Bolton Conservation Commission

Bolton Community News
A publication by and for the residents of Bolton, Connecticut

Conservation Corner

Map of Bolton Notch State Park (including Freja Park)

Results of the latest Annual Town-wide Photo Contest

Cub Scouts Aid in Freya Park Improvements

The Bolton Conservation Commission's Freja Park Trail Improvement Committee would like to thank the Bolton Cub Scouts for attending a hike in Freja Park on September 16, 2007. Cub Scouts led by Tracy Verrastro hiked and picked up debris in Freja Park on Sunday. The hike enabled the Scouts to attain their Wildlife Conservation Badge. Freja Park Committee members Ron and Deb Beaudoin focused on environmental issues such as erosion, pollution and wildlife. The Scouts were attentive, inquisitive and enthusiastic and showed a high degree of knowledge and concern for the environment.
Sections of Freja Park have erosion problems, and methods of control such as water bars and water dams were shown to pack members. Freja Park is a beautiful space with many plant and animal species and knowledge of conservation methods can help these species live long and productive lives.
Thanks again to all the Scouts who took the time to learn more about our local environment and become the environmental guides of the future.

Conservation Commission Events

EARTH DAY HIKE TO VERNAL POOL - April 22, 2007
(Photos of Vernal Pool)

On Sunday, April 22, the Bolton Conservation Commission will celebrate Earth Day in Bolton by announcing the winners of the sixth annual Townwide Photo Contest, giving away numerous winning prizes, and offering a hike to a classic vernal pool led by wetlands professional scientist Ed Pawlak.
Ed Pawlak has identified potential vernal pools in 20 towns in Connecticut (the first was Haddam in 1995). He was a member of the CT DEP Task Force that developed a draft definition of the term "vernal pool" and he is currently leading the effort to initiate a vernal pool-monitoring program by the Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists. In 1998, Pawlak conducted a study for the commission and identified 41 potential vernal pools in Bolton.
Vernal pools are unique and vulnerable kinds of wetlands. They are usually pools that fill with snowmelt and spring run-off, then dry sometime during the summer. Many of these pools are vital breeding habitats for certain amphibians and invertebrates such as wood frogs, spotted and blue spotted salamanders, and fairy shrimp. What makes vernal pools such excellent breeding habitats is the seasonal nature of the pools that excludes fish populations that would prey on the offspring. Vernal pools are not only used for reproduction. Other species such as spring peepers, gray tree frogs, and a number of bird species use pools for feeding and resting. These important wetlands are some of the most vulnerable because they are small, isolated, and often dry, therefore unrecognizable and easily destroyed.
Those wishing to participate can meet in the Bolton Commuter Lot (Routes 44 and 6) at 2:30 p.m. The hike will be approximately two miles with some steep terrain that will pass through Freja Park, over the Hop River State Park Trail to the vernal pool in Bolton Notch State Park, and back. Sturdy footwear is recommended. No facilities. Bring liquid. Event will be held rain or shine.

Earth Machine Composters For Sale
As part of the Earth Day Celebration/Hike (April 22), Bolton Family Fun Day (May 28) and Trails Day Hike (June 3) the Conservation Commission will be taking orders/selling Earth Machine Composters for $35.
It is estimated that 25 percent of the average household's waste consists of yard trimmings and kitchen scraps that can easily be composted. The Earth Machine is a plastic (recycled) trashcan-size container that converts household organics into humus. It is possible to reduce considerably the weight/volume of curbside pickup and therefore reduce taxes by having more residents compost. Just as leaves decompose in the forest into rich topsoil, composting reduces the decomposition process from years to months and provides a rich additive for gardens, potted plants or for mulching around trees or shrubs.
The commission has sold over 120 Earth Machines in town since 1997 at the lowest possible cost.

Commission Receives Special Merit Award
The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District recently selected the Bolton Conservation Commission for a 2006 Special Merit Award. The award was given in recognition of the commission's ongoing interest, leadership and dedication in maintaining the community-based Blackledge River monitoring program in partnership with the Connecticut River Watch Program.
The commission conducted the Rapid Bioassessment in Wadeable Streams and Rivers by Volunteer Monitors (RBV) for the third year in a row. The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District trained many commission volunteers in collection techniques and identification of aquatic organisms known as riffle dwelling macroinvertebrates. These creatures cling to the bottom of rocks along a river or streambed and can tolerate differing amounts and types of pollution. Their presence and quantity indicate important data about the health of Bolton's streams and rivers.
For more information about any commission activities, leave message for Chairman Rod Parlee at CAPTUNDRA@aol.com or 649-8066 ext 110 or Vice Chair Susan Frampton at sframpton@planetree.org or 645-1774.

Matt Largess

Rare Forest Sunset Walk in Herrick Park
Oct. 10, 2006
with arborist Matt "Twig" Largess

(December 2004)

Monitoring the Health of Bolton's Rivers and Brooks
by Susan Frampton

The Bolton Conservation Commission sponsored a Rapid Bioassessment (RBA) on October 24, 2004 for the second year in a row. Paul Woodworth, Watershed Projects Coordinator of the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, updated the training of six volunteers in collection techniques and identification of aquatic organisms known as riffle dwelling macroinvertebrates. These creatures cling to the bottom of rocks along a riverbed and can tolerate differing amounts and types of pollution, by their presence and quantity indicating important data about water quality in rivers.
After the review session, the participants split into two teams and took their skills to several sites along both the Blackledge River and French Brook, where they netted these organisms. They identified and listed them, and then compared them to a large list of possible organisms that require adequate oxygen and low levels of pollution to survive. The presence of many macroinvertebrates that require clean, healthy water to flourish indicated that the water quality is adequate to support other levels of river life ranging from fish to microorganisms. Samples from the volunteers' inventories of collected creatures were then bottled, labeled and forwarded to the CT DEP as part of an ongoing monitoring program. Similar assessments are done all over the country by community volunteers, and the survey in Bolton will be repeated again next fall at the same sites to ensure that the quality of the water remains good.
Participants included members of the Bolton Conservation Commission and town residents interested in the health of our local ecosystem. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in future training sessions and assessments contact Michael Beauchene of DEPÍs Bureau of Water Management at (860) 424-4185, e-mail: mike.beauchene@po.state.ct.us, or Conservation Commission Chairman Rod Parlee at (860) 649-8066 ext 110, e-mail: TOBCC@aol.com.

See the annual Photo Contest Winners

Return to Home Page

Created and Maintained by: Eileen G. Stanley
Questions or Comments