East Haddam Land Trust

Saturday, November 15th, 9-12. We will be completing the work started at Hammond Mill the previous Saturday. If enough volunteers are available, we will also work on the neighboring Ayers Preserve. Meet at the Hammond Mill Preserve at 9AM and work to about noon. Coming from the south on Hopyard Road, about 3/4 of a mile from Rt.82, take the second right onto Dolbia Hill Road. At Hammond Mill, we'll be removing some invasive plants, cleaning up around the two mill sites and removing some trees on the the sluice ways. This will help protect the historic structures for a while. We'll also check the boundaries and remark if necessary.

At Ayers, we'll be marking the trail with tags and remarking the boundaries. We'll also remove some invasive plants and install some trail signs. Tools needed will be: chainsaws, loppers and pruning saws grub hoes or mattocks shovels and rakes.

As always, work gloves are recommended as well as the appropriate footwear and protective equipment, especially hard hats if you have them.

Saturday, December 13, 9-12: December's stewardship activity will be the re-marking of the boundaries of the Land Trust's largest conservation easement, the Helmbolt property. As this 80 acre property is not open to the public, this activity will give the participants the opportunity to view an interesting and valuable property. Its protection has helped preserve the rural and agrarian character of the town as well as protect a valuable watershed.