Conservation Commission
Stewards of our Conservation District for over 55 years
Upcoming GLP Programs in Clark Hall:- Thursday July 11th 6:30 pm: Slithering Snakes presented by Dennison Pequotsepos Nature Center. See live snakes and learn more about their important role in the environment. All ages welcome.
- Thursday August 15th 6:30 pm: Creatures of Long Island Sound presented by Mystic Aquarium. This fun-filled interactive program will include live animals and a touch tank. All ages welcome.
Who we are:The Groton Long Point Conservation Commission is a Board-appointed group of GLP community members tasked with protecting open spaces, maintaining Conservation open spaces, educating our community about our environment and conservation issues, and community outreach. Since 1969, the Association has benefited from the service of dedicated, hard-working Conservation Commission members who care deeply about GLP and the environment. GLP’s Conservation District comprises approximately one-half of the total area of GLP and includes various land types such as woodland, inland wetland, and open space. Through the years, Commission members have devoted countless hours and energy learning about, conserving and maintaining these areas, as well as providing education and outreach to the GLP community. More detail on establishment and authority of the Commission, and selected achievements is below.
Members: The following seven current members are serving staggered 3-year terms: Karen Wolfskehl (Chair), Bob TenEyck; Carol TenEyck; Deann Murphy; Katie Newell, Joseph Orchardo and Mary Kay Pappas. Each member has a specific Commission role and brings talents and knowledge to the Commission, including, prior GLPA Board experience, expert woodworking and handyman skills, relevant scientific knowledge and academic research expertise, community communication and art skills, and educational program management, along with knowledge of local plants and animals and their environments.
How we work:The Commission generally holds monthly Commission meetings with each member providing updates on her/his respective responsibilities. The Chair or designee reports to the GLPA Board at each Board meeting on maintenance activities and special reports (e.g. summaries of special a report on Vegetative Management is linked below).
How you can participate:- Enjoy- Explore GLP’s walkable conservation areas, including the Butterfly Garden, Nature Trail, Whale Rock and Sand Spit. Observe the Vernal Pool. See Conservation Commission bulletin board for maps and information.
- Attend- Join us for events and presentations by local experts or connect with other local resources, examples below.
- Volunteer- we welcome the ongoing support and volunteer service of community members who assist in maintaining open areas and trails. Maintenance activities include clean-ups, removal of invasive plants, care of native plants, and trail marking.
Contact us at glpfriendsofcc@gmail.com to be added to our distribution list for volunteer requests and program announcements.
Other Local Resources:Our broader area benefits from a variety of organizations focused on conservation and related topics. The organizations below provide information and maintain a calendar of public events on their websites. The links below will take you to the websites of these organizations.
Avalonia Land Conservancy
https://avalonia.orgConnecticut Audubon Society
www.ctaudubon.orgCUSH, Inc.- CUSH Inc. –
Clean Up Sound & HarborsDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center
https://dpnc.orgGroton Open Space
www.gosaonline.orgMystic Aquarium
www.mysticaquarium.orgProject Oceanology
www.oceanology.org Special Reports of the Conservation Commission in 2024: Vegetative Management Plan-Executive Summary Background and Role of GLP’s Conservation Commission:The Groton Long Point Conservation Commission was created 1969 as a resolution of the Association in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §7-131(a). At that time, it was recognized that the natural open space and coastal resources we enjoy were vulnerable in the face of development pressures. The Conservation Commission was established for the oversight and protection of these resources and for providing guidance and recommendations to the Board of Directors of the association for the continued best use of land with respect to, and for, the environment.
In two separate acts of the GLP Zoning Commission, all of the lands of Groton Long Point were districted into areas for either residential, commercial, or conservation use. The Zoning Map of the Groton Long Point Association, Inc. of 1993 shows that roughly one-half of its total land area, approximately 110 acres, is designated as Conservation District. This land includes inland wetlands and upland areas that collectively encompass most of the natural and open space resources of GLP.
Significant Projects completed by the Conservation Commission:Osprey Habitat
Nature Trail
GLP Butterfly Garden
Whale Rock
Conservation Corner Bulletin Board-content changes continue
Sand Spit/Joe Devine Riviera enhancements-3-year renewal project including removal of invasive plants and planting native plants and now served by a community water line for garden care and the GLPYC sailing program.
Check back for additional information about these historical projects