My Story

My name is Rob Garstka and I started Raptor Trail LLC for woodworking 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.    In going down the woodworking rabbit hole I inevitably came across cutting boards.  The simple beauty paired with utility they represent led me to make one as a gift for my parents.  I enjoyed the process, and decided to make a more involved end-grain board to donate for an 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.

The joy of making, and similarly, growing things led me to want to farm. I want to add beauty to the world so began growing dahlias in 2024. As many do, I’ve also always loved garlic. Fewer are aware that it can be even better when they branch out into the world of gourmet garlic. The kind that’s tough to find at your grocery store. In light of that I decided to grow garlic both for spicing up your life, and for seed.

So why Raptor Trail? Well aside from Raptors being cool, when I was growing up we would take regular walks around a cranberry bog with sections of boardwalk weaving in and out through the woods and water.  I loved the Jurassic Park movies (still do), so 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 changed the landscape so the path is completely different. My wife and I now have our own wonderful son and daughter, and Dad and I get to take them to Raptor Trail.  The trail and company has changed but I’m thrilled to now be able to share the experience with my own kids.

With Raptor Trail I aim to add the same beauty and joy to the world that I find walking around the cranberry bog, 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.