Tag: #GreatMountainForest

Great Mountain Forest Undertakes Bold Climate-Smart Forestry Initiative

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is taking a powerful step in the fight against climate change with an innovative approach to forest stewardship that strengthens ecosystem health, boosts biodiversity, and prepares its forest for an uncertain future.

Thanks to the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s (CLCC) Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program, GMF has launched a forest management project based on a proven silvicultural technique called Pre-Commercial Thinning (PCT), a science-based method that removes competing trees in dense, young stands. In three 20-year-old forest stands, GMF foresters thinned trees, retaining those trees from species resilient to climate change and disease, while also selecting the most diverse cohort possible. These trees will make up GMF’s canopy for years to come.

Before thinning the forest

By reducing competition for sunlight, nutrients, and water, PCT promotes vigorous growth of desirable species, creating conditions where wildlife and diverse plant communities can thrive, and encourages lush herbaceous growth and tree seedlings, thus fostering a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

This effort goes beyond improving forest health—it serves as a living classroom for the next generation of forest managers, continuing a legacy inspired by GMF Forester Emeritus Jody Bronson’s pioneering work.

After thinning the forest

With climate change driving more frequent severe storms, pest outbreaks, and other disturbances, GMF’s proactive strategy ensures that its forests are poised for rapid recovery and long-term vitality. “As New England faces intensifying climate pressures, resilient and diverse forests are more important than ever,” said Mike Zarfos, GMF’s Executive Director. “This kind of pre-commercial thinning builds diverse, adaptive ecosystems capable of withstanding unpredictable climate disruptions.”

Kate Regan-Loomis, GMF’s Natural Resource Manager, adds: “By investing in young forests now, we’re preparing them for a healthier and more balanced future. Thanks to CLCC’s support, we’re able to demonstrate what climate-smart forestry looks like on the ground.”

This climate-resilient project underscores GMF’s century-long commitment to innovation, sustainability, and science-based land management—ensuring that the forests of today will continue to provide ecological, economic, and recreational benefits for
generations to come.

Funding for this project was provided by the Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant awarded and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council.

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Discover the Power of Forest Stewardship with Woodland Academy

The Great Mountain Forest (GMF) Woodland Academy is continuing its commitment to forest education with a robust lineup of workshops this July, August, and September. Tailored for forest owners and stewards—including individuals, nonprofit organizations, and municipal leaders—these sessions aim to deepen participants’ understanding of forest management and promote sustainable land use practices. In addition to supporting professional continuing education, the Academy also fosters meaningful connections and collaboration within the regional forest community. All workshops are held at the historic Yale Camp in the heart of GMF, in Falls Village, Connecticut.

On July 21, GMF will host a workshop on Managing Forests for Birds, in partnership with Audubon Connecticut. This one-day session, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., offers insights into the habitat needs of our region’s diverse bird populations, including migratory species. Participants will gain practical insights on how forest management choices can enhance bird habitats and support biodiversity. The workshop will also review Audubon’s Bird-Friendly Maple program and share resources for adopting bird-conscious forestry practices. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

On August 8, forest professionals Star Childs, Founding Trustee of GMF, and David Beers from CT DEEP Forestry Division, will lead a full-day workshop on Land Navigation and Mapping. Attendees will receive hands-on instruction in both traditional map and compass methods as well as modern digital navigation tools. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this course is ideal for those looking to build confidence in navigating and thinking about the management of their land. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

For those seeking an in-depth experience, GMF’s three-day intensive Forest Management Workshop Series—held on August 1, August 15, and September 12 offers a good starting foundation in forest stewardship. Held in the heart of the 6,300-acre Great Mountain Forest, this series combines classroom instruction with immersive fieldwork guided by seasoned forestry professionals. Participants will gain vital skills in tree and shrub identification, explore forest ecology, learn how to align management practices with various landowner goals, and get an introduction to financial and technical assistance programs. Whether you’re managing a family woodland, stewarding a community forest, are a student, or are interested in better understanding forests, these workshops will help you make informed, sustainable decisions about the land. The three-day intensive series is available for $75. To register, click here.

These workshops provide an invaluable opportunity to gain foundational skills and connect with a network of fellow forest stewards. Whether you manage land for timber, wildlife, recreation, or conservation, there is a program to help you meet your stewardship goals. Ultimately, the goal of Woodland Academy is to help stewards care for more forests, enhance biodiversity, and bring more forest benefits to the communities around them

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

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Why Nature is the Best Medicine — Experience it at Great Mountain Forest

In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, it’s easy to forget how healing nature can be. Yet for centuries, humans have found peace and rejuvenation in forest environments, drawn by the quiet atmosphere, fresh air, and the simple beauty of trees swaying in the breeze. Few places embody this restorative experience better than Great Mountain Forest, a 6,000-acre gem spanning Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Here, the ancient practice of forest immersion—also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing—can be truly embraced. This isn’t about hiking or physical exertion; it’s about slowing down, engaging all five senses, and reconnecting with the natural world in a meaningful, mindful way.

Jean’s Trail – photo credit Tom Blagdon

Scientific research has consistently shown that spending time in forest environments can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and enhance cardiovascular health. At Great Mountain Forest, these benefits are just a walk away.

With 13 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging, Great Mountain Forest offers something for everyone. More than 16 trails weave through diverse ecosystems, where there are a multitude of sensory experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re listening to the whispers of rustling leaves, looking for wildlife, catching the earthy scent of moss and pine, or watching sunlight flicker through the canopy, each step brings you closer to nature—and to yourself.

Old Man McMUllen Pond, Gt. Mtn. Forest, Norfolk, CT Photo credit Tom Blagdon

Whether you’re a beginner enjoying the peaceful Tamarack Interpretive Trail around a dragonfly-dotted pond or an adventurer exploring the historic Charcoal Pit Trail, where remnants of 19th-century industry meet modern conservation, there’s a path for everyone. More adventurous explorers can venture into the Tobey Bog Trail, a unique ecosystem rich with pitcher plants and black spruce trees, or stand in awe among 400-year-old hemlocks on the North Forty Trail. Each trail offers a distinct sensory experience designed to help you slow down and truly be present.

More than just a place to walk, Great Mountain Forest is a living classroom. With year-round guided walking tours, tours, educational programs, and hands-on workshops in sustainable forest management, visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of the natural world and their place within it. As Michael Zarfos, Executive Director of GMF, puts it: “In an age dominated by artificial surroundings and constant noise, forest immersion is a simple, powerful return to our roots.” At Great Mountain Forest, that return is always just a walk away.

For event information and to download maps, visit greatmountainforest.org. To sign up for the Woodland Academy, visit greatmountainforest.org/woodlandacademy.

Old Man McMullen Pond, Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk, CT photo credit Tom Blagden

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

Photo credit: Tom Blagden

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Great Mountain Forest Offers Woodland Academy

Forests in Connecticut are more than just scenic backdrops; they are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, enhance community well being, and bolster climate resilience. These natural treasures play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and driving local economic growth. Recognizing the need for intentional forest management, a series of highly anticipated workshops will take place from May through September at Great Mountain Forest (GMF) in Norfolk and Falls Village, Connecticut.

In the Forest, photo: Bill Gridley

Renowned as a flagship site for the New England Forestry Foundation‘s (NEFF) recent Grow Resilient Oak Hickory program, GMF is hub of expertise in forest stewardship. These workshops aim to equip landowners, forestry professionals, and conservation enthusiasts with the tools, knowledge, and strategies required to ensure the long-term health and community benefits of New England’s forests. Whether you’re a forester, land trust manager, or simply curious about forest management, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into stewarding one of the region’s most critical natural resources.

At the heart of this initiative is the Woodland Academy, a program inspired by the widely respected Coverts Project, previously led by UConn Extension and other organizations. Featuring several expertly designed curriculum modules the Woodland Academy workshops will be hosted at the Yale Forestry Camp in the heart of Great Mountain Forest, in Canaan. This is a rich and immersive learning environment including a vintage forestry classroom right out of the early 20th century, and many forestry demonstration sites across the forest’s 6,300 acres, managed sustainably since 1909. Woodland Academy workshops are a complement to the Master Woodland Manager Program – led by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. Whether you’re a multi-generational forest landowner or simply want to make a difference in your community, these workshops will spark your passion for conservation and empower you to make a difference in our regional forests.

CaptureTool

The first workshop kicks off on May 22 with a full-day session on strategies and funding opportunities to build forest resilience, co-taught by GMF representatives, Ricky Bentley of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, Lisa Hayden and Hayden Stebbins of NEFF, and Andrea Urbano of CT DEEP, and Todd Bobowick of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Some later workshops offer a grittier learning experience. For example, GMF is hosting a Game of Logging I and II training June 12-13, where Bill Gerard will teach serious chainsaw skills. Later, on August 8th, Star Childs of GMF and Dave Beers of CT DEEP will teach land navigation and mapping skills. GMF’s three-day intensive running on August 1st, 15th, and September 12th will start with tree and shrub identification, move on to forest management to create wildlife habitats, and conclude with management resources such as technical assistance programs, cost share opportunities, and tools of the trade. Each workshop combines classroom learning with immersive field experiences, providing practical skills and expert insights.

In the Glassroom. Photo: Bill Gridley

Dr. Michael Zarfos, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, emphasizes the academy’s mission: “These workshops support professional and layperson education and foster relationships among participants, creating a more connected regional forest community. Whether you’re an experienced forest manager or just beginning your stewardship journey, these workshops provide invaluable resources to develop, refine, or enhance your forest management, ensuring your land serves your family, organization, and/or community, all the while hosting rich biodiversity for generations to come,” he added.

These workshops are more than an educational opportunity—they’re a gateway to joining a thriving network of forest stewards and conservationists. Pre-registration is required, and each session includes expert guidance and hands-on learning in the great outdoors. Visit the GMF Woodland Academy landing page to secure your spot:https://greatmountainforest.org/woodland-academy

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Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: A Celebration of Nature and Community April 25 – April 27

Mark your calendars! From April 25–27, 2025, the charming town of Norfolk, CT, will host the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: “Our Glorious Northwest Corner: Celebrating the Connectedness of All.” This inspiring three-day 8-event forum, presented by a collaborative of local organizations*, promises a rich lineup of activities centered on biodiversity, conservation, and our shared relationship with the natural world. “The Norfolk Earth Forum brings together experts, artists, and community members to address the critical biodiversity challenges facing our region and to celebrate our profound interconnectedness with all living beings,” said Erick Olsen, Pastor at Norfolk Church of Christ Congregational, which founded the first forum in 2024.

The forum kicks off with a special exhibition, “Imperiled Species in Our Community: The Biodiversity Crisis At Home,” running from April 10–30 at The Hub. This unique exhibit, on loan from the Salisbury Association, shines a spotlight on local endangered species and showcases an educational poster created by the Norfolk Land Trust. Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply curious about the environment, this exhibition offers a powerful lens into the biodiversity challenges right in our backyard.

The forum festivities officially begin Friday, April 25, with an opening reception and lecture by Tim Abbott, Conservation Director of the Housatonic Valley Association, who will discuss the national significance of local conservation efforts. The evening continues with a screening of “A Road Not Taken,” a fascinating documentary on Jimmy Carter’s solar energy initiatives.

Saturday, April 26, offers something for nature enthusiasts of all ages, with three events. Start your day with the “Books & Boots” nature walk, inspired by Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, and join Bina Thomson and Hartley Mead as they explore the lives of trees in the South Norfolk Woodlands. Later, Dr. Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, will lead a walk through spring wildflower blooms. Finally, Craig Repasz from Lights Out Connecticut will shed light on the critical Connecticut Bird Atlas project and the urgent need for bird conservation.

On Sunday, April 27, families can enjoy a delightful Children’s Crafts Workshop creating toad houses, followed by an educational program on reptiles and amphibians with the Roaring Brook Nature Center. The weekend concludes on a magical note with Paul Winter’s breathtaking concert, “This Glorious Earth,” at the Church of Christ. Blending music with nature’s sounds, Winter’s performance celebrates the beauty of life on Earth, accompanied by an introduction to the concept of bioregionalism by Keetu Winter from Wellspring Commons.

Whether you’re walking among Norfolk’s wildflowers, learning from passionate conservation leaders, or simply soaking in the melody of nature itself, the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event that inspires both action and appreciation for the world around us. Visit www.norfolkhub.org/norfolk-earth-forum for more information and registration details, or look for event flyers with QR codes around town. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our glorious Northwest Corner!

*Groups supporting the Norfolk Earth Forum: Church of Christ Congregational, Aton Forest, Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk Conservation Commission, The Hub, Norfolk Land Trust, Norfolk Library, Norfolk Rails to Trails Committee, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, Manor House Inn, National Iron Bank

JanetLeave a comment

Pour Sustainability on Your Pancakes Experience the Sweet Magic of Bird Friendly Maple Syrup at GMF

For nearly 80 years, Great Mountain Forest (GMF) has been perfecting the craft of maple sugaring, blending tradition with innovation. Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Connecticut, GMF is a pioneer in climate-smart forestry and the proud producer of the state’s first Bird Friendly Maple Syrup – a National Audubon program. This isn’t your ordinary syrup; it’s a testament to sustainable forestry, thriving wildlife habitats, and the beauty of a balanced ecosystem.

On Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., GMF invites you to experience the magic of maple sugaring at their saphouse, located at 201 Windrow Road in Norfolk. This event is far more than just a visit; it’s an immersive adventure into the art and science of syrup production. From sap collection to the boiling process, you’ll about the whole process. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet expert foresters and educators who will guide you through the fascinating science behind syrup production. And the best part? Sampling the warm, delectable syrup made right before you—a taste of GMF’s forest to table craftsmanship!

What truly sets GMF apart is its 78-year-old Sap House diary, a one-of-a-kind log that meticulously records data on sap output, sugar content, syrup yields, weather patterns, migratory bird arrivals, and tree budding cycles. This treasure trove of information doesn’t just support syrup production—it inspires research on climate change and forest health. By visiting the sugarhouse, you’ll witness this perfect blend of tradition and long term nature observation in action.

While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to bring home a bottle of Connecticut’s finest maple syrup—a product deeply connected to nature’s rhythm. With every spoonful, you’ll taste the dedication that goes into making this amber liquid, from cold nights and warm days to overcoming challenges like climate change, acid rain, and land use history. Your purchase isn’t just a delicious indulgence; it supports GMF’s mission of sustainability and forest stewardship.

Can’t make it on March 15? The sugarhouse welcomes visitors on weekdays and school groups, depending on sap availability. Just call ahead at 860-542-5422 to confirm if the operation is in full swing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique tradition.

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, recreational and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment