Friends of Topsmead Updates

Spring is trying to come to Connecticut, and we can’t wait! We are moving ahead with several projects that just need warmer, dryer conditions to take shape. There is a lot to share....
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After much consideration of the weather and often soggy spring conditions at Topsmead, our Board has determined to hold two member events at Topsmead in the coming months. We would love to see you there:

• April 27th will be our first field work day at Topsmead (10 AM to 3:30 PM). We welcome you to come for as long or short a time as you can and bring a friend. Watch our website and Facebook page for details and RSVP please, if you can join us.
• June 8th will be a members’ and friends’ picnic called "Celebrate Topsmead in Bloom." We have lots of fun activities planned from which you can choose. Event hours will be from 10 AM until 2:30 PM (more details to follow on this fun day as well).

 
FTSF is participating in the Give Local of Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills online Fundraising Campaign (April 23-24) through our customized web page and Facebook Page: For general information, visit:  https://www.givelocalccf.org/.  Please share these FTSF needs with your social media network. FTSF projects that could use immediate financial support include:
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o   Bluebird Box Replacement Project (each box costs $35)
o   Butterfly Garden Restoration Project ($40 buys one new plant),
o  Phase-One Welcome Center Project; which will open a FTSF information and welcome center in the carriage shed next to the Chase cottage

I’ll share more about these projects in my next update.

FTSF attended the Friends of CT State Parks Day in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on March 19th. We made a number of connections with our legislators and encouraged them to support Topsmead and all state forests and parks.
 
Jerry Geci of Litchfield, the foremost local historian with knowledge of all things Topsmead, will give a 1-hour "History Bites" talk on April 11th at noon at the Litchfield Community Center: "From Private Estate to Public Land; How Topsmead Became a State Forest.” This event is sponsored by the Connecticut Community Foundation.
 
When you shop at Amazon – you can now donate to FTSF through AmazonSmile.       

Until we see you at one of our events or volunteering for a project, enjoy early Spring!

Carol Gould--President, FTSF