Photos - New Canaan Land Trust

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The New Canaan Land Trust's Instagram page is a great way to follow along with current projects, be inspired by the beauty of our preserves, and learn about our community of volunteers and visitors. Below is a collection of our most recent posts. Check out our page for more...

Plans are underway for the Grupes Homestead renova

Plans are underway for the Grupes Homestead renovation.

Volunteers of the Grupes Homestead Task Force meet to discuss plans for renovating the house and barn at our new headquarters adjacent to the Browne Preserve on Valley Road. Pictured in the front row are Ainsley Haines (chair), Anderson Kenney (architect) and Tom Robey. Standing are Cristen Cottrell and Tom Reynolds. (not pictured Susan Bergen who took the photo).

Special thanks to Ainsley Hayes for her leadership and design expertise; and Anderson Kenney who has very generously donated his time and talents to draw up the plans.

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Autumn gold… Ferns illuminated in the late afte

Autumn gold…

Ferns illuminated in the late afternoon sun on the pond trail at the Colhoun Preserve.

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Woodpeckers are the architects of the forest as il

Woodpeckers are the architects of the forest as illustrated by this old tree, riddled with holes @bristowpark_birdsanctuary.

Woodpeckers drill deep into the bark of dead trees and limbs looking for insects. They also carve out larger spaces to be used for nesting. These holes, in turn, benefit many other kinds of birds and animals. Small cavity-nesting songbirds, such as chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, tree swallows and bluebirds, raise their young in abandoned woodpecker holes. Barred owls, screech owls, wood ducks, squirrels, possums, and raccoons make use of the larger cavities for nesting, roosting or sheltering in bad weather. As none of these other woodland denizens are physically able to excavate tree holes themselves, they are dependent on the woodpeckers to do the work for them.

Because so many woodland creatures rely on the handiwork of woodpeckers, they are considered to be a keystone species in forest ecology.

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This spectacular Japanese maple graces the front y

This spectacular Japanese maple graces the front yard at our Grupes Homestead on upper Valley Road. Yesterday, the brilliant scarlet leaves sparkled in the noonday sun beneath an azure sky. Simply put - Nature at its best!

The American Sycamore is ‘king’ of the eastern

The American Sycamore is ‘king’ of the eastern forest when it comes to the size of its leaves. Sycamores are one of the tallest trees in the Northeast with a massive, straight trunk and leaves that measure up to 8 inches wide.

Chris Schipper found this beauty yesterday near the fernery @bristowpark_birdsanctuary. Thanks to Robin Bates Mason for the photo.

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What’s Going on at Grupes Homestead… The boa

What’s Going on at Grupes Homestead…

The board and staff of the New Canaan Land Trust are exploring ways to best use the space at our new headquarters at the Grupes Homestead. One of the first issues has been insufficient parking for staff, board members and volunteers. To this end, we have redesigned the entrance and parking area on Valley Road.

Our Land Steward Brian Cucchiara removed a dead tree and a large invasive burning bush to create a wider circular driveway. The retaining wall on the east side of the house was moved back several feet to create more parking space. Stone mason Greg Faillaci, who specializes in restoring historic dry stone walls, rebuilt the retaining walls and stone steps.

Finally, we chose to cover the driveway with gravel because it is more environmentally friendly than asphalt. As a permeable surface it allows rainwater to soak in rather than run off and cause erosion.

Here are some ‘before, during and after’ photos of the progress. More projects in the pipeline

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A view of Grupes Reservoir as seen from the Browne

A view of Grupes Reservoir as seen from the Browne Preserve.

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Feeling a little worn out? You're not alone. Tak

Feeling a little worn out? You're not alone.

Take a moment to recharge and join us this Saturday at 1pm at Watson-Symington for a Forest Bathing experience. 🌲✨

Forest bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, invites us to slow down and connect with nature, which has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and restore a sense of calm.

Give yourself permission to unwind—you deserve it. 🧘

Register now through the link in our bio!

Fall Planting at Still Pond Preserve National Cha

Fall Planting at Still Pond Preserve

National Charity League volunteers Cristen and Cate Cottrell, and Cori and Caitlin Aleari pitched in this week to help plant spring blooming bulbs and perennial transplants at the Silvermine Fowler Pollinator Meadow. Land Steward Brian Cucchiara, Board member Eads Johnson and volunteer Kevin Cottrell (not pictured) provided the brawn by wielding a pick ax and shovels to prepare the soil. The planting locations were selected by Board member Susan Bergen.

The Colorblend bulbs, which included several hundred Jet Fire daffodils, glory of the snow and snow drops, were donated by Chris Schipper. The perennial transplants, which included native coreopsis, Joe Pye weed and great blue lobelia, were donated by Diane Dooley. In addition, Robin Bates Mason donated three sumac trees.

Thank you all for helping NCLT enhance and care for our pollinator meadow now in its fifth year.

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Have you registered for Forest Bathing, a collabor

Have you registered for Forest Bathing, a collaboration between NCLT and @communitymindfulness? Check out the link in our bio to register for this incredible event on Saturday, November 9th, at 1:00 PM.

What is Forest Bathing? 🌲✨
A practice of immersing yourself in nature, connecting deeply with the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.

Origins 📜
Rooted in Japan, known as shinrin-yoku, which translates to "forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere."

Benefits 🌿
Studies show it reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, boosts mood, and improves focus!

How to Practice 🧘‍♂️
Slowly walk through the forest, engage your senses, breathe deeply, and leave distractions behind.

Mindfulness in Nature 🌍
Forest bathing isn’t about exercise; it’s about being present and embracing the healing power of nature.

Relics of the past at our new headquarters, the Gr

Relics of the past at our new headquarters, the Grupes Homestead on Valley Road. Metal detectorist Michael Yormack was invited to search the grounds for historical artifacts. He uncovered numerous items, some of them dating back to the mid 1700’s. Among his finds: coins and buttons, shoe buckles, a harmonica, and a pocket watch. He even dug up a Town of New Canaan dog tag from 1914.

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🍄 THIS SATURDAY (10/26 at 10:00 AM), join NCLT

🍄 THIS SATURDAY (10/26 at 10:00 AM), join NCLT and @mushroom_hunting_foundation for a FUN-gi time learning about mushrooms! Curious about how to get started with wild mushroom foraging? Ryan and Emily Bouchard will lead you through Still Pond Preserve and teach you everything you need to know!

🌳 Is being glued to your phone to not miss a moment of the news cycle stressing you out? You're not alone! Join NCLT and @communitymindfulness for a special Forest Bathing event on 🍃November 9th at 1:00 PM at Watson-Symington🍃. This event is $15.00 per participant and will reconnect you with nature through sensory awareness.

You can register now for both programs through the link in our bio!

Milkweed seeds ready to fly away on the wind.

Milkweed seeds ready to fly away on the wind.

Yesterday, Land Steward Brian Cucchiara (r)and Boa

Yesterday, Land Steward Brian Cucchiara (r)and Board Member Eads Johnson planted an eight foot tall common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) on the edge of the Silvermine Fowler meadow at Still Pond Preserve.

This understory tree, which is native to our eastern woodlands, grows best in acidic soil in filtered sunlight. It blooms in the fall as the leaves drop. The tiny yellow flowers look like exploding fireworks. The seeds that develop last through the winter and attract birds and other wildlife.

This planting is part of the New Canaan Land Trust’s a multi-year project to enhance the pollinator, bird and wildlife habitat at Still Pond Preserve.

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#newcanaanct
#livenewcanaan
#instanewcanaan
#loveyourlandtrust
#planetnewcanaan

Jon Potter is running three different Half Maratho

Jon Potter is running three different Half Marathons in three days, spanning two states around beautiful Lake Tahoe! (October 18th, 19th, and 20th) 🏃🏃🏃

And he's doing it to raise funds for the Cam Hutchins Pollinator Garden within Bristow Bird Sanctuary!

Cam Hutchins was a dear family friend, and now Jon will be running around the scenic Lake Tahoe to help support the upkeep of this garden via the New Canaan Land Trust!

Visit the link in our bio to donate to Jon's GoFundMe and learn more about his story!

A Bee or Not a Bee? This may look like a bee, but

A Bee or Not a Bee?

This may look like a bee, but it is a common species of flower fly called a transverse banded drone fly.

Many flower flies mimic bees and yellow jackets with their yellow and black striped coloring. This is believed to be an adaptation to ward off predators who avoid being stung by bees and wasps. Flower flies have no stingers and are docile.

To distinguish between bees and flower flies, look at the wings, eyes and antenna. Flower flies have only one pair of wings which they hold out horizontally when at rest. Bees have two pair of wings which are folded across their back when at rest. Flower flies have large eyes and short antenna.

There are nearly 900 species of flower flies in North America. They come in all sizes and excellent pollinators.

Pro tip: What is the best way to spot typos in you

Pro tip: What is the best way to spot typos in your monthly e-blast? Send it out labeled as 'Early August' when it's clearly mid-September! 😅

Despite the calendar confusion, don't miss our latest edition, featuring highlights from the Bristow Centennial, David Sibley's presentation, details of October's Last Saturday on the Trail, and Susan Bergen's amazing fern blog!

Mushroom challenge… It is easy to walk on by an

Mushroom challenge…

It is easy to walk on by and not pay any particular notice to this old tree stump on the path up to Still Pond. Look closely. Can you spot 3 different kinds of mushrooms growing at the base?

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#loveyourlandtrust
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🪶🪺🐦‍⬛ THANK YOU so much to everyone w

🪶🪺🐦‍⬛ THANK YOU so much to everyone who celebrated Bristow's centennial with us! Whether you attended the NCLT Annual Meeting followed by @sibleyguides presentation at the @newcanaanlibrary, or if you came to the preserve on Sunday, we thank you for supporting bird conservation in New Canaan!

Enjoy some pictures from the event, and we look forward to seeing you at October's Last Saturday on the Trail with the @mushroom_hunting_foundation! 🍄

In late summer, the Joe Pye Weed at the Colhoun me

In late summer, the Joe Pye Weed at the Colhoun meadow is a draw for all kinds of skipper butterflies. There are so many species of this type of butterfly in Connecticut that they can be difficult to differentiate. Two butterfly experts were asked to identify this one and they gave two different answers. One thought it was tawny edge skipper and the other said it was a sachem skipper. The latter is a southern species that migrates north in late summer.

Any other guesses?

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George Arthur, Art Director has been drawing, pain

George Arthur, Art Director has been drawing, painting, and sculpting his whole life and graduated from the leading School of Visual Arts in New York. He served for 33 years as the Executive Design Director at Consumer Reports where he was responsible for the design of the magazine, website, books, and special publications. Before that, he art directed the design of Sport Magazine and designed the content and covers for Life Magazine. George is a prize-winning photographer and a designer of many books, posters, and websites. George and his wife Sharon are retired and live in Placitas, New Mexico. You can bid on this incredible piece now through the link in our bio!

Own a unique piece of New Canaan history by acquir

Own a unique piece of New Canaan history by acquiring this beautiful, continuous grain live edge bench created by master woodworker and all-around nice guy John Hutchins. Built with planks milled from the 350-year old mighty white oak that stood before the Bristow entrance on Old Stamford Road, this natural oak bench is an artistic achievement of skilled woodworking. Bid now through the link in our bio!

Own a piece of New Canaan history with this beauti

Own a piece of New Canaan history with this beautiful turned white 10” in diameter and 3” high oak bowl by local artisan Lars Andersson. Of spectacular note are the medullary rays within the oak that shine throughout.

Bid now through the link in our bio!

Bid now through the link in our bio!

Bid now through the link in our bio!

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