Notes From The Field Archives - Steep Rock Association

02 May Saving the West Virginia White Butterfly

Posted at 09:42h in Notes From The Field

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Watch the video below to hear the full story from Jim Dugan of the Connecticut Butterfly Association. [/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://vimeo.com/1080664566?share=copy" css=""][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Hidden in the forest understory of Hidden Valley Preserve, a rare...

04 Feb A Legacy of Love and Strength

Posted at 10:53h in Notes From The Field

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Honoring Major Stephen C. Reich As we celebrate Steep Rock’s Centennial in 2025, we reflect on the people and places that define our history. This month, we honor Major Stephen Reich, a local hero whose dedication to his...

22 Nov Seniors in Steep Rock Series

Posted at 09:54h in Donor Impact, Events, Notes From The Field, Outdoor Recreation, People

Engaging Older Adults in Conservation and Recreation We are thrilled to have been joined by about 75 older adults who participated in our “Seniors in Steep Rock” programs this year. This initiative seeks to promote and sustain a vibrant, engaged, and healthy aging population in Washington...

08 Nov Managing Early Successional Habitats

Posted at 02:07h in Natural Beauty, Notes From The Field, Special Projects

A primary initiative of our Land & Water Management Plans is to protect and enhance biodiversity – the variety of habitats and species supported by our nature preserves. While some cover types such as mature forest are self-sustaining and their habitat quality often improves with...

19 Jun Invasive Plant Management Update

Posted at 08:56h in Citizen Science, Notes From The Field, Volunteers

A New Ornamental on the Loose Invasive plants are one of the most significant threats to natural communities within Steep Rock’s preserves. By outcompeting native species for resources altering soil properties in their favor, and having few, if any, natural enemies, invasives degrade the overall health...

06 Feb A Year of Protecting What I Love

Posted at 14:14h in Notes From The Field, People

"The original one hundred acres has grown to nearly 5,800 acres of protected land. Basic trails are being upgraded to an ever-expanding network of sustainable trails and improved infrastructure. Steep Rock has been recognized throughout the state as being a leader in the world of...

04 Dec Steep Rockers Transform Meeker Trail

Posted at 13:42h in Notes From The Field, Outdoor Recreation, Volunteers

The Steep Rockers Rock Crew, which formed last fall, continued their work on the Meeker Trail throughout this past year. After receiving further training from Artie Hidalgo and Kent Stivers of the Jolly Rovers Trail Crew, the Steep Rockers continued to hone their craft throughout...

02 Oct Beckoning Bats

Posted at 13:29h in Citizen Science, Notes From The Field, Scientific Study, Wildlife

October is Bat Appreciation Month.Connecticut’s nine different bat species are simply amazing creatures that play the important role of keeping insect populations in check. Unfortunately, they face a number of threats. This summer, Van Sinderen Conservation Interns Ben Armas and Grace Zona investigated habitat preferences;...

06 Sep Beware of Hitchhikers: Spotted Lanternfly

Posted at 10:18h in Notes From The Field

SRA is vigilant about protecting our lands from invasive plant and animal species. Here's how you can help--We are on high alert for the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), which has been found in high numbers in southwest CT and metro NYC. If you are heading from...

01 Sep Countering the Barberry Invasion

Posted at 10:21h in Citizen Science, Notes From The Field, Volunteers

Steep Rock recognizes invasive plants and animals as some of the most significant threats to the well-being of our protected natural and agricultural lands. In August, our volunteer work party tackled a stand of Japanese barberry in Steep Rock preserve. A non-native ornamental that is...