The Tankerhoosen

Nature To The Rescue

In the Late Fall issue of the Colchester Land Trust News was an article titled 'Nature To The Rescue!' by board member Cathy Shea. It spoke of the challenging year that has just ended and the need for healing emotionally, physically and spiritually making the case that nature has proven to be just the healer we need and even science finally recognizes the benefits.

Cathy's article is posted below with permission. It spoke to me and I hope it will speak to you also. A few minor changes were made so the article would apply wherever you live.

"After the last few months of one of the most contentious and stressful election campaigns in modern history, many of us - regardless of our left, right or center leanings - have probably experienced sleepless nights, frayed nerves, sadness, anger, despair, and a myriad of other unhealthy emotions.  And, now, the stress of the holiday season is upon us!

The Origin of Walker Reservoir East

Walker Reservoir East is a beautiful spot to visit year round. Good fishing in the spring and summer, gorgeous foliage in the fall, ice skating and curling in the winter and a favorite place for lunch anytime.

The pond is fed by several streams, primarily Gage's Brook that begins in Tolland and follows the highway through the Tolland County Agricultural Center property. It is also spring fed by Walker Reservoir West. The dam that created the reservoir is the designated beginning of the Tankerhoosen River.

In exploring the Tankerhoosen Valley and its history I've long been curious about why Walker East even exists. There were a number of small saw, grist and spool mills along the upper Tankerhoosen but none that would require that much water. We know that the reservoir was built by Frederick Walker, who owned much of what is today the Tankerhoosen Wildlife Management Area in the middle 1800's; but why did he build it?