Frosted Whiteface (Leucorrhinia frigida) on left.
The "white face"
River Bend
A New Land Trust Acquisition
Last winter I received a phone call from real estate agent in East Haven. He was representing Anthony Milano, a Guilford resident who owned land here in Killingworth. Mr. Milano wanted to sell us his property, which encompasses 1.8 acres. My first reaction was it was too small to be of interest. Unless there exists on a parcel this size some very interesting flora and/or fauna, or the possibility of creating a gateway or connection to other open space, we tend to set our sights on larger pieces of land. Then the agent mentioned that it bordered 850 feet of the Hammonasset River. Okay. That got me interested.
While this is a piece of land that could never be developed, the Land Trust board voted unanimously to purchase it. After some back and forth with the owner on the price, we closed on the property in July.
be known as a “blueway”. The towns of Clinton, Madison and Killingworth have recently launched a tri-town effort to protect our shared waterway – the Hammonasset River.
If you’d like to see our latest acquisition, it’s on Chestnut Hill Road, on the Madison-Killingworth line. We own from the large culvert at the end of Summer Hill to about 850 feet east. Look for the KLCT signs and those put up by Trout Unlimited. You’ll need a license to fish.
By the way, we came up with a name for the piece; River Bend.
So this adds another 1.8 acres to our growing list of protected open space. We currently own 844.2 acres. We’re not the largest land owners in town, but we’re up there (number 5), and not a year goes by when we don’t add to our holdings. In addition to the land we own, we also hold conservation easements on 165 acres. Together, that’s 1,009.2 acres you can count on to remain woodland, meadow, and marsh in perpetuity.Members of the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust have made a lasting, positive impact on this town. Our job is to provide you all with nice quiet neighbors (trees are quiet – although those noisy songbirds…!) and a refuge from the speeders that have been a hot topic of late (no motorized vehicles are allowed on our trails – and I’ve yet to be run off a trail by a horse). Please take some ownership in your town and join us.
John Himmelman
The richness and diversity of our natural environment is our shared heritage. The soils, water, plants, and animals - collectively the land - have been the raw materials from which this country was built. Like the winds and sunsets, these things were taken for granted until progress began to destroy them.
Now we face the question of whether progress, with its accompanying price in environmental destruction, pollution, noise and crowding is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free.
The Killingworth Land Conservation Trust is an effective way for our town to preserve our natural assets which might otherwise disappear. As a private, non profit service organization set up to operate on a local basis, we can operate in areas where it might be impractical for the town to act. For example, we can acquire pockets of open space of great value to the public but too small or too numerous for the town's consideration.
Please help preserve Killingworth's special rural quality and natural history by joining the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust.
Along a Killingworth Trail....
July 19, 2007
The kids from the CT Audubon Coastal Center summer camp revisted our bog this summer with their home-made nets.
Naturalist Frank Gallo gave them the mission to find and ID as many dragonflies as they could.
We ended up with about 12 species, including one never recorded in the bog - A Frosted Whiteface!
Why buy a piece of land that cannot be developed? If we were to pass on that opportunity, the land would likely remain as it always was. However, it just so happens this piece is a well-known trout fishing area which the previous owners had generously kept open to the public. A new owner would be under no such obligation. There are so few areas in town that allow public access to our rivers. We felt that this beautiful stretch of the river should remain open to the public and it is in keeping with the tenets of the Land Trust to encourage our fellow residents to enjoy our land (and accompanying watercourses).
This stretch of river is also part of what has come to
Land Trust Under New Management!
The officers were elected at the June 3, 2008 directors' meeting. We are pleased to announce:
Sue Davenport is the Trust's new president! Andy Annino is our vice president. Robert Broach continues as secretary, and Les Riblet as treasurer. Our whole roster can be found here.
ANOTHER EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
ENHANCES OUR TRAIL SYSTEM
Thanks to Boy Scout Ryan Bluett (Troop 18, in Killingworth), the Land Trust will soon have another trail for Killingworth citizens to enjoy. On the north side of 148, just past the Lover’s Lane intersection, is a lovely half-mile loop. The land formerly belonged to the Ubelohdie family. Its interesting feature is a small White Cedar Swamp – there are very few in Connecticut!
With the help of Andy Annino. Ryan constructed two bridges over wet areas along the loop. Clearing, brush removal, and blazing of the pathway were also done. A local resident donated materials for the bridge work, including lumber and Trex boards. The level trail is very suitable for families and should be completed this month.
Meanwhile, preliminary work for a fairly extensive trail system has begun at Parmelee Farm (the “Bosco Property”). It will traverse a beautiful area which is a mix of level beginner trails and some challenging rocky areas. Bruce Dodson did the major planning and initial work there. Thank you, Bruce! Watch for updates on trails there.
For maps of some KLCT trails, please check our website, or the town library.
November 12, 2009
7:30PM
KLCT Fall Indoor Program
at the Parish Hall (behind KW Cong. Church)
Singing Leaves:
The Songs and Stories of the Crickets and Katydids
Presented by
John Himmelman
More info in Programs.
