Annual Member Update – Autumn 2020
Autumn, 2020
Dear Bow Open Spaces current, past or potential member!
2020 has been a challenging year for many of us with everything that has happened in the United States. One positive effect has been interest in Bow Open Spaces and our trails. During our year ended June 30, 2020 we had a record total of members. Also, hiking trail use was at an all-time high. The most active period of hiking our trails was this past spring. It does appear that many individuals found our trails during the height of the pandemic. These hikers are using the trails again this fall. It is rewarding to see families and others hiking in our forests. Our efforts of constructing and maintaining the trails has been worth all the work!
Bow Open Spaces continued our work on hiking/mountain biking trail improvements in the Knox Forest, Walker Forest, Hammond Preserve, and Nottingcook Forest. Our president, Harry Hadaway, has agreed to stay on again for another year! Harry continues to do an excellent job as president. Harry’s contact info is president@bowopenspaces.com.
During 2019 we lost our trail director due to retirement. If you or anyone you know might be interested in the trails director position, please let Harry know so we can fill this important position. We would be interested in discussing this position with anyone on the trails committee that would like to serve on the board. Also, please let us know if you are interested in assisting with trail maintenance or trail improvement projects. Any assistance is appreciated. Please contact Harry if you are interested at president@bowopenspaces.com. There is plenty to do!
We have just about completed the conservation easement agreement with the Town of Bow for the new conservation easement on Crescent Drive. This property abuts Nottingcook Forest and provides access from Crescent Drive. Please let us know if there is anyone out there looking to protect their property from development! We can help!
The board is still looking for someone to fill the vice president’s position and for additional board members, especially individuals who have related legal and environmental experience. Please let us know if you are aware of any good candidates who might enjoy serving as vice president or on the board. This is an ongoing issue and we need to fill this position. Please help!
Martin Murray continues to assist with our website. Please check out our website at BowOpenSpaces.com. The functionality of the website has been greatly improved. Martin also continues to distribute our electronic newsletter. Look for our quarterly newsletter to keep you up to date about Bow Open Spaces’ activities. Please let Martin know what you think of the newsletter by contacting him at publicrelations@bowopenspaces.
Our stewardship committee, has been led by Ken Demain for many years. Ken has retired from this position. Thank you Ken for your many years of service! Eric Thum has agreed to be the new stewardship director. As in past years we have been very active monitoring our conservation easements with Eric’s leadership. Participating in the monitoring walks is a great way to explore the various properties in Bow and see areas that you would not otherwise see. Eric really needs some new volunteers to assist with easement monitoring. Please contact Eric at stewardship@bowopenspaces.com.
Fall and winter are always great times to get out and enjoy the trails. Please contact us if you need information about the trails. We sponsor winter snowshoe trips through the Bow Recreation Department. Watch the Recreation Department website for information about these events. You can download hiking/biking trail maps of our various properties at: https://bowopenspaces.com/our-
We have a great board of directors and trails committee. Our board and hopefully our membership are excited about the future of Bow Open Spaces, our conservation lands, and recreational trails. Our membership base has grown as noted above. We still need everyone’s help to bring in new members and insure the long-term health of our organization! Please help support our president, the board of directors, the committees and the mission of Bow Open Spaces! Your continued support will help protect and promote open space in Bow! You can contact me regarding any membership questions at membership@bowopenspaces.com.
We appreciate you completing and returning the attached dues form with your payment. You can also pay for your membership through our website at:
https://bowopenspaces.com/
Thank you for your new or continuing membership. We hope you and your family get out and enjoy the open spaces and trails in Bow!
