Greenwich, Conn. - The hum of the hydraulic wood splitter could be heard from the Greenwich Land Trust’s (GLT) Agnew Apple Orchard in northern Greenwich last week.  In the far corner of the orchard’s rolling meadow, a group from Abilis worked in the midday heat to split a cord and a half of wood.  The downed trees had been brought to the site from three other GLT preserves that suffered extensive storm damage in March.    Although GLT generally leaves fallen trees in place, the trees being split had to be moved to clear access to GLT preserves and to repair stone walls.

“We always enjoy working with Abilis and are delighted to support their firewood program,” said Ginny Gwynn, executive director of the Greenwich Land Trust.  “The GLT has relied on Abilis help for Go Wild! and membership mailings in the past, and in recent years we’ve identified projects that Abilis can help with on the land itself.  This is a beneficial partnership which we hope to continue expanding.”

Oren Gershberg, Matt Hochman and Kevin Finn split and stacked the wood. Abilis in turn will sell the firewood to the public under an Abilis employment program that raises critical money for the organization. 

"The partnership with the Greenwich Land Trust is one we truly value," said Lolli Ross, executive director of Abilis. "It provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the skills and interests of people we support and provides them with meaningful work in their community. In addition, many wonderful relationships have been formed in the process."

Due to the extensive tree damage in March, the GLT is making an effort to plant new trees and save others that can be propped back up.  Earlier this year, a small group from Abilis gathered at the GLT’s 11-acre Sherwood Farm Preserve to plant seedling trees that had been donated by The Care of Trees.  The group from Abilis: Shannon Gudz, Daiki Miya and Abilis staff member Melissa Gai, worked alongside GLT Board Member Bill Bishop and Greenwich High School intern Sean Broderick to plant fifteen Norway Spruce trees.  They returned several times the following week to check on the new plantings and to water them.

 “We hope to invite Abilis to the orchard again this fall to help harvest apples for use in their cooking classes,” said Daniel Barrett, GLT’s Environmental Director.  Barrett was referring to an outing the two groups shared in the fall of 2009, where GLT President Bill Boysen and Mr. Barrett worked with a crew from Abilis to harvest heirloom variety apples from the Agnew Orchard.  “The apples are looking good and are getting bigger every day.”

About Abilis

Abilis, formerly known as Greenwich ARC, provides comprehensive services to people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Greenwich-Stamford area.  To learn more, visit www.abilis.us or call 203.531.1880     

About the Greenwich Land Trust

The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently in its natural state for the benefit of this and future generations.  Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas.  The GLT currently preserves more than 729 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. Call 203.629.2151 or visit www.gltrust.org for more information.

GLT Contact: Kara Hartigan Whelan
Director of Membership & Community Outreach
Ph: 203.629.2151
Email: Kara@gltrust.org

Greenwich, Conn. – In mid July, the Greenwich Land Trust (GLT), a local non-profit dedicated to preserving open space permanently, welcomed a team of Outward Bound students and their leaders to conduct land stewardship work on GLT’s 34-acre Old Stone Bridge Preserve in Cos Cob, CT.  The students earned merit-based scholarships to attend the 16-day Delaware Water Gap wilderness course, which featured canoeing and backpacking. Their final day on course was one of community service, during which, teams of Outward Bound students and staff worked alongside GLT representatives to improve an existing nature trail that runs the length of GLT’s beautiful Cos Cob preserve. 

“This was a meaningful finale for the students to return home from their course and recognize the importance of giving back, especially in their local communities,” said Todd Pines, who chairs Outward Bound’s CT Council.    “We look forward to a continued partnership with GLT.”  

The Outward Bound program, now in its fourth year, is made possible by generous donations from individuals, foundations and corporations interested in seeing Connecticut students become leaders and give back to their community. The program offers a customized curriculum and challenges participants (high school sophomores and juniors) to strengthen their leadership abilities. Students are encouraged to give back to their respective communities individually and as a team.

 “This is the first time the Greenwich Land Trust and Outward Bound have partnered, and we were impressed with the incredible amount of manpower we had in the field,” said Bill Boysen, GLT’s Board President, who worked alongside students to repair a small bridge and clear invasive species.  “We accomplished a great deal together and improved a significant amount of the trail. The Greenwich Land Trust is very grateful to these students for all their help and enthusiasm.”  Later that afternoon, Mr. Boysen and Ginny Gwynn, the GLT’s Executive Director, attended the graduation ceremony for the group.

About the Greenwich Land Trust

The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently in its natural state for the benefit of this and future generations.  Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas.  The Greenwich Land Trust currently preserves more than 729 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes.   The GLT’s Old Stone Bridge Preserve was permanently protected in 1976.  The land is rolling and includes a red maple swamp, a vibrant pond, and a wooded ravine with 150-year-old beech and oak trees.  The preserve is home to wood ducks, wild turkey, black-crowned night herons, red tailed hawk and a variety of reptiles.

For more information visit WWW.GLTRUST.ORG.

About Outward Bound

Outward Bound, founded in 1941 by educator Kurt Hahn, is a non-profit educational organization that serves people of all ages and backgrounds through challenging learning expeditions that focus on character development, leadership and service. Outward Bound inspires self- discovery and helps individuals and teams achieve their potential and develop the leadership skills needed to serve others in their community and care for the world around them. Outward Bound serves 70,000 students annually and has a nationwide community of more than 1 million people. 

For more information visit WWW.OUTWARDBOUND.ORG. 

GLT Contact: Kara H. Whelan
Director of Membership & Community Outreach
Ph: 203.629.2151
Email: Kara@gltrust.org

Greenwich, Conn.  The Greenwich Land Trust’s (GLT) Shell Island was the first stop during a kayak trip that drew more than 60 local paddlers (ages 5 and up) on Saturday.  For the second consecutive year, the GLT worked with Calf Island Conservancy (CIC) to organize an educational outing for local families to explore two unique islands, both with a rich history.

"We were delighted to work with Calf Island Conservancy on our second annual family kayak trip”, said Ginny Gwynn, Executive Director of the GLT. “The day was spectacular, with all ages joining together to paddle to and picnic at these remote islands and to celebrate their permanent protection."

Once on Shell Island, kayakers were greeted by naturalist Sue Baker (who serves on GLT’s Advisory Board and Calf Island Conservancy’s Board of Directors).   Baker talked briefly about beach ecology and geology.  After hearing Ginny Gwynn explain GLT’s current stewardship and restoration work on Shell Island, families set out on foot to explore the island for themselves. 

Event participants then made their way to Calf Island (by walking the sandbar that connects the two islands at low tide - or paddling over) to join the following Calf Island Conservancy representatives:  Don Bohl, Edward Henrey, Lisette Henrey, and Marilyn Harris.  The informal natural history walks on Calf Island ended at a stunning beach where kayakers gathered to roast hot dogs and ‘smores over open fires and relax and enjoy the view with new friends.

The event was a success because of the incredible logistical efforts of Tamara Ng-Yow (GLT Board Member) and Jean-Francois Bulycz (CIC Board Member). Old Greenwich Community Sailing assisted with kayak rentals to round out a day that brought families together to enjoy some of Greenwich’s most scenic and remote permanently protected lands.

Learn More:

Calf Island Conservancy: Calf Island (31.5 acres), owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is open year round to visits by the public and is supported by the Calf Island Conservancy. The Conservancy's mission is to work with National Wildlife Refuge personnel to provide appropriate high-quality public uses, promote environmental education opportunities, and enhance natural habitats on the island for plants, fish, wildlife and people and to continue, promote and enhance Calf Island's long history of public access. Visit WWW.CALFISLAND.ORG for more information.

The Greenwich Land Trust: Shell Island (5.23 acres) is a part of over 729 acres permanently protected by the Greenwich Land Trust. The Land Trust is dedicated to preserving land permanently in its natural state for the benefit of this and future generations. Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas. Visit WWW.GLTRUST.ORG for more information.


GLT Contact: Kara Hartigan Whelan
Director of Membership & Community Outreach
203.629.2151
Kara@gltrust.org

Greenwich, Conn. - The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT), a non-profit organization dedicated to
preserving land in its natural state,  will host a variety of events to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of Earth Day and invites the community to share in the fun.  The GLT’s free family outings will include an afternoon of community service, an evening of star gazing, and an afternoon walk to explore three permanently protected properties that form an impressive greenway in north Greenwich.

Nature Preserve Clean-Up sponsored by Outdoor Traders: April 22   On Earth Day (April 22), all are invited to help clean up a scenic spot in Greenwich by  assisting the GLT with trash and brush removal from a GLT nature preserve and surrounding roadway.  The clean-up event will begin at 4:00 pm (rain or shine) and is sponsored by Outdoor Traders. Volunteers should bring their own work gloves and wear sturdy shoes.  Park along Old Stone Bridge Road in Cos Cob (Cat Rock Road end).  

Shop locally to benefit the GLT and open space protection: April 22 (all day)  Smart Kids' Toy, Pizza Post, McArdle's, and Splurge will donate 20-50% of their Earth Day proceeds to the GLT.  Please support their efforts by visiting them on Earth Day.  Together we can protect what we all love about Greenwich.  GLT also salute AlphaGraphics Greenwich, Gofer Ice Cream, and Outdooor Traders for supporting our Earth Day programs.  Thank you!

Star Gazing from a Protected Meadow: April 23   On Friday evening April 23,  in conjunction with the Astronomical Society of Greenwich (ASG), the Greenwich Land Trust has planned an evening of star gazing from a permanently protected meadow off Round Hill Road.  In addition to star gazing, children will participate in games and the making and eating of s‘mores!  Scopes will be pointing to the night sky while Rick Bria and other ASG members will be on hand for informal astronomy instruction. The event will be held from 7:45 – 9:00 PM. Clouds or rain will postpone the event to Sunday April 25, check GLT’s website for details and to RSVP.
Spring Walk & Community Celebration: May 2  On Sunday may 2, the Greenwich Land Trust invites friends and neighbors for a spring walk through a special greenway in northern Greenwich.  The Sargent, Stone, and Gildersleeve preserves protect a natural wildlife cooridor and all will delight in discovering spring surprises around every corner.  Children will play games, enjoy healthy snacks and stretch their legs while spending a lovely spring afternoon outside.

Special thanks to The Care of Trees for supplying seedlings for event participants!

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The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently in its natural state for the benefit of this and future generations.  Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas.  The Land Trust currently preserves more than 729 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. For more information about GLT’s Earth Day events please call 203.629.2151 or visit WWW.GLTRUST.ORG.

The Astronomical Society of Greenwich is a club for amateur astronomers at all levels of expertise, affiliated with the Natural Science and Education Departments of the Bruce Museum.  Club goals are to advance awareness and understanding of various aspects of astronomy, to facilitate contact among amateur astronomers, to maintain a liaison with other astronomical organizations in the Fairfield-Westchester area , to provide a focal point for astronomical information and education for area residents and to foster a scientific and social atmosphere for the benefit members.  For more information please visit http://www.seocom.com/asg/asginfo.html.

GLT Contact: Kara H. Whelan
Director of Membership & Community Outreach
203.629.2151
Kara@gltrust.org

Greenwich, Conn. - “Historic Stone Walls of Greenwich: No Stone Unturned,” a program jointly sponsored by The Greenwich Land Trust and the Greenwich Historical Society originally slated for March 23 (cancelled due to the storm), has been rescheduled for May 18 at 1:00 pm. The two organizations will join forces for an educational walk and talk on a familiar visual motif around town– the stone walls of Greenwich.

Presenters Dan Barrett, Environmental Director of the Greenwich Land Trust and Anne Young, archivist at the Greenwich Historical Society, will discuss the variety of walls that snake along our byways and skirt the perimeters of our yards, covering how these rough-cut gems evolved and why they continue to be an important part of the town’s legacy. Following the lecture, participants will take a walk on one of the Land Trust’s preserves in back country Greenwich to explore the geology and history embodied in these iconic walls. Fred N. Durante, Jr., Inc. is a generous sponsor of this program. Admission is free, but donations to either sponsoring organization are encouraged. Reservations are required and number of participants will be limited. Location information provided at time of registration.Sponsored by The Greenwich Land Trust and Greenwich Historical Society

May 18, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Free admission. Reservations required.

Greenwich, Conn – All are invited to join the Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) for a winter wilderness walk on Friday, February 19 at 3:15pm.  Revel in the wonders of nature along a snowy scenic trail through the GLT’s 12.4-acre Duck Pond Hill Preserve, which has been permanently protected by the GLT since 1999.  Daniel Barrett, GLT”s Environmental Director, will point out a variety of sights and seasonal sounds including woodpecker habitat, a vernal pool, and a majestic “wolf tree”. 

Families are encouraged to join the GLT for this free outing.  The walk is suitable for all ages and will end in the meadow at Duck Pond Hill with ‘smores and hot cocoa for all. 

The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently in its natural state for the benefit of this and future generations.  Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas.  The Land Trust currently preserves more than 729 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes.

Please RSVP for the Winter Walk by calling Jacinta Mullins at 203.629.2151 or email Jacinta@gltrust.org.  Learn more about the GLT at www.gltrust.org.

GLT Contact: Kara H. Whelan
Director of Membership & Community Outreach
203.629.2151
Kara@gltrust.org

Greenwich, Conn. – Today, the Greenwich Land Trust, dedicated to preserving open space in Greenwich, announced new members of its Board of Directors and Officers of the Board.  The following officers were elected for a one-year term: Bill Boysen, President, John Nelson, Vice President, Tamara Ng-Yow, Vice President, Rusty Parker, Treasurer, Jane Hogeman, Secretary.

The new Greenwich Land Trust Board Members are:
William (Bill) S. Bishop retired from a long and distinguished career with Chrysler Capital then Daimler Chrysler Capital Services.  He has served on the Board of Governors of the Field Club, on the Executive Committee, and as the Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee. Bill is also active in SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives- a national organization providing counselors for start-ups and small businesses. He has four grown children and has lived in Greenwich for 22 years.

Julie Grace Burke has been a member of GLT’s Conservation Council and Go Wild! committee for many years.  Her prior work experience is in development and public relations for a regional hospital, and she has extensive experience in events management.  Julie is currently a realtor with Round Hill Partners, Inc.  She is an active volunteer for Brunswick School, Greenwich Academy, and R.E.A.C.H. prep.  Julie also coaches travel lacrosse and lives in Greenwich with her husband and three children. 

James (Jim) Carr, is a 31-year Greenwich resident, biologist and life-long naturalist.  Jim combined his love of biology and nature into a career in horticulture. He has developed a completely ecological approach to horticulture and his varied expertise provides ample opportunity to lecture, write and teach horticultural topics at many institutions including: The New York Botanical Garden, and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. Jim serves as Director of the Greenwich Farmers’ Market and as Chairman of the Greenwich Farmland Preservation Coalition.

Diane (Dee Dee) Day Sherman began her professional career at EPR/CRS Sirrine, Inc., an architectural engineering and design firm in Washington, DC and New York.  She then joined STUDIOS architectural groups as a consultant in 1987.  Dee Dee has served on various boards, including The Junior League of Greenwich, Greenwich Adult Day Care and The ‘Sconset Casino in Nantucket.  She has been an active volunteer with The Center for Hope, The Family Centers and, as a Greenwich Country Day School parent volunteer.  Dee Dee has lived in Greenwich for 22 years with her husband Rob. They have three children.

“The GLT is fortunate to welcome professionals of such high caliber to our Board of Directors.  All new board members have experience that will be very beneficial to the implementation of GLT’s goals in 2010 and we’re all looking forward to working with them this year,” said Bill Boysen, President of the Board.

The Greenwich Land Trust’s 27-member Board of Directors represents a diverse range of experience including law, real estate, technology, marketing, engineering, philanthropy, finance, and the natural sciences.  All have been involved in leadership roles in community service and share a commitment to permanently protecting what we love and need in Greenwich – open space.

The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently in its natural state for the benefit of this and future generations.  Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas.  The Land Trust currently preserves more than 729 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. Call 203.629.2151 or visit WWW.GLTRUST.ORG for more information.

The Greenwich Land Trust
Contact: Kara H. Whelan
Director of Membership & Community Outreach
(203) 629-2151
kara@gltrust.org