News from the Game Refuge
Temporary Trail Closure
Beginning March 23, 2023, the Werbitzkas Trail between Chestnut Road and the north end of the Picnic Grove will be temporarily closed to all visitors. The Game Refuge is restoring critical habitat in the Schiro Preserve, and for safety reasons, visitors are not permitted in the vicinity. The work should be completed by early April, after which the trails will be reopened to all.
Restoration of the American Chestnut
An In-Person Program at the Granby Public Library AND The McLean Game Refuge
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 6:30-8PM
Two hundred years ago the American Chestnut began a catastrophic population decline. Over 4 billion trees were lost along the United States eastern seaboard and Connecticut woodlands were hit especially hard. Today modern science and a highly committed group of volunteers are helping to re-establish the species. Join us for a presentation by Jack Swatt, President, Connecticut Chapter American Chestnut Foundation, followed by a field trip and short hike at McLean Game Refuge, Salmon Brook Street entrance, to locate and view American Chestnut specimens.
Register HERE. Then look for an email from Engaged Patrons. It may include changes to the program location or other important information. Drop-ins are welcome if space allows.
For more information, visit the Granby Public Library website.
Sponsored by Granby Public Library, Granby Land Trust, and McLean Game Refuge.
Changes to Dog Policy
Upcoming Trail Closures to Dog Walking
Effective June 1, 2022
The Trustees of McLean have decided to close approximately three miles of trails between County Road and Firetown Road to dog walking – hiking, trail-running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are still permitted. Click Here for a letter from Director Connor Hogan explaining why the Trustees made this change to recreation policy.
Old Growth Rising
The Maturing of Connecticut’s Forests
Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Four hundred years after the arrival of Europeans and the intensive land use that followed, forestland is finally recovering throughout the Northeast. Join us for a virtual presentation by Connor Hogan, Director of the McLean Game Refuge, to learn about Connecticut’s aging forestlands and their potential to become old growth.
Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.
Click Here for a live recording.
Managing Forestland
from Acorns to Ancients
Monday, November 30, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Join us for a virtual presentation by Connor Hogan, the director of the McLean Game Refuge, about the oak forests of Connecticut. Mr. Hogan will explain the ecological processes that have shaped this forest type and the future it faces in a changing world. His talk will touch on many topics including climate, Native Americans, wildlife, carbon storage, forestry, and old growth.
Sponsored by Granby Public Library, Granby Agricultural Commission, and Granby Land Trust
Tree and Forest Health Talk
Granby Public Library Main Branch
February 24, 2020 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Insects, diseases, invasive plants, and climatic factors influence the health of trees and forests. Director Connor Hogan will speak about managing forestland resources in the face of these stressors. Learn the basics of forest health. Read More…
Granby Drummer Article About Our Director
In the summer of 2017, a new director, Connor Hogan, came to McLean Game Refuge. He is new in terms of the historic longevity of game refuge directors: In its 87 years of operation, Connor is only the fourth director. For Connor, this is a dream job, which may be the reason its past directors have stayed so long. Read More…
Parking Lot Changes on Barndoor Hills Road
The new visitor parking access along Barndoor Hills Road is open.
We have constructed a new parking lot for the Barndoor Hills Road entrance to the Game Refuge. It is similar in size and character to the current parking lot at the Route 10/202 entrance to the Game Refuge. The new parking is located alongside Barndoor Hills Road just south of the access road that leads to the former lot by the brook. We have decommissioned the old lot and restored native vegetation on the site.
