Below is a letter from board member and volunteer coordinator, Dr. Haik Kavookjian, who continues to direct the ambition and enthusiasm of the hardy group of reliable volunteers, New Canaan’s own Service League of Boys, or SLOBs.
The ongoing SLOBs partnership is one that benefits all parties involved: the parents and the youth get outdoors and enjoy some vigorous volunteer activity together, the properties get some much-needed attention, and the Land Trust advances our goals of both becoming more responsible stewards and engaging the youth and community in new ways.
In addition to improving the conditions of the vegetation in this portion of the woods, all those who pass by see the progress of an improving landscape, both in the health of the forest and beauty in the eye of the observer.
Read Dr. Kavookjian’s take on the successful day in the woods.
Thank you to the SLOBs for your continued service to the community!
-Mike J.
<><><><><><><><><>
Dear NCLT’ers,
In a word things were great with trash collected and recycled, vines cut, stone wall exposed and leaners dropped, all in two hours! The fact spring has failed to arrive did not keep the SLOBs from doing their usual work.
SLOBs, parents, and volunteers pose for a photo after a hard morning’s work.
SLOB seniors continue to dispel the myth of senioritis. Not only did senior Brad Newton show up with all the enthusiasm of a freshmen but he lead the charge de-vining. He was even able to convince his mom, Anne, to join the crew. Anne has been on several NCLT projects and is always welcome back.
Not far behind was Ryan, Mattaeo and my son Gabriel who bring prior experience and a great work ethic. Once instructions are given they are off to the races.
We were particularly fortunate to have a new SLOB, Tim Scranton (?) and even his mom who live right around the corner. Particularly exciting is that his mom, Nancy, has lived in the area and never heard for NCLT. I am elated since she is considering membership.
When ever we have great SLOB parents running things like the Newtons there is a moment of apprehension with the change in leadership as the next family assumes that role. Good news, Dave Woodman and his son Charlie Woodman are ready and seem like they were born ready. I still remember Dave’s first day with NCLT putting in blue bird house posts at Colhoun Meadow. A one hour job took ~ 15 minutes with the post still standing tall.
Last but not least I will always remember Julia Portale for many contributions to NCLT but the most important contribution will be when she introduced me to Richard Harkey. Richard comes from the Northwest and worked professionally as a logger. He jumped right in and began to untangle the nasty locusts left from Sandy and countless Nor’easters. Yes, he walked away with a bit of respect of for our trees such as the tangled locusts but he has been un-phased and is ready for more.
The next project for the SLOBs at the Land Trust will be at Hicks-Kelley property off of Cedar Lane in late April.
All the best.
Recent Comments