Photo Gallery
Great Meadow Hike with Naturalist Phil Miller
On a beautiful, fresh, and sunny May 1st, over 20 participants joined naturalist Phil Miller on an exploration of Essex”s Great Meadow. Phil shared information about the area’s history and its very special habitat. Home to many different species of birds and a diverse flora, the Great Meadow’s 175 acres (of which the land trust owns 91) was once used for cattle grazing and harvesting of salt grasses. Through efforts funded mainly by the land trust, invasive phragmites have been largely replaced by native spartina, cattails and an increasing presence of native phragmites, believed to be the largest concentration in the State of Connecticut.
55th Annual Meeting
The Essex Land Trust held its 55th annual meeting on April 24 at Essex Meadows. Over 100 members and supporters attended the reception and business meeting. Highlights included a summary of accomplishments and activities over the past year, the election of two new Board members and the honoring of two retiring Board members, Paul Greenberg and Joel Anik. A new 23 acre preserve was announced: Toby Hill Ridge in Ivoryton. We thank all members and supporters for helping the land trust achieve another successful year.
Vernal Pool Walk at The Preserve
On a perfect vernal pool day in early April, Bob Russo, Ivoryton resident and land trust member, led a multigenerational group of 30 participants in learning about this annual natural phenomenon. Russo explained the life cycle which salamanders and frogs undergo in spring. Participants were able to observe, gather and hold egg masses, red backed salamanders, and even a yellow spotted salamander.
Winter Hike at Bushy Hill & Platt Preserves
On a typical January winter day, naturalist Phil Miller led an intrepid dozen hikers through the Bushy Hill & Platt Preserves. Sunny skies, temperature in the high 20s and snow on the ground meant that we enjoyed a classic winter outing. We had a true classroom experience given Phil’s vast knowledge of the property’s past history and its nature. Undoubtedly, the trip’s highlight was stopping by the 400 year-old wolf white oak, probably the oldest tree in Essex. Its massive girth and broad canopy have been given a new lease on life after the recent clearing and removal of encroaching trees and brush.
Fall Cleanups at Cross Lots and Osage Trails
2024 is coming to an end with our traditional preserve cleanups. A cadre of hard core volunteers spent a couple of hours on two Saturdays in December to rake up substantial amounts of leaves covering open areas in both Cross Lots and Osage Trails. Most leaves are left in planted areas to convert to beneficial mulch, while the remainder are taken away to the Town of Essex dump where they are repurposed into leaf mold for use in Town gardens.
Volunteer Appreciation Event – September 14, 2024
The Essex Land Trust recently hosted a volunteer appreciation event at Cross Lots in recognition of the significant and valuable contribution which land trust volunteers contribute to our mission. Volunteers contribute approximately 5,000 hours of their time (valued at the equivalent of $167,000). While volunteers play a critical role in the area of stewardship, there is additional and considerable effort in back-office support including finance, programs, and communications. We could not be the organization we are without the dedication of these more than 50 individuals. Pizza and beverages were provided for the occasion. A big thanks to all!
Mill Pond Paddle – August 10, 2024
The recent spell of heat, humidity and rain gave way to a clear, sunny and dry morning where eager paddlers explored Ivoryton’s Mill Pond, led by Bob and Sue Cornell. We also enjoyed a cookout at a neighbors yard overlooking the Falls River. A great way to celebrate beautiful summer weather! Thanks to all that made the event special.
