Past Events

Hello Spring! Forest Bathing

event image
Date: Sun March 20, 2022
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Place: Ravine Trail, Joshuatown 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. The equinox, a gentle reminder to rest in the balance of the day, naturally invites a time to relax, renew, and ground for the season ahead.

Invitations to connect with nature will be offered along the way. The walk concludes with a wild-foraged tea. The walk is about 1-mile over easy to moderate terrain.

Registration: $32 ~ includes the program and tea.
Lyme Land Trust members receive 15% off with the discount code LLT15.

To register: click here

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   


 

Renew your connection with yourself and the Earth as we tap into nature’s rhythms and welcome the season of spring. The equinox, a gentle reminder to rest in the balance of the day, naturally invites a time to relax, renew, and ground for the season ahead.

Invitations to connect with nature will be offered along the way. The walk concludes with a wild-foraged tea. The walk is about 1-mile over easy to moderate terrain.

Registration: $32 ~ includes the program and tea.
Lyme Land Trust members receive 15% off with the discount code LLT15.

To register: click here

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   


Ceremonial Stonework Walk in Jewett Preserve

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Serpent Stone, Photo by Markham Starr
Date: Sat March 19, 2022
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Place: Jewett Preserve, Meet at the Mt. Archer Woods parking lot, Mt Archer Rd, Lyme CT.
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join us for a walk in Jewett preserve to see ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that has inhabited New England for 12,000 years. Documentary photographer Markham Starr will lead the walk. Native Americans built several distinct types of structures in our area, ranging from cairns to stone serpent effigies, and these spiritual offerings remain standing in now long abandoned woods. While Native American stonework is widely recognized out west and to the south, New England’s stonework remains obscure, having blended back into the woods. We will walk about two miles. some of it off-trail. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a walking stick for stability.

Markham Starr is a documentary photographer concerned with the disappearing working cultures of New England. He is the author of a dozen books, providing glimpses into the lives of people such as commercial fishermen, farmers, and cannery workers, and has written about other subjects such as historic barns in Connecticut. His work has appeared in national magazines and is part of the permanent collection at the Library of Congress and other museums throughout New England.

The walk is full. Register to be put on the waiting list. education@lymelandtrust.org


Join us for a walk in Jewett preserve to see ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that has inhabited New England for 12,000 years. Documentary photographer Markham Starr will lead the walk. Native Americans built several distinct types of structures in our area, ranging from cairns to stone serpent effigies, and these spiritual offerings remain standing in now long abandoned woods. While Native American stonework is widely recognized out west and to the south, New England’s stonework remains obscure, having blended back into the woods. We will walk about two miles. some of it off-trail. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a walking stick for stability.

Markham Starr is a documentary photographer concerned with the disappearing working cultures of New England. He is the author of a dozen books, providing glimpses into the lives of people such as commercial fishermen, farmers, and cannery workers, and has written about other subjects such as historic barns in Connecticut. His work has appeared in national magazines and is part of the permanent collection at the Library of Congress and other museums throughout New England.

The walk is full. Register to be put on the waiting list. education@lymelandtrust.org


Tuesday Trek: Ravine Trail

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Date: Tue March 15, 2022
Time: 9:30 am -11:30ish am
Place: Ravine Trail, Joahuatown Rd. Lyme Ct
Contact Email: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Kristina White
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

Ravine Trail–Meet at Selden Preserve parking lot on Joshuatown Rd. Meander through the ravine area and discover the natural features of this unique space in Lyme. Length and time of walk will depend on the group’s interest.

To reserve a space:  Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.

 


 

Ravine Trail–Meet at Selden Preserve parking lot on Joshuatown Rd. Meander through the ravine area and discover the natural features of this unique space in Lyme. Length and time of walk will depend on the group’s interest.

To reserve a space:  Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.

 


Tuesday Trek: Walbridge Woodlands

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Date: Tue March 8, 2022
Time: 9:30 am -11:30ish am
Place: Walbridge Woodlands, Gungy Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Kristina White
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

Walbridge Woodlands  Preserve–Hike through Hartman Park to do the white loop trail high on a ridge. Park at Hartman Park main entrance, Gungy Rd.

Contact: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.

 


 

Walbridge Woodlands  Preserve–Hike through Hartman Park to do the white loop trail high on a ridge. Park at Hartman Park main entrance, Gungy Rd.

Contact: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.

 


Hiking Club for Middle Schoolers

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Photo by Regan Stacey
Date: Sat March 5, 2022
Time: 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Place: Register to learn the location. A different preserve each week.
Contact Email: reganstacey@gmail.com
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

Join our group for middle school-aged children. Come hike the trails! Every month the hike will be an adventure to explore the natural world at a different preserve.  Get out and be curious!

Bring lunch!

Registration required, email reganstacey@gmail.com.

The Hiking Club is a drop-off/pick-up program.  If you are a parent who would like to walk the trails during the club time, you are welcome to do so on your own, with other friends/parents, or even bring your dog! The Hiking Club is limited to 10 participants per meet-up.
The club is organized by volunteer Regan Stacey, who has children in the LOL school district.

Environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey currently runs the Tree Collective, a program for teens, and the Middle School Hiking Club. She offers forest bathing and mindful nature connection in the local area as well as co-founding The Forest Therapy School.


 

Join our group for middle school-aged children. Come hike the trails! Every month the hike will be an adventure to explore the natural world at a different preserve.  Get out and be curious!

Bring lunch!

Registration required, email reganstacey@gmail.com.

The Hiking Club is a drop-off/pick-up program.  If you are a parent who would like to walk the trails during the club time, you are welcome to do so on your own, with other friends/parents, or even bring your dog! The Hiking Club is limited to 10 participants per meet-up.
The club is organized by volunteer Regan Stacey, who has children in the LOL school district.

Environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey currently runs the Tree Collective, a program for teens, and the Middle School Hiking Club. She offers forest bathing and mindful nature connection in the local area as well as co-founding The Forest Therapy School.


Sapling Club-Outside Play for Elementary School-Aged Kids

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Date: Sat March 5, 2022
Time: 1:30-3:00 pm
Place: Banningwood Preserve, 19 Town Street, Lyme CT
Contact Email: reganstacey@gmail.com
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

Join our hiking group for elementary school-aged children. Enjoy free play in the forest with friends! We meet up each month from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 pm at Banningwood Preserve. Parents are welcome to stay or drop-off.

The Sapling Club is limited to 15 participants per meet-up.
Registration required, please contact Regan Stacey at reganstacey@gmail.com.

The club is organized by volunteer Regan Stacey who has children in the LOL school district.

Environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey currently runs the Tree Collective, a program for teens. She owns Awaken the Forest Within, a mindfulness-based practice that helps [re]connect people to nature for the betterment of themselves and the earth

To learn more about the Lyme Land Trust’s educational programs.


 

Join our hiking group for elementary school-aged children. Enjoy free play in the forest with friends! We meet up each month from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 pm at Banningwood Preserve. Parents are welcome to stay or drop-off.

The Sapling Club is limited to 15 participants per meet-up.
Registration required, please contact Regan Stacey at reganstacey@gmail.com.

The club is organized by volunteer Regan Stacey who has children in the LOL school district.

Environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey currently runs the Tree Collective, a program for teens. She owns Awaken the Forest Within, a mindfulness-based practice that helps [re]connect people to nature for the betterment of themselves and the earth

To learn more about the Lyme Land Trust’s educational programs.


Tuesday Trek: Hartman Park

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Photo: Wendolyn Hill
Date: Tue March 1, 2022
Time: 9:30 -11:30ish am
Place: Hartman Park Main Entrance, Gungy Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

Hartman Park–Come see what the beavers are up to. About 2 miles. Meet at Hartman Park Main Entrance, Gungy Rd.

Reserve a spot: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.

 


 

Hartman Park–Come see what the beavers are up to. About 2 miles. Meet at Hartman Park Main Entrance, Gungy Rd.

Reserve a spot: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.

 


Our Hidden Landscapes: Stone Cultural Features & Ceremonial Sites

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Date: Sun February 27, 2022
Time: 4:00 pm
Place: ZOOM-See Zoom link below
Contact Email: sue.cope@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Three Chimneys

No registration required. See Zoom link below.

Join us for this fascinating Zoom program about Indigenous ceremonial stone landscapes in Connecticut. Dr. Lucianne Lavin will give an illustrated PowerPoint presentation of various stone structures left behind in our woods with a focus on the built ceremonial stone landscapes of the Indigenous populations that have inhabited New England for more than 10,000 years. While Native American stonework is widely recognized out west and in the south, those in New England have been largely unrecognized. As environmental stewards of our land, private and public, it is important that we learn to identify these structures so we can help protect and preserve them from future destruction.

Lucianne Lavin, PhD, is Director of Research and Collections at the Institute for American Indian Studies, a museum and research and educational center in Washington, CT. She is an anthropologist & archaeologist who has over 40 years of research and field experience in Northeastern archaeology and anthropology.  

We will record this program for re-broadcast and post the link at a later date. The program will be moderated by Sue Cope, environmental director of the Lyme Land Trust. To help support the Lyme Land Trust, you may follow THIS LINK TO DONATE.

Topic: Our Hidden Landscapes with Dr. Lucianne Lavin
Time: Feb 27, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84592190242?pwd=TS93TGxvZmNRNUJ0bThLd0hDZkhqUT09

Meeting ID: 845 9219 0242
Passcode: 632992
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 845 9219 0242
Passcode: 632992
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbF5AXTIOS

 

Dr. Lavin is a founding member of the state’s Native American Heritage Advisory Council and retired editor of the journal of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut, a position she held for 30 years. Dr. Lavin has written over 200 professional publications and technical reports on the archaeology and ethnohistory of the Northeast. Her book, Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples: What Archaeology, History and Oral Traditions Teach Us about their Communities and Cultures (2013)  has won many awards.  Her latest book, Dutch and Indigenous Communities in Seventeenth-Century Northeastern North America (SUNY Press, 2021), is an edited volume rated by BookAuthority as one of “16 Best New Archaeology eBooks to Read in 2021.” 

Dr. Lavin is a Connecticut born resident, having lived much of her life in the lower Housatonic River Valley. She presently resides in northern Litchfield County.


Three Chimneys

No registration required. See Zoom link below.

Join us for this fascinating Zoom program about Indigenous ceremonial stone landscapes in Connecticut. Dr. Lucianne Lavin will give an illustrated PowerPoint presentation of various stone structures left behind in our woods with a focus on the built ceremonial stone landscapes of the Indigenous populations that have inhabited New England for more than 10,000 years. While Native American stonework is widely recognized out west and in the south, those in New England have been largely unrecognized. As environmental stewards of our land, private and public, it is important that we learn to identify these structures so we can help protect and preserve them from future destruction.

Lucianne Lavin, PhD, is Director of Research and Collections at the Institute for American Indian Studies, a museum and research and educational center in Washington, CT. She is an anthropologist & archaeologist who has over 40 years of research and field experience in Northeastern archaeology and anthropology.  

We will record this program for re-broadcast and post the link at a later date. The program will be moderated by Sue Cope, environmental director of the Lyme Land Trust. To help support the Lyme Land Trust, you may follow THIS LINK TO DONATE.

Topic: Our Hidden Landscapes with Dr. Lucianne Lavin
Time: Feb 27, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84592190242?pwd=TS93TGxvZmNRNUJ0bThLd0hDZkhqUT09

Meeting ID: 845 9219 0242
Passcode: 632992
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,84592190242#,,,,*632992# US (New York)
+13017158592,,84592190242#,,,,*632992# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 845 9219 0242
Passcode: 632992
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbF5AXTIOS

 

Dr. Lavin is a founding member of the state’s Native American Heritage Advisory Council and retired editor of the journal of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut, a position she held for 30 years. Dr. Lavin has written over 200 professional publications and technical reports on the archaeology and ethnohistory of the Northeast. Her book, Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples: What Archaeology, History and Oral Traditions Teach Us about their Communities and Cultures (2013)  has won many awards.  Her latest book, Dutch and Indigenous Communities in Seventeenth-Century Northeastern North America (SUNY Press, 2021), is an edited volume rated by BookAuthority as one of “16 Best New Archaeology eBooks to Read in 2021.” 

Dr. Lavin is a Connecticut born resident, having lived much of her life in the lower Housatonic River Valley. She presently resides in northern Litchfield County.


Story Time about Lavender, the Opossum-Postponed to Feb 26

event image
Photo from the Lefferts
Date: Sat February 26, 2022
Time: 3 pm
Place: Lyme Public Library Community Room, 482 Hamburg Rd. Lyme CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.
This program is full.
This program was postponed from Friday, February 25 to Saturday, February 26 due to weather.
Learn about Lavender the opossum and learn why she lived in a house. Lavender’s human friend will read the book out loud and then the children will get to meet Bella and Patch, gentle live opossum ambassadors.
Learn all about our helpful wildlife friends, the opossums, with Pamela and William Lefferts, wildlife rehabilitators with Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue.
There will be books available for purchase.
Pamela A. Lefferts is a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in CT. Retired after many years in the field of education, Pam is the “hands-on” partner and does the critical medical care of the animals, preparing them for release. William H. Lefferts is a licensed CT Rehabilitator and Transporter.  Bill retired after teaching secondary school moderate to severe special needs children for over 40 years.  Bill helps with socialization and is instrumental in releases.
Always lovers of animals, the Lefferts operated a hobby farm for many years prior to retirement. In 2016 they began the process of becoming Wildlife rehabilitators and in early 2017 they opened Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue.  They believe it is the perfect volunteer opportunity for retirees and love to share their passion and knowledge of how and what “rehabbing” entails. Specializing in opossum, the Lefferts especially enjoy sharing knowledge about these misunderstood gentle creatures.

Meet them on FaceBook

Registration required: openspace@townlyme.org
Geared toward elementary-aged children and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult.


This program is full.
This program was postponed from Friday, February 25 to Saturday, February 26 due to weather.
Learn about Lavender the opossum and learn why she lived in a house. Lavender’s human friend will read the book out loud and then the children will get to meet Bella and Patch, gentle live opossum ambassadors.
Learn all about our helpful wildlife friends, the opossums, with Pamela and William Lefferts, wildlife rehabilitators with Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue.
There will be books available for purchase.
Pamela A. Lefferts is a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in CT. Retired after many years in the field of education, Pam is the “hands-on” partner and does the critical medical care of the animals, preparing them for release. William H. Lefferts is a licensed CT Rehabilitator and Transporter.  Bill retired after teaching secondary school moderate to severe special needs children for over 40 years.  Bill helps with socialization and is instrumental in releases.
Always lovers of animals, the Lefferts operated a hobby farm for many years prior to retirement. In 2016 they began the process of becoming Wildlife rehabilitators and in early 2017 they opened Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue.  They believe it is the perfect volunteer opportunity for retirees and love to share their passion and knowledge of how and what “rehabbing” entails. Specializing in opossum, the Lefferts especially enjoy sharing knowledge about these misunderstood gentle creatures.

Meet them on FaceBook

Registration required: openspace@townlyme.org
Geared toward elementary-aged children and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult.


Tuesday Trek: Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve

event image
Date: Tue February 22, 2022
Time: 9:30 am -11:30ish am
Place: Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: anthonyinlyme@gmail.com
Presenter: Tony Irving
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve–Notice glacial geology and its effect on colonial agricultural practices. Meet at Brush Hill Rd parking lot entrance.

To reserve a space: anthonyinlyme@gmail.com

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.

 


 

Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve–Notice glacial geology and its effect on colonial agricultural practices. Meet at Brush Hill Rd parking lot entrance.

To reserve a space: anthonyinlyme@gmail.com

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule

Join us for a refreshing morning walk on a Lyme preserve led by a board or staff member of the Lyme Land Trust. The leaders will alternate each week between Sue Cope, Wendy Hill, Tony Irving, and Kristina White with Brady, canine guide. The walks are moderately easy unless noted. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

Reservations are required. Contact walk leader to reserve.

Inclement weather cancels.