Groton Open Space Association

Dear Members and Friends,

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Groton Open Space Association, Inc. on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Latham-Chester Store, 108 Main Street, Noank.

DAVID CARROLL, A “WET-SNEAKERED” GUEST SPEAKER

Our featured speaker, David Carroll, honors the legacy of Priscilla Pratt’s dedication to habitat preservation.

Mr. Carroll grew up in Groton, where at age eight he took his first swamp walk and became captivated by the life he found there: a wetlands world rich in plants and animals. Over the years in Central New Hampshire, he has explored this world, chronicling and illustrating it in five books: Trout Reflections, The Year of the Turtle, Swampwalker’s Journal, Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Following the Water, a Hydromancer’s Journal.

A recipient of a variety of awards, Mr. Carroll has received the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship Award (known as the “Genius Grant”) and the distinguished John Burroughs Medal for literary excellence and scientific accuracy.

A brief business meeting will include a vote by the membership on the enclosed proposed amended bylaws, the nomination and election of directors and officers, and the presentation of annual reports. A special award will go to two Eagle Scouts, Peter Lewis and John Sedensky. David Carroll will present a slide show with his talk and will sign his books before and after the meeting. Refreshments and conversation will follow the program.

2009 has been a year of transition for GOSA. Sadly, Priscilla Pratt, president for many years, passed away in June. Joan Smith was selected to serve as President Pro Tem. May 16 marked the one year anniversary of our ownership of The Merritt Family Forest. Our stewardship committee has worked hard to provide access to the land via a footpath system, while at the same time preserving its natural features. Further evidence of transition is GOSA’s renewal of an option to purchase the 65-acre Sheep Farm on Hazelnut Hill Road. Information on this historic, scenic site will be available at the meeting.

The MEMBERSHIP FORM enclosed [with the mailed invitation] may be used to become a member of GOSA, to renew your membership, or to contribute to one of our funds. Membership year begins October 1 annually. Dues and donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 9187, Groton, CT 06340, or paid at the annual meeting.

THE MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Sincerely,

/s/Lorraine Santangelo, Secretary