Join an expert from Audubon Connecticut to learn how to identify and remove invasive plant species along the trail at Hartman Park. This is an excellent event for volunteers who wish to learn how to enhance wildlife habitat by controlling invasives in our nature preserves and in their own backyards. Please bring heavy duty work gloves, shovels, and pruning shears/loppers/clippers to this event. Bring protective clothing, sunscreen, and water.

This free event is part of a Bird Workshop Series offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project—an initiative launched by Audubon Connecticut, in partnership with the Town of Lyme and the Lyme Land Trust, the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee, The Nature Conservancy, and other local land trusts, and municipalities. For a schedule of other events offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project.

Space is limited. Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this workshop. Sign up for the September 21 event even if it doesn’t say Hartman Park.

Join fellow nature lovers and friends aboard RiverQuest to view this miraculous display as swallows amass above an island in the CT River as a part of their migration ritual. The birds congregate before suddenly descending as one to roost just as the sun sets. Learn about the swallows and the other birds we see, such as bald eagles and osprey, from on-board expert birders and naturalists.

Wine, cheese, and light refreshments are included.  Bring binoculars. If you don’t have your own binoculars, they will be provided.

Preregistration and prepayment required. If the trip is canceled because of inclement weather, refunds will be provided. The cost is $50 per person, including refreshments.  No children under 10. The boat leaves Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam promptly at 5:00 and returns in about three hours.

For more info: info@lymelandtrust.org

Members may register using the form below. Tickets are non-refundable after September 17. After that date, if we have a waiting list, we will use our best efforts to find a buyer for your ticket(s) if you need to cancel. No-shows on cruise day are not refundable. If the trip is canceled because of inclement weather, refunds will be provided.

Please bring your own water to drink.

Scheduled Activities

• 11:00 am-12:15 pm: Meet at parking lot for geology walk with Ralph Lewis. Ends at bonfire in Diana’s Field.
• 12:30-2:00 pm: Family-friendly forest walk with biologist Jim Arrigoni. Meet at bonfire in Diana’s Field.

Anytime Activities in Diana’s Field:

• Bonfire
• Nature crafts and games
• Music
• Scavenger hunt
• Marshmallows to toast
• Bring your own blanket and picnic!
• Goodie bags

For updates and to learn more about NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve. 

Note: Change of location to Walden Preserve, 119 Hagen Rd., Salem CT

Rich Chyinski is a butterfly expert from Salem, CT. Join us as he leads a walk at Walden Preserve in search of native butterflies and migrating Monarch butterflies. Nature lovers of all ages welcome. Rich will discuss how Monarchs are tagged so they can be tracked on their flight to Mexico.He will also be sharing information on threats to butterfly populations, and what we can do to help.

Directions: Parking area is at 119 Hagen Road. From Salem Roundabout, north on Route 85 for 1/2 mile, turn left on Hagen Road. The parking lot for the preserve is about 500 ft. on the right.

Reservations appreciated. Education @lymelandtrust.com

Walk along and through the 1.3 mile stretch of the Eightmile River at Burnham Brook to identify and hand pull small patches of Japanese stiltgrass with Audubon experts and Dave Gumbart of the Nature Conservancy.

Please note that this demonstration day requires a high level of physical activity. Participants should have strong legs and ankles, as we will be walking along, and likely through, the Eightmile River (water up to shins and knees, typically). Dress accordingly.

Please meet at Burnham Brook on Jones Hill Road, immediately east of Hopyard Road, East Haddam.

This free event is part of a Bird Workshop Series offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project—an initiative launched by Audubon Connecticut, in partnership with the Town of Lyme and the Lyme Land Trust, the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee, The Nature Conservancy, and other local land trusts, and municipalities. For a schedule of other events offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project.

Space is limited. Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this workshop.

Hailing from New York, “Wildman” Steve Brill is a naturalist specializing in the knowledge of edible plants and how to find them. Steve will be leading a 2.5 hour walk of Banningwood Preserve to forage for edible plants, and teach the participants all about the food to be found in the forest!

This walk is FREE for Lyme Land Trust members, $10 per adult for non-members. Email education@lymelandtrust.org to reserve your spot for this “can’t miss” event!

To learn more about NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve. 

Did you know that in just over an hour you can collect valuable information on local frog, toad, and salamander populations that help provide a better understanding and protection for amphibians? Working alongside members of Mystic Aquarium’s Herpetology, Research and Conservation Education teams, you will join us in our newest citizen science initiative as we get up close and muddy in the name of conservation! For ages 6 and older

There is also another survey event at 10:30 at Walden Preserve in Salem for ages 16 and over, if you prefer.

The Eightmile Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee is providing this educational program for its member land trusts in the Eightmile River Watershed.

Space is limited. No cost but registration required. Registration and more info.

In the heat of the summer, we’ll be relaxing in the shade of the forest while stretching out our muscles. Join Alison Ritrovado, local yogi of Red Barn Yoga, as she leads an all-levels yoga class in Diana’s Field. Bring your yoga mat and a bottle of water.

To learn more about NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve. 

Do you know why managing invasive plant species is so important? Please join Dave Gumbart, director of land management for the CT chapter of The Nature Conservancy, as he teaches us to identify invasives such as Japanese stiltgrass, barberry, bittersweet, and more! We will learn what has been done locally to manage these invasives, and how we can manage and remove them from our own backyards, creating a healthier habitat for birds and other wildlife. We will first meet at the Lyme Library then make our way to a restoration site in East Haddam!

This free event is part of a Bird Workshop Series offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project—an initiative launched by Audubon Connecticut, in partnership with the Town of Lyme and the Lyme Land Trust, the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee, The Nature Conservancy, and other local land trusts, and municipalities. For a schedule of other events offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project.

Space is limited. Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this workshop.

Join the Eightmile Wild and Scenic Watershed Committee for three free family programs

July 13: Wild Waters! 

July 20: Critter Surprise…

July 27: Sky Hunters

For  more information about all of the programs: 8Mile Family Programs