed the loop trail through the park with stops at the ponds and old ski slope.
