Walks and Talks 2010 contributed by Sylvia Reiss
Earlier summer walks can still be viewed!
Woodlot Forestry Management August 7
Forestry expert and Vinalhaven resident Chuck Gadzik guided participants through the woods at Eastholm, the Millard property on Calderwoods Neck. His presentation included a brief discussion of the Vinalhaven forest, followed by a demonstration of how it should be managed. The thin soils that cover much of the island retain moisture poorly, with the result that fast-growing, drought-intolerant trees seldom survive to maturity. The relatively slow-growing red spruce tolerates drought best, and is the tree of choice for much of Vinalhaven.
Working Waterfront July 31
Peter Jones, at Harborside Lobster, and Carol Hamilton, at the Fisherman's Co-op, vivdly told the story of Vinalhaven's principal industry - lobster - from bait to buyer. The group was shown around the two facilities as the talk leaders discussed the difference between Co-ops (owned by the fishermen) and private enterprise (owned by a company).
Inaugural Walk Granite Island Trails July 27
This property, on the western shore of the Basin, was acquired from the Strawson family in 2009. Steward Kirk Gentalen led the hike to the Basin, explaining the decisions and efforts that go into trail making. He discussed the Basin's vital role as a habitat for marine mammals, raptors, and wading birds. A pair of fledgling merlins was spotted on the return!
Sparrow Farm July 24
A hike on the Sparrow farm led from the landmark house and barn along an old farm road and over blueberry barrens to Seal Bay, where the largest seagoing vessel ever built on the island, the Margaret Ford, was constructed.
This property, with its varied historic uses as granite quarry, ship-building site, and dairy farm, is protected from future devlopment as one of the first conservation easements given (to Maine Coast Heritage Trust) on Vinalhaven.
Basin Watch
MCHT & VLT’s successful “Basin Watch” wildlife survey is continuing, even after it hit the 2 year mark in April. We are always looking for help. Even if you think you don’t know much about wildlife, it’s a great way to learn about what’s out there and see some cool stuff. The more eyes the better! It takes a little more than 2 hours. We’ll try to do the survey on weekends (weather permitting). For the benefit of seal numbers, we go out close to low tide. If you are interested in checking it out, contact Kirk at– info@vinalhavenlandtrust.org. “It’s the right thing to do and the right way to do it” – the great Wilfred Brimley.