What a year it has been. We thank you all for sharing the journey with us--most of it masked and a moose-length apart. This baker's dozen of highlights is only a smattering of the wonder-filled moments we spent exploring GLLT properties with you (and for you--remotely). GLLT's board and staff wish you all a safe and healthy 2021. Here's to a New Year!
January. First Day Hike 2020--we toasted Lovell, Sweden, Stoneham, and Stow with hot cocoa and treats from the summit of Whiting Hill. (remember--tomorrow's hike is cancelled. Rats!)
February. I'm pretty sure I sent all Tuesday Trackers an email that morning stating that our adventure was cancelled (but I might show up despite the impending storm). Obviously, they chose not to listen and we had the best time tracking a porcupine in the snow.
March. GLLT/Lovell Rec Trailblazers behind New Suncook Elementary School--a lively bunch with incredible understanding of the natural world.
April. After we went remote in late March, one of the things we did was to join forces with Western Foothills Land Trust, Loon Echo Land Trust, and Lakes Environmental Association to create weekly themed Pocket Nature Journals.
May. At last, toward the end of the month, we felt comfortable leading hikes again (everyone Covid-19 free, masked and a moose-length apart) and one of the first was to a vernal pool where we found fairy shrimp.
June. GLLT's Groundhogs Trail Crew also went into action, clearing trail debris and improving conditions.
July. Summer evening talks took on a new spin and we were grateful to still offer them, though in a different place (Lovell Rec's Athletic Field) and time frame (5:00 - 6:00pm).
August. The storybook trail at Kezar River Reserve was quite popular and we offered two different books. (Stay tuned for a winter storybook trail--it will be put into place soon.)
September. In recent years, we've offered pond and river paddles, and this one included Charles Pond, Cold Brook, and part of Charles River on a delightful September day--though it was a bit windy.
October. Our work with Molly Ockett Middle School's MESA program took on a different spin as they split their group in half and we offered field trips into the fen on two mornings rather than one.
November. When the pandemic numbers began to rise again, we halted group gatherings beginning with the Feeding Our Neighbors hike where we traditionally bring food to donate to the local pantries before the hike begins. But . . . we told everyone to drop off food at the office between noon and 1pm that day and they did. Sweden and Lovell Food Pantries benefited from non-perishable and monetary offerings.
December. The Coombs family decorated a tree at Wilson Wing Moose Pond Bog Reserve on Horseshoe Pond Road and we encouraged others to locate it. Here, the Frankel family poses for a selfie in front of the tree. (There's still time for you to do the same. We'll take the ornaments down next week.)
Rhyan. In June, we welcomed Rhyan Paquereau, GLLT's first (and water?) Land Steward.
Audra. And this summer, Audra Hamlin served as GLLT's intern, digging in from the get go--this being her first day on the job.
OK, so I said a baker's dozen and then added a few. But hoot cares? We do! We care about you and hope you'll continue to use GLLT trails for a place to just BE in 2021.
And if you've gotten this far, we also hope you will visit our wishtree at Heald and Bradley Pond Reserve’s parking lot #2 just after the boat launch on Slab City Road. Write your hope for 2021 on a ribbon at the kiosk, whisper it into the wind and tie it to the Balsam Fir.
Again, thank you!