The Board of Directors meets monthly, and members are welcome to learn more about your land trust by attending. Please contact us with questions about attending. Enter Seabury Life via Door 18 and go to the Clock Room on Level 5.
The Board of Directors meets monthly, and members are welcome to learn more about your land trust by attending. Please contact us with questions about attending. Enter Seabury Life via Door 18 and go to the Clock Room on Level 5.
Update: Two hard-working groups of volunteers removed old barbed wire fencing and fallen trees, and cut weeds, vines, and thistle from areas inaccessible to the tractor. A 1955 John Deere tractor donated by the past farmer tenant, HighlandArt Farm, was moved to the barn for storage. Many thanks to coordinators Pete Bartkoski (Hawk Hill Steward) and Dale Bertoldi and other volunteers LeeAnn Bartkoski, John Cappadona, Sten Caspersson, Chip Caton, Dick Hughes, Bill Miller, and Vikki Reski.
The fields have been cut and the grass mown. But to keep invasives at bay and the La Salette Trail passable, we need to clean up the edges. Can you help one or both days? Volunteers with edge trimmers or loppers are needed. Bring gloves, closed-toe footwear, and pants or other tick/ivy prevention. Each day we’ll gather at 9:00 and work as long as the weather and our schedules permit. If you have questions please contact Pete Bartkoski.
(Photo credit: Dennis Hubbs)
Update: President Victor Herson opened the annual membership business meeting with an overview of activities in the past year including the new website, hay storage in Hawk Hill Farm‘s barn, the metal roof on Thrall Farm‘s barn, restoration of fields at Hawk Hill Farm and Stout Family Fields, acquisition of the Evans Family Meadows and parcels on Beacon Hill, and numerous hikes and events. Treasurer Paul Jones summarized fundraising efforts, on-going stewardship expenses, and fund balances. The membership approved minor edits to the bylaws and re-elected Chip Caton, Victor Herson, and Sharon Mann to three-year terms on the Board of Directors. A more detailed summary appears in our August newsletter.
After the business meeting, members and guests met for a social gathering and refreshments before a presentation, “Every Yard Counts: How to Create a Healthy Monarch Butterfly Habitat at Home.” Diane St John, manager of Natureworks Garden Center, a retail store and landscape company in Northford, CT, has a Landscape Design Certificate, is an accredited Organic Land Care Professional and has a BFA in photography. Diane explained the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly and how we can attract and raise Monarchs in our own yards by using organic gardening techniques and planting foods that these butterflies love. Her photography skills were evident in her beautiful photos. In addition, she presented live examples of the stages of life of the Monarchs she raises. More information about raising Monarchs is available here.
Update: Approximately 75 hikers of all ages participated in the various walks offered these two weekends, taking advantage of the beautiful weather to explore scenic views and find Bobolink birds. Thanks to Kevin Gough, Paula Jones, Christopher Shepard, and Jim Trail for assisting with the walks.
This easy hike will start at the head of Seabury’s Wildwoods Trail, State property leased to the Town of Bloomfield for passive recreation with trails developed and maintained with the assistance of the Seabury Trails Committee. We will explore several trails for a total distance of approximately 2.0 miles, spotting interesting birds and flowers in the meadows, wetlands, and woods.
Meet at the visitor parking at the rear of Seabury Active Life Plan Community. Look for the painted cow sculpture. Heavy rain reschedules – rain date next Sunday, June 9, same time. Leashed dogs permitted. Pre-registration not required. Free.
This is one of many hikes across the state Connecticut Trails Day weekend, part of an initiative the American Hiking Society established in 1993 to recognize the incredible benefits trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature.
This hike will be repeated the following Sunday, June 9, as part of Celebrate Bloomfield, a week when people of all walks of life come together to appreciate the natural and cultural gifts, healthy and mindful living, and sense of community in Bloomfield. Please join us!
Update: Approximately 75 hikers of all ages participated in the various walks offered these two weekends, taking advantage of the beautiful weather to explore scenic views and find Bobolink birds. Thanks to Kevin Gough, Paula Jones, Christopher Shepard, and Jim Trail for assisting with the walks and to Dennis Hubbs for the photo.
This easy nature walk will explore Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve, Connecticut’s newest State Park located next to the 4-H Education Center on property that once was part of Auerfarm. We will walk to the top of the drumlin known as Cider Hill for great views of the surrounding hills and descend through woods and farm fields in search of Bobolinks, a species of special concern in Connecticut due to limited grassland habitat. Great for families as part of the State’s Great Park Pursuit, the total distance is approximately 1.0 mile.
Meet at the parking area at the intersection of Auer Farm Road and Cider Hill Road. Heavy rain reschedules – rain date next Saturday, June 8, same time. Due to the bird habitat, dogs are not permitted. Pre-registration not required. Free.
This is one of many hikes across the state Connecticut Trails Day weekend, part of an initiative the American Hiking Society established in 1993 to recognize the incredible benefits trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature.
This hike will be repeated next Saturday, June 8, as part of Celebrate Bloomfield, a week when people of all walks of life come together to appreciate the natural and cultural gifts, healthy and mindful living, and sense of community in Bloomfield. Please join us!
Eat Well and Do Good!
The fourth annual Wine & Dine brought together over 120 people to enjoy home-cooked food paired with carefully selected wines and to help raise a record amount of money for the ongoing and vital work of protecting our natural resources, farmlands, and wildlife corridors. The event was sold out and wait-listed, with preliminary results suggesting we raised over $17,000!
We are grateful for all the many people who, through sponsorships, in-kind donations, advertisements, and volunteering time and talents, made our fundraiser and dinner such a success. We couldn’t have done it without all your support, and in turn we ask you to support these businesses. Thank you!
- Our two wonderful sponsors: The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and Seabury, An Active Life Plan Community.
- Our in-kind donors: Bloomfield Discount Liquors; Elkabee Fabric Paradise; Elizabeth’s Bar & Restaurant; Gillette Ridge Wines & Spirits; Hartford Art School CivicDesign Class: Paulina Modesto, Darcy Peterson, Emma Schroh, and Professor Michael Scricco; Republic; Kathy Rohrs; and, Wintonbury Hills Golf Course. We are especially appreciative of the beautiful nature photographs from Brian Kulvete and Dennis Hubbs.
- Our donors: Bonnie Bercowitz, Fredrick & Michelle Bononi, Judi & Roger Bunker, Mary Crary, Kathy Hanaway & Paul Sanson, Wendy Haller, Pasticceria Italia, Peggy R. Lorence, Robert & Margaret Patricelli Family Foundation, Carol & Buz Kohn, Sally & Dale Richter, Gilda Roncari, Susan & Joseph Sappington, Cyral & Richard Sheldon, and Elba & Syd Schulman.
- Our gracious dinner hosts: Patrick Buckley & Lee Fenwick, Rise & John. Cappadona, Patty Connolly/Diana Hughes, Angelique Croasdale-Mills, Debbe & Rich Greenspan, Lois & David Hager, Gail & Victor Herson, Angela Labella & Mark Weisman, Martha & Woody Hess/Ruthanne & Ron Marchetti, Marianne Horn, Beverly & Dick Hughes, Sharon & David Mann/Patty & Don Stern, Lisa & John Stout, Maggie & Sherwood Willard.
- Our WLT Volunteer Helpers: Jon Cappadona, Maureen & Jon Colman, Simon Flynn, Donna Hubbs, Abeka Kirton, Catherine Lyons, Ruthanne Marchetti, Linda Wayman and the WLT Board of Directors.
- Our hardworking committee members: Sharon Mann (Chair), Rise Cappadona, Gwen Findlay, Jon DeHoyos, Lorna Ives, Paula Jones, Robin Sherwood, Alexa Tzanova, Maggie Willard.
- Our Business Community: Simsbury Bank, Contours Spa & Wellness, Solscape, LLC, Auerfarm, The Print Hub, Ariston Specialties, Isaac’s Bagel Café, White & Katzman Property Management, Bloomfield Village Pizza, Sala Thai Street Food, Skin Care by Doina, Baram, Tapper & Gans, LLC, Ornamentals,LLC, The Dental Center, LLC, Village Plumbing, LLC, Romano & Fetterman, PC, CTEC Solar, Therapeutic Massage Associates, Bloomfield Garage, Inc., Duncaster, RealLiving Realty, Gillette Ridge Wine & Spirits, The Green Machine, Rideshare Company, University of Hartford’s President’s College, Williams Service Center, Back East Brewery, Milano Salon & Day Spa, Northeastern Chimney, Naatiya Indian Restaurant and People’s United Bank.
Photos from the reception at the Wintonbury Hills Golf Course, courtesy Sharon Mann & Dennis Hubbs.
- “Meet and Greet” your neighbors and community at the picturesque Wintonbury Hills Golf Course for tasty appetizers, a glass of wine and friendly conversation.
- Then join other guests for a home-cooked dinner in an intimate group setting at one of our many hosts’ homes in Bloomfield.
- Enjoy old-fashioned conversation over dinner while getting to know folks around the table.
- Dress is “informal chic.”
- DEADLINE TO BUY TICKETS: April 12
Make a Reservation
Tickets are $85 as a member or $95 as a nonmember (become a member and save $10). Your reservation includes a reception with appetizers, a sumptuous meal with wine & dessert in a private home, and the warm feeling you’ll get doing something good for your community — helping the Wintonbury Land Trust protect our natural resources, farmlands, and wildlife corridors. It’s a win-win for everybody! Reservations accepted on a first come, first served basis:
- Register online with a credit card. Deadline is April 12
- Print a PDF registration form to mail-in with a check.
- Can’t attend? Make a donation or voice your support in the event program.
- Questions? Contact events@wintonburylandtrust.org.
Making a Difference
Wine & Dine is Wintonbury Land Trust’s major annual fundraising event, contributing over $19,000 to our funds in the past three years! Last year’s event enabled our 501(c)3, all-volunteer nonprofit to:
- Advance the mission of Hawk Hill Farm – Ongoing partnership with multi-year lease with HighlandArt Farm and their Community Supported Agriculture program; and support member gatherings at the farm such as the Fall Social & Hike.
- Conduct Educational Outreach Events – “Bears in Connecticut” presentation at our annual meeting; Earth Day co-sponsorship; Trails Day nature hikes; and work with the Town of Bloomfield to promote the community gardens at Lisa Lane Farm.
- Fund Annual Operations – Insurance, supplies, website redesign, stewardship, postage, property title searches, property surveys, and land appraisals; and strengthen our financial reserves so we have monies available for major projects and future acquisitions.
Please join us in protecting our community’s natural resources, farmlands, and wildlife corridors:
Update: The snow was too soft for cross country skis or snowshoes (and the streams were running high)! But hiking boots and poles worked just fine. Thanks for coming out to explore this special preserve!
Please come with good outdoor snow shoes or hiking boots if no snow is present. Wear seasonable outdoor clothing. The trail is an easy to moderate outing, one and a half to two hours in length.
Details
Meet at the cul-de-sac at the top of Juniper Road in Bloomfield on Saturday, February 23rd at 9:30 am. Rain date is Sunday the 24th at 9:30 am. Check our Website and Facebook for postings or cancellation.
It’s time for a party with muffins, hot drinks, and (hopefully) snow at Hawk Hill Farm (map for directions).
Members and guests are invited to an informal Winter Social at Hawk Hill Farm. From 3:00 to 5:00 pm the Beanery Bistro will serve delicious muffins, hot chocolates, and coffees in the barn. Fire pits outside the barn will keep away the chill. We’ll have lawn chairs, or bring your favorite. Dress is stay-warm casual! Current members are free, and guests are $5 at the door (additional donations welcome).
Beginning at 2:00 pm an optional hike will start from the barn – and return in time for warm drinks and muffins with the others! Join us for up to 1.5 miles up Hawk Hill to Bloomfield’s LaSalette Park’s pond, woods, and view of Hartford.
We’re celebrating winter … and will be happy to tell you about the progress restoring the barn, keeping the farm in active use, and connecting trails in Land Trust and Town properties.
RSVPs appreciated. To help us plan, tell us you’re coming with an email.
Enjoy an invigorating hike from Simsbury to Bloomfield co-sponsored by the Wintonbury and Simsbury Land Trusts and Bloomfield Leisure Services. Along with the scenery, the free hike will showcase WLT and SLT properties that provide town-to-town trail connectivity linking through Penwood State Park.
For the approximately 5.5-mile hike, we’ll meet at 9:00 a.m. at the hike’s end point: the historic 1834 Oliver Filley House in Bloomfield’s LaSalette Park. Bloomfield Leisure Services will provide a bus to shuttle hikers to the starting point, the Flower Bridge in Simsbury.
From there, we’ll ascend to Penwood via SLT’s Owen Mortimer parcel and their gorgeous Tanager Hill property. We’ll take a rest stop in Penwood, visiting Lake Louise and The Pinnacle.
Then we’ll descend into Bloomfield by way of WLT’s Stout Family Fields and Hawk Hill Farm, home to distinctive Highland cattle, arriving back at LaSalette Park with (hopefully) some stunning views of Hartford.