Events

Seedling identification is an important skill for habitat restoration.  Come visit the Avalonia Land Conservancy’s Leo Antonino Preserve, one of the newest land preserves in Groton.  Botanist and natural landscaper Charlie Boos will lead a trip through the timeline of a native landscape restoration effort that started more than 4 years ago with a landscape that was nearly 100% infested with non-native plants, through the clearing and complete elimination of invasive plants, to the planting of desirable and appropriate native species to rebuild well-functioning early successional habitat.  Special attention will be paid to identifying the multitudes of native species that have been introduced and how they appear as they grow and refill the heavily impacted landscape.  Although the site is less than 4 acres, it includes dry xeric upland leading down a potentially forested slope to an artificial pond, so there is the opportunity to rebuild a variety of plant communities.  The area where we will walk represents the extreme northwest corner of the preserve and does not have any formal trails.  The terrain is fairly level but rough, with some low hanging branches and woody debris on the ground.  Wear sturdy walking shoes, and dress appropriately to protect yourself against thorns, insects and ticks.  

We will meet at the restoration site, posted with Avalonia Conservancy signs. GIS coordinates are 41°22'13.0"N 72°03'10.1"W.  THIS IS NOT THE MAIN ENTRY TO THE PRESERVE.  The restoration site is marked with a pin on this map.   It is south of the unmarked access road to the office complex from Antonino Road, across the street from the rear service entrance to Girard Nissan auto center.  If you turn onto Antonino Rd from Rt. 184, drive past the site and  turn around in the cul-de-sac so you can park along Antonino Rd directly in front of the restoration site.  If you approach from Winding Hollow Rd, turn left onto Antonino Rd to reach the site.  Look for Avalonia and Wild Ones signs. Park on the preserve side of Antonino Rd only, to avoid impeding through traffic.

This program is free and open to the public but we ask that you register so we are able to contact you in case of postponement or cancellation (due to weather).  To register, email Lydia Pan with the subject "Wild Ones May Program: Seedling Walk"