Past Events
Trailblazers – Walk at Hartman Park
Date: Tue May 7, 2019Time: 9:30 am-11:30 am
Place: Meet at Hartman Park Parking Lot
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Lyme Land Conservation Trust and Town of Lyme
Join us for this moderately easy walk in the woods. We will explore the Hartman Park section of the Lyme Corner Trails led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust board member and Open Space Coordinator for the Town of Lyme. This time of year, there are a lot of wildflowers at hartman Park. The hike is about 2.5 miles long with an option for short cuts along the way. We walk through diverse habitat including an active beaver community.
Rain Cancels.
The Hartman Park Entrance is on Gungy Road about 1 mile north of the 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Beaverbrook Road, Grassy Hill Road, and Gungy Road.
Join us for this moderately easy walk in the woods. We will explore the Hartman Park section of the Lyme Corner Trails led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust board member and Open Space Coordinator for the Town of Lyme. This time of year, there are a lot of wildflowers at hartman Park. The hike is about 2.5 miles long with an option for short cuts along the way. We walk through diverse habitat including an active beaver community.
Rain Cancels.
The Hartman Park Entrance is on Gungy Road about 1 mile north of the 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Beaverbrook Road, Grassy Hill Road, and Gungy Road.
CANCELLED – 2nd Annual Earth Day Family Festival
Date: Sun May 5, 2019Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Place: NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve, Town Street, Lyme
Contact Email: stewardship@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Lyme Land Trust
This event has been cancelled due to rain. It will be rescheduled in the late summer or early fall.
Come celebrate Earth Day during this community event. Events are a short half-mile walk from parking to Diana’s Field with a host of family-friendly activities!
Please bring your own water to drink.
Scheduled Activities
- 11:00 am: Meet at parking lot for family-friendly forest walk with biologist Jim Arrigoni. Ends at bonfire.
- 12:30-2:00 pm: Geology walk with Ralph Lewis. Meet at bonfire.
Anytime Activities:
- Bug Discovery in Roaring Brook with Pat Young of the Eight Mile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee
- Fun and games in Diana’s Field with Lyme’s Park and Rec. Nesting ball activity offered by the teen naturalist group “The Tree Collective”.
- Live music in Diana’s Field with Sophia Griswold
- Scavenger Hunt
- S’mores by the bonfire
- Bring your own blanket and picnic!
- Goodie bags
For updates and to learn more about NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve.
Raindate: Saturday, May 5
This event has been cancelled due to rain. It will be rescheduled in the late summer or early fall.
Come celebrate Earth Day during this community event. Events are a short half-mile walk from parking to Diana’s Field with a host of family-friendly activities!
Please bring your own water to drink.
Scheduled Activities
- 11:00 am: Meet at parking lot for family-friendly forest walk with biologist Jim Arrigoni. Ends at bonfire.
- 12:30-2:00 pm: Geology walk with Ralph Lewis. Meet at bonfire.
Anytime Activities:
- Bug Discovery in Roaring Brook with Pat Young of the Eight Mile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee
- Fun and games in Diana’s Field with Lyme’s Park and Rec. Nesting ball activity offered by the teen naturalist group “The Tree Collective”.
- Live music in Diana’s Field with Sophia Griswold
- Scavenger Hunt
- S’mores by the bonfire
- Bring your own blanket and picnic!
- Goodie bags
For updates and to learn more about NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve.
Raindate: Saturday, May 5
Bird Walk at Hartman Park
Date: Sat April 27, 2019Time: 8:00-10:00am
Place: Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Join us for a bird walk featuring woodland birds in Hartman Park, part of the Lyme Forest Block Important Bird Area. An Audubon expert birder will lead the walk where you can see and hear a diverse selection of bird species, including the Worm-eating Warbler, Wood Thrush and Cerulean Warbler. Even if you have never gone a bird walk before, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the birds in your area and gain appreciation for their habitat. Don’t forget your binoculars!
This free event is part of a Bird Walk 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 bird walks and events offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project.
Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this or any Lyme Forest Block bird walk. If you have any questions, contact Genevieve Nuttall, Audubon Bird Conservation Programs Associate, at gnuttall@audubon.org.
Join us for a bird walk featuring woodland birds in Hartman Park, part of the Lyme Forest Block Important Bird Area. An Audubon expert birder will lead the walk where you can see and hear a diverse selection of bird species, including the Worm-eating Warbler, Wood Thrush and Cerulean Warbler. Even if you have never gone a bird walk before, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the birds in your area and gain appreciation for their habitat. Don’t forget your binoculars!
This free event is part of a Bird Walk 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 bird walks and events offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project.
Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this or any Lyme Forest Block bird walk. If you have any questions, contact Genevieve Nuttall, Audubon Bird Conservation Programs Associate, at gnuttall@audubon.org.
Trailblazers walk- Patrell Preserve

Time: 10:00-11:55 am
Place: Meet at Patrell Preserve Parking Lot, Baker's Lane, Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Join us for this moderately easy walk in the woods at the Patrell Preserve in Lyme and East Haddam, led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust board member and Town of Lyme Open Space Coordinator. Everyone is welcome. The Preserve has about 3000 feet of footage along the Eightmile River and an awesome footbridge over the river!
Rain cancels.
Directions: Rt. 156 about 8 miles north from I-95 in Old Lyme to right on Baker Lane. The parking area is 1/2 mile on the left near 11 Baker’s Lane.
Join us for this moderately easy walk in the woods at the Patrell Preserve in Lyme and East Haddam, led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust board member and Town of Lyme Open Space Coordinator. Everyone is welcome. The Preserve has about 3000 feet of footage along the Eightmile River and an awesome footbridge over the river!
Rain cancels.
Directions: Rt. 156 about 8 miles north from I-95 in Old Lyme to right on Baker Lane. The parking area is 1/2 mile on the left near 11 Baker’s Lane.
What Birds Need Year-Round & Important Bird Areas
Date: Wed April 17, 2019Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
Place: East Haddam Grange Hall, 488 Tower Street, East Haddam, 06423
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Audubon CT, Lyme Land Trust, and Town of Lyme and regional land trusts
Join Genevieve Nuttall, Audubon Connecticut’s Bird Conservation Programs Associate, for an engaging presentation on keeping habitat available for songbirds throughout the year. You can go above and beyond putting a bird feeder outside your window to attract many types of birds! Learn how efforts in your own backyard contribute to Audubon’s work to protect bird habitats on a national scale. Snacks provided!
This free event is part of a Bird Walk 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.
Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this or any Lyme Forest Block presentation.
Join Genevieve Nuttall, Audubon Connecticut’s Bird Conservation Programs Associate, for an engaging presentation on keeping habitat available for songbirds throughout the year. You can go above and beyond putting a bird feeder outside your window to attract many types of birds! Learn how efforts in your own backyard contribute to Audubon’s work to protect bird habitats on a national scale. Snacks provided!
This free event is part of a Bird Walk 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.
Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this or any Lyme Forest Block presentation.
Bird Walk at The Lay Preserve, Old Lyme
Date: Sat April 13, 2019Time: 8:00-10:00am
Place: Lay Preserve, Lord's Meadow, Old Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Join us for a bird walk in Lay Preserve in Old Lyme, part of the Lyme Forest Block Important Bird Area. An Audubon expert birder will lead the walk where you can see and hear a diverse selection of bird species. Even if you have never gone on a bird walk before, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the birds in your area and gain appreciation for their habitat. Don’t forget your binoculars!
This free event is part of a Bird Walk 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 bird walks and events offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project.
Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this or any Lyme Forest Block bird walk. If you have any questions, contact Genevieve Nuttall, Audubon Bird Conservation Programs Associate, at gnuttall@audubon.org.
Join us for a bird walk in Lay Preserve in Old Lyme, part of the Lyme Forest Block Important Bird Area. An Audubon expert birder will lead the walk where you can see and hear a diverse selection of bird species. Even if you have never gone on a bird walk before, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the birds in your area and gain appreciation for their habitat. Don’t forget your binoculars!
This free event is part of a Bird Walk 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 bird walks and events offered by the Lyme Forest Block Conservation Project.
Please fill out this RSVP form if you plan to attend this or any Lyme Forest Block bird walk. If you have any questions, contact Genevieve Nuttall, Audubon Bird Conservation Programs Associate, at gnuttall@audubon.org.
Thirteenth Annual Land Trusts Amateur Photo Contest Reception
Date: Fri April 12, 2019Time: 6 to 7:30 pm, presentation at 7pm
Place: New Location! Grandview Camp Resort and Cottages, 89 North Moodus Road, Moodus section of East Haddam, CT 06469
Contact Email: info@landtrustsphotocontest.org
Everyone is welcome to a reception which celebrates the scenic beauty of our towns. The work of all the photographers who entered the Land Trusts Amateur Photo Contest will be represented in the exhibit. During the presentation, winning photographs will be announced, and cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded. The reception is free. Light refreshments will be served.
The reception is hosted by the Land Trusts of Lyme, East Haddam, Essex, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Salem
Click here for more information.
Everyone is welcome to a reception which celebrates the scenic beauty of our towns. The work of all the photographers who entered the Land Trusts Amateur Photo Contest will be represented in the exhibit. During the presentation, winning photographs will be announced, and cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded. The reception is free. Light refreshments will be served.
The reception is hosted by the Land Trusts of Lyme, East Haddam, Essex, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Salem
Click here for more information.
Trailblazer walk – Griswold Point, Old Lyme
Date: Thu April 11, 2019Time: 9:30-11:30am
Place: Meet at parking lot for White Sands Beach, Old Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Join us for this easy walk in Old Lyme along the beach of Long Island Sound. Everyone is welcome.
This week’s hike starts at White Sands Beach as we explore Griswold Point Preserve in Old Lyme, led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust board member and Town of Lyme Open Space Coordinator. We will walk along the beach at low tide and go as far as we can on Griswold Point. It is a wonderful spot for bird-watching. Bring your binoculars and water bottle. We will walk about 2 miles.
Rain cancels.
Directions: From I-95N Exit 70, follow Rte. 156 south for about 3 miles. Take a right onto Old Shore Road. Go 0.5 miles and turn right onto White Sands Beach Road. Follow straight to the White Sands Beach Parking Lot.
photo by Wendolyn Hill
Join us for this easy walk in Old Lyme along the beach of Long Island Sound. Everyone is welcome.
This week’s hike starts at White Sands Beach as we explore Griswold Point Preserve in Old Lyme, led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust board member and Town of Lyme Open Space Coordinator. We will walk along the beach at low tide and go as far as we can on Griswold Point. It is a wonderful spot for bird-watching. Bring your binoculars and water bottle. We will walk about 2 miles.
Rain cancels.
Directions: From I-95N Exit 70, follow Rte. 156 south for about 3 miles. Take a right onto Old Shore Road. Go 0.5 miles and turn right onto White Sands Beach Road. Follow straight to the White Sands Beach Parking Lot.
photo by Wendolyn Hill
Trail Work Day – Hartman Park/Goodwin Trail Re-route
Date: Sat March 30, 2019Time: 10:00 am
Place: Hartman Park, Meet at powerline entrance.
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Please join with the SECT NEMBA Mountain bike group to re-route a section of the Goodwin Trail in Hartman Park. Bring your loppers, works gloves, tools, ear protection, and muscles to re-route a section of the Goodwin Trail in Hartman Park.
Please meet in the vicinity of the powerline right of way and we will direct volunteers to work zones. Snacks will be provided. Bring a bottle of water or beverage.
Rain Day March 31.
Directions: The parking lot is on Gungy Road about 2 miles north of the 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Beaverbrook Road, Grassy Hill Road, and Gungy Road.
Please join with the SECT NEMBA Mountain bike group to re-route a section of the Goodwin Trail in Hartman Park. Bring your loppers, works gloves, tools, ear protection, and muscles to re-route a section of the Goodwin Trail in Hartman Park.
Please meet in the vicinity of the powerline right of way and we will direct volunteers to work zones. Snacks will be provided. Bring a bottle of water or beverage.
Rain Day March 31.
Directions: The parking lot is on Gungy Road about 2 miles north of the 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Beaverbrook Road, Grassy Hill Road, and Gungy Road.
Supermoon and Spring Equinox Bonfire at Diana’s Field
Date: Wed March 20, 2019Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Place: NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve, Town Street, Lyme
Contact Email: stewardship@lymelandtrust.org
Join Lyme Land Trust Environmental Director Sue Cope in Diana’s Field for a Spring Equinox bonfire (with marshmallows, of course!) This year there is a Supermoon due to rise at 540pm as well. With a little luck in positioning and weather, this will be a really neat wrap-up on winter! This event is weather pending. Please RSVP to stewardship@lymelandtrust.org with a way to reach you in case we need to cancel.
For updates and to learn more about NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve.
Join Lyme Land Trust Environmental Director Sue Cope in Diana’s Field for a Spring Equinox bonfire (with marshmallows, of course!) This year there is a Supermoon due to rise at 540pm as well. With a little luck in positioning and weather, this will be a really neat wrap-up on winter! This event is weather pending. Please RSVP to stewardship@lymelandtrust.org with a way to reach you in case we need to cancel.
For updates and to learn more about NaturePlace at Banningwood Preserve.