Lyme Land Conservation Trust

Tuesday Trek: Ravine Trail - Kristina
2026-03-31 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Ravine Trail, Mitchell Hill Rd, Lyme, CT, United States
We will walk a loop that takes us up the ravine, stops at 2 overlooks, and through Laurel groves. Some steep terrain. 2-plus miles. Meet at the entrance on Mitchell Hill Rd., Lyme.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Tuesday Trek: Johnston Preserve – Wendy
2026-04-07 09:30 - 11:30 | Johnston Preserve, Meet at the parking area on Rt. 82., Lyme, CT, United States
Beautiful walk, about 3 miles with a moderate incline to the overlooks and back. Meet at the parking area on Rt. 82.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Tuesday Trek: Chestnut Hill/Nehantic - Kristina
2026-04-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Chestnut Hill Preserve, Sterling Hill Rd, Lyme, United States
Walk through Chestnut Hill Preserve and then enter Nehantic Forest where we will walk up to Brown Hill, through the recent cutting area, along several ridges and back. About 3 or so miles. Park at Chestnut Hill Preserve entrance on Sterling Hill Rd, Lyme.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Plant Sale
2026-04-18 12:00 - 14:30 | John Pritchard Conservation Center, 12-1 Town St, Lyme, CT, United States
We will be selling native plants from Judge’s Farm in Old Lyme. Mike Baczewski, from New England Pollinator Gardens, will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips on how and where to grow these local wonders.
Native Plant Sale. 3.5 inch pot – $4.00 – gallon – $9.00

April 18, 2026 Astronomy Observing Session
2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Trail 53 Observatory- Details with RSVP
DATE COULD SHIFT BASED ON WEATHER– The shift from winter to spring means shifting from winter clusters to spring galaxies. On this evening, we will observe some of each, while also enjoying Jupiter in the western sky, and Mars in the southern sky.
We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory. Inside the observatory, views are afforded at the eyepiece and via real-time digital enhancement. Public sessions are co-facilitated by one or more of our growing cadre of astronomy cohorts: Mark Borton, Roger Charbonneau Jr, Jon Dean, Jay Drew, Deb Fennell, Scott Mallory, John Natale, Lee Polikoff, Parag Sahasrabudhe, Mark Strollo, Jerry Tardif and Alan Sheiness.
Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. And if you have a telescope, we encourage you to bring it out. The more, the merrier. Just follow the guidelines in the pdf you receive when you RSVP.
PLEASE NOTE:
Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines. Bear in mind, observing sessions involve walking in the dark on uneven terrain. You should expect to encounter patches of grass, ruts, exposed stone, etc. as is common throughout Lyme’s natural landscapes. Please wear appropriate footwear and have a red-light source handy. For those in need, a loaner red light will be provided at the parking and at the main observatory.
For questions or comments, please contact us at astronomy@lymelandtrust.org.
Clear skies!
PS
Is it cloudy out? Then click here to see the full Trail 53 Astrophotography Gallery!

The Lyme Land Trust Astronomy Group aspires to inspire and pursue the advancement of knowledge of astronomy through public outreach programs including but not limited to observation events, education programs, and presentations about varied astronomical topics by our members and guest speakers.
If you like these programs and you are not currently a Lyme Land Trust Member, please consider joining us using the green Become A Member link at the top of the LLT page.

Tree Collective- Teen Hike and Steward Group Meet-up
2026-04-19 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-05-17 13:00 - 15:30 | Register to learn location
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. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.
It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey. Regan Stacey is a mother whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature.
Tools and gloves provided.
For more information and for the schedule of meet-up dates.
Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

Tuesday Trek: Selden Creek Preserve – Jim
2026-04-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Selden Creek Preserve, Joshuatown Rd, Lyme, United States
Vernal pool wetlands will be the highlight of this mellow-to-moderate 1.5-mile early-spring walk to the magnificent overlook of Selden Creek and Selden Island. Amphibians like Wood Frogs and Spotted Salamanders rely on these big puddles to make more of themselves, and we can expect to see tadpoles and egg masses of these charismatic critters as well as to hear the songs of early arriving migratory birds. Park at the trailhead on Joshuatown Road.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Spring Ephemeral Walk at Ravine Trail led by the Connecticut Botanical Society
2026-04-27 09:30 - 13:00 | Ravine Trail, Mitchell Hill Rd, Lyme, CT, United States
Followed by a stop at the Hadlyme Country Market and then an Afternoon Walk at Roaring Brook Preserve led by the Connecticut Botanical Society
Ravine Trail Walk: Join Lisa Wahle and Chris Penniman of the Connecticut Botanical Society in search of spring ephemerals on the Ravine Trail. Begin along the level white and yellow trails that traverse mature oak-hardwood forest, passing by a vernal pool, and proceed to the more challenging red trail as time and abilities allow. The steeper red trail is bordered by metamorphic ledges that host a mosaic of ferns, mosses and lichens. More information can be found at: https://www.lymelandtrust.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hadlyme-Hills-SeldRavBHWEB081022.pdf
Directions and Parking for the Ravine Trail: There is limited space for parking near the site, so we suggest meeting at the Hadlyme Ferry Boat launch lot (154 Ferry Road (Route 148)) and carpooling to the Seldon Creek Preserve parking lot on Joshuatown Road (1.2 miles south of the intersection of Route 148 and Joshuatown Road). From there we will cross the road to enter the Ravine Trail property. See map at the website link above.
Roaring Brook Preserve Walk: For those who would like to join Lisa and Chris for another short walk after the Ravine Trail, they will stop for a snack/lunch at the Hadlyme Country Market on the corner of Routes 82 and 148 and proceed to the Roaring Brook Preserve. This small gem offers an inclined path through red cedar and hemlock stands down to the cooling waters of the boulder-strewn Roaring Brook. More information and a map can be found at: https://www.lymelandtrust.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RoaringbrookWEB.pdf
Directions for Roaring Brook Preserve: There is a small pull-in parking lot at the trailhead on Day Hill Road or at the Hadlyme Public Hall at the intersection of Route 148 and Day Hill Road.
Registration: encouragedLisa at lcwahle@gmail.com 860-304-6184 or Chris at chrisepenniman@gmail.com or 860-501-4117
Rain Date – May 4

Tuesday Trek: Plimpton Preserve – Quinn
2026-04-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Plimpton Preserve, Sterling City Road, Lyme, United States
This will be a moderate 1.75 mile hike right in the center of Lyme. There are some significant elevation changes especially at the start and end of the hike but that effort will be rewarded with a nice lookout half way through our hike. We will meet at the trail entrance with parking along Sterling City Road, Lyme.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Tuesday Trek: Selden Creek Preserve – Wendy
2026-05-05 09:30 - 11:30 | Selden Creek Preserve, Joshuatown Rd, Lyme, United States
Hike to both overlooks and experience the vista with a view unobstructed by leaves. 2.5 miles. Fairly steep in parts. Meet at the Selden Creek Preserve parking lot on Joshuatown Rd.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Tuesday Trek: Eno Preserve – Jim
2026-05-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Eno Preserve, Mt. Archer Rd, Lyme, United States
We’ll walk a gentle 1.5-mile through Eno Preserve and part of adjacent Mt. Archer Preserve, with an ear (and binoculars if you wish) to the treetops to appreciate the height of the spring migration. Cerulean Warblers have been heard here, and we can also expect to encounter Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, and lingering spring ephemeral wildflowers. Park at the Jewett Preserve Cemetery Lot, which is across Mt. Archer Road from Eno Preserve.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

May 16, 2026 Astronomy Observing Session
2026-05-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Trail 53 Observatory- Details with RSVP
DATE COULD SHIFT BASED ON WEATHER– The highlights this time of year are the galaxies; the band of the Milky Way is wrapped around our horizon which opens up the night sky to unobscured views of the worlds beyond our home galaxy. We can also enjoy Jupiter setting in the western sky.
We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory. Inside the observatory, views are afforded at the eyepiece and via real-time digital enhancement. Public sessions are co-facilitated by one or more of our growing cadre of astronomy cohorts: Mark Borton, Roger Charbonneau Jr, Jon Dean, Jay Drew, Deb Fennell, Scott Mallory, John Natale, Lee Polikoff, Parag Sahasrabudhe, Mark Strollo, Jerry Tardif and Alan Sheiness.
Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. And if you have a telescope, we encourage you to bring it out. The more, the merrier. Just follow the guidelines in the pdf you receive when you RSVP.
PLEASE NOTE:
Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines. Bear in mind, observing sessions involve walking in the dark on uneven terrain. You should expect to encounter patches of grass, ruts, exposed stone, etc. as is common throughout Lyme’s natural landscapes. Please wear appropriate footwear and have a red-light source handy. For those in need, a loaner red light will be provided at the parking and at the main observatory.
For questions or comments, please contact us at astronomy@lymelandtrust.org.
Clear skies!
PS
Is it cloudy out? Then click here to see the full Trail 53 Astrophotography Gallery!

The Lyme Land Trust Astronomy Group aspires to inspire and pursue the advancement of knowledge of astronomy through public outreach programs including but not limited to observation events, education programs, and presentations about varied astronomical topics by our members and guest speakers.
If you like these programs and you are not currently a Lyme Land Trust Member, please consider joining us using the green Become A Member link at the top of the LLT page.

Tuesday Trek: Mt. Archer Woods – Quinn
2026-05-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Mt. Archer Woods, Mt Archer Road, Lyme, CT, United States
It is Maple Sugar Season! Walk through what was once excellent pasture that has since developed into a hardwood forest. We will look for signs of spring and learn about the process of making one of our regional delicacies. Meet at the parking area at the top of Mt. Archer on Mt. Archer Road.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Tuesday Trek: Walbridge Woodland/Hartman Park - Kristina
2026-05-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Walbridge Woodland, Gungy Road, Lyme, United States
Walk along a ridge and up to the top area of Hartman Park. We will view a variety of indigenous stone structures along the way. – plus miles or so. Meet at Hartman Park main lot, Gungy Rd, Lyme.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Botany and Birds at Slawson and Rabbit's Rest Preserves
2026-05-27 08:00 - 10:00
Join Lisa Wahle and Chris Penniman of the Connecticut Botanical Society on a walk that will showcase young forest habitat that benefits our native New England cottontail and many bird species of conservation concern as well as mature forest. The Lyme Land Trust has partnered with the State of CT and adjacent landowners to harvest areas of mature trees in succession in order to offer a variety of habitats as the trees grow back. We will be joined by Jim Arrigoni of the Lyme Land Trust and Joe Attwater of the CT Audubon. The early start is to hear bird songs. Bring your binoculars if you wish. https://www.lymelandtrust.org/properties/
Directions and Parking: There is limited space for parking at the site so we will meet at Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, and carpool to the site.
Registration: required Please register with Lisa at lcwahle@gmail.com, 860-304-6184 or Chris at chrisepenniman@gmail.com, 860-501-4117.

Tour de Lyme 2026
2026-05-31 | Grassy Hill Preserve, Grassy Hill Rd. Cemetery, Lyme, CT, United States
Time: starting at 7 am
Place: Grassy Hill Preserve, Grassy Hill Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Please join us for the annual Tour de Lyme cycling event with beautifully scenic routes for all ages and levels. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Registration open now!
For more information, visit the Tour de Lyme webpage:
The Lyme Land Trust inaugurated Tour de Lyme in 2013 as an annual bike ride to raise funds to support its mission of preserving and protecting environmentally important land in Lyme.

Tuesday Trek: Hartman Park/Field entrance – Wendy
2026-06-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Hartman Park, Gungy Rd, Lyme, CT, United States
Let’s explore the spring wildflowers in the meadow before we walk the yellow and red trails to see what the beavers are up to. Meet at the Field Entrance. The Field Entrance is about 1/2 mile north of the Hartman Park Main Entrance on Gungy Rd. Park along the side of the road.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

June 6, 2026 Astronomy Observing Session
2026-06-06 20:30 - 22:30 | Trail 53 Observatory- Details with RSVP
DATE COULD SHIFT BASED ON WEATHER– Jupiter is setting soon after sunset in the western sky, with bright Venus nearby. The southern sky is dominated by Leo and Virgo, with their many galaxies and dense globular clusters.
We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory. Inside the observatory, views are afforded at the eyepiece and via real-time digital enhancement. Public sessions are co-facilitated by one or more of our growing cadre of astronomy cohorts: Mark Borton, Roger Charbonneau Jr, Jon Dean, Jay Drew, Deb Fennell, Scott Mallory, John Natale, Lee Polikoff, Parag Sahasrabudhe, Mark Strollo, Jerry Tardif and Alan Sheiness.
Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. And if you have a telescope, we encourage you to bring it out. The more, the merrier. Just follow the guidelines in the pdf you receive when you RSVP.
PLEASE NOTE:
Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines. Bear in mind, observing sessions involve walking in the dark on uneven terrain. You should expect to encounter patches of grass, ruts, exposed stone, etc. as is common throughout Lyme’s natural landscapes. Please wear appropriate footwear and have a red-light source handy. For those in need, a loaner red light will be provided at the parking and at the main observatory.
For questions or comments, please contact us at astronomy@lymelandtrust.org.
Clear skies!
PS
Is it cloudy out? Then click here to see the full Trail 53 Astrophotography Gallery!

The Lyme Land Trust Astronomy Group aspires to inspire and pursue the advancement of knowledge of astronomy through public outreach programs including but not limited to observation events, education programs, and presentations about varied astronomical topics by our members and guest speakers.
If you like these programs and you are not currently a Lyme Land Trust Member, please consider joining us using the green Become A Member link at the top of the LLT page.

Tuesday Trek: Banningwood Preserve – Jim
2026-06-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Banningwood Preserve, 19 Town Street, Lyme, CT, United States
We’ll walk a mostly gentle and occasionally moderate loop, pausing to rest at the picnic table in Diana’s Field, and to explore and assess the floodplain forest restoration project flanking Roaring Brook. We’ll also take a moment along the way to very briefly demonstrate how to effectively manage Oriental Bittersweet vines, which, for now, have a stronghold at a location withing the preserves interior. Meet at the trailhead parking lot on Town Street/Rout 82.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Tuesday Trek: Brockway-Hawthorne – Quinn
2026-06-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Road, Lyme, CT, United States
This is a new hike for Quinn, I am looking forward to some awesome discoveries. Expect a hike that is moderate in pace and full of exploration. Meet me at the parking area on Brush Hill Rd.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Annual Meeting 2026: 12,000 Years of History Beneath our Feet
2026-06-19 18:00 - 19:30 | John Pritchard Conservation Center, 12-1 Town St, Lyme, CT, United States
Please join us for our annual meeting which will include nomination and voting of new board members, annual financial report, and award presentation of volunteer of the year. Everyone is welcome.
Following the meeting, we will have a presentation from Dr. Nick Bellantoni “Archaeology of Lyme: 12,000 Years of History Beneath Our Feet“. Dr. Bellantoni will talk about the archaeology of Lyme, including Indigenous stone works. He was part of a town-wide archaeological survey in 1982. He also is the author of Ruins of Southern New England,which he will have available for purchase and signature.
Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and is adjunct associate research professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut. He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist. His duties were many, but primarily include the preservation of archaeological sites in the state. He is a former State Commissioner for the Commission on Culture and Tourism and sat on the State Historic Preservation Council for over twelve years. He is a former President of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archeologists. His research background includes the analysis of skeletal remains from eastern North America. He has been excavating in Connecticut for almost 40 years.
Registration required: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Directions: The Lyme Land Trust Conservation Center is at 12-1 Town Street. Park across the street in Banningwood Preserve first field. Handicapped parking on site.

Imagining Lyme – Photo Submission Deadline – Spring
2026-06-30 | Imagining Lyme Website
Submit up to three of your favorite spring photos to share. The Lyme Land Trust program Imagining Lyme: A Visual Exploration of Lyme’s Preserves encourages everyone to expand their visual awareness and highlight the beauty of the Lyme preserves owned by the Lyme Land Trust, the Town of Lyme, The Nature Conservancy, or the State of CT by taking photographs prompted by inspiration from professional photographers and artists. Amateur photographers may submit photos. Photographers do not have to be residents of Lyme but all photos must be taken in Lyme in any of these places:

Lyme Preserves owned and/or managed by the Lyme Land Trust, Town of Lyme, The Nature Conservancy, and the State of CT. View a map of the preserves
Pollinator/wildlife habitat with native plants in Lyme – May be in a backyard, local farm, preserve or in a Lyme Pollinator Pathway garden in Lyme, CT.
Trail 53 – The clear sky above Lyme.

For more information and to submit photos
