What's New at AF: Citizen Science to SBCC and more!

I wish a happy and healthy spring 2012 to all of our friends and supporters. We have planned a year packed with learning about plants, birds, and amphibians, among other topics, and opportunities to volunteer in serious citizen science projects. This year, especially, we offer the chance to learn about, volunteer in, and contribute to an important regional land conservation plan.  At Aton Forest Inc. we are excited to embark upon our newest, and biggest, campaign for land preservation, the Sandy Brook Conservation Corridor Project. The SBCC project is an ambitious plan to protect a large corridor of undeveloped land within the Sandy Brook watershed, an area that, because it is relatively undisturbed, still has habitat for numerous species of plants and animals which are listed as rare, threatened or endangered. Large amounts of undeveloped, open space has been demonstrated to be necessary for the survival of these species; small parcels of undeveloped land surrounded by development provide very little habitat. Aton Forest is bringing together various local and regional land preservation organizations to formulate partnerships, and is already working on land purchases and donations. Currently, 72 percent of the watershed has no protection from future development. We intend to lead the way in securing greater land protection for our area. I will be giving lectures about the SBCC project at local venues in Colebrook and Norfolk, and elsewhere around the region, so check back to the website for a listing of these events. We look forward to seeing you at one of our workshops, lectures or events. We invite you to contribute to our work, and deeply appreciate your support.