We're trying to save paper—and help the environment—with less mailings! Please share or update your email.
In an effort to be environmentally conscious and to save money on printing and postage, we would like to try to transition into using less paper. Please update or add your email addresses here!
We're asking all members to add their current email address, even if you already receive our email newsletter. This will ensure you get the most up-to-date information on membership, our hikes, events and invasive removal days, including last minute changes or cancellations. Email addresses will be used for SLT communication purposes only. Your privacy is important to us.
We are looking for some helpers!
Join us for a morning (or two or three) of invasive plant removal, along with a little education, camaraderie, habitat restoration, and some snacks! These bi-monthly volunteer opportunities will teach you how to identify and manage invasive plants in your own backyard while you help us control and remove these harmful plants on the SLT preserves.
You are welcome to join us on all or any of these dates. Please let us know in advance if you will be joining us so that we can let you know of any last minute changes due to weather or other issues.
If you are interested in attending these workdays, please email margerywinters@comcast.net.
Please dress appropriately for working in the woods! Bug spray and long pants and long sleeves recommended. Bring loppers and work gloves if you have them. Meeting location, workday details, and waiver will be emailed to registrants prior to the workday. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday Invasive Workdays
9-11:30 a.m.: October 12 (invasive work on town property, Onion Mtn. to cut burning bush)
Wednesday Invasive Workdays
9-11:30 a.m.: October 9 and October 23
Welcome!
Simsbury Land Trust is a non-profit conservation organization that protects the rich natural diversity of Simsbury through the ownership of land and conservation easements.
- It is 803 Simsbury households that, year after year, support its operations through their annual membership donations.
- It is the three dozen families who have chosen the SLT as the vehicle through which to permanently preserve their beloved land for the enjoyment of future generations.
- It is the hundreds of families who have not had the land to donate but who have provided over $2.3 million over the past 20 years to help in the acquisition of specific tracts of land.
- It is the dozens of volunteers who give of their time, skills and effort and who serve as trustees, committee members, stewards, teachers, speakers and guides.
- It is local businesses and professionals who have donated countless products and services.
- It is an executive director and a finance and membership director who have spent the last 20 years establishing a level of structure and professionalism without which the organization would not have succeeded.
- Because of the Simsbury Land Trust, Rosedale Farms, Tulmeadow Farm and the George Hall Farm are now permanently protected farmland, the Western Ridge and much of the wetlands at its base are protected wildlife corridors, and bobolinks and woodcock are now nesting in the meadows east of the river.
We urge you to visit the trails we maintain on many of our properties and to watch for activities, events and publications that we sponsor. We know you will enjoy the chance to get outdoors, to learn more about the exceptional natural environment here in Simsbury and to meet other people who share your interests. Visit our website often to learn of these and other opportunities. As you get to know us, we hope you will want to become a member and to support the Simsbury Land Trust with an annual membership, an occasional acquisition or stewardship gift, or with a contribution of your time.
On Monday, Oct. 7th the SLT took a field trip to Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA.. We visited Fisher Museum to explore and discuss the 23 dioramas displaying the change in New England forests from 1700 to 1930. We also observed some of the projects on the Harvard forest grounds including a soil warming, moose and deer effects on land, and decomposition of downed storm trees over time. Some of our attendees learned how to process acorns and some climbed the 13 story fire tower to take in the view as the fall colors start to turn.
We were fortunate to learn so much and know there are new generations of people trying to find the best ways we can support our New England forests.
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I learned so much from the beautiful dioramas depicting the changes in New England forests over 230 years. Thanks to Amanda , Margery and the SLT for organizing this day trip.
Great trip! Thanks for organizing.
We hope you can join us for our annual Over the Mountain Hike.
Learn More & Register:
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Monday, October 7, 2024
Join Simsbury Land Trust and Friends on a Field Trip to Harvard Forest
8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Petersham, MA
Harvard Forest is a 3,000-acre ecological research area owned and managed by Harvard University. The property, in operation since 1907, includes one of North America's oldest managed forests, educational and research facilities, a museum, and recreation trails.
We will have a guided tour of the Fisher Museum which contains 23 internationally acclaimed dioramas depicting how the New England landscape has changed over 230 years as well as 20th century forest stewardship techniques and challenges. We will visit Prospect Hill Forest and Harvard Forest research sites to discuss forest ecology and natural history. Lastly you will have a choice to either hike more Forest Trails and climb the observation towers to take in the views of central New England or you can attend an acorn processing demonstration. The acorn demonstration will include talking about how to select and harvest acorns, how to dry them, and showcase various stages of the process such as shelling, sorting, cold and hot leaching for tannins and acorn flour.
Schedule
8:15 a.m. - Bus Arrives
We will meet at the Simsbury Land Trust Building, 10 Phelps Lane, Simbury (Park just below Plan B Restaurant on Iron Horse Blvd. parking lot. Please do not park in Historical Society parking lot)
8:30 a.m. - Bus Departs
10:30 a.m.- Arrival at Harvard Forest
11:00 a.m.- Start tour of Fisher Museum
12:00 p.m.- Lunch, by the Petersham Country Store with locally sourced products included in the price of the trip.
1:00 p.m.- Outdoor tour
2:00 p.m.- Your choice: forest trails w/ observation towers or acorn processing demonstration.
3:00 p.m.- Depart Petersham to arrive back in Simsbury by 5:00 p.m.
Prices
The price includes the round trip bus fare, museum guided tour, lunch, guided tour of forest and research facilities, refreshments on the bus ride home, as well as tips and gratuities. Bus accommodations include lavatory, central air, reclining seats, WiFi, PA system, radio, video system, 110v outlets and 12v USB plugs.
Simsbury Land Trust Members Rate: $115
Non-Member Rate: $125
This program is limited to the first 32 people who register. Prepayment is required upon sign up. We are not able to offer refunds.
Special thanks to Friends of Simsbury Library for co-sponsoring this program.
Take a hike.
Simsbury Land Trust has a hike for every level with 14 trails for you to choose from – covering a variety of property types and levels of difficulty.
Join as a member.
Membership donations provide important funding for all of our activities, including trail and property maintenance, signage, educational materials, a small office, and more.
Challenge yourself.
Looking for something to do? Try the SLT 12-Hike Challenge and receive an SLT baseball cap!