End-of-Season Work at Tefftweald

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve in North Stonington was a bustle of activity, likely more than it had seen in several months.  Avalonia staff and volunteers braved the chill and after an initial rendezvous at the pavilion, the group of fifteen broke into three separate work parties with one clearing, re-blazing, and assessing sections of the Wyassup Brook loop. 

Another group headed east to handle trails there with special attention given to tidying up the historic Isaac and Bell York Cemetery just off the trail. The third group walked the boundary of the preserve to make sure that there were sufficient boundary signs posted and to note any potential encroachments. 

Among the many highlights was coming across an Eastern red bat resting in a mountain laurel (thanks to the keen eye-sight of one of the youngest members of the the group). We wrapped up with a reconvening at the pavilion which included some well-earned edibles and potables. Overall, these efforts represented a significant amount of work (more than 60 hours combined!) and, undoubtedly, our winter hikers at Tefftweald will reap the benefits!