Stewardship gears up for spring!

As a stalwart consumer of the USDA Climate Hub educational webinars, I was enthralled by the recent Forest Dwelling Bat Conservation panel discussion. With shifting focus between Tri-colored, Eastern Red, and Northen long-eared bats, among others, it was an incredibly informative and instructive session. Avalonia has a number of preserves on which we have either record or observation of these bats, so learning about ways to favor their presence was important.

However, unlike these bats, who have begun to overwinter more frequently in CT, we, at stewardship, can’t claim any degree of hibernation or semi-torpor, instead we have emerged (nay, jumpstarted) from winter, into an early spring, one that promises to be both busy and productive.

The stewardship calendar is already populated with a number of events and more are expected. Our fields and meadows are being mowed in advance of the breeding birds and our trails and bridges are being cleared and repaired for the expected surge in foot traffic! Likewise, our more observant hikers may notice the removal of numerous hazardous trees along trails and parking areas.

Student researchers and our prospective SNEC Land Stewardship Interns will add to both our cumulative scientific knowledge and stewardship capacity. Several grant-funded initiatives, generously sponsored by Community Foundation of Eastern CT, Audubon, CT Ornithological Association, Connecticut Land Conservation Council, Chelsea Groton Bank, and CT DEEP, will allow us to engage in structure invasive plant management, restoration, parking enhancements, and other projects. Administratively, we are working to update our management plans and refine portions of Avalonia’s Strategic Plan.

If you would like to volunteer your time and assist in any of these stewardship efforts, you are encouraged to do so by registering here. In the meantime, I hope to see you on the trails!