New Interpretive Signage Featuring Local Artist

Great Hollow has teamed up with New Fairfield High School student and aspiring scientific illustrator, Sarah Valdivieso, to create new interpretive signage that will be placed along our hiking trails to educate visitors about various aspects of the ecology of our preserve. Sarah designed four different signs that feature original artwork and discuss the decline of the eastern hemlock, the role of beavers as “ecosystem engineers,” the importance of storms to the long-term health and regeneration of forests, and the significance of the native brook trout that live in Great Hollow’s streams. This served as Sarah’s capstone project for UConn’s fantastic Conservation Ambassador Program, which pairs high school students interested in conservation with a community partner like Great Hollow to carry out a project together. It was a pleasure to work with such a talented artist like Sarah and we couldn’t be happier with the final product. The signs will soon be printed and posted on our trails, so be sure to keep an eye out for Sarah’s great work the next time you visit!