Past Events

2nd Sunday after Thanksgiving Hike – Hartman Park Red Trail

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Turtle Rock by Wendolyn Hill
Date: Sun December 4, 2022
Time: 1:00 - 3:30ish pm
Place: Meet at Hartman Park main entrance parking lot, Gungy Rd., Lyme, CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join us for a post-Thanksgiving hike led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Vice President and Lyme Open Space Coordinator. We will walk the gorgeous red trail, which winds along craggy ridges strewn with boulders, and return on alternate trails to make a loop. There are some moderate hill climbs and some rocky terrain. Walking sticks are recommended. The entire walk is about 3.5 miles. The walk time is approximate depending upon the group pace. 

Snacks will be provided. We will have a snack break on the bald nubble, a large flat expanse of smooth stone with a beautiful overlook. Bring your own water or drink. The route follows a portion of the Goodwin Trail.

Please register: openspace@townlyme.org

Map and brochure of Hartman Park. Rain cancels.

Directions: The main entrance to Hartman Park is about 1.25 miles north of the intersection of Beaver Brook Rd. and Gungy Rd. 

The Goodwin Trail, overseen by the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee, is a an extended trail system crossing four towns: East Haddam, Salem, Lyme and East Lyme. Dr. Richard H. Goodwin (1911-2007) was president of the Nature Conservancy from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1964 to 1966. The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, was started in 1951, and Dr. Goodwin was one of its founders. Since then, it has protected 15 million acres of land in the United States and 102 million acres in 29 other countries.  


Join us for a post-Thanksgiving hike led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Vice President and Lyme Open Space Coordinator. We will walk the gorgeous red trail, which winds along craggy ridges strewn with boulders, and return on alternate trails to make a loop. There are some moderate hill climbs and some rocky terrain. Walking sticks are recommended. The entire walk is about 3.5 miles. The walk time is approximate depending upon the group pace. 

Snacks will be provided. We will have a snack break on the bald nubble, a large flat expanse of smooth stone with a beautiful overlook. Bring your own water or drink. The route follows a portion of the Goodwin Trail.

Please register: openspace@townlyme.org

Map and brochure of Hartman Park. Rain cancels.

Directions: The main entrance to Hartman Park is about 1.25 miles north of the intersection of Beaver Brook Rd. and Gungy Rd. 

The Goodwin Trail, overseen by the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee, is a an extended trail system crossing four towns: East Haddam, Salem, Lyme and East Lyme. Dr. Richard H. Goodwin (1911-2007) was president of the Nature Conservancy from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1964 to 1966. The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, was started in 1951, and Dr. Goodwin was one of its founders. Since then, it has protected 15 million acres of land in the United States and 102 million acres in 29 other countries.  


Tuesday Trek: Lohmann-Buck-Twining Preserve

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Date: Tue November 29, 2022
Time: 9:00 am -11:00 am
Place: 7 Riverview Drive, Old Lyme
Contact Email: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Kristina White
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

To find Riverside Drive, look for mailbox 79 on the east side of Neck Rd (Route 156 in Old Lyme). Parking is on the left.
Portions of the White trail are challenging, with some strenuous short steep sections up and down to the Lieutenant River. Views of the Lieutenant River and Connecticut River. 

Contact: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are about two hours and are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve. 

 


To find Riverside Drive, look for mailbox 79 on the east side of Neck Rd (Route 156 in Old Lyme). Parking is on the left.
Portions of the White trail are challenging, with some strenuous short steep sections up and down to the Lieutenant River. Views of the Lieutenant River and Connecticut River. 

Contact: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are about two hours and are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve. 

 


Thanksgiving Forest Bathing

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Date: Sat November 26, 2022
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Place: Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: regan@reganstacey.com
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Walk the forest with family and friends as we celebrate the gifts of the natural world and all we have to be grateful for—clean air, water, food from the land, and more! On this mindfully guided stroll through the forest, we’ll connect with ourselves, each other, and the Earth, offering gratitude along the way. The walk is about 1-mile over easy to moderate terrain.

The walk concludes with a wild-foraged tea.

Registration: $32 ~ includes the program and tea

Click HERE to register. 

LLT members receive 15% discount with code LLT15.

Rain or shine event.

Regan Stacey is an artist and advocate for the Earth whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature for personal and planetary wellbeing. She is also co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, training forest therapy guides to share this work around the world. In her private practice, she offers forest bathing walks, mindful nature retreats, and mindfulness training. Find out more about her work at reganstacey.com


Walk the forest with family and friends as we celebrate the gifts of the natural world and all we have to be grateful for—clean air, water, food from the land, and more! On this mindfully guided stroll through the forest, we’ll connect with ourselves, each other, and the Earth, offering gratitude along the way. The walk is about 1-mile over easy to moderate terrain.

The walk concludes with a wild-foraged tea.

Registration: $32 ~ includes the program and tea

Click HERE to register. 

LLT members receive 15% discount with code LLT15.

Rain or shine event.

Regan Stacey is an artist and advocate for the Earth whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature for personal and planetary wellbeing. She is also co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, training forest therapy guides to share this work around the world. In her private practice, she offers forest bathing walks, mindful nature retreats, and mindfulness training. Find out more about her work at reganstacey.com


Tuesday Trek: Hartman Park

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Wendy Hill
Date: Tue November 22, 2022
Time: 9:30 am -11:30 am
Place: Meet at Hartman Park Main Entrance, Gungy Rd.
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Come see the colorful foliage and see what the beavers are up to. About 2 miles. Meet at Hartman Park Main Entrance, Gungy Rd.

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are about two hours and are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve. 

 


Come see the colorful foliage and see what the beavers are up to. About 2 miles. Meet at Hartman Park Main Entrance, Gungy Rd.

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are about two hours and are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve. 

 


Ceremonial Stonework: The Enduring Native American Presence on the Land

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Date: Tue November 22, 2022
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Lyme Public Library 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: programreg@lymepl.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 This slideshow takes the audience on an extended walk through the woods to see the ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that occupied New England for 12,000 years. Na-tive Americans built nearly two dozen distinct types of structures in our area, ranging from cairns to stone serpent effigies, and these spiritual offerings remain standing in now long abandoned woods. While Native American stonework is widely recognized out west and to the south, New England’s stonework remains obscure, having blended back into the woods. This slideshow, from the book by the same name, comes from photographs of over 8000 objects and ceremonial sites in Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

Documentary photographer Markham Starr is a resident of Connecticut and author of “Ceremonial Stonework: The Enduring Native American Presence on the Land” which is available at the Lyme Public Library. Through his work Mr. Starr attempts to preserve the Native and working cultures unique to New England. 

To register for the event email programreg@lymepl.org 

Sponsored by the Lyme Public Library


 This slideshow takes the audience on an extended walk through the woods to see the ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that occupied New England for 12,000 years. Na-tive Americans built nearly two dozen distinct types of structures in our area, ranging from cairns to stone serpent effigies, and these spiritual offerings remain standing in now long abandoned woods. While Native American stonework is widely recognized out west and to the south, New England’s stonework remains obscure, having blended back into the woods. This slideshow, from the book by the same name, comes from photographs of over 8000 objects and ceremonial sites in Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

Documentary photographer Markham Starr is a resident of Connecticut and author of “Ceremonial Stonework: The Enduring Native American Presence on the Land” which is available at the Lyme Public Library. Through his work Mr. Starr attempts to preserve the Native and working cultures unique to New England. 

To register for the event email programreg@lymepl.org 

Sponsored by the Lyme Public Library


Tree Collective- Teen Steward Group Meet-up

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Date: Sun November 20, 2022
Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
Place: Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme
Contact Email: reganstacey@gmail.com
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

The Tree Collective is a program designed to engage young conservationists ages 14-18 in outdoor fun and education while working to maintain trails in our beautiful town of Lyme, CT. It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.

Tools and gloves provided.

For more information. 

Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

Meet at the Hartman Park entrance parking lot, Gungy Road, about 1.25 miles north of intersection with Beaver Brook Road. 

Click on flyer to enlarge.

 


The Tree Collective is a program designed to engage young conservationists ages 14-18 in outdoor fun and education while working to maintain trails in our beautiful town of Lyme, CT. It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.

Tools and gloves provided.

For more information. 

Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

Meet at the Hartman Park entrance parking lot, Gungy Road, about 1.25 miles north of intersection with Beaver Brook Road. 

Click on flyer to enlarge.

 


November Astronomy Observing Session

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The new telescope by Alan Sheiness
Date: Sat November 19, 2022
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Place: Register to learn location
Contact Email: astronomy@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. Our last session was amazing. We had strong attendance, and it included children and adults, locals and visitors. (A family from California visiting family in Lyme are our official farthest-from-home attendees.) The new observatory is in full motion. 

The Lyme Land Trust offers public viewing sessions once a month near the new moon. Our cohorts have several different telescopes that are on display for your observing pleasure, and we now are pleased to have a modern 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory structure. On any given night, public sessions will be co-facilitated by one or more of our talented cohort enthusiasts:

  • Jon Dean
  • Roger Charbonneau, Jr
  • Scott Mallory
  • Parag Sahasrabudhe
  • Alan Sheiness

Reservations required. Contact Scott Mallory at: astronomy@lymelandtrust.org

Directions to the site and special guidance for those with heavy astronomy equipment will be provided upon registration. Park in the designated area and walk to the observing field with its amazing panoramic views of the heavens. Dress for temperatures 10-20 degrees lower than forecast for your comfort. No white lights at the field site, please. For more information about the astronomy program See amazing astrophotography by Parag Sahasrabudhe – Velology blog


Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. Our last session was amazing. We had strong attendance, and it included children and adults, locals and visitors. (A family from California visiting family in Lyme are our official farthest-from-home attendees.) The new observatory is in full motion. 

The Lyme Land Trust offers public viewing sessions once a month near the new moon. Our cohorts have several different telescopes that are on display for your observing pleasure, and we now are pleased to have a modern 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory structure. On any given night, public sessions will be co-facilitated by one or more of our talented cohort enthusiasts:

  • Jon Dean
  • Roger Charbonneau, Jr
  • Scott Mallory
  • Parag Sahasrabudhe
  • Alan Sheiness

Reservations required. Contact Scott Mallory at: astronomy@lymelandtrust.org

Directions to the site and special guidance for those with heavy astronomy equipment will be provided upon registration. Park in the designated area and walk to the observing field with its amazing panoramic views of the heavens. Dress for temperatures 10-20 degrees lower than forecast for your comfort. No white lights at the field site, please. For more information about the astronomy program See amazing astrophotography by Parag Sahasrabudhe – Velology blog


Tuesday Trek: Pleasant Valley Preserve

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Date: Tue November 15, 2022
Time: 9:00 am -11:00 am
Place: Park in the Macintosh Road lot.
Contact Email: anthonyinlyme@gmail.com
Presenter: Tony Irving
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

The early history of European agriculture and land use is epitomized here going back to the mid-1600’s. There are also some fine examples of glacial activity and its impact on colonial land use practices. Hike to the overlook, about three miles.

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are about two hours and are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve. 

 


The early history of European agriculture and land use is epitomized here going back to the mid-1600’s. There are also some fine examples of glacial activity and its impact on colonial land use practices. Hike to the overlook, about three miles.

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are about two hours and are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve. 

 


Roaring Brook Preserve- The Preserve That Almost Wasn’t

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Date: Sun November 13, 2022
Time: 2 pm Walk, 3 Pm Talk
Place: Roaring Brook Preserve, Day Hill Rd., Lyme, and Hadlyme Hall, 63 Ferry Rd., Lyme
Contact Email: gregmillerone@gmail.com
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

At only 7.5 acres, Roaring Brook Preserve may be the smallest preserve in Lyme Land Trust’s portfolio but it’s also one of the most dramatic examples of what was left in coastal Connecticut after the last glacier retreated from this area some 17,000 years ago. Come for a narrated walking tour of this geologic gem on Sunday, November 13th

Parking is available at Hadlyme Hall. You don’t need to do the walk to hear the presentation at the Hall! Non-members are welcome to both.

2 pm– Walk at Roaring Brook Preserve with Lyme Land Trust’’s (LLT) forest ecologist Tony Irving and Hadlyme’s Ralph Lewis, former CT state geologist. Meet at the preserve entrance on Day Hill Road. 
3 pm– Talk at the Hadlyme Hall. Come to a presentation to learn the backstory of Roaring Brook and how it almost fell to the developer’s bulldozers before LLT stepped in with funds to acquire it at almost the last moment.

No need to register.

Co-sponsored by Hadlyme Public Hall and Lyme Land Trust. 


At only 7.5 acres, Roaring Brook Preserve may be the smallest preserve in Lyme Land Trust’s portfolio but it’s also one of the most dramatic examples of what was left in coastal Connecticut after the last glacier retreated from this area some 17,000 years ago. Come for a narrated walking tour of this geologic gem on Sunday, November 13th

Parking is available at Hadlyme Hall. You don’t need to do the walk to hear the presentation at the Hall! Non-members are welcome to both.

2 pm– Walk at Roaring Brook Preserve with Lyme Land Trust’’s (LLT) forest ecologist Tony Irving and Hadlyme’s Ralph Lewis, former CT state geologist. Meet at the preserve entrance on Day Hill Road. 
3 pm– Talk at the Hadlyme Hall. Come to a presentation to learn the backstory of Roaring Brook and how it almost fell to the developer’s bulldozers before LLT stepped in with funds to acquire it at almost the last moment.

No need to register.

Co-sponsored by Hadlyme Public Hall and Lyme Land Trust. 


Volunteer Work Party at Hartman Park-Build a Walkway and Trail Maintenance

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Date: Sat November 12, 2022
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am
Place: Hartman Park, Gungy Rd, Lyme, CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Please join us for a volunteer work party at Hartman Park. Help put together a wooden plank walkway in a seasonally wet area of Hartman Park. We are looking for strong people to help carry planks in and help assemble. Walkway work will be designed and directed by Ben Kegley.

We will also tackle a few less strenuous jobs – cutting back along the trail and invasive plant removal. 

Please bring good work gloves and your own water. We will provide a snack. Wear sturdy shoes. For the trail work and invasive tackling, we need one light weight chain saw, clippers, hand-saws, and/or pick-axes, etc. Let us know which job you would like to help with. Rain cancels.

Please email openspace@townlyme.org if you are planning to come. It is OK to just stop in and help for all or part of the time. 


Please join us for a volunteer work party at Hartman Park. Help put together a wooden plank walkway in a seasonally wet area of Hartman Park. We are looking for strong people to help carry planks in and help assemble. Walkway work will be designed and directed by Ben Kegley.

We will also tackle a few less strenuous jobs – cutting back along the trail and invasive plant removal. 

Please bring good work gloves and your own water. We will provide a snack. Wear sturdy shoes. For the trail work and invasive tackling, we need one light weight chain saw, clippers, hand-saws, and/or pick-axes, etc. Let us know which job you would like to help with. Rain cancels.

Please email openspace@townlyme.org if you are planning to come. It is OK to just stop in and help for all or part of the time.