Naromi Land Trust  
Forever. Sherman.                
                                                                                               March 2016
                                                                                         Vol. 7, Issue 3       
Wood Frog- Photo by John Foley

In This Issue
Frog Frolic
February Hike
Festival of Dinners
Jays
State Lands
Quick Links
Coming up
Frog Frolic - 3/27/16
Earth Day 4/22/16
Bird Walk - 5/7/16
Members, Friends and Neighbors,
Skunk Cabbage Many harbingers of spring have been very active in these past warm days: salamanders and frogs have been busy in local vernal pools, the wood frogs and peepers have been singing their spring songs, woodcock have been doing their best to impress, snowdrops, crocuses and even skunk cabbage are blooming, daffodils are beginning to bloom. Spring is a wonderful time to get out, enjoy your favorite Naromi preserve, and bear witness to other harbingers of spring.  Stay in touch - let us know what you see out there and share photos!

Be sure to check our events calendar often for opportunities to learn, have fun and support Naromi! We have many events to participate in. Keep in mind that Naromi needs your help to clean up on Sherman Roadside clean up day on April 2nd.  Let us know which one of Naromi's preserves you would like to sign up for.
Frog Frolic
Join us on March 26 at 10 am for the annual trek to the vernal pool nestled in the double hilltops of Towner Hill to hear the spring chorus of wood frogs.  Given the temperatures this winter, and particularly of the past week, NLT's hike may well be scheduled after the frogs have finished their spring revelry.  The group will instead see the result of what the frogs are up to, with voluminous mounds of eggs.  As always, wear sturdy shoes, take precautions against ticks, and bring water.  Let us know to expect you - email [email protected].

Don't hesitate to follow the sounds of the wood frogs to the top of Towner Hill or your other favorite vernal pool today!
February Hike

It was a beautiful day and the views of Candlewood Lake were spectacular. None of these folks had been to Bear Mtn and they were very impressed with the site and happy to know of a new place to hike.
Save the Date!
Blue Jays
Blue Jay - Photos by Dennis Larkin
What is this Jay up to? Click on the photo to find out.

State Lands
You can take action over the weekend to make a difference to protect public lands today and for future generations.  The closest state park to Sherman is Pootatuck State Forest in New Fairfield, a small piece is in Sherman.

The Government Administration and Elections (GAE) Committee held a public hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 36 (S.J. 36) on Monday - a Constitutional Amendment to better protect state lands. Now the GAE Committee needs to vote S.J. 36 out of Committee by its upcoming deadline (3/23).

Right now may be your best chance to make a difference and protect public lands from being given away, sold, or swapped without due public participation.
Please send an email to your State Representative and Senator with this simple message (feel free to elaborate, of course, as you wish):

"Please support S.J. 36 and encourage the GAE Committee to vote in favor of S.J. 36 before their March 23rd GAE Committee deadline.  We need a Constitutional Amendment to better protect state lands from being given away, sold, or swapped without due public participation, and this bill is our best opportunity for success."

Both Senator Michael McLachlan ([email protected]) and Representative Robert Smith ([email protected]) are Ranking Members on the GAE Committee.

For more information on this issue click here.