State forest throws centennial bash

The UConn Woodsmen team saw a log at People’s State Forest’s 100th birthday party.

Patrick L. Sullivan

State forest throws centennial bash

BARKHAMSTED — The People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted turned 100 this month, and on Sunday, Oct. 6 Matthies Grove was busy with exhibitions and demonstrations.

Owen Laurenzo of Hickory Hollow Working Steers in Belchertown, Massachusetts maneuvered two oxen in place while his father Chris got a big log up on a sled, ready to be pulled 75 yards or so to a portable sawmill, where a team from the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources awaited.

Elsewhere Jody Bronson and Vicki Nelson from Great Mountain Forest chatted with visitors. Bronson demonstrated how to make an axe handle.

The UConn Woodsmen did various woodly things with crosscut saws, chain saws and peaveys.

John Ferrantino from the Farmington Valley Trout Unlimited chapter was on hand and ready to talk fly-fishing, and members of the Barkhamsted Historical society were highly informative, especially when asked why it’s called the “People’s” state forest.

The answer: Because while some of the 3,059 acres were donated, much of it was purchased with donations from ordinary citizens, thus the moniker.

Latest News

Housatonic girls beat Shepaug Valley in BL quarterfinal
Housatonic girls beat Shepaug Valley in BL quarterfinal
Housatonic girls beat Shepaug Valley in BL quarterfinal

FALLS VILLAGE Housatonic Valley Regional High School girls basketball won 52-29 against Shepaug Valley High School in round one of the Berkshire League playoff tournament Feb. 19.

The Mountaineers established a lead early in the game and maintained a double-digit buffer throughout all four quarters. Housatonic's relentless defense completely stalled Shepaug, forcing numerous turnovers that paved the way for victory.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Journal seeks young reporters for summer internship

The Lakeville Journal and Millerton News are seeking young journalists for an educational internship program.

The six week program provides training in the everyday operations of a community weekly. Interns will learn the news-gatheringprocess from pitch to print through regular workshops with industry professionals on topics such as photography, libel and copy-editing.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nonnewaug knocks Housatonic out of BL postseason
Nonnewaug's Derek Chung drives past Housatonic's Sam Marcus in the Berkshire League quarterfinal Feb. 18.
Photo by Riley Klein

WOODBURY — Housatonic Valley Regional High School boys basketball was eliminated from the Berkshire League tournament Feb. 18 after a 76-62 loss to reigning champion Nonnewaug High School.

Nonnewaug's triple-threat offense found success both in the paint and on the perimeter against Housatonic. Lincoln Nichols, Brady Herman and Matt Shupenis combined for 64 of the Chiefs' points in the quarterfinal game.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Law
Cartoon by Peter Steiner