Connecticut's Historic Gardens website has a terrific blog post about the Caroline Ferriday Monarch Butterfly Way Station (a joint project of the BLT and The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden). Click this link to read it and view the lovely photos and learn also about upcoming gardening workshops to be held at the Bellamy-Ferriday.

June 7th, a beautiful day at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden: Nearly 100 people participated in the festive opening of the Carolyn Ferriday Monarch Butterfly Way Station. This is a joint venture of the Bethlehem Land Trust and the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden. Attendees learned about the life cycle, habitat, and migration of the Monarch, got an up close look at all stages of its development, and helped to release dozens of these beautiful creatures in the garden and preserve, where we hope they will flourish and reproduce. Before and after the release, visitors enjoyed refreshments, which were provided by the Soroptimists, and activities in the craft room, where creative types decorated butterfly masks and fans in charming and imaginative ways.
                                        Mary Havermale photos.
   

Pouring rain diminished their number but didn't dampen the spirits of BLT board members and volunteers who joined forces to collect roadside trash on April 26. Their efforts yielded upwards of 20 large bags of trash, which were picked up by the town the following Monday. Thanks to all who participated, and we'll hope for sunnier skies to help us honor Earth Day next year. From the left: Sandy Ruzicka, Doug Mahard, John Swendsen, Lynn Baker, and Mary Hawvermale; Nanny Swoyer photo.

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.