Forever. Sherman.  
                                                           June 2014 
                                                                                               Vol. 5, Issue 6     

Join Naromi Land Trust and the New Fairfield Land Trust on Sunday, June 8th starting at 1 PM to celebrate "Trails Day" by exploring the newly acquired 355 acre South Hollow parcel of Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Patterson, NY. The property is located within the Great Swamp watershed and features both forested and wetland uplands as well as a steep hemlock ravine. We will also take an off trail look at the pristine Haviland Hollow Brook. The brook is considered a benchmark stream in NY in which other streams are compared to and is the headwaters for the NYC drinking water supply.
Due to very limited parking, we will be meeting up at 12:45 at the Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area off of Haviland Hollow Rd. To get to the Michael Ciaiola Parking area take Rte 37 to Haviland Hollow Road, go west about half a mile to the parking area on the right just into New York State. From there, we will car-pool to the main entrance off Brimstone Rd. The moderately strenuous hike will last approximate 2 hours. Call the NLT office at 860-354-0260 or email us at naromi@sbcglobal.net if you have questions.

Baby Turtles - Photo by John Foley

Late May through June is the time of year when turtles are most often seen crossing roads and in gardens. A majority of these turtles are gravid (egg-bearing) females looking for a sandy location to nest. Unfortunately, its also the time of year where many are crushed both deliberately and non-deliberately on black tops as well as from mowing equipment. Motorists and bicyclists who are willing to help can due so by simply moving the turtle off the road and placing it in the direction it was going. If its a large Snapping Turtle; the best way is to find a blunt object such as a branch and gently try to "push" it off the road. DO NOT pick the turtle up by its tail because severe injury can occur to the turtles spinal column. Above all, be safe and do not attempt stop traffic.

John Foley, our local turtle expert and Naromi Board Member, is looking to document Box and Wood Turtles. If any are observed crossing the road, please contact him immediately at (203) 417-7745. Any prior sighting locations would also be of much interest.