The 60th anniversary of the founding of the New London Conservation Commission was celebrated on Saturday, June 21st. A presentation on the work of the commission, and information on the town trails was given at the Tracy Memorial Library, followed by a tour of the Philbrick-Cricenti Bog. Don Ostler and other Conservation Commission members were on hand to make presentations and guide the tours.
The day started with a guided bird walk at the Philbrick-Cricenti Bog, led by Mark Vernon, where many of the native birds were spotted and identified. At the start of the activities at the library, Selectman Bebe Casey gave a special acknowledgement to Conservation Commission Chair Bob Brown. The commendation read, “"Upon completion of the four-year Philbrick-Cricenti Bog Walkway Project, the Selectboard, the Conservation Commission and the citizens of New London commend the outstanding achievements of Bob Brown, Conservation Commission chairperson. Bob's vision, leadership and perseverance has transformed the Walkway from rotting, failing and unstable planks to its superb present-day condition. The Walkway is now constructed with non-slip aluminum decking, upgraded wooden boardwalks, railings, interpretive signs and bark mulch trails. This project exceeded $200,000 in cost and has been completed without taxpayer dollars. In grateful appreciation to Bob, we all look forward to enjoying this Town-owned gem. Thank you Bob!" Everyone in attendance gave Bob a nice round of applause.
A slide presentation followed, giving details on the many projects performed by the Conservation Commission and trail volunteers. Many of the town trails were mentioned, giving details on special features and recently completed projects. Credit was given to the work of Esther Currier, who helped found the Conservation Commission, and to Mary Haddad, whose extremely generous donations to the town provided funding for land acquisition and other major conservation projects.
The activities then shifted to the Philbrick-Cricenti Bog where visitors were invited to enjoy the newly completed walkways and signage. At 12:00 PM there was a special guided botany walk in memory of Ruth White, who gave many guided tours of the Bog during her time as a member of the New London Conservation Commission.
The New London Conservation Commission looks forward to the next sixty years of trail improvements, conservation easements, and the study and protection of the town’s natural resources.
