Now that the snow has somewhat disappeared, the ungroomed roadsides are exposed, so I keep an eye out for bits of green poking up among the bedraggled leaves and vines. Today I was rewarded: The tips of skunk cabbage blooms are standing proudly in the mossy, muddy verges. Not green, but still, they are among the earliest visible signs that winter is on the wane.     Carol Spier, Mary Hawvermale photo

Mealworms are the specialty of the house at the Hawvermales', whose property includes the Pratt Preserve easement. Baby bluebirds love them, as does the Carolina wren seen on the right here, an uncommon visitor to this area. Feeders and dried mealworms are available at the Washington Supply. Mary Hawvermale comments that during the breeding season "I could actually call the bluebirds when I was filling the dish."

On the morning of May 24, 2013, a black bear visited the bird feeders on the Baker property, which is downstream from the Two Rivers Preserve, on Arrowhead Lane. The bear particularly enjoyed the suet cage, and spent some time lying on its back, tossing the cage around like a toy. Lynn Baker reports that "this was great entertainment until the dog got wind and barked (from inside the house), and the bear then lumbered down the path to the Weekeepeemee River behind the house, with the suet cage in its mouth."

Early in the spring of 2013 Brothers' Tree Service donated urgently needed care for the Auncient Oak, which is designated a notable tree of Connecticut and on private property that is protected with an easement held by the Land Trust. The work included removal of an enormous downed branch and cabling of six others to ensure they stay aloft. Drive down Auncient Oak Road to admire the tree.