The Southbury Land Trust (SLT) held its annual meeting on Sunday, May 19, drawing members of the public for an afternoon of updates, recognition, and environmental education.
Traditionally held at the Southbury Public Library, this year’s meeting was held under the pavilion at Ballantine Park.
SLT President Joe Ruggiero highlighted some of the non-profit’s recent work that’s powered by volunteer stewardship.
“There’s been a lot of work this year, especially with the flooding…” said Ruggiero. “We rely on our volunteers.”
Incorporated in 1978, the SLT has forever-preserved more than 2,000 acres in the town. They have the support of over 180 members, with over 100 of those having been donors for a decade or longer. Among some of the people who volunteer their time to this group include multi-generational farm owners, local Eagle Scouts, and the group’s own chainsaw crew.
“It’s fantastic,” Ruggiero added. “These folks feel very strongly about how important it is to do this.”
He briefed the audience about some of the damage sustained during last year’s flood – a lost road at Lovdal Farm that led to the upper fields – while noting that they were “on the fortunate side” compared to other parts of town.
“We were able to apply for a separate grant for relief from the state,” said Ruggiero. “We had to move pretty fast and we were able to get $10,000 to replace the farm road up to Lovdal.”
The group also detailed the work on their recent project to install a “beaver deceiver” on Judd Road, allowing for a local beaver to remain in his home while preventing future flood damage.
Installed last summer, the device allows water to drain in a way that would otherwise build up behind the beaver-built dam. With the help of the local police department, an electric speed limit sign was put on the road that it shares with Pomperaug High School.
“It’s been a major success, and it survived the flood,” said Ruggiero.
Laura Hine, a trustee of the land trust, highlighted a newfound partnership with the town’s parks and recreation department. They joined forces to host an orienteering event with SLT’s stewardship director, Patrick Monahan, and the Newtown Orienteering Club. There are plans to repeat the event in the future, she says.
Hine, together with SLT’s administrative director Joy VanderLek, entered the town’s scarecrow contest last fall, creating “Mother Nature” using dried flowers and repurposed materials.
“It turned out beautifully, and we actually won,” Hine said.
The SLT also presented Rick Lynch with a certificate of appreciation for volunteer work, noting his speciality in clearing invasive species during many of their stewardship workshops.
“We really appreciate it when someone does all the hours that Rick did and continues to help us in so many ways,” Ruggiero said.
The non-profit also provided a glimpse into the near future, with the Spring Hill Farm Preserve, located along the town’s border with Woodbury. On the over 30 acres of land, planning and work is underway to build an ADA-compliant boardwalk trail that leads to a wildlife observation platform. The ongoing project is made possible through a grant from the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program.
“This is one of the few properties we have on the east side of town,” Ruggiero explained. “That’s something you’ll see in the next year or two.”
A presentation on nocturnal wildlife and their behaviors was given by master wildlife conservationist for CT DEEP, Virginia Apple. She highlighted the importance of wildlife protection and spoke to the decline in wildlife numbers, particularly foxes and birds of prey, due to rodenticides.
To learn more about the Southbury Land Trust, visit www.southburylandtrust.org
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