Granby Land Trust

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Granby Land Trust

Founded in 1972, the Granby Land Trust works to preserve Granby's Natural Heritage through the conservation of its beautiful places.
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The Granby Land Trust works to preserve Granby's Natural Heritage through the conservation of its scenic vistas, open space corridors, wildlife habitat, ecologically sensitive areas, and agricultural land.

06/14/2026

🌿 A close-up look at a hay-scented fern at the Granby Land Trust's Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby.

Named for the sweet scent of freshly cut hay released when its fronds are crushed, this native fern often blankets the forest floor, creating a lush green carpet beneath the trees.

A walk through the Holcombe Preserve this time of year reveals an incredible variety of plant life across more than 160 acres of protected open space.

06/12/2026

An annual June showing 🌸! Foxgloves have blossomed on the GLT's Katan-Ensor Preserve in West Granby. These striking biennial flowers were likely planted years ago by Charlie and Joan Katan, who generously left the property to the Granby Land Trust.

It's almost as if they left a gift for future visitors. Today, the colorful blossoms serve as a living reminder of Charlie and Joan's kindness, generosity, and deep appreciation for the natural world.

06/11/2026

The Granby Land Trust was proud to co-host, with Granby Public Library, Tuesday evening’s “Live Birds of Prey” 🦅presentation, given by wildlife rehabilitator Christine Peyreigne and her mother, Betsy Peyreigne.

More than 150 attendees of all ages gathered on the library’s front lawn to meet five magnificent raptors – from a tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl 🦉 to a large Red-tailed Hawk – and learn about their remarkable adaptations, the vital role they play in our ecosystems, the challenges they face, and the conservation efforts that help protect them. Guests were able to see these incredible birds up close, while learning about the rehabilitation work that helps return injured raptors to the wild. Many were especially captivated by this beautiful Peregrine Falcon, presented by Betsy.

The Granby Land Trust and the Granby Public Library extend their sincere thanks 🙏 to Christine’s Critters (www.ChristinesCritters.org) for sharing such valuable information, inspiring a deeper appreciation for Connecticut’s native wildlife, and demonstrating how each of us can help protect it.

We also thank 🙌 the many families and GLT members who joined us for this special program. We know you’ll never look at the hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors soaring over Granby in quite the same way again!

📸 Photo by Connor Hogan.

06/09/2026

Lush ferns blanket the forest floor at the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby. This remarkable 160-acre property -- which connects to the Emery and Hart Family Preserves -- includes beautiful woodlands, a prominent ridgeline, important wildlife habitat, and more than 3 miles of trails offering moderate elevation gain and a range of hiking 🥾 options.

For trail maps and additional information, visit GranbyLandTrust.org and click on the “Trails” page in the navigation bar. You can also download the Avenza Maps app to view hiking trails and track your location in real time.

06/08/2026

Yesterday, as part of Connecticut Trails Day Weekend 🥾, the Granby Land Trust hosted a guided hike in North Granby led by GLT Board Member Jen Plourde. We explored the Granby Land Trust's Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve and continued onto the Emery and Hart Family Preserves along the scenic Crag Mountain ridgeline.

Jen did a wonderful job leading the hike, helping participants observe the natural world 🌳🌿 around them and bringing the forest to life through her knowledge, enthusiasm, and appreciation of the landscape. From trees and wildflowers to wildlife and local history, there was something new to discover around every bend in the trail.

We were fortunate to enjoy beautiful weather, outstanding trails, and a great group of enthusiastic hikers. We are especially grateful 🙏 to Seth and Lucy Holcombe, Dave and Jenny Emery, and Will Hart and his sister Sarah Koeniger for the land they donated to the GLT, making it possible for these remarkable trails and conserved landscapes to be enjoyed by all.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Connecticut's open spaces and trails 💚. A special thank you to the Connecticut Forest & Park Association for organizing Connecticut Trails Day Weekend each year.

06/06/2026

Portrait of Mountain Laurel from the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby.

The Granby Land Trust is fortunate to have beautiful stands of this broadleaf evergreen shrub, Connecticut’s official state flower, at Dismal Brook, the Mary Edwards Mountain Property, the Godard Preserve, and several other preserves.

Now is the perfect time to enjoy these spectacular blooms. Make time for a walk 🥾 and see them for yourself -- they’ll only be here for a short while.

📸 Photo taken Wednesday by GLT Member Don Shaw, Jr.

06/05/2026

A male Red-winged Blackbird 🐦‍⬛ greets the morning on the GLT’s Mary Edwards Mountain Property in North Granby. One of the first signs of summer in Connecticut's fields and wetlands, these striking birds are known for their bold calls and brilliant red-and-yellow shoulder patches, which they use to defend territory and attract mates.

📸 Photo by GLT member Don Shaw, Jr.

Have you spotted any Red-winged Blackbirds on your recent walks at GLT properties?

06/04/2026

🦌 White-tailed deer on the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby.

Fun Facts:
• Their coats change with the seasons, helping them blend into their surroundings. In spring and summer, deer wear a reddish-brown coat, which transitions to a thicker grayish-brown coat in fall and winter for added insulation and camouflage.
• White-tailed deer are remarkable athletes, capable of jumping more than 8 feet high and running at speeds of up to 35 mph when escaping danger.

Photo 📸 taken yesterday by GLT Member Don Shaw, Jr.

06/03/2026

GLT EVENT REMINDER – CT TRAILS DAY HIKE THIS SUNDAY🌿🥾

Join us THIS Sunday, June 7 at 1PM for a relaxed, family-friendly nature hike guided by GLT Board Member Jen Plourde, an experienced science teacher who brings the outdoors to life in fun and engaging ways. This easy-paced walk is perfect for kids and adults alike, with plenty of opportunities to explore plants, observe wildlife, and discover how local ecosystems work.

We’ll begin at the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve trailhead in North Granby, where we’ll proceed up to the Crag Mountain ridgeline and walk through the GLT’s Emery Family Preserve and Hart Family Preserve. At the summit, we’ll pause to enjoy scenic views to both the east and west before finishing the walk on the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve.

📍 Start/Finish: Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve Trailhead at 1PM
70 Silver Street, North Granby
🥾 Distance: Approximately 2.8 miles
⏰ Duration: About 2 hours
🚗 Ample parking available
🐾 No dogs, please

To register, email: [email protected]

06/02/2026

📣 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: On Saturday, June 13, the Salmon Brook Historical Society will open the Sadoce Wilcox House (circa 1800) and Lyman Wilcox Barn (circa 1857) for visitors from 10 AM until 12 noon. Come learn about life in historic West Granby.

These buildings offer a glimpse into rural New England life during the 19th century. Both buildings will be open to the public on special dates throughout the summer: June 13 (10am-noon), July 11 (10am-noon), Aug 22 (10am-noon), and Sept. 12 (10am-4pm). Demonstrations vary by date and may include weaving on a 300-year-old loom, hearth cooking, basket making, and spinning. The property is located at 145 Simsbury Road. Admission is free!

🙌 Property Receives Award of Merit 🏅

The Sadoce Wilcox House and Lyman Wilcox Barn recently were honored with an Award of Merit from Preservation Connecticut, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the buildings, sites, and landscapes that contribute to the heritage and vitality of Connecticut communities.

The Granby Land Trust purchased the 45-acre Sadoce Wilcox property in 2019 from Steven Wilcox Hastings, and transferred ownership of the two buildings to the Salmon Brook Historical Society, who – under the leadership of Historian Mark Williams – carefully restored them over the course of several years. The Award of Merit recognizes the exceptional restoration of the property.

Address

PO Box 23
Granby, CT
06035

Website

http://www.granbylandtrust.org/

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