First Annual Reunions
Coverts Cooperators Gather to Share Successes and Network
Coverts Cooperators from eastern and western Massachusetts gathered this fall to reconnect with fellow alumnae, hear about the future of Coverts and get some important information about cost-share funding for habitat restoration. The reunion idea came about from Coverts Cooperators themselves. “Many Coverts alum expressed an interest in reconnecting and networking with other Cooperators,” says Paul Catanzaro, Forest Resources Specialist. “This is a great time to invite people back together, strengthen networks, learn about available resources and reenergize. We plan to make reunions an annual event.”
Western MA Training
Western Cooperators gathered on October 21 at the Worthington Historical Society in Worthington, MA. Folks introduced themselves at the traditional “go around” and gave an update on their conservation activities. “Some folks had attended Coverts more than 10 years ago! It was great to reconnect with them and hear about the contributions they have made to conservation efforts in their communities,” says Dave Kittredge, State Extension Forester.
Paul Catanzaro updated the group on efforts to update and improve communications among the group, including a revised web site and list serve, making it easier for Cooperators to connect with each other and find answers to their questions. John O’Leary from MassWildlife presented information about the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP), a cost sharing partnership program for private landowners through the commonwealth of Massachusetts. After John’s presentation, the group headed for the field, where they met with Lincoln Fish, a consulting forester who discussed the challenges of eradicating oriental bittersweet on a Worthington property. The group finished the day in the field with bag lunches and good conversations.
Photo Gallery of Western Training
Eastern MA Training
The eastern Coverts alum met November 11 in Worcester, MA. The meeting commenced with introductions and updates. Colin Novick of the Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT) and Roger Plourde, Consulting Forester, highlighted a nearby habitat restoration project made possible by LIP funding from MassWildlife. John O’Leary from MassWildlife then discussed details of LIP program goals before the group headed out to the GWLT project area on nearby conservation land to see results of the LIP project. The group continued to discuss their efforts over box lunches, and only the chill of the November afternoon broke up the many constructive conversations.
Photo Gallery of Eastern Reunions
Final Thoughts
The first year of Coverts reunions were certainly a success! Information sharing and networking are the keystones to conservation leadership in our communities, and reconnecting with peers will enhance the strong foundation Coverts training provides. We hope that attending reunions will become an important annual activity for Cooperators as they continue to develop as conservation advocates in their communities.
