Land Heritage Coalition Kicks Off Fall Hikes on October 24th with Shenipsit Trail at John Tom Hill
“The fall foliage should be excellent for our 2.5-mile loop on the Shenipsit Trail,” claimed Charley Smith, board member and walks coordinator for The Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc. (LHC). “This should be a lovely and invigorating walk – perfect for a crisp fall day. For folks who have enjoyed some of our other walks, they will find this one a bit longer and more challenging, but certainly suitable for active families,” Smith continued.
The LHC is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to support farming, open space preservation, and water and wetlands protection. As part of their educational mission, the LHC sponsors a series of walks throughout the fall and winter. These walks offer folks an opportunity to learn about and to enjoy the open spaces that we are privileged to enjoy in and around Glastonbury. In addition to this Shenipsit Trail walk, plans are underway for a walk in Blackledge Falls on November 29, 2015. More information will be available in November.
The October 24th walk will start at 1:00 p.m. at the Old Fire Tower Site on Birch Mountain road (directions below) and will be led by trail experts Jim Cole and Frank Kaputa. It will pass through 125 acres given to the Kongscut Land Trust by Bernice (Bunny) Swan and her heirs to be maintained as a nature preserve, and will continue on Manchester Water Company lands. Difficulty level is moderate along a ledgy forest ridge. Points of interest along the way, in addition to fall foliage, include some massive glacial boulders from the last ice age, and a view of the Connecticut River Valley, increasingly obscured by trees, from Pine Ridge. The trail enters through an area with impressive stone walls, which indicate that this was open farm land 100 years ago before the forest returned.
There is no charge for this event and beverages will be served at the end of the walk.
Key details:
Date: October 24, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Meet: Old Fire Tower Site on Birch Mountain Road
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Contact: Charley Smith for hike information, or in case of inclement weather (860) 508-1844.
Directions from Glastonbury Center: Take Hebron Ave. (Rt 94) 7.5 Miles east from Glastonbury Center to the top of John Tom Hill. Turn left (north) onto Birch Mountain Rd. Travel 0.3 miles and park on the right at the old fire tower site.
Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc.
Hike Plan/Press Release Information
Fall Foliage Hike at Swan Property/Shenipsit Trail
Publish in/on: Glastonbury Citizen (Jackie) LHC email list (Jackie)
Reminder [Hartford Courant] (Jackie) Glastonbury Life (Jackie)
Extend invitation to Mark Packard, Great Meadows Conservation Trust (Charley)
Extend invitation to John Hall, Jonah Center for Earth and Art (Charley)
Hike Date: October 24, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Charley Smith - contact cell (860) 508-1844
Docents/Leaders: Frank Kaputa and Jim Cole
Meet: Old Fire Tower Site on Birch Mountain Road
Difficulty: Moderate; longer and more challenging than previous LHC hikes. Be prepared for a longer walk.
Length: 2.5 miles
Beverage/cups/Booklets: Dave Ahlgren
After-Publicity Photos to send/post to above publications: Charley Smith/Jackie Parente
Directions from Glastonbury Center: Take Hebron Ave. (Rt 94) 7.5 Miles east from Glastonbury Center to the top of John Tom Hill. Turn left (north) onto Birch Mountain Rd. Travel 0.3 miles and park on the right at the old fire tower site.
Description: The walk will be a 2.5 mile loop on The Shenipsit Trail and a connector maintained by volunteers from the Connecticut Forest and Parks Assn. It will pass through 125 acres given to the Kongscut Land Trust by Bernice (Bunny) Swan and her heirs to be maintained as a nature preserve, and will continue on Manchester Water Company lands. Difficulty level- moderate along a ledgy forest ridge. Points of interest along the way, in addition to fall foliage, include some massive glacial boulders from the last ice age, and a view of the Connectcut River Valley, increasingly obscured by trees, from Pine Ridge. The trail enters through an area with impressive stone walls which indicate that this was open farm land 100 years ago before the forest returned. It’s a beautiful area that everyone will enjoy. (Source: Gerhard Schade; also see Glastonbury Hikes & Walks Trail Guide walk 11d) Boasts one of two highest elevations in Glastonbury at 881 feet. Champion Witch Hazel tree on northern bordere.
Sponsor: Land Heritage Coalition (LHC) of Glastonbury, Inc. 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. For more information on LHC, please visit our website at www.lhcglastonbury.org or call (860) 652-8995.
Hike Contact: Charley Smith for hike information, or in case of inclement weather (860) 508-1844.
Description: Although these parcels were acquired at different times they adjoin one another and are administered as one. They are located west of Birch Mountain Rd. Glastonbury Conn., adjoining 4000 acres of Manchester Water Lands to the west & north. A CL&P high- tension power line crosses the property on a utility ROW, but KLT owns the underlying land. Also the Shenipsit Trail and several connector trails pass through these preserves. These trails are maintained by volunteers of Conn. Forest & Parks Assn. The Shenipsit Tr. continues north to Case Mountain in Manchester, and beyond. The Shenipsit Trail is intended for foot traffic only. The property is entirely forest covered (oak-hickory) except for the power line ROW, which is maintained in early succession by CL&P. It lies in the upper watershed of Roaring Brook which feeds the Buckingham Reservoir.
Notable Features: --- State champion witch hazel tree near the northern border. --- Huge glacial erratic on top of the ridge ( Listed by Connecticut DEEP as Geocache site in 2010). --- Beautifully constructed stonewalls on Swan estate parcel. --- A major CL&P electric transmission line runs through it on a power line easement.
Conservation Purpose: Wildlife habitat and hiking trail system, contemplation of nature and nature study, study of glacial geology.
Deed Restrictions: Preserve in natural state for passive recreation and nature study: No building or construction, hunting, motor vehicles, except for power line maintenance.
Preserve Management: Trails maintained for foot traffic by CFPA.
Acquisition History: The Riley Tract (88.4 ac) was by bequest from Bernice "Bunny" Swan in 1991. The land had been in her family ( Strickland) for many generations. The Swan estate parcel was given by Bernice Swan's heirs, Marian Sauter, Evelyn Chapman, and Donald Taylor. Evelyn Chapman's share was given in installments over an 11 year period beginning in 1998.
Image:
Blackledge Falls - Nov 29 2015
Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc.
Hike Plan/Press Release Information
Late Fall Hike at Blackledge Falls
Publish in/on: Glastonbury Citizen (Jackie) LHC email list (Jackie)
Reminder [Hartford Courant] (Jackie) Glastonbury Life (Jackie)
Extend invitation to Tom Kehoe, Great Meadows Conservation Trust (Charley)
Extend invitation to John Hall, Jonah Center for Earth and Art (Charley)
Hike Date: November 29, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Charley Smith - contact cell (860) 508-1844
Docents/Leaders: Dave Ahlgren
Meet: Parking lot on the east side of Hebron Avenue near the Glastonbury/Hebron town line, using the main entrance. Parking for 20 cars with overflow on Foote Lane
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, very hilly; part 1 is the main loop hike, a 1 mile round trip. For those wishing to continue on, Part 2 is a 5 mile round trip to the big pond/lake in Gay City State Park. Total parts 1 and 2 approx. 6 miles.
Beverage/cups/Booklets: Dave Ahlgren
After-Publicity Photos to send/post to above publications: Charley Smith/Jackie Parente
Directions from Glastonbury Center: Take Hebron Ave. (Rt 94) 6.7 miles east from Glastonbury Center to the trail entrance labeled on Google Maps as “3615-3817 Connecticut 94”. Turn left at the entrance marked “Blackledge Falls” and the parking lot is just inside the park on the left.
Description: “Dedicated in 1991, Blackledge Falls encompasses 79 acres. The old mill-dam here was formerly the site of an up-down sawmill which was moved to Old Sturbridge Village. Early in the 20th century, the property was used by the Cheney family of Manchester, and later by the Danskin family of Glastonbury, as a summer retreat. Two log cabins used to grace the site near the pond. The blue-and-white blazed trail leads across three footbridges past a knoll overlooking the mill pond, then bends left to lead up the hill to a lovely cascade and 30-foot waterfall. Pause here a few minutes to observe and contemplate how many centuries it will take for the water to erode the ledge out of the park into the neighbor’s property. Part 1 of the hike will end at the end of the loop trail where we started, for those who wish to stop there. Part 2: Additional 5 miles round trip. There is a well-worn path through state land to Gay City State Park which lies less than a mile to the north. Follow the tote road parallel to the river and cross the power line. Then continue and cross the gas pipeline and behold – you are almost in Gay City!” (Sources: Glastonbury Hikes & Walks Trail Guide 2012 Edition walk p. 10, Sponsored by Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc., Town of Glastonbury and the Kongscut Land Trust, and www.ctmq.org)
Sponsor: Land Heritage Coalition (LHC) of Glastonbury, Inc. 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. For more information on LHC, please visit our website at www.lhcglastonbury.org or call (860) 652-8995.
Hike Contact: Charley Smith for hike information, or in case of inclement weather (860) 508-1844.
Study of Up-Down Sawmills
Sawmills were the most common kind of mills found in most 19th-century New England towns. America boasted over 31,000 sawmills by 1840. Most were owned and operated by farmers of above-average means, who often ran them seasonally, as water levels and the demands of their farm work permitted. Some cut lumber for sale, and those near cheap water transportation could ship their products to distant markets. Most sawmills, however, served neighborhoods due to the expense of transporting high-weight but low-value lumber any great distance over land. They charged local farmers by the board foot (a volumetric measurement one foot by one foot by one inch) to saw logs brought to the mill into boards, planks, and timbers. In a day one man with a sawmill could cut as much lumber as two men working by hand could do in a week.
From the 13th century until about the middle of the 19th, most sawmills consisted of a straight saw blade strung tight in a rectangular wooden frame, called a sash or gate. The saw sash is connected to a water wheel below it through a crank and by a wooden sweep or pitman arm (the latter taking its name from the man who, before sawmills made him obsolete, stood in a pit below a log and pulled a saw through the wood by hand to make boards). The turning motion of the water wheel is converted to the up and down motion of the saw by the eccentric crank. Some power from the saw sash is used to turn a large gear, called a rag wheel. This in turn moves the carriage which the log rests on, pulling the log through the saw. The saw cuts into the log on its down stroke, and the log moves forward again on the up stroke. After one board is sawed, the log carriage is run back to the other end of the mill, the log moved over, and another board cut. This process is repeated until the whole log has been sawed into lumber. Often a sawyer will square up two sides of a log first, then turn the log 90 degrees so that the flat sides are on the top and bottom. Then when he saws the log into boards they will all have straight edges.
Source: www.osv.org/sawmill
Sawmill at Sturbridge Village (known to have been relocated from its original site on Blackledge River)
The Village's sawmill has been erected on the millpond site that David Wight (1761-1813) of Sturbridge prepared in the 1790s. His first mill burned in 1802 and was replaced with another; but, with the exception of the pond itself, all above-ground evidence of his operation had disappeared by the time the Village was being developed. The history of the site was documented in 1983 by museum archaeologists who thoroughly explored the temporarily drained millpond and its adjacent millyard, learning about its evolution and unearthing artifacts relating to its use.
The Village’s search for an early sawmill in working order was made difficult by the fact that the up-and-down saws commonly in use before 1840 had virtually all been replaced in the next decades by new, more efficient, circular saws. One of the longest surviving mills with an up-and-down saw mechanism was the Nichols-Colby Sawmill of Bow, New Hampshire. Still standing in 1937, it was recorded by the Historic American Building Survey just a year before it was destroyed in the 1938 hurricane. Based on this thorough documentation and the staff’s extensive research into mill technology, the Village built a reconstructed working mill that produces sawn boards for use in the museum.
When the mill is operating, the gate valve in the dam is opened and water rushes through the wooded flume to power the turbine water wheels that drive the main sawframe, the carriage-return, and the wood-working machinery in the ell. Each time the sawframe is raised in its stroke, the log moves slightly forward with the carriage. The saw cuts only on the downstroke, assisted by gravity as the heavy frame drops. Its loud, thumping cadence can be heard all through the neighborhood.
Although the museum demonstrates sawmilling throughout the year, rural mills usually operated during late winter and early spring, when waterpower was most abundant and the demands of farming were less pressing. Sawmill account books suggest that, since transportation of logs and lumber was so difficult and costly, mills like this one concentrated almost entirely on custom production for local customers Top of Form
Extend invitation to Tom Kehoe, Great Meadows Conservation Trust (Charley), John Hall, Jonah Center for
Earth and Art (Charley) and Malcolm Barlow, Manchester Land Conservation Trust (Charley)
Hike Date: Sunday February 21, 2016 (bring your snowshoes if you have them)
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Charley Smith - contact cell (860) 508-1844
Docents/Leaders: Rich Sawitzke (to contact property owners, Horton et al)
Meet: Glastonbury Ferry Landing Route 160 (Ferry Lane) at the Connecticut River
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate depending on snow accumulations, participants should be agile enough to wear snowshoes if warranted. We will take the small park loop trail, then branch out into some of the Great Meadows farmland property north of the ferry landing. The length of the hike will be determined by weather conditions, snow conditions and interest of the group.
Beverage/cups/Booklets: Dave Ahlgren
After-Publicity Photos to send/post to above publications: Charley Smith/Jackie Parente
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: The ferry will not be running at the time of the hike. The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is a seasonal ferry crossing the Connecticut River, and is part of Route 160. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operated ferry service in the United States. Started in 1655, it actually began before the foundation of the towns of Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, both towns being part of Wethersfield at that time. Originally a raft that was poled across the river, it was then powered by a horse on a treadmill before being upgraded to a steamship in 1876. Today’s ferry is a 3-car barge named the Hollister III, towed by a diesel powerboat named the Cumberland. The ferry landings and the ferry itself are included in the Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry Historic District, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The historic district also encompasses farmscapes of the Great Meadows in South Glastonbury which preserve the 17-th century land use patterns and Colonial and Greek Revival farmhouses, as well as the home of shipbuilders and merchant traders near the two landings, including several examples of Colonial and Italianate architecture. (Source: Wikipedia)
Sponsor: Land Heritage Coalition (LHC) of Glastonbury, Inc. 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. For more information on LHC, please visit our website at www.lhcglastonbury.org or call (860) 652-8995.
Hike Contact: Charley Smith for hike information, or in case of inclement weather (860) 508-1844.
Land Heritage Coalition to Lead Snowshoe Hike on February 21
The Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc. LHC) will lead its annual snowshoe hike on Sunday, February 21, 2016 through the Glastonbury side of the Great Meadows. “This has been a popular hike with a great turnout in past years, and we expect this one to be no different,” reported hike leader, Rich Sawitzke. “No worries about snow, we’ll hike that day with or without snow,” Sawitzke continued.
The LHC is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to support farming, open space preservation, and water and wetlands protection. As part of their educational mission, the LHC sponsors a series of walks throughout the fall and winter.
The hike begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Glastonbury Ferry Landing on the Connecticut River. The plan is to 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.
The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, which will not be running at the time of the hike, is a seasonal ferry crossing the Connecticut River, and is part of Route 160. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operated ferry service in the United States. The ferry landings and the ferry itself are included in the Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry Historic District, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. “The hike will take us through some of the historic district and farmscapes of the Great Meadows in South Glastonbury,” Sawitzke explained. “This area still reflects seventeenth-century land use patterns and boasts Colonial and Greek Revival farmhouses, as well as the homes of shipbuilders and merchants. “
This hike is open to the public and is free of charge. There will be beverages served at the end.
Key details:
Date: Sunday, February 21, 2016
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Meet: 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 hike.
Hike Contact: Charley Smith for hike information, or in case of inclement weather (860) 508-1844.
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.
Land Heritage Coalition to Sponsor Hike on Goodwin College Meadows on March 13
The Land Heritage Coalition of Glastonbury, Inc. LHC) will sponsor another in its popular series of winter hikes on Sunday, March 13, 2016 through Goodwin College Meadows. “This will be a first hike through the Goodwin property,” reported hike organizer, Charlie Smith. “We’re very excited at the opportunity to explore this parcel under the expert guidance of Bruce Morton, Director of Environmental Studies, Goodwin College.” Smith continued. Goodwin College owns approximately 1,000 acres south of its East Hartford campus, generally bounded by the Connecticut River to the Putnam Bridge/Route 3, the southwestern side of Keeney Cove, Pewterpot Brook, and Rivermead Boulevard in East Hartford.
The LHC is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to support farming, open space preservation, and water and wetlands protection. As part of their educational mission, the LHC sponsors a series of walks throughout the fall and winter.
The hike begins at 1:00 p.m. behind the Hockanum Elementary School on Main Street in East Hartford. “Weather and conditions will play a big role in defining this hike,” explained hike docent, Bruce Morton. If there is snow on the ground, participants should feel free to bring their snowshoes. The plan is to hike a two-mile loop trail along the Connecticut River, east to mid-Keeney Cove, then north along Keeney Cove parallel to Pewterpot Brook and Rivermead Boulder, and back to origin. “The distance that we’ll cover, however, will be influenced by snow accumulation and ground conditions,” Morton added. Hikers can expect an easy to moderate hike, but be prepared for possible snowy and/or muddy conditions.
This hike is open to the public and is free of charge. There will be beverages served at the end.
Key details:
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2016
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Meet: Hockanum Elementary School, 191 Main Street, East Hartford
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; bring snowshoes if desired. Hike with or without snow.
Hike Contact: Charley Smith for hike information, or in case of inclement weather (860) 508-1844.
Directions from Glastonbury Center: Take Main Street Glastonbury north to 191 Main Street East Hartford (Hockanum Elementary School). One-way road trip is approximately 3.5 miles. Park in the school’s parking lot. Access to the Goodwin property is behind the school off High Street. We will proceed from the parking lot to the meadows access point under Mr. Morton’s direction either on foot or by car depending on participants’ needs. Total trip approximately two miles.
Extend invitation to Tom Kehoe, Great Meadows Conservation Trust (Charley), John Hall, Jonah Center for
Earth and Art (Charley) and Malcolm Barlow, Manchester Land Conservation Trust (Charley)
Hike Date: Sunday May 15, 2016 (bring your binoculars if you have them!)
Time: 8:00 a.m. (note unusual time for us)
Coordinator and hike contact: Charley Smith - contact cell (860) 508-1844
Docent/Leader: Michael Corcoran
Meet: Wind Hill Farm 2954 Hebron Avenue Glastonbury
Difficulty: Light to moderate amble through woodlands and hayfields. Ground conditions may be wet/muddy, so wear sturdy, water-repellent footwear. The length of the hike will be determined by docent/leader considering weather and conditions.
Beverage/cups/LHC Booklets: Dave Ahlgren
After-Publicity Photos to send/post to above publications: Charley Smith/Jackie Parente
Directions from Glastonbury Center: Navigate to 2954 Hebron Avenue (one-tenth mile past Glastonbury Estates sign on the right). Look for sign on the right “Longo Farm Open Space” and drive up the hill to the small parking lot where we’ll meet.
Description: Previous years’ walks have produced 35-40 species of birds, with a good cross section of our summer resident breeding birds. Some highlights have included Red-eyed, Warbling and Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow, Chestnut-sided and Blue-winged Warbler, Baltimore and Orchard Oriole, Indigo Bunting, Field and Savannah Sparrow and Bobolink. Wind Hill Community Farm is on the property. It is a non-profit community farm. Its mission is to promote local farms, environmental stewardship and healthy eating by encouraging people to participate in farming, gardening and educational programming about healthy food choices. Its website is www.windhillfarm.org. The farm is located on a small portion of the “last dairy farm” in Glastonbury, the 157 acre Minnechaug Farm previously owned and operated by the Longo family (Source: Wind Hill Farm website). The town purchased the property in 2001 as part of its open space acquisition program.
Sponsor: Land Heritage Coalition (LHC) of Glastonbury, Inc. 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. For more information on LHC, please visit our website at www.lhcglastonbury.org or call (860) 652-8995.
