Past Events
Tuesday Trek: Johnston Preserve – Wendy

Time: 9:00 am
Place: Meet at the parking area on Rt. 82.
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
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

Time: 10:00 am
Place: Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: vharris1391@gmail.com
Presenter: Tori Harris
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.
Insects with Katherine Dugas – Roaring Brook Preserve

Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Place: Roaring Brook Preserve, Day Hill Rd, Lyme, CT
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
Take a walk of discovery with insect expert, Katherine Dugas from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Space is limited. Registration is required. Register: education@lymelandtrust.org
This is part ofthe Wild Lyme project. Channel your inner Charles Darwin to discover species both new and familiar to you. Along with the joy and wonder of exploration and identification, you’ll contribute to modern-day biology through citizen science.For more information on the Wild Lyme Project and how to install and use iNaturalist. For more information on the Bioblitz Team.
Co-sponsored with Lyme Pollinator Pathway and Town of Lyme
Take a walk of discovery with insect expert, Katherine Dugas from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Space is limited. Registration is required. Register: education@lymelandtrust.org
This is part ofthe Wild Lyme project. Channel your inner Charles Darwin to discover species both new and familiar to you. Along with the joy and wonder of exploration and identification, you’ll contribute to modern-day biology through citizen science.For more information on the Wild Lyme Project and how to install and use iNaturalist. For more information on the Bioblitz Team.
Co-sponsored with Lyme Pollinator Pathway and Town of Lyme
Astronomy Observing Session

Time: 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Place: Trail 53 Observatory
Contact Email: astronomy@lymelandtrust.org
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
Summer Solstice Celebration – A Guided Forest Bathing Experience

Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Place: Pleasant Valley Preserve, Macintosh Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: regan@reganstacey.com
Welcome in the season of summer with a guided mindful stroll along the meadow, river, and forest of Pleasant Valley Preserve. Enjoy a gentle mindful movement sequence, nature meditation, and opportunities to connect with the natural world along the way. In honor of the summer solstice, we’ll create a nature-inspired mandala with flowers and items collected from the forest. The session concludes with tea together.
The walk is about 1-mile round trip over easy to moderate terrain.
Registration: free
Register here.
Rain or shine event. Challenging weather cancels.
Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku – taking in the forest atmosphere. As a growing global wellness movement, it is backed by nearly 40 years of scientific research on the holistic benefits of immersing yourself in nature. These benefits include reduced stress and blood pressure, increased creativity and focus, improved mood and sleep, and a boost to immune functions.
Regan Stacey is an artist and advocate for the Earth whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature for personal and planetary well-being. She believes we can all awaken the forest within. She is co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, a forest therapy guide training program. Through her private practice, she offers forest bathing walks, mindful nature retreats, and mindfulness training. Regan is also the facilitator of the LLT Tree Collective, connecting teens to nature through stewardship, education, and exploration. Find out more about her work at reganstacey.com or theforesttherapyschool.com
Welcome in the season of summer with a guided mindful stroll along the meadow, river, and forest of Pleasant Valley Preserve. Enjoy a gentle mindful movement sequence, nature meditation, and opportunities to connect with the natural world along the way. In honor of the summer solstice, we’ll create a nature-inspired mandala with flowers and items collected from the forest. The session concludes with tea together.
The walk is about 1-mile round trip over easy to moderate terrain.
Registration: free
Register here.
Rain or shine event. Challenging weather cancels.
Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku – taking in the forest atmosphere. As a growing global wellness movement, it is backed by nearly 40 years of scientific research on the holistic benefits of immersing yourself in nature. These benefits include reduced stress and blood pressure, increased creativity and focus, improved mood and sleep, and a boost to immune functions.
Regan Stacey is an artist and advocate for the Earth whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature for personal and planetary well-being. She believes we can all awaken the forest within. She is co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, a forest therapy guide training program. Through her private practice, she offers forest bathing walks, mindful nature retreats, and mindfulness training. Regan is also the facilitator of the LLT Tree Collective, connecting teens to nature through stewardship, education, and exploration. Find out more about her work at reganstacey.com or theforesttherapyschool.com
Our Annual Meeting 2025

Time: 6:00 pm
Place: Lyme Land Trust Conservation Center, 12-1 Town Street, Lyme CT
Contact Email: info@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Professor Manuel Lizarralde
Please join us for our annual meeting which will include the nomination and voting for new board members, annual financial report, and presentation of volunteer of the year. Everyone is welcome.
Following the meeting, we will have a presentation: Ethnobotany of Southern New England: Plant Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples by Manuel Lizarralde, Professor in Ethnobotany at Connecticut College. Professor Lizarralde will talk about the history and culture of the indigenous people who lived inSouthern New England, and the native plants that have provided food, medicine and everyday use for thousands of 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.
Please join us for our annual meeting which will include the nomination and voting for new board members, annual financial report, and presentation of volunteer of the year. Everyone is welcome.
Following the meeting, we will have a presentation: Ethnobotany of Southern New England: Plant Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples by Manuel Lizarralde, Professor in Ethnobotany at Connecticut College. Professor Lizarralde will talk about the history and culture of the indigenous people who lived inSouthern New England, and the native plants that have provided food, medicine and everyday use for thousands of 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.
Botanical Walk at Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Place: Brockway Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Rd, Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: CT Botanical Society
Join us for an exploratory walk with the Connecticut Botanical Society at Brockway Hawthorne Preserve. This 82-acre preserve helps protect the Whalebone Cove watershed, with wetlands, vernal pools, mature forest and a healthy hemlock stand. The trail passes former pasture and an abandoned quarry.
Directions and Parking: We will meet at the main parking lot for the Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve on Brush Hill Road, Lyme, about 1/2 mile south of Hadlyme Four Corners. For a trail map.
Please Pre-register with Lisa or Wendy below. Raindate: June 26
Leaders: Lisa Wahle, lcwahle@gmail.com, 860-304-6184, Wendy Hill, openspace@townlyme.org.
Join us for an exploratory walk with the Connecticut Botanical Society at Brockway Hawthorne Preserve. This 82-acre preserve helps protect the Whalebone Cove watershed, with wetlands, vernal pools, mature forest and a healthy hemlock stand. The trail passes former pasture and an abandoned quarry.
Directions and Parking: We will meet at the main parking lot for the Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve on Brush Hill Road, Lyme, about 1/2 mile south of Hadlyme Four Corners. For a trail map.
Please Pre-register with Lisa or Wendy below. Raindate: June 26
Leaders: Lisa Wahle, lcwahle@gmail.com, 860-304-6184, Wendy Hill, openspace@townlyme.org.
CANCELLED – Take-a-Walk Wednesday: John Lohmann CT River Preserve – Wendy

Time: 10:00-11:45ish am
Place: John Lohmann CT River Preserve, 33 Coult Lane, Old Lyme CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
A short steep incline opens to a beautiful expanse of meadow. We will walk along the mowed path to reach our destination, Whale Rock, a spectacular outcropping with views of Lord Cove and the CT River. Bring your binoculars. 1.5 miles
Directions: Parking is along the road near 33 Coult Lane, Old Lyme. Coult Lane is a small road on the west side of Rte 156 just south of the Lyme’Old Lyme border. From Halls Rd, Old Lyme, travel 2 miles north on Rte 156. take a left onto Coult Lane. The preserve is about 1/2 mile in on the right. Look for a mailbox with 33 Coult Lane on it.
Sponsored with the Lyme’s Senior Center.
View the Take-a-Walk Wednesday Schedule
A short steep incline opens to a beautiful expanse of meadow. We will walk along the mowed path to reach our destination, Whale Rock, a spectacular outcropping with views of Lord Cove and the CT River. Bring your binoculars. 1.5 miles
Directions: Parking is along the road near 33 Coult Lane, Old Lyme. Coult Lane is a small road on the west side of Rte 156 just south of the Lyme’Old Lyme border. From Halls Rd, Old Lyme, travel 2 miles north on Rte 156. take a left onto Coult Lane. The preserve is about 1/2 mile in on the right. Look for a mailbox with 33 Coult Lane on it.
Sponsored with the Lyme’s Senior Center.
View the Take-a-Walk Wednesday Schedule
Tuesday Trek: Eno Preserve – Kristina (Cancelled due to rain)

Time: 9:00 am
Place: park at the cemetery entrance to Jewett Preserve on Mt. Archer Rd
Contact Email: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Kristina
Cancelled due to rain – will reschedule shortly. Walk the white and red loop past stone walls and streams. Some wet areas. Roughly 2.5 miles or so.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule
Cancelled due to rain – will reschedule shortly. Walk the white and red loop past stone walls and streams. Some wet areas. Roughly 2.5 miles or so.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
View the Tuesday Trek Schedule
The Lazy Gardener – Lyme Pollinator Pathway Invites you to an Afternoon at Ballek’s Garden Center

Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Place: Ballek's Garden Center, 90 Maple Ave., East Haddam
Contact Email: Lymepollinator@gmail.com
The Lazy Gardener – Save Time and the Planet!
How to have a Pollinator Garden without giving up your summer
2-2:30 pm – Nancy Ballek will share her tips on how to plan a beautiful pollinator garden that needs less tending, while helping to build a more sustainable ecosystem for us all.
2:30-3 pm – Nancy and her crew will be available for advice on selecting plants, hands-on planting help.
Register by emailing Lymepollinator@gmail.com
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Shop for eady-made pollinator planters – extensive selection native plants
** Maximum 40 participants **
Includes a coupon for 10% off native & pollinator plants for that day
Lyme Pollinator Pathway is an initiative of the Lyme SustainableCT Committee. The Lyme Land Trust is sponsoring member.
The Lazy Gardener – Save Time and the Planet!
How to have a Pollinator Garden without giving up your summer
2-2:30 pm – Nancy Ballek will share her tips on how to plan a beautiful pollinator garden that needs less tending, while helping to build a more sustainable ecosystem for us all.
2:30-3 pm – Nancy and her crew will be available for advice on selecting plants, hands-on planting help.
Register by emailing Lymepollinator@gmail.com
————————————
Shop for eady-made pollinator planters – extensive selection native plants
** Maximum 40 participants **
Includes a coupon for 10% off native & pollinator plants for that day
Lyme Pollinator Pathway is an initiative of the Lyme SustainableCT Committee. The Lyme Land Trust is sponsoring member.