Come learn about forest management in Connecticut! Join the Branford Land Trust and the CT DEEP State Forester, David Irvin, on Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m., for an educational walk through the Stony Creek Quarry, Van Wie Woods, and Brooks R. Kelley preserves. (Meet at the Stony Creek Quarry Preserve parking lot at the end of Quarry Road, off Route 146, Branford.)
David will talk about the benefits of woodland management, including defining “forestry,” the science behind the practices, wildlife habitat considerations, forest health matters, climate change, timber for wood, land use history, and more! We’ll cover about three miles (2-3 hours), going up around the dramatic eastern walls of the Stony Creek Quarry, across the upper waters of Jarvis Creek, and then southwards back towards Quarry Road again.
David has been a forester for about 36 years, 30 of those with the DEEP Forestry Division here in Connecticut. He also has experience in New Hampshire and Alabama, and holds a forestry degree from the University of Tennessee. Twenty-seven of his years with DEEP have involved the active management of state forests in northwest Connecticut. As a Service Forester, he provides advice for private landowners, municipalities and land trusts in the Central one-third of the state.
The event is free and open to the public. Families are welcome, but no dogs, please. Expect moderate terrain, with rocky underfooting, and some declines and inclines; muddy spots are possible if there has been rain and fallen leaves may make the trail more slippery. Ticks are still active at this time of year. Wear appropriate clothes and comfortable, supportive walking shoes for these conditions. Bring water. Walking sticks are welcome.
Rain or shine unless the weather is dangerous, in which case the walk will be postponed until Sunday, November 8, 2 p.m. If in doubt, check our website, branfordlantrust.org or Facebook @branfordlandtrustCT. For more information: info@branfordlandtrust.org.
Photo by Clare Hambly