The field at Jewett Preserve has been named the Tom Bischoff Meadow. To honor Tom, who passed away March 17, 2024, the Lyme Land Trust, Town of Lyme, and The Nature Conservancy dedicated the meadow to Tom with the installation of a custom-made bench and plaque on August 10, 2024. The plaque reads:
Tom Bischoff Meadow
Named in honor of his many years of
meadow management throughout
Lyme. No one knew our fields better.
Thomas Bischoff, “habitat manicurist”, was an important partner of the land trust for decades, carrying out exceptional and creative meadow management and invasive plant control. Using his own custom-made machines, his approach to detail is why they are in such good shape today. Tony Irving, LLT president said, “Over the years I had many conversations with Tom relating to the important management role he played. These were good talks that strayed into many areas, and it was always obvious that he had a great love for nature.” Most of all, Tom was a beloved friend who we will miss.
The Tom Bischoff Meadow is a 3.5 acre field, one of the many that Tom stewarded. The field provides valuable habitat that supports a diversity of wildlife; including pollinators, ground-nesting birds, and box turtles.
The bench was made by Lyme craftsman Ben Kegley from local Eastern Cedar wood.
