Past Events

Recent past events are found on our newer calendar here. Below are older past events, before the switch.

Astronomy Observing Session

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Date: Fri September 19, 2025
Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Place: Trail 53 Observatory
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. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events


Young or old, experienced, or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events


Forestry for the birds: Lyme Land Trust’s Young Forest Project Presentation

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Young Forest at Rabbits' Rest Preserve
Date: Thu September 18, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Come and learn about the biodiversity supported by Young Forests. This program is co-led by Connecticut Audubon Society’s Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater  and Lyme Land Trust’s Environmental Director Jim Arrigoni, and is made possible with the support of the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology Land Trust Grants Program.

Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

In order to promote the survival of NEC and other species that benefit from young forest, the Lyme Land Trust partnered with a private landowner as well as State and Federal Agencies to create young forest at Slawson Preserve, Rabbits’ Rest, and surrounding properties. The partners agreed to conduct three harvests of mature trees to create early successional habitat over a 10-year time period. The first harvest on 25-acres of private land was completed in the winter of 2014-15. After receiving funding from the federal NRCS EQIP program, the Land Trust harvested about 25 acres of trees on Slawson Preserve in the winter of 2017-18. A third harvest was conducted on Nehantic State Forest land a few years after that under the direction of forester Emery Gluck. Staggering the treatments ensured that a mosaic of young brushy habitat is available over a longer period of time. Over time, the treatments will be repeated to maintain the young forest.

In addition to NEC, early successional habitat is beneficial to many species such as the prairie warbler, eastern towhee, indigo bunting, American woodcock, wood turtle, and box turtle. Early successional forest is rare in CT because undeveloped land naturally transitions into forests of large mature trees. Historically, young forest habitat was maintained and regenerated by fire, storms, and tree clearance.  Learn more about young forests and the New England Cottontail.

For a CT Examiner article on the project.


Come and learn about the biodiversity supported by Young Forests. This program is co-led by Connecticut Audubon Society’s Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater  and Lyme Land Trust’s Environmental Director Jim Arrigoni, and is made possible with the support of the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology Land Trust Grants Program.

Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

In order to promote the survival of NEC and other species that benefit from young forest, the Lyme Land Trust partnered with a private landowner as well as State and Federal Agencies to create young forest at Slawson Preserve, Rabbits’ Rest, and surrounding properties. The partners agreed to conduct three harvests of mature trees to create early successional habitat over a 10-year time period. The first harvest on 25-acres of private land was completed in the winter of 2014-15. After receiving funding from the federal NRCS EQIP program, the Land Trust harvested about 25 acres of trees on Slawson Preserve in the winter of 2017-18. A third harvest was conducted on Nehantic State Forest land a few years after that under the direction of forester Emery Gluck. Staggering the treatments ensured that a mosaic of young brushy habitat is available over a longer period of time. Over time, the treatments will be repeated to maintain the young forest.

In addition to NEC, early successional habitat is beneficial to many species such as the prairie warbler, eastern towhee, indigo bunting, American woodcock, wood turtle, and box turtle. Early successional forest is rare in CT because undeveloped land naturally transitions into forests of large mature trees. Historically, young forest habitat was maintained and regenerated by fire, storms, and tree clearance.  Learn more about young forests and the New England Cottontail.

For a CT Examiner article on the project.


Family Trail Time with Tori–Roaring Brook

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Date: Sun August 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Roaring Brook Preserve, Day Hill Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: vharris1391@gmail.com
Presenter: Tori Harris
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Take a walk to the refreshing waters of Roaring Brook where you may get your feet wet.  Map of Roaring Brook Preserve.

Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!

Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Tori is a Mom of two littles – Kade, 4 yrs, and Quinn, 1 yr. Hiking and wandering in the local preserves, has really given her family the safe space to let Kade run loose and has a calming effect on Quinn. Working full time, volunteering in many organizations and finding time to enjoy the outdoors with the whole family, can be tough, but it is worth it!

For more information about the preserves and directions. 


Take a walk to the refreshing waters of Roaring Brook where you may get your feet wet.  Map of Roaring Brook Preserve.

Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!

Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Tori is a Mom of two littles – Kade, 4 yrs, and Quinn, 1 yr. Hiking and wandering in the local preserves, has really given her family the safe space to let Kade run loose and has a calming effect on Quinn. Working full time, volunteering in many organizations and finding time to enjoy the outdoors with the whole family, can be tough, but it is worth it!

For more information about the preserves and directions. 


Astronomy Observing Session

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Date: Fri August 22, 2025
Time: 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Place: Trail 53 Observatory
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. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events


Young or old, experienced, or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events


Family Trail Time with Tori–Gillette Castle

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Date: Sun July 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Gillette Castle, Ferry Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: vharris1391@gmail.com
Presenter: Tori Harris
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Meet at the Hadlyme Ferry Parking lot on Ferry Rd, Lyme (not Old Lyme) We will begin the walk along the CT River. There is a gentle inclined pathway to get up to the Castle to see the beautiful view. We may get our feet wet.

Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!

Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Tori is a Mom of two littles – Kade, 4 yrs, and Quinn, 1 yr. Hiking and wandering in the local preserves, has really given her family the safe space to let Kade run loose and has a calming effect on Quinn. Working full time, volunteering in many organizations and finding time to enjoy the outdoors with the whole family, can be tough, but it is worth it!

For more information about the preserves and directions. 


Meet at the Hadlyme Ferry Parking lot on Ferry Rd, Lyme (not Old Lyme) We will begin the walk along the CT River. There is a gentle inclined pathway to get up to the Castle to see the beautiful view. We may get our feet wet.

Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!

Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Tori is a Mom of two littles – Kade, 4 yrs, and Quinn, 1 yr. Hiking and wandering in the local preserves, has really given her family the safe space to let Kade run loose and has a calming effect on Quinn. Working full time, volunteering in many organizations and finding time to enjoy the outdoors with the whole family, can be tough, but it is worth it!

For more information about the preserves and directions. 


Astronomy Observing Session

event image
Date: Fri July 18, 2025
Time: 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Place: Trail 53 Observatory
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. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events


Young or old, experienced, or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events


Insects and their Amazingosity with John Himmelman

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Photo by Diane P. Brooks
Date: Tue July 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Place: Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme CT
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: John Himmelman
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join author illustrator John Himmelman for a fascinating presentation about insects geared for kids.

John Himmelman is the author and illustrator of Discovering Moths, Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard and other nature books for children and adults. After the program he will sign books. Books will be available for purchase

To register: programreg@lymepl.org

The program is co-sponsored by the Lyme Pollinator Pathway, the Lyme Land Trust, and the Lyme Public Library.


Join author illustrator John Himmelman for a fascinating presentation about insects geared for kids.

John Himmelman is the author and illustrator of Discovering Moths, Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard and other nature books for children and adults. After the program he will sign books. Books will be available for purchase

To register: programreg@lymepl.org

The program is co-sponsored by the Lyme Pollinator Pathway, the Lyme Land Trust, and the Lyme Public Library.


Imagining Lyme–Photo Submission Deadline – Spring

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Asclepias by Kent Girty Private Pollinator Garden
Date: Mon June 30, 2025
Time: midnight
Place: Submit photos to Imagining Lyme website
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Trail 53 – The clear sky above Lyme.

For more information and to submit photos


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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Trail 53 – The clear sky above Lyme.

For more information and to submit photos


Tuesday Trek: Johnston Preserve – Wendy

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Wendolyn Hill - Johnston Preserve, Lyme overlook
Date: Tue June 24, 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Meet at the parking area on Rt. 82.
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

About a 2.5-mile walk, with a moderate incline to the overlooks and back. We’ll check out the vegetation that has emerged after the bluff meadow restoration work that was carried out in March.

Register: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


About a 2.5-mile walk, with a moderate incline to the overlooks and back. We’ll check out the vegetation that has emerged after the bluff meadow restoration work that was carried out in March.

Register: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Family Trail Time with Tori–Pleasant Valley

event image
Date: Sun June 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: vharris1391@gmail.com
Presenter: Tori Harris
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

In June, visit the Gnome trail to search for gnomes at Pleasant Valley Preserve. Click here to see the Family Gnome Hunt  map. Meet at the parking lot on MacIntosh Rd.

Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!

Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Tori is a Mom of two littles – Kade, 4 yrs, and Quinn, 1 yr. Hiking and wandering in the local preserves, has really given her family the safe space to let Kade run loose and has a calming effect on Quinn. Working full time, volunteering in many organizations and finding time to enjoy the outdoors with the whole family, can be tough, but it is worth it!

For more information about the preserves and directions. 


In June, visit the Gnome trail to search for gnomes at Pleasant Valley Preserve. Click here to see the Family Gnome Hunt  map. Meet at the parking lot on MacIntosh Rd.

Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!

Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Tori is a Mom of two littles – Kade, 4 yrs, and Quinn, 1 yr. Hiking and wandering in the local preserves, has really given her family the safe space to let Kade run loose and has a calming effect on Quinn. Working full time, volunteering in many organizations and finding time to enjoy the outdoors with the whole family, can be tough, but it is worth it!

For more information about the preserves and directions.