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Winged Messangers LbNA #41577

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Aug 8, 2008
Location:
City:Durham
County:Middlesex
State:Connecticut
Boxes:2
Planted by:chthiker
Found by: Nairon (2)
Last found:Oct 1, 2023
Status:FFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Aug 8, 2008
WINGED MESSANGERS

According to the WorldWatch Institute, “prominent scientists consider the world to be in the midst of the biggest wave of animal extinction since the dinosaurs…This phenomenon is reflected in the extinction of birds, which is now topping 50 times the natural loss rate.” Decline in bird populations can signal environmental degradation. You can help by becoming involved in environmental issues in your community, joining a bird club, and creating a backyard habitat that will attract and support wild birds. Birds that come to feeders are considered “humanized” and it is essential to create habitat for other types of birds. For more information read WINGED MESSANGERS: THE DECLINE OF BIRD POPULATIONS by Howard Youth.

In addition to declining bird populations, bats have recently been affected by white-nose syndrome which has caused the deaths of 8,000 - 11,000 bats in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Approximately 400,000 to 500,000 bats can hibernate in affected sites. A serious decline in the bat population can signal the increase of insects that bats keep in control. Human health implications are not known.

Important!
This trail can be considered very strenuous, especially if going beyond this box. The trail can also be dangerous any time of the year due to loose trap rock. This is also snake territory.

Directions:

Find your way to the blue trail at the junction of Reeds Gap Road (RT 157) and RT 68 in Durham. Parking is limited at the trailhead. There is a dirt parking area at the corner of 157 and 68. Please note that traffic exceeds the speed limit in this area. You also have to cross active train tracks as you start out on the trail and begin your climb.

Clues:

After crossing the tracks and beginning your ascent, you will notice new homes on your right. At the "Y" stay left with the blue trail. You will then pass through a stonewall. Shortly you will come upon an island in the trail with a loosely related three sister. Next, you will pass another three-sister in the trail. An incline follows. This should be about 30 minutes into the hike. When you reach the first cedar on your left, turn around. The cedar will be across from a blue-blazed oak. There should also be a knoll on the left, before reaching the cedar, with the long, chunky leg of a maple reaching into the trail. At approximately 160 degrees from the cedar, you will see a twin shagbark hickory. From the twins, go 27 steps due south to what looks like a rough hewn camper’s fireplace. Within it you will find the first Winged Messenger. ( You have passed it if you come to a rock-strewn, short, steep climb with a ledge on the right.)

Return to the trail. The short, rocky climb mentioned before awaits. After about 10 minutes, you should be resting where the trail levels out after the first "way" steep climb. Rest a while at a blue blaze and as you look to the right you will see a loosely related three-sister chestnut oak. Winged Messager #2 awaits. And,keep an eye out for yet another messanger.

These are just two of many boxes that can be enjoyed on a through-hike to Black Pond.

Happy boxing!