Past Events

Whalebone Cove and the Lower Tidal Connecticut River: Past, Present, and Future

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Whalebone Cove
Date: Sun April 6, 2025
Time: 3:00-4:30 pm
Place: Hadlyme Public Hall, 63 Ferry Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: fowchadlyme@gmail.com
Presenter: Friends Of Whalebone Cove
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.
Join our partner, the Friends of Whalebone Cove, at their annual meeting. They are thrilled to host Dr. Juliana Barrett. Starting three decades ago with her pioneering research on submerged aquatic vegetation in the lower Connecticut River, her career in ecology and conservation has given her unmatched perspective on the water- and landscapes of Connecticut and the biodiversity they support. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Whalebone Cove through her eyes!
The Connecticut River is a unique, ecologically rich watershed with Whalebone Cove as one of the major tidal marsh systems within it. Botanically rich and physically dynamic, this presentation will explore Whalebone Cove in the context of the lower Connecticut River, why this marsh is unique and how projected changes over time such as intense rainfall events, higher air and water temperatures, sea level rise and storms may impact it.
Refreshments * Free * Public Welcome! For more information: 860-322-4757 or fowchadlyme@gmail.com
Juliana Barrett is with the University of Connecticut Sea Grant College Program. Her work focuses on resilience and adaptation and coastal habitat management working with Connecticut’s municipalities, NGO’s, state and federal partners and most recently, UConn undergrads through the Climate Corps program. Prior to coming to Sea Grant in 2006, she worked with CT DEP on management plans for state natural areas and for The Nature Conservancy as the Director of the Connecticut River Tidelands Last Great Places Program. She has a doctorate in plant ecology from the University of Connecticut and is a co-author of the Vegetation of Connecticut and several guides describing coastal habitats of Long Island Sound. She likes nothing better than getting wet and muddy in Connecticut’s wetlands or hiking and kayaking through new places.

Join our partner, the Friends of Whalebone Cove, at their annual meeting. They are thrilled to host Dr. Juliana Barrett. Starting three decades ago with her pioneering research on submerged aquatic vegetation in the lower Connecticut River, her career in ecology and conservation has given her unmatched perspective on the water- and landscapes of Connecticut and the biodiversity they support. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Whalebone Cove through her eyes!
The Connecticut River is a unique, ecologically rich watershed with Whalebone Cove as one of the major tidal marsh systems within it. Botanically rich and physically dynamic, this presentation will explore Whalebone Cove in the context of the lower Connecticut River, why this marsh is unique and how projected changes over time such as intense rainfall events, higher air and water temperatures, sea level rise and storms may impact it.
Refreshments * Free * Public Welcome! For more information: 860-322-4757 or fowchadlyme@gmail.com
Juliana Barrett is with the University of Connecticut Sea Grant College Program. Her work focuses on resilience and adaptation and coastal habitat management working with Connecticut’s municipalities, NGO’s, state and federal partners and most recently, UConn undergrads through the Climate Corps program. Prior to coming to Sea Grant in 2006, she worked with CT DEP on management plans for state natural areas and for The Nature Conservancy as the Director of the Connecticut River Tidelands Last Great Places Program. She has a doctorate in plant ecology from the University of Connecticut and is a co-author of the Vegetation of Connecticut and several guides describing coastal habitats of Long Island Sound. She likes nothing better than getting wet and muddy in Connecticut’s wetlands or hiking and kayaking through new places.

April Vernal Pools Foray

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Date: Sat April 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Place: Selden Creek Preserve, Joshuatown Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

Wood Frog

Join Jim Arrigoni in an exploration of two very different vernal pools at Selden Creek Preserve: one small, shallow & shady, the other large, sunny & deep. These temporary wetland habitats are critical for sustaining populations of fascinating critters like Wood Frogs and Spotted Salamanders, but varying conditions from pool-to-pool and year-to-year can result in very different outcomes for the species that depend on them. Come get an up-close view of who’s making their living in our local vernal pools and how they’re doing it.

Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org


 

Wood Frog

Join Jim Arrigoni in an exploration of two very different vernal pools at Selden Creek Preserve: one small, shallow & shady, the other large, sunny & deep. These temporary wetland habitats are critical for sustaining populations of fascinating critters like Wood Frogs and Spotted Salamanders, but varying conditions from pool-to-pool and year-to-year can result in very different outcomes for the species that depend on them. Come get an up-close view of who’s making their living in our local vernal pools and how they’re doing it.

Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org


Tuesday Trek: Johnston Preserve – Wendy

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Sunrise at Johnston Preserve by David Luke
Date: Tue April 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Meet at the Johnston parking lot on Rte 82.
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

One of my favorite preserves with its diversity of topography. Great views at the overlook. We will walk 2.5 to 3 miles, gentle to moderate with a moderate incline to the overlooks.

Register: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


One of my favorite preserves with its diversity of topography. Great views at the overlook. We will walk 2.5 to 3 miles, gentle to moderate with a moderate incline to the overlooks.

Register: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Tuesday Trek: Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve – Jim

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Date: Tue March 25, 2025
Time: 9:00
Place: Meet at the parking lot on Brush Hill Road.
Contact Email: Jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Jim
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

A gentle 2-mile walk will pause to explore the edges of vernal pools for eggs of Spotted Salamanders, Wood Frogs, and other early spring critters.

Register: Jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


A gentle 2-mile walk will pause to explore the edges of vernal pools for eggs of Spotted Salamanders, Wood Frogs, and other early spring critters.

Register: Jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Family Trail Time with Tori

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Date: Sun March 23, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm
Place: Mt Archer Woods, Mt Archer Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: vharris1391@gmail.com
Presenter: Tori Harris
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Explore an old colonial ruins on this walk.  Meet at the Mt Archer Woods Parking lot at the top of the hill and on the south side of Mt Archer 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, 3 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. 


Explore an old colonial ruins on this walk.  Meet at the Mt Archer Woods Parking lot at the top of the hill and on the south side of Mt Archer 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, 3 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. 


Tree Collective- Teen Hike and Steward Group Meet-up

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Date: Sun March 23, 2025
Time: 1:00-3:30 pm
Place: Register to learn location
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.

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.

Click on flyer to enlarge.

 


Astronomy Observing Session

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Date: Fri March 21, 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


Spring Equinox Forest Bathing – A Guided Experience-SOLD OUT

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Date: Thu March 20, 2025
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Place: Clucas Preserve, Brush Hill Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: regan@reganstacey.com
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Renew your connection with yourself and the Earth as we tap into nature’s rhythms and welcome the season of spring—a time to relax, renew, and ground for the season ahead. Enjoy a gentle mindful movement sequence, a sensory awakening meditation, and invitations to connect with nature along the way. The walk is about 3/4 mile over easy terrain. The experience concludes with tea together.

Registration: SOLD OUT.  Please register here. You will receive an email confirmation and Regan will be in touch closer to the date as far as weather concerns, directions, what to bring etc.

Ages 18+. No pets please.

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. In addition to the health benefits, this practice offers a pathway of reconnection to our Earth, restoring our relationship with the natural world for the well-being of all.

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

Questions? Email Regan at regan@reganstacey.com


Renew your connection with yourself and the Earth as we tap into nature’s rhythms and welcome the season of spring—a time to relax, renew, and ground for the season ahead. Enjoy a gentle mindful movement sequence, a sensory awakening meditation, and invitations to connect with nature along the way. The walk is about 3/4 mile over easy terrain. The experience concludes with tea together.

Registration: SOLD OUT.  Please register here. You will receive an email confirmation and Regan will be in touch closer to the date as far as weather concerns, directions, what to bring etc.

Ages 18+. No pets please.

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. In addition to the health benefits, this practice offers a pathway of reconnection to our Earth, restoring our relationship with the natural world for the well-being of all.

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

Questions? Email Regan at regan@reganstacey.com


Take-a-Walk Wednesday: Pleasant Valley Preserve – Wendy

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Date: Wed March 19, 2025
Time: 10:00-11:30ish am
Place: Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.
Pleasant Valley Preserve – We will walk through a variety of habitats, including the Eightmile River, meadows with cedar groves, and a pine forest.
Directions: From Hall’s Rd, Old Lyme: From traffic light, travel north 6.6 miles on Rte 156. Turn left onto MacIntosh Rd. Parking is at the pull-in lot on the right about 1/4 mile from Rte 156.
Please Reserve.  Please email Caitlin Perkins at cperkins@oldlyme-ct.gov or call (860)434-1605 ext. 241. Free to all.

On the 3rd Wednesday of each month (unless noted) the group will get together at various hiking areas in Lyme and Old Lyme.  Hikes will be led by Wendy Hill, Lyme Open Space Coordinator and the Vice President of Lyme Land Trust. The walks are moderate, dirt paths with some uneven footing and moderate hills, unless noted. Paced to the group-two to three miles. Bring a walking stick, water bottle and dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels.

Sponsored with the Lyme’s Senior Center.

View the Take-a-Walk Wednesday Schedule


Pleasant Valley Preserve – We will walk through a variety of habitats, including the Eightmile River, meadows with cedar groves, and a pine forest.
Directions: From Hall’s Rd, Old Lyme: From traffic light, travel north 6.6 miles on Rte 156. Turn left onto MacIntosh Rd. Parking is at the pull-in lot on the right about 1/4 mile from Rte 156.
Please Reserve.  Please email Caitlin Perkins at cperkins@oldlyme-ct.gov or call (860)434-1605 ext. 241. Free to all.

On the 3rd Wednesday of each month (unless noted) the group will get together at various hiking areas in Lyme and Old Lyme.  Hikes will be led by Wendy Hill, Lyme Open Space Coordinator and the Vice President of Lyme Land Trust. The walks are moderate, dirt paths with some uneven footing and moderate hills, unless noted. Paced to the group-two to three miles. Bring a walking stick, water bottle and dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels.

Sponsored with the Lyme’s Senior Center.

View the Take-a-Walk Wednesday Schedule


Tuesday Trek: Johnston and Jewett Preserve – Kristina

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Jewett Trailblazer walk
Date: Tue March 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Meet at the Johnston parking lot on Rte 82.
Contact Email: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Kristina
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Hike a big loop to the overlook in Johnston, onto the red trail in Jewett , and come back into Johnston. 4 plus miles or so.

Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Hike a big loop to the overlook in Johnston, onto the red trail in Jewett , and come back into Johnston. 4 plus miles or so.

Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule