Your Invited!

Save the date: April 28, 2010 - 16 Years and Counting!

You are hereby cordially invited to attend the Prospect Land Trust’s 16^th Anniversary Gathering. To be held in the Prospect Library’s Community room Wednesday April 28^th at 7:30 p.m. We will be having a presentation by Paul Rego from the DEP www.ct.gov/dep on Connecticut’s resident black bear population. Connecticut is experiencing a rapid growth in its black bear population. This talk will describe the history of bears from pre-colonial times through today. Black bear food habits, reproduction, winter denning and social organization will be covered. Steps to reduce the likelihood of encounters with bears will be given. Some of the consequences of having this large mammal in our area and the management and research being conducted will be discussed. Paul Rego has been a wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Division of the Department of Environmental Protection for over twenty years. As furbearer and bear biologist he deals with species ranging from muskrats and raccoons to coyotes and black bears. This work ranges from addressing the conflicts between animals and humans to monitoring the status of uncommon species such as bobcats. Paul has worked with the habitat and deer programs with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. He has a Masters degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine at Orono and a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. With the increase in CT’s bear population it is important for us to learn the facts about black bears and how to coexist with them. So please join us for what is sure to be a very informative evening for all who attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

PLT to hold four seasonal BioBlitz events at it’s College Farms Property.

May 2, 2010 at 10:00 AM, will allow for cataloging of spring ephemerals. We will than have events in late June/ early July for the summer; 3^rd or 4^th week of September for the fall and some time between Christmas/ New Year for the winter.

What is a BioBlitz? BioBlitz is a special type of field study conducted to attempt to identify and record all species of living organisms in a given area to develop a biological inventory. A BioBlitz has dual aims: to establish the degree of biodiversity in an area, and to help popularize science. (source: Wikipedia) Why Do It?

Public Awareness: BioBlitz is designed to increase the public's awareness of the variety of life in their immediate neighborhood and the services these various species provide to improve the quality of their lives. We usually hear the word "biodiversity" in regard to rainforests with their vast number of species. Yet the diversity of life in our own backyards is phenomenal. We take for granted clean water, fertile soil, and air to breathe. Yet these are all the result of working ecosystems filled with species that perform these tasks. From our morning shower to our late night snack, we are supported by biodiversity every minute of the day. So, come celebrate with us: The BioBlitz is a celebration of the diversity of life in our backyards. But why celebrate it? We hear again and again about the negative impacts we've had on biodiversity such as the loss of species and the destruction of habitats. It seems rare to accentuate and celebrate something positive. The BioBlitz is a chance to highlight the positive impact that open spaces, with all their diversity, have on our everyday lives. (source: University of Connecticut)