Photos - New Canaan Land Trust

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Have you been to Still Pond Preserve recently and

Have you been to Still Pond Preserve recently and seen our new flourishing Silvermine-Fowler Meadow? If you wondered why it looks so beautiful, this photo captures part of the answer.

Board member Cristen Cottrell is seen hauling weeds (after pulling them)...along with board member and the photographer Susan Bergen (@susannbergen) who have collectively devoted lots of time weeding our new pollinator meadow.

Thanks also to over 20 volunteers who helped plant nearly 6,000 individual native plants at the meadow last year -- and the donors who support the Land Trust -- this meadow has transformed into a thriving habitat for bees, butterflies and birds.

Note the woodland sunflowers and the mistflower in the foreground. If you haven't visited, please do. To the left, out of the photo, you can also see #newcanaansculpturetrail's Ring Tower by @joechirichello. Come visit!

@planetnewcanaan @ncbeautificationleague and New Canaan Garden Club: thanks for the helping planting this meadow.
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#newcanaanmoms #fairfnewcanaanieldcountyctnaanmoms #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan #outdoorsculpture #sculpturetrail #natureupclose #inaturalist #landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust #volunteerspirit #nativewildflowers #natureistherapy #pollinatorpathway #pollinatorswelcome #pollinatorhabitat #pollinatorplants #pollinatorfriendlygardening #pollinatorlove #walkinthewoods #wildflowersofinstagram #pollinatorswelcomehere #pollinatorsmakeitpossible #pollinatorsgonnapollinate #pollinatorsrule

Our trail cameras give us insights into the non-hu

Our trail cameras give us insights into the non-human traffic on our preserves. Here you will see a mother deer with her fawn (on one of our preserves without trails). Always love seeing mother and child!

And of course, our mission of protecting open space offers almost 400 acres of habitat for many forms of wildlife. (And not in your backyard)!
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#deerwhisperer #whitetaileddeer #landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust #naturephotograhy #naturephotographersofinstagram #deerwhisperer #whitetaileddeer #newcanaanmoms #fairfnewcanaanieldcountyctnaanmoms #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan
#natureupclose #inaturalist

Help stop the "poo-lution”! 💩🐶 Picking up

Help stop the "poo-lution”! 💩🐶

Picking up after your dogs is one of the easiest ways to protect the environment, and is required at all Land Trust preserves. The cumulative impact of our furry friends’ waste can pollute waterways and cause excess nutrient buildup in soils. And leaving behind your doggy bag is a double whammy, as plastic bag can suffocate wildlife and pollute our beautiful preserves.

Thank you for helping to care for our special places by being a responsible visitor.

"I Spy" in this stand of Spotted Touch-me-not some

"I Spy" in this stand of Spotted Touch-me-not something green and camouflaged. Do you see it?

It's a Praying Mantis!

Our Board Member @schipper.christopher was surprised to encounter this Mantis, who actually turned to look back right at him. Notice the triangular heads with bulging eyes supported on a flexible neck.

As far as Spotted Touch-me not (Impatiens capensis): in contrast to most of our native wildflowers, Spotted Touch-me-not is an annual, reproducing from seed each spring. Its common name is a reference to the seed pods popping open at a touch, a characteristic which also explains two other common names – Snapweed and Spotted Snap Weed.

The take-away: alert eyes can spot some of our natural wonders all around us!
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.#landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust #naturephotograhy #naturephotographersofinstagram #eastcoastwildflowers #pollinatorsneedlovetoo #pollinatorswelcomehere #pollinatorsmakeitpossible #pollinatorsgonnapollinate #pollinatorsrule #newcanaanmoms #fairfnewcanaanieldcountyctnaanmoms #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan #natureupclose #inaturalist

Amazing what one can learn about a tree when it fa

Amazing what one can learn about a tree when it falls in the forest, or in this case, our preserve!

We recently found a beautiful, old oak tree blocking the trail in our Watson-Symington Preserve, a few weeks after Hurricane Isaias. After ensuring the trail was cleared, our Executive Director Aaron Lefland decided to apply forestry forensics to the fallen tree and determine its age. Aaron cut out a cross section (also called a tree cookie) from the base of the tree, exposing all of the tree’s growth rings.

After carefully sanding the tree cookie to expose even the smallest of rings, we learned that the tree was nearly 150 years old! This mighty oak began growing from a tiny acorn that likely fell during the American Civil War. Slowly and steadily, the tree gained hight and girth, making its way to canopy of the forest.

The very tight rings in the 1960s indicate that the tree was growing incredibly slowly, possibly due to drought or disease. Over the last 30 years, though, this oak was growing at a steady pace as it sequestered carbon, provided food and shelter for wildlife, and filtered the air.

There is a silver lining in the demise of this oak tree, and we do not mourn its loss. The gap in the canopy created by this tree’s absence will allow other, surrounding trees to grow faster as they receive more sunlight. And this tree, though dead, will continue to support abundant life as it decomposes and returns nutrients to the soil.

#landtrust #treerings #loveyourctlandtrust #naturephotograhy #naturephotographersofinstagram #newcanaanmoms #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan #findmeoutside #oak #oaktree #dendrochronology

Calling all photographers: did you know that the

Calling all photographers: did you know that the Land Trust and @carriagebarnartscenter have created a photography competition and exhibition dedicated to the New Canaan Sculpture Trail. Here is your chance to capture your favorite sculpture(s) of #newcanaansculpturetrail and be a part of the Sculpture Trail Photo showcase. Our Exhibition Committee (comprised of three professional photographers) will select up to 15 photographs to be included Carriage Barn’s annual “Capturing New Canaan” Exhibit (opens 10/22/20). The competition has two categories: adults and students.

Thanks to our Exhibition Committee for their participating in the Sculpture Trail Photo Contest: @jeannashepardphotography @philnelsonphoto and #newcanaanhighschool Jeanne McDonagh.

Get your cameras out...deadline for entry is September 30th. Submit photographs to the online gallery on the Carriage Barn's website ( at https://carriagebarn.org/NCSculpture/)
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#naturephotograhy #naturephotographersofinstagram #landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust
#bestphotos #photographoftheday #photographychallenge #outdoorsculpture #sculpturetrail

Happy National Dog Day from Penny, trusty companio

Happy National Dog Day from Penny, trusty companion to our Executive Director, Aaron Lefland. While she has gotten used to working from home, she’d much prefer to be out on the trails and meeting new friends.

#nationaldogday #dogsofinsta #dogsofnewcanaan #muttsofinstagram #mansbestfriend

Thinking of taking a walk today? How going to Colh

Thinking of taking a walk today? How going to Colhoun Preserve on Davenport Ridge Road where you might spot these Bright red cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) along the boardwalk path?

Colhoun offers a great diversity of landscape in its 21 acres: a meadow, walkways (aka above mentioned broadway), woods, a solitary bench in the woods, a pond and Matthias Neumann's sculpture, Basics #39 right in middle of the meadow, next to the parking lot. Come visit.

More about these brilliant red flowers: Cardinal flowers are short-lived perennials native to the eastern US and Canada. They grow in shaded wetland areas, along streams and near ponds. They flower in late summer, attracting bumble bees and especially ruby-throated hummingbirds, which are their main pollinators.

Thanks to @susannbergen for the photo and information. Also thanks to @matthiasneumann for his contribution to #newcanaansculpturetrail.
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#newcanaanmoms #fairfnewcanaanieldcountyctnaanmoms #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan
#landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust #outdoorsculpture #sculpturetrail #artinstallation #naturephotograhy #naturephotographersofinstagram #nativewildflowers #natureistherapy #walkinthewoods #wildflowersofinstagram #pollinatorsneeded #pollinatorpathway #pollinatorswelcome #pollinatorhabitat #pollinatorplants #pollinatorfriendlygardening #pollinatorlove

Our summer interns spent time yesterday putting to

Our summer interns spent time yesterday putting together kindling of freshly-cut cedar, thanks to the direction of Chris Schipper. These bundles of kindling, all sourced from Land Trust preserves, will add a wonderful aroma to our fireplaces in the fall and winter ...which will be here before we know it.

Thanks to @schipper.christopher for the oversight! Also thanks all the contributions of Jack Craig, Jeronimo Marsili, Peter Murphy and Lorenzo Marsili (left to right in photo) who finish their internship tomorrow.

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#newcanaanmoms #fairfnewcanaanieldcountyctnaanmoms #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan #summerinterns #summerinternships #buildingcommunities #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust

Mark your calendars and sign up at the New Canaan

Mark your calendars and sign up at the New Canaan Library for this important Zoom presentation on August 20th. Brought to you by the Pollinator Pathway of New Canaan (which we are member), entomologist Dr. Kimberly Stoner will talk on the importance of bees to the pollination of our crops and native plants.

Dr. Stoner will describe the diversity of bees and their life cycles, and how we can create habitats for them to not only survive but thrive. Thanks to @newcanaanlibrary for hosting this important virtual presentation.
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#newcanaanmoms #fairfnewcanaanieldcountyctnaanmoms #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan #pollinatorsneedlovetoo #pollinatorswelcomehere #pollinatorsmakeitpossible #pollinatorsgonnapollinate #pollinatorsrule #pollinatorsupport #pollinatorsmatter #pollinatorsanctuary #pollinatorsarelife #pollinatorsneeded #pollinatorpathway #pollinatorswelcome #pollinatorhabitat #pollinatorplants #pollinatorfriendlygardening #pollinatorlove #pollinate #beekeep #beesarelife #beeslife #savebees #polinators #beelife

Life imitating art...Isaias’ ‘crafty’ work o

Life imitating art...Isaias’ ‘crafty’ work on the left seems to resemble the #newcanaansculpturetrail Ashen in the courtyard of the Carriage Barn. Thankfully Isaias didn’t harm the amazing work of #anthonyheinzmay.
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#outdoorsculpture
#landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #newcanaanmoms #livenewcanaan

Fence building today at the Firefly Preserve! NCLT

Fence building today at the Firefly Preserve! NCLT interns are continuing to do amazing work.

How many turkeys can you count? 🦃 🦃 🦃 T

How many turkeys can you count? 🦃 🦃 🦃

This rafter of turkeys (yes, we had to look that up) was spotted today by our Executive Director, Aaron Lefland, while he was clearing fallen trees at the Colhoun Preserve. They almost walked right up to Aaron!

#turkey #rafterofturkeys #wildlifephotography #nature #landtrust #openspace #loveyourctlandtrust #wildlife #newcanaan #livenewcanaan #gobblegobble

A beautiful day at the Fowler Meadow with our inte

A beautiful day at the Fowler Meadow with our interns, removing invasive weeds!!! 🌿

Another great day with our Summer Steward Interns!

Another great day with our Summer Steward Interns! Today we installed close to 70’ of split rail fence at the Firefly Sanctuary, including a fancy new gate. The new fences will help to keep visitors on the land trust property, and delineate the boundaries of the much-loved preserve. By the end of the day, everyone was an expert at using the post hole digger!

#landstewardship #fireflysanctuary #internship #fencebuilding #splitrail #summer #postholedigger #loveyourctlandtrust

Have you seen the new upgrade at our Still Pond Pr

Have you seen the new upgrade at our Still Pond Preserve? Thanks to Troop 70's Max Schauer who, for his Eagle Scout project, built and installed new benches around the fire pit, creating new and improved seating at the campfire. You may not be thinking "campfire" right now, but it's a great spot to take in Still Pond!

We are so grateful for Max's hard work, and for all of the volunteers who helped him complete the project.

Want to learn more about what's going on at the Land Trust. Go to our website and sign-up for our monthly enewsletter. The new one is out today, and features Max!
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#landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust #newcanaan #newcanaanmoms #fairfieldcountyct #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan #findmeoutside #volunteerspirit
#boyscoutsofamerica #boyscouts

Like their walnut and oak cousins, hickories also

Like their walnut and oak cousins, hickories also produce a hard mast. These hickory nuts are an important food source for squirrels, turkey, deer, and other critters.

Did you know that squirrels will actually seek out hickory nuts over acorns? Hickory nuts have fewer tannins than acorns, and are therefore a bit tastier for the discerning squirrel palate.

#hickory #carya #shagbarkhickory #hickorynut #ecology #nature #loveyourctlandtrust

Meet our Session Two Interns! We are off to a grea

Meet our Session Two Interns! We are off to a great first week, completing various and versatile projects. Stay tuned!

Looking for a tranquil spot in the woods to take a

Looking for a tranquil spot in the woods to take advantage of this beautiful day? Perhaps you'll take a hike to the bench looking toward Still Pond in our Still Pond Preserve. You can enjoy both nature... and art. Joe Chirchirillo's Ring Tower as part of our #newcanaansculpturetrail adorns the pond.
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#landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust #naturephotograhy #naturephotographersofinstagram #artinstallation #outdoorsculpture #sculpturetrail #findmeoutside

Did you know this is a Wood Duck nesting box? It

Did you know this is a Wood Duck nesting box? It was just put up last week on our GreenLink Trail between @newcanaannaturecenter and #irwinparknewcanaan.

Thanks to @susannbergen for the photo and the new blog about Wood Ducks.

A few things to know: Wood Duck homes in the wild are built by woodpeckers! Wood Ducks nest in natural tree cavities or holes excavated by woodpeckers. They don’t bring in nesting materials but rely on wood and debris found naturally in their chosen site. Because our bird boxes are man-made, we have added a thick layer of clean wood chips to encourage a mama duck to take up residence. Pretty cool!

There more to learn in Susan's blog -- Go to our website and click on blog on the navigation bar!
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#woodducks #landtrust #landtrustlife #landtrusts #loveyourctlandtrust #newcanaan #newcanaanmoms #fairfieldcountyct #newcanaanct #livenewcanaan #natureistherapy #walkinthewoods

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