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January Newsletter and Donate or Join/Renew your 2021 Membership

12/27/2020

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Donate or Join/Renew Your Membership for 2021
You can help preserve, protect, and maintain Wellesley’s open spaces by joining or renewing your membership for $35 now for 2021. As the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization, your membership and donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.  
  • Individual or Family Membership ($35.00)
  • Club or Business Membership ($50.00)
  • Supporter ($70.00)
  • Steward ($100.00)
  • Daily Sustainer ($365.00)
  • Patron ($500.00)
  • Protector ($1,000.00)
  • Life Membership ($2,500.00)
www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/donate
wclt_newsletter_jan_2021.pdf
File Size: 39944 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Donate or Join/Renew Your Membership for 2021
You can help preserve, protect, and maintain Wellesley’s open spaces by joining or renewing your membership for $35 now for 2020. As the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization, your membership and donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.  
  • Individual or Family Membership ($35.00)
  • Club or Business Membership ($50.00)
  • Supporter ($70.00)
  • Steward ($100.00)
  • Daily Sustainer ($365.00)
  • Patron ($500.00)
  • Protector ($1,000.00)
  • Life Membership ($2,500.00)
www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/donate
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Mass. Appeals Court Sets Precedent for Conservation Land Damage

9/22/2020

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Press Release: October 5th, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mass. Appeals Court Sets Precedent for Conservation Land Damage
 
Wellesley Conservation Land Trust Wins Appeal with Support of The Trustees of the Reservation and Massachusetts Land Trust Alliance

Under new case precedent, an owner of Conservation Restricted property who violates the Restriction by clearing the land may be required to pay money damages in addition to restoring and replanting the land, according to a decision issued by the Massachusetts Appeals court on August 10.

In response to a Wellesley Conservation Land Trust (WCLT) lawsuit against Wellesley landowners, the three-judge Appeals Court unanimously held that monetary damages can be awarded to the WCLT for the landowners’ violation of a Conservation Restriction.  The landowners had cut and removed 23 mature trees to construct a sports court, fencing, and lighting on a portion of the clear-cut land.

Initially, the case was brought to the Superior Court by the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust when it was known as the Wellesley Conservation Council.  The Council was responsible for enforcing the Conservation Restriction established by the Haffenreffer family in the 1970s to keep the land in its natural, undeveloped state.  The present landowners, Robert and Cheri Pereira, admitted they were aware of the Conservation Restriction when they violated it.

The landowners argued that they had restored the land by removing the sports court and planting saplings to replace the decades-old trees they had cut.  When the Superior court ruled that no further damages could be recovered, the WCLT successfully appealed that decision.

Judges Vuono, Lemire, and McDonough of the Appeals Court agreed that the removal of the sports court and the planting of saplings did not compensate for the actual time it would take for the land to return to its original state, given that some of the mature trees were up to 36 inches in diameter.  The case has been remanded to the Superior Court for further proceedings.

According to lead attorney, Andrew Phelan, “The Wellesley Conservation Land Trust plans to return to Superior Court to seek reasonable monetary damages beyond the mitigation work the landowners have already performed.  The Trust will use any recovery to further the conservation goals of its charter.”   

In response to the Appeals Court ruling, WCLT President Frederick Fortmiller said, “There are many good reasons for a landowner to establish a Conservation Restriction on property to preserve it from development.  The benefits that generous landowners confer on property are significant and well known. In return, the landowner benefits from lower property taxes on the land, so in this case, seeking monetary damages for a violation seems appropriate.”

Mr. Fortmiller added, “The WCLT is extremely grateful for the supporting ‘amicus’ briefs given to the Appeals Court by The Trustees of Reservations, the oldest land trust in the nation, and the Massachusetts Land Trust Alliance, an association of land trusts in the Commonwealth.” 

The WCLT President gave “particular thanks” to Mr. Phelan, the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, and attorney A. Lauren Carpenter for their contributions to “the precedent-setting conclusion.”

The Appeals Court Case is “Wellesley Conservation Council, Inc. v. Robert W. Pereira and Cheryl L. Pereira et al,” Mass. App. Ct. No. 2019-P-0753.

​The WCLT is a 501(c)3 non-profit staffed by volunteers to maintain and promote land conservation to benefit the public and protect the environment.  It is responsible for enforcing Conservation Restrictions entrusted in its care since 1958. The granting of the Haffenreffer Conservation Restriction was approved by the Wellesley Board of Selectmen and the Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. More information at www.WellesleyConservationLandTrust.org.
 
###
For Press Inquiries:
 
Frederick V. Fortmiller, President, Wellesley Conservation Land Trust
fortmiller@comcast.net
 
Andrew C. Phelan, Phelan Law LLC
Phelan.law5@gmail.com
Tel: 617-306-1673
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Announcing the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust

5/1/2020

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Wellesley Conservation Council, Inc.
Contact Information: Judith Barr, j.barr@neu.edu, 781-234-8224
 
Press Release: May 1, 2020
 
Wellesley Conservation Council to become Wellesley Conservation Land Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
At the Annual Meeting of the Wellesley Conservation Council held on April 28, 2020, the membership voted unanimously to ratify the Board of Director’s motion to change the name of the non-profit organization to the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust. ​
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The new name more clearly reflects the nature of the organization: that of a Land Trust.  In the past there has been confusion concerning the private or public nature and purpose of the “Council”.    

Established in 1958 by a group of 14 environmentally-minded citizens of Wellesley to protect, preserve, and conserve open spaces in Wellesley, it was incorporated as a private, non-profit organization and originally entitled the Wellesley Conservation Council, Inc.  At the time, there were few land trusts.  Rather than including land trust in their names, several early local ones used names such as Trustees of the Reservation and Sudbury Valley Trustees.

The board of the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust thanks the residents of Wellesley for their continued support of its 62+ year mission to:
  • Protect and preserve the natural environment in Wellesley
  • Maintain sanctuaries open to the public for study and enjoyment
  • Educate youth and interest adults in matters of conservation.

The land trust movement has rapidly grown since the 1980s and now includes over 1,600 in the United States.  In Massachusetts, there are 152 local land trusts of which “Trust” is included in 67% of their organizational titles and of these, over 50% include “Land Trust”.

In Wellesley the local, private, 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust is now the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, Inc.  It owns or has conservation easement restrictions on 12 properties totaling over 50 acres and actively partners with Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission which remains the town’s public arm to provide stewardship, education and advocacy of the Town of Wellesley public parks and public open spaces.

​For more information see:  WellesleyConservationLandTrust.org.
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Wellesley Weekly Bio Blitz Nature Challenge

4/2/2020

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Get the family outside and participate in the Wellesley Weekly Bio Blitz Nature Challenge! Last week, Wellesley families registered 186 nature observations, of 115 unique species, by 25 observers, with 72 identifiers! The Zelenko family registered the most observations (40) and most species (26). Congrats
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Last week there were 6 observations of Seductive Entodon Moss, 5 Mallard ducks, 4 Eastern Skunk Cabbage, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Blue Jays, and a Northern Cardinal in an oak tree!

Grab your smartphone and download the free iNaturalist app, become a citizen scientist, and get out on our trails and in our sanctuaries to help catalog all the bio-diversity in Wellesley. We'll have weekly challenges and call outs for the most observations, most unique species, etc. You can explore your own backyard and nearby nature anywhere in Wellesley!  Remember to practice physical distancing and obey all town ordinances while out on the trails.

Suggestions: Centennial Reservation, the North 40, Longfellow Pond and the Town Forest, Boulder Brook Reservation, Guernsey Sanctuary, Fuller Brook Path, and other areas (https://wellesleyma.gov/800/Maps-Guides-Descriptions). Just snap away and upload. Join the iNaturalist project "Wellesley Will Enjoy Time Outdoors" to see weekly stats.  #WellesleyWillBeWell Sponsored by Wellesley Natural Resources Commission and Wellesley Conservation Council Land Trust.

The Wellesley Conservation Council is our local 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust that protects 14 sanctuaries across more than 45 acres of natural land in Wellesley and bordering lands in Needham and Weston. More information about our mission, the sanctuaries and membership can be found at www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org.
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January Newsletter and Donate or Join/Renew your 2020 Membership

12/29/2019

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Donate or Join/Renew Your Membership for 2020
You can help preserve, protect, and maintain Wellesley’s open spaces by joining or renewing your membership for $35 now for 2020. As the Wellesley Conservation Council is a 501(c)(3) organization, your membership and donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.  
  • Individual or Family Membership ($35.00)
  • Club or Business Membership ($50.00)
  • Supporter ($70.00)
  • Steward ($100.00)
  • Daily Sustainer ($365.00)
  • Patron ($500.00)
  • Protector ($1,000.00)
  • Life Membership ($2,500.00)
www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/donate
wcc_newsletter_jan_2020_final.pdf
File Size: 10255 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Donate or Join/Renew Your Membership for 2020
You can help preserve, protect, and maintain Wellesley’s open spaces by joining or renewing your membership for $35 now for 2020. As the Wellesley Conservation Council is a 501(c)(3) organization, your membership and donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.  
  • Individual or Family Membership ($35.00)
  • Club or Business Membership ($50.00)
  • Supporter ($70.00)
  • Steward ($100.00)
  • Daily Sustainer ($365.00)
  • Patron ($500.00)
  • Protector ($1,000.00)
  • Life Membership ($2,500.00)
www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/donate
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Hot Cider and Donuts Community Event at Cronk's - Sunday, November 10th

11/4/2019

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The Wellesley Conservation Council
invites you to join your neighbors
for hot cider and donuts at
Cronk’s Rocky Woodland

Sunday, November 10th at 3 PM
18 Crown Ridge Road

Come enjoy an open fire, explore the charming Hansel and Gretel cottage,
and learn how you can help “Cronk’s” continue as the
wildflower garden that Gertrude Cronk established
in the 1930s for all our neighborhoods to enjoy in perpetuity.

Cronk’s Rocky Woodland Hot Cider Event
website: http://www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/cronks-rocky-woodland.html

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Cronk's Rocky Woodland Open Gardens, Sunday June 9th, 3PM

5/21/2019

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The Wellesley Conservation Council
invites you to join your neighbors
for Spring Open Open Gardens at
Cronk’s Rocky Woodland


Sunday, June 9th at 3-4:30PM
20 Crown Ridge Road

Come enjoy the spring flowers among music,
explore the charming moss-covered Hansel and Gretel cottage,
and learn how you can help “Cronk’s” continue as the
wildflower garden that Gertrude Cronk established
in the 1930s for all our neighborhoods to enjoy in perpetuity.

The Wellesley Conservation Council is our local 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust that protects 14 sanctuaries across more than 45 acres of natural land in Wellesley and bordering lands in Needham and Weston. More information about our mission, the sanctuaries and membership can be found at www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Guernsey Brothers Help Conservation Council Open 21stC Nature Trail

5/19/2019

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PRESS RELEASE
May 20th, 2019. Wellesley Conservation Council
Judy Barr, j.barr@northeastern.edu, 781.234.8224
Thomas Wolfe said “You can’t go home”, but Richard Guernsey (81, South Wellfleet), David Guernsey (79, Kingfield ME), and Robert Guernsey (75, Dunstable MA) weren’t listening.  The three Guernsey brothers returned to their homestead to help the Wellesley Conservation Council (WCC), Wellesley’s non-profit land trust, help celebrate the opening of its 21st Century Nature Trail on its Guernsey Sanctuary Friday May 17.
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Left to Right:  Bill Giezentanner (WCC naturalist), Jonathan Gillim (Wellesley Turkey Trot Foundation Treasurer), David Guernsey, Richard Guernsey, Robert Guernsey, Fred Fortmiller (WCC President), Judy Barr (WCC Board Member and Project Manager)  (Photo courtesy of Jim Barr)


The brothers joined WCC board members, Wellesley Natural Resources Commission staff and commissioners, and Wellesley College and Wellesley Turkey Trot Foundation representatives in a ribbon cutting celebration at the trailhead to the sanctuary.  The land for the 25-acre nature sanctuary was the gift of their parents, Janet and William Guernsey, through four gifts in the early 1960s.

The 21st century nature trail uses QR-code (like a bar code, but 2-dimensional) technology to enrich the learning experience along the 1-mile circular Guernsey trail.  With support from the Wellesley Turkey Trot Foundation, two naturalists (Bill Geizentanner of Wellesley and Ted Elliman of Sherborn) conducted a botanical inventory of the area and identified 72 specimens or special places along the trail to be featured.
Now each has a QR-code metal marker that identifies common and scientific names of the selected specimens and places.  These codes can be read by smart phones and be connected to descriptive narratives and photos of the specific plant that are maintained in “the cloud”.  

The 21st Century Guernsey Nature trail updates the 1972 booklet, Guernsey Sanctuary: Self-Guiding Nature Trail, which has been out of print for many years. The new trail guide provides an interactive experience for the user.  As guests follow the trail, they read the markers to identify the name of each specimen. If they wish for more information, they can use their smart phones to “read” the plant-specific QR-code and connect via internet to narrative and photographic information.
​

After the ribbon cutting, guests walked the nature trail.  A reception followed at St. Andrew’s Church, the home church of the Guernseys when they lived in Wellesley.  Yes, Richard, David, and Robert...you can go home again.
The Council’s Guernsey Sanctuary is a 25-acre pine forest and wetlands located on the western shores of Lake Sabrina in the southwest corner of Wellesley and bordering in Needham.  A series of Guernsey-based events is scheduled to re-introduce the people of Wellesley and Needham to this wonderful 25-acre jewel.
The Wellesley Conservation Council is Wellesley’s private, non-profit, land trust since 1958.  Guernsey as well as its other nine sanctuaries is open to the public. Additional information about the QR-code project and a map of the QR-code nature trail can be found at http://www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/guernsey-sanctuary.html   WCC Board member Judy Barr (mailto:j.barr@northeastern.edu) is the Project Manager and lead author/photographer.


The Wellesley Conservation Council, Wellesley's non-profit land trust since 1958, protects 14 sanctuaries across more than 45 acres of natural land in Wellesley and bordering lands in Needham and Weston. More information about our mission, the sanctuaries and membership can be found at www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org or email to info@wellesleyconservationcouncil.org.
​
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(L to R) Brothers Richard, David, and Robert Guernsey. Photo courtesy Dan Gee.

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A screenshot of a smart phone example of Station #2 after scanning the QR code.
​
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Judy Barr demonstrates scanning a QR code on the new Guernsey Trail. (Photo courtesy Dan Gee)
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Wellesley Nature Challenge Guided Walks - April 26-29, 2019

4/16/2019

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"Community Conservation: Health, Climate, and Economic Benefits"

3/10/2019

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Wellesley Conservation Council Spring Lecture 
Co-sponsored with the Natural Resources Commission and the Wellesley Free Library
​Speaker: Dr. Spencer Meyer, Sr. Conservationist

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Monday, April 22nd, 2019 – 7:00pm
Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library

Dr. Spencer Meyer, Sr. Conservationist from Highstead Foundation and the Harvard Forest will discuss how local conservation is a key component of the "Wildlands and Woodlands" vision for the future of New England. He will share lessons from successful conservation collaboratives around New England and talk about new research showing that protected open space is not only critical to preserving critical ecosystems, but also provides health, climate, and economic benefits to our communities. There will be ample time to discuss current conservation efforts in Wellesley, how our community can expand our initiatives, and how our work fits into a larger connected landscape.

This event kicks off a series of local conservation activities this spring including Wellesley's own bio-blitz nature inventory April 26-29th. For the latest information: 
wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/upcoming-events


The Wellesley Conservation Council Annual Meeting for the election of officers and board members will precede the program at 6:30pm.
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 P.O. Box 81129  •  Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
info@wellesleyconservationcouncil.org  •  Phone: 781-235-3090
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