Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc.
2016 Activity Summary
Programs
1.1. March 15 – Sustainable Organic Lawn Care. This year’s programs were kicked off at LHC’s annual
meeting, with a presentation on organic lawn care. Jackie Callahan Parente, LHC board member and
master gardener, and Todd Harrington, of Harrington’s Organic Lawn Care, gave an overview of effective
lawn care methods and introduced organic lawn care products that are available.
2.2. April 16 – 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.
3.3. October 2 – Glastonbury Greatest Pumpkin Program. Co-sponsored with Melsen’s Farm & Pet
Supply, the family celebration, returning for its second year, included fun and food. The event
culminated with a weigh-in for the heaviest pumpkin in various categories of growers. Beginning with
an April 30 workshop on growing organic pumpkins, the program strives to encourage citizens of all ages
to enjoy fruitful gardening using organic methods.
4. November 16 – 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.
Walk Series
The 2016 Walk Series was coordinated by LHC board member Charley Smith, who prepared informative,
colorful, brochures for each walk.
1.1. February 21 – Glastonbury Ferry Landing/Great Meadows Snowshoe Hike. While the weather did
not feature snow, a hike was led by LHC’s Rich Sawitzke. The hike began with the small park loop trail,
and then continues north into some of the Great Meadows’ CT River front farmland.
2.2. March 13 – Goodwin College Trails. Todd Andrews of Goodwin College, presented the College’s
plans to develop an extensive trail system along the Connecticut River, with eventual continuity from
the Bulkley Bridge to the Kinney cove Area in Glastonbury. A hike was conducted along part of the trail.
Goodwin’s ambituous plan will create one of the longest trails along the River in the Hartford area.
3.3. August 27 – Coltsville National Historic Park, Hartford. Bert Bennett, National Park Service Ranger,
led a tour of the 2008 designated Coltsville Historic District. The walk in the 250 acre estate of Samuel
and Elizabeth Colt’s covered the Colt Mansion, Armsmear, and other points of interest in the Colt
Company campus.
4.4. May 15 – Birding Walk at Wind Hill Farm. Led by noted bird expert Michael Corcoran, the walk
looped around the 157 acre Longo Farm Open Space, which also is home to the Wind Hill Community
Farm. Walkers had the opportunity to spot 35 to 40 species of birds, with a good cross section of our
summer resident breeding birds. Michael helped spot birds and described their song, flight patterns and
habitat.
5.5. September 25 – Trees of Interest in Historic District on Main Street. This well attended walk was
led by Ed Richardson and Frank Kaputa. The walk, running from the Glastonbury Center to Hubbard
Green and developed by the Glastonbury Partners in Planting, features a wealth of significant and
historic trees.
6.6. October 16 – Addison Bog Trail. LHC’s David Ahlgren and Charley Smith led a 2 mile round trip
walk from Bell Street to the Smith School, including a loop around the 5.5 acre Addison Bog. The bog is
said to be the only Black Spruce Bog in central Connecticut.
7.7. November 27 – Hollister Preserve – Whitehouse Tract. Dennis Mcinerney and Jim Cole, Kongscut
Land Trust Board members, led a walk along Smith Brook and onto scenic vista lookouts to the
Connecticut River. The 75 acre open space is a secluded, scenic area, yet is surprisingly surrounded by
Human habitation.
Initiatives
1.1. 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 will present 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 are this year's
participants.
1.2. Glastonbury acquisition of 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.
