Past Events
Programs in the Park
Date: Sat July 9, 2022 thru Sat July 23, 2022Time: 10:00-11:00 am, July 9, 16, 23
Place: Devil's Hopyard State Park Meet near the Covered Bridge
Contact Email: info@eightmileriver.org
Presenter: Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Watershed Committee
Join the Eightmile Wild and Scenic Watershed Committee for three free family programs. Click on the poster to enlarge for more information. July 9: Birds of Prey, July 16: River Exploration July 23: Nature’s Sanitation Engineer
Join the Eightmile Wild and Scenic Watershed Committee for three free family programs. Click on the poster to enlarge for more information. July 9: Birds of Prey, July 16: River Exploration July 23: Nature’s Sanitation Engineer
Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Mystic Aquarium Touch Tank!

Time: 10:30 am
Place: Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: programreg@lymepl.org
The Mystic Aquarium will be visiting the Lyme Public Library as part of our summer reading program! They will be bringing along instructors and their special traveling touch tank filled with an assortment of live invertebrates such as lobsters, horseshoe crabs, shellfish and sea stars. A perfect opportunity to “explore the outdoors” this special program is made possible by a generous donation from local residents.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
The Mystic Aquarium will be visiting the Lyme Public Library as part of our summer reading program! They will be bringing along instructors and their special traveling touch tank filled with an assortment of live invertebrates such as lobsters, horseshoe crabs, shellfish and sea stars. A perfect opportunity to “explore the outdoors” this special program is made possible by a generous donation from local residents.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Special Event for Teens

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Place: Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: programreg@lymepl.org
As part of the Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path”, local artist Kisten Thornton will be having attendees (from grades 6 to 12) paint bird houses and posts to be placed around Lyme and Old Lyme by the Lyme Garden Club, Lyme Parks and Recreation Department and the Lyme Land Trust. This is the second of a 2-part event with the first meeting taking place on July 12th.
Pizza and beverages will be provided to the attendees.
This special event is made possible as part of a generous co-sponsoring project between the Lyme Public Library and Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
As part of the Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path”, local artist Kisten Thornton will be having attendees (from grades 6 to 12) paint bird houses and posts to be placed around Lyme and Old Lyme by the Lyme Garden Club, Lyme Parks and Recreation Department and the Lyme Land Trust. This is the second of a 2-part event with the first meeting taking place on July 12th.
Pizza and beverages will be provided to the attendees.
This special event is made possible as part of a generous co-sponsoring project between the Lyme Public Library and Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Geology Tour with Ralph Lewis

Time: 8:30 am
Place: Starts at Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: programreg@lymepl.org
As part of the Lyme Public Library’s “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” summer reading program a special event will be led by local geologist Ralph Lewis. Mr. Lewis will start his presentation at the library where he will conduct a short lecture on the terms he will be using when he leads all the attendees through Lyme’s Banningwood Preserve where he will be pointing out the remarkable and unique geological elements found only in Lyme. The program will start at the Lyme Public Library at 8:30 am and participants will then meet up at Banningwood Preserve, 19 Town Street at 9:15 am.
This event is for children ages 12 and up and limited to 12 participants.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
Ralph Lewis is a retired CT State geologist.
As part of the Lyme Public Library’s “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” summer reading program a special event will be led by local geologist Ralph Lewis. Mr. Lewis will start his presentation at the library where he will conduct a short lecture on the terms he will be using when he leads all the attendees through Lyme’s Banningwood Preserve where he will be pointing out the remarkable and unique geological elements found only in Lyme. The program will start at the Lyme Public Library at 8:30 am and participants will then meet up at Banningwood Preserve, 19 Town Street at 9:15 am.
This event is for children ages 12 and up and limited to 12 participants.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
Ralph Lewis is a retired CT State geologist.
Lymes’ Senior Center Take-A-Hike Thursdays with Wendy Hill

Time: 9:30 am -12:00ish pm
Place: Rocky Neck State Park, Main Street (Rte 156), East Lyme, CT
Contact Email:
A beautiful walk along the salt marshes to the beach on Long Island Sound. Bring binoculars if you have them. About 2.5 -3 miles.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot across from the KOA Campground, 271 Main St (Rte 156), about 0.5 mile east of the intersection with Four Mile River Rd.
Reservations are required. Please email sgould@oldlyme-ct.gov or call 860-434-4127 to reserve your spot.
On the 2nd Thursday of each month the group will get together at various hiking areas in Lyme and Old Lyme. Hikes will be lead by Wendy Hill, Open Space Coordinator of Lyme and the Vice President of Lyme Land Trust. The walks are moderate, unless otherwise noted. Bring a water bottle, dress for the weather and a hiking stick or pole if you would like. Everyone welcome. All hikes are 2.5 to 3 miles. Inclement weather cancels the hike.
Sponsored by the Lyme’s Senior Center.
A beautiful walk along the salt marshes to the beach on Long Island Sound. Bring binoculars if you have them. About 2.5 -3 miles.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot across from the KOA Campground, 271 Main St (Rte 156), about 0.5 mile east of the intersection with Four Mile River Rd.
Reservations are required. Please email sgould@oldlyme-ct.gov or call 860-434-4127 to reserve your spot.
On the 2nd Thursday of each month the group will get together at various hiking areas in Lyme and Old Lyme. Hikes will be lead by Wendy Hill, Open Space Coordinator of Lyme and the Vice President of Lyme Land Trust. The walks are moderate, unless otherwise noted. Bring a water bottle, dress for the weather and a hiking stick or pole if you would like. Everyone welcome. All hikes are 2.5 to 3 miles. Inclement weather cancels the hike.
Sponsored by the Lyme’s Senior Center.
Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Special Event for Teens

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Place: Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: programreg@lymepl.org
As part of the Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path”, local artist Kisten Thornton will be having attendees (from grades 6 to 12) paint bird houses and posts to be placed around Lyme and Old Lyme by the Lyme Garden Club, Lyme Parks and Recreation Department and the Lyme Land Trust. This is a 2-part event with the second meeting taking place on July 19th. Pizza and beverages will be provided to the attendees.
This special event is made possible as part of a generous co-sponsoring project between the Lyme Public Library and Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
As part of the Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path”, local artist Kisten Thornton will be having attendees (from grades 6 to 12) paint bird houses and posts to be placed around Lyme and Old Lyme by the Lyme Garden Club, Lyme Parks and Recreation Department and the Lyme Land Trust. This is a 2-part event with the second meeting taking place on July 19th. Pizza and beverages will be provided to the attendees.
This special event is made possible as part of a generous co-sponsoring project between the Lyme Public Library and Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
Breakfast with the Trees Forest Bathing

Time: 8:30-10:30 am
Place: Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: regan@reganstacey.com
Wake up with the trees and ease into the day. Enjoy an early morning gentle stroll and guided forest bathing session at Hartman Park.
We will stop at Turtle Rock to enjoy some hang time in hammocks (provided), with a picnic breakfast and tea to follow. You are welcome to pack a breakfast or snack. Light treats and a wild-foraged tea will be provided.
Registration: $35 ~ includes the program, light treats and tea.
Lyme Land Trust members receive 15% off with the discount code LLT15.
To register: click here
Parking: Park at the Goodwin Trail Entrance on Gungy Road near the Salem town line.
This is a 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 environmentalist whose passion is to re-connect humans to nature for the betterment of themselves, their communities, and our planet, Earth. She is also co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, training forest therapy guides to share this work around the world. Locally, she is involved in a number of nature-based organizations and facilitates kids’ clubs through the Lyme Land Trust. You can find out more about her work at reganstacey.com
Wake up with the trees and ease into the day. Enjoy an early morning gentle stroll and guided forest bathing session at Hartman Park.
We will stop at Turtle Rock to enjoy some hang time in hammocks (provided), with a picnic breakfast and tea to follow. You are welcome to pack a breakfast or snack. Light treats and a wild-foraged tea will be provided.
Registration: $35 ~ includes the program, light treats and tea.
Lyme Land Trust members receive 15% off with the discount code LLT15.
To register: click here
Parking: Park at the Goodwin Trail Entrance on Gungy Road near the Salem town line.
This is a 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 environmentalist whose passion is to re-connect humans to nature for the betterment of themselves, their communities, and our planet, Earth. She is also co-founder of The Forest Therapy School, training forest therapy guides to share this work around the world. Locally, she is involved in a number of nature-based organizations and facilitates kids’ clubs through the Lyme Land Trust. You can find out more about her work at reganstacey.com
Lyme Nix the Knotweed Days

Time: Friday 8-10 am, Saturday 9-11 am
Place: July 8-Whalebone Cove, July 9-Reed Landing, Old Hamburg Rd, Joshua Pond
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Join our work party for the second year to remove invasive knotweed and learn to control Knotweed on your own property. Better yet, organize your own neighborhood Nix the Knotweed Day! We are in our second year of tackling the knotweed using the “method of 3s”: cut knotweed down to the ground and bag the plant material; 3 chops this growing season (May, mid-July, and mid-August) We will repeat this for 3 years to take care of the knotweed for good without using herbicide. The cuttings will be carefully disposed of since each little piece will regrow into a new plant.
We will tend the new native plant garden at Reed Landing on Saturday, July 9. The garden was installed on May 14, 2022 under the direction of New England Pollinator Gardens. Come help and Learn about creating a native garden in your own yard. This project is made possible with grant form the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee.
Bring work gloves. For knotweed removal, bring clippers or loppers. Bring your own water bottle. Snacks will be provided.
Please register:
For Friday, July 8 at Whalebone Cove: trughouse@comcast.net
For Saturday, July 9 at Reed Landing and Old Hamburg Road: Openspace@townlyme.org
Sponsored by the Town of Lyme, Lyme Pollinator Pathway, Friends of Whalebone Cove, and Lyme Land Trust.
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant which crowds out native plants that pollinators and other wildlife depend upon for survival. For a brochure on Nix the Knotweed Method of 3s.
Join our work party for the second year to remove invasive knotweed and learn to control Knotweed on your own property. Better yet, organize your own neighborhood Nix the Knotweed Day! We are in our second year of tackling the knotweed using the “method of 3s”: cut knotweed down to the ground and bag the plant material; 3 chops this growing season (May, mid-July, and mid-August) We will repeat this for 3 years to take care of the knotweed for good without using herbicide. The cuttings will be carefully disposed of since each little piece will regrow into a new plant.
We will tend the new native plant garden at Reed Landing on Saturday, July 9. The garden was installed on May 14, 2022 under the direction of New England Pollinator Gardens. Come help and Learn about creating a native garden in your own yard. This project is made possible with grant form the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee.
Bring work gloves. For knotweed removal, bring clippers or loppers. Bring your own water bottle. Snacks will be provided.
Please register:
For Friday, July 8 at Whalebone Cove: trughouse@comcast.net
For Saturday, July 9 at Reed Landing and Old Hamburg Road: Openspace@townlyme.org
Sponsored by the Town of Lyme, Lyme Pollinator Pathway, Friends of Whalebone Cove, and Lyme Land Trust.
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant which crowds out native plants that pollinators and other wildlife depend upon for survival. For a brochure on Nix the Knotweed Method of 3s.
Lyme Public Library’s Summer Reading Program “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” Afternoon Astronomy with Alan Sheiness

Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Lyme Public Library Patio, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: programreg@lymepl.org
As part of the library’s summer reading program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path, Alan Sheiness will host an afternoon astronomy session at the Lyme Public Library. Observe the first quarter moon through a telescope and binoculars after reviewing fundamentals of how telescopes work. Alan will also discuss what causes the phases of the moon as seen from here on earth. This daytime session will be followed up with a nighttime Astronomy Observing Session on July 29.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
Alan Sheiness is a ten-year resident of Lyme, CT, and Treasurer of The Lyme Land Trust. Among other interests, Alan is life-long astronomy enthusiast and self-taught astrophotographer. He has documented lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, the Venus transit of the Sun, a Mercury transit of the Sun, many of the planets, as well as star clusters and nebulae. As a promoter of dark skies, Alan has established Astronomy as an adjunct activity within the Lyme Land Trust. More about the Lyme Land Trust’s astronomy resources, click here:
As part of the library’s summer reading program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path, Alan Sheiness will host an afternoon astronomy session at the Lyme Public Library. Observe the first quarter moon through a telescope and binoculars after reviewing fundamentals of how telescopes work. Alan will also discuss what causes the phases of the moon as seen from here on earth. This daytime session will be followed up with a nighttime Astronomy Observing Session on July 29.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org or call Barbara Carlson 860-434-2272
Alan Sheiness is a ten-year resident of Lyme, CT, and Treasurer of The Lyme Land Trust. Among other interests, Alan is life-long astronomy enthusiast and self-taught astrophotographer. He has documented lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, the Venus transit of the Sun, a Mercury transit of the Sun, many of the planets, as well as star clusters and nebulae. As a promoter of dark skies, Alan has established Astronomy as an adjunct activity within the Lyme Land Trust. More about the Lyme Land Trust’s astronomy resources, click here:
Imagining Lyme–Photo Submission Deadline – Spring

Time: midnight
Place: Submit photos to Imagining Lyme website
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
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 and the Nature Conservancy by taking photographs prompted by inspiration from professional photographers and artists.
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, and The Nature Conservancy View a map of the preserves
- Pollinator/wildlife habitat– May be in a backyard, preserve or in a Lyme Pollinator Pathway garden in Lyme, CT.
The deadline for the Spring category-photos taken in the Spring–is June 30, 2022. For more information.
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 and the Nature Conservancy by taking photographs prompted by inspiration from professional photographers and artists.
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, and The Nature Conservancy View a map of the preserves
- Pollinator/wildlife habitat– May be in a backyard, preserve or in a Lyme Pollinator Pathway garden in Lyme, CT.
The deadline for the Spring category-photos taken in the Spring–is June 30, 2022. For more information.