Protecting Land and Preserving Heritage. Forever.
by George Jacobi When it happened, I couldn’t have been more than 12, but it’s among my most vivid memories of that age. Services had ended in our little stone Episcopalian church and congregants were in the small parking lot, chatting and preparing to drive home. A commotion attracted me and my brother. As a […]
I was more than a little uncomfortable yesterday beginning the hike up Utley Hill alongside Columbia Lake Brook. “Walking it Back” suggests undoing a position, an action, or a decision – and in this case, the vivid memory that needs reversal lies in my own head. I’ve avoided this particular Joshua’s Trust area for ten […]
On Google Earth it looks like a shag rug. Deep green, a hidden oasis surrounded by modern civilization. I circle the margin, trying to become part of that world of shallow water and thick Atlantic Cedars. And I fail. It’s closed off to non-avians; I bet a tick would struggle to survive. The bog is […]
This Red Oak in my front yard is in the prime of its life. My favorite tree, it’s been the home to many an Oriole family and shades my house all summer long. I saved it from Gypsy Moths in 2017 and 2018 only to have it hit by lightning in 2019. Aargh. Look again […]
After spending the last five winters in sunny Florida, I found myself back in my adult hometown of Storrs. My family and friends-both here and in Florida-found my excitement about experiencing winter again –the snow, the cold, the ice, the shoveling, the need for boots and warm coats, hats and gloves- surprising, amusing, and confusing. […]
Phew, I’m breathing a sigh of relief after the whirlwind that the holiday season has been. I feel like I’m just now able to take a moment and think about what I hope for 2022. I won’t bore you with my more personal resolutions but I will share a few intentions I have for this […]
You may have noticed that we haven’t had as much content on the blog lately. Unfortunately, several of our regular contributors haven’t been able to share with us. (Myself included…an on-the-move 7 month old will do that to you!) So, we are looking for new voices to add to the blog! If you are someone […]
Sky comes at a premium here in forested inland Connecticut. Thus, Knowlton Hill Preserve is one of Joshua’s Trust’s real gems – the vast, dizzying bowl of the heavens hangs above this knoll. It becomes especially noticeable at twilight while the tall weeds whisper. The preserve’s heart is that glacial drumlin, with flowering meadow, Oriental […]
In lieu of a blog post this week, we are sharing the link to our summer newsletter! If you haven’t gotten a copy in the mail, take a minute to give it a look! Read the newsletter here.
The path from March to May always twists and turns, fraught with weather surprises. At the Friedman Memorial Forest, April snow is heavy and winter’s hush has returned to the woods. Shark fins of bright green skunk cabbage pop up through snow by the brook, looking implausible, a page from a kids coloring book. No […]
