Saturday, March 28, 2009

Partnership Receives State Grant

On March 27 we learned that the partnership made up of the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, the French River Connection, and an Oxford Citizens' Committee will receive a grant from the state of Massachusetts for half the purchase cost of Leovich Landing. We are now over halfway to our goal, with more fundraising to do and two grant requests still outstanding. If you can help us acquire this wonderful piece of property for public use, your contibutions will be much appreciated. Please send your fully deductible check, made out to the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, to 169 Old Webster Road, Oxford, MA 01540.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Bird Walk Scheduled

Paul Meleski of the Forbush Bird Club in Worcester has volunteered to lead a bird walk for us May 16. We will gather at the Lodge Restaurant on Route 16 in Webster at 7am. To see the early bird, you have to be one. Bring binoculars if you have them, water, and a snack, as we will not be back until around 11.
For those who enjoy the many bird species in our area, this should be a lot of fun, and a good way to get introduced to bird watching activities.
Just so I can get an idea, please email me back if you plan to participate.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Annual Meeting Scheduled April 8

The Annual Meeting of the French River Connection is scheduled for 7pm April 8 at the Black Tavern on the corner of Center and Tanyard Roads on Dudley Hill.
If you haven't visited the Black Tavern this is a chance to see the only building in Dudley on the National Register of Historic Places.
We are fortunate to have as our speaker Colleen Abrams, President of Wachusett Greenways. Colleen is an inspiring leader, as the success of her organization attests.
At this meeting we will elect three directors to three-year terms. The terms of Sheila Veideman, Tom Ryzewski, and Elaine Parker are expiring. All have agreed to serve again. Nominations may be made from the floor, and if the nominee agrees to serve if elected, their name be added to the ballot.
Bring a guest! If they are not on our mailing list and join during the evening, it will be at half price, and they will receive our screen saver.
Refreshments will be served!!

Here's the agenda:

FRENCH RIVER CONNECTION ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday April 8 at 7:00pm

Black Tavern, Dudley


7:00 Call to Order

7:05 Introduction to the Black Tavern: Ed Bazinet

7:10 Minutes of January meeting: Elaine Parker

7:15 2009 YTD Treasurers report: Sheila Veideman

7:20 2008 in review: Ken Parker

7:40 2009 activities: Ken Parker

7:55 Election of Directors

8:05 Guest Address: Colleen Abrams, President, Wachusett Greenways

8:30 Adjourn for refreshments and fellowship


The Board will meet for a few minutes after adjournment

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Beavers: They're baaaaaack!

In 2008, using mostly wire fence donated by Home Depot, The French River Connection was able to place wire around more than 100 large trees that were targets for beavers. This spring there has been scant beaver activity on the Perryville Trace, but just downstream near and over the Connecticut border they are having quite a picnic. There are many very fine trees in this area, and it is a good place to paddle. Three rolls of wire have been put in place there, and much more is needed.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Welcome to the French River Connection Blog

In order to stay current with all the ways people now communicate on the web, we've added this blog. The blog is not intended to replace our website. It may prove useful for quick announcements of newsworthy events or as a place for comments and discussion. It will never replace emails or the newsletter. Let's see how it goes.

The last seven posts will be shown. Others can be accessed from the archive on the right.

Anyone can comment on a post.

Note the Google Calendar on the bottom. If you click on an event you will usually see a little more information and a map.