My Story

My name is Rob Garstka and I started Raptor Trail Woodworks in my garage.  I’ve worked on an ever widening variety of wood projects for myself and family and found that I thoroughly enjoy the craft in large part due to the natural beauty and history that can be seen in the lines of every board. One of my earliest memories of working with wood is building a mailbox stand with my Dad. I'm still amazed he trusted me not to smash his fingers as he held the nail for me, but that small project made a lasting impression.  My background is in engineering and I've always gotten great satisfaction out of designing, making, and learning from new projects.  In going down the woodworking rabbit hole I inevitably came across cutting boards.  The simple beauty paired with utility they represent led me to try my hand at making one for my parents.  I enjoyed the process, and decided to make a more involved end-grain board to donate for a silent auction supporting my son's school.  I had enough interest from friends requesting their own boards that I figured I’d make my shop official and see where it takes me.

So why Raptor Trail? Well aside from Raptors being cool, when I was growing up we would take regular walks around one of our favorite trails. It circled a cranberry bog with sections of boardwalk so the trail wove in and out through the woods and water.  I loved the Jurassic Park movies when I was little (still do), and my Dad and I would throw acorns at each other's backs whispering "it's a raptor".  We therefore dubbed it Raptor Trail.  It's silly, and is a wonderful memory. 

Years after we moved, that bog had a family of beavers move in who completely changed the landscape so the path is completely different. I now have my own wonderful son and daughter, and Dad and I get to take them to Raptor Trail now.  The path and company has changed but I’m thrilled to be able to share the experience with my own kids.

With Raptor Trail Woodworks I aim to imbue my work with the same beauty and joy I find walking through the trees on Raptor Trail while embracing the idea of change over time and seeing what comes next. I am happy to say the acorns are still flying.

On another note, while the boardwalk isn’t really accessible anymore, ‘Raptor Trail’ is still walkable if there hasn’t been too much rain. It’s now part of the Mattabaseck Audobon Society and known as the Helen Carlson Wildlife Sanctuary. If you’re ever on South Road in Portland, CT why not stop for a hike? Just watch out for Raptors.