Past Events

Family Event – Community Peace Pole Birdhouse Project at the Lyme Public Library

Date: Sat February 1, 2020
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Place: Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: staff@lymepl.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join us to paint birdhouses and peace poles any time between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm during the Take Your Child to the Library Day!


Join us to paint birdhouses and peace poles any time between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm during the Take Your Child to the Library Day!


Community Forum on the Environment Presented by the Sierra Club

Date: Mon January 27, 2020
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Place: Old Lyme Town Hall Meeting Room, 52 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT
Contact Email: samantha.dynowski@sierraclub.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Will Connecticut take the steps needed now to address climate change?
Climate change is happening faster than predicted. Right here in Connecticut, people are being impacted by rising  temperatures, coastal and inland flooding, tornadoes and other unusual weather. Urgent and bold action is necessary. Connecticut  lawmakers can do much more in 2020 to reduce climate destroying emissions here in our own state, and put us on a path to a clean and renewable future. Come together to learn and discuss what the state can do on climate and other environmental issues, and how you can make a difference!

RSVP requested


Will Connecticut take the steps needed now to address climate change?
Climate change is happening faster than predicted. Right here in Connecticut, people are being impacted by rising  temperatures, coastal and inland flooding, tornadoes and other unusual weather. Urgent and bold action is necessary. Connecticut  lawmakers can do much more in 2020 to reduce climate destroying emissions here in our own state, and put us on a path to a clean and renewable future. Come together to learn and discuss what the state can do on climate and other environmental issues, and how you can make a difference!

RSVP requested


Dendrology Walk

Date: Sun January 19, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: Selden Creek Preserve, Joshuatown Road, Lyme
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

There are no more spaces on this walk. Please contact us if you want to be on the waiting list in case of cancellation.

Please join us at Selden Creek Preserve for an educational walk in the woods. Michael Whalen, conservation biologist, will lead a walk to identify trees and plants in the winter landscape. We will observe the bark and twigs, and apply forest forensics using clues on the ground (leaves and nuts). Michael Whalen is a Deep River Land Trust board member.

Reservations required. Space is limited: education@lymelandtrust.org

Selden Preserve is parking is located on the west side of Joshuatown Road, about 4 miles north of the intersection of Joshuatown Road and Rte. 156.


There are no more spaces on this walk. Please contact us if you want to be on the waiting list in case of cancellation.

Please join us at Selden Creek Preserve for an educational walk in the woods. Michael Whalen, conservation biologist, will lead a walk to identify trees and plants in the winter landscape. We will observe the bark and twigs, and apply forest forensics using clues on the ground (leaves and nuts). Michael Whalen is a Deep River Land Trust board member.

Reservations required. Space is limited: education@lymelandtrust.org

Selden Preserve is parking is located on the west side of Joshuatown Road, about 4 miles north of the intersection of Joshuatown Road and Rte. 156.


New Year’s Day Hike – Pleasant Valley Overlook

Date: Wed January 1, 2020
Time: 1:00 - 3:30ish pm
Place: Meet at Pleasant Valley Parking Lot, Macintosh Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Start the New Year off on solid footing by taking an afternoon hike in this popular preserve.  Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Board member, and Lyme open Space Coordinator, will lead a walk to the overlook in Pleasant Valley Preserve. This is the time of year to get a beautiful unobstructed view of the Lyme vista. The walk is moderate with a long gentle climb to reach the overlook. We will follow a portion of the  George and Rosemary Moore Trail.

The entire walk is about 3 miles. We will have a snack break on the overlook. Bring water or something to drink.

Everyone is welcome.

Inclement weather cancels.

Directions: Rt. 156 north to left on Macintosh Rd. (across from Beaver Brook Road.) The parking area is about 1/4 mile on the right.

Registration is appreciated: openspace@townlyme.org

Photo by Wendolyn Hill


Start the New Year off on solid footing by taking an afternoon hike in this popular preserve.  Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Board member, and Lyme open Space Coordinator, will lead a walk to the overlook in Pleasant Valley Preserve. This is the time of year to get a beautiful unobstructed view of the Lyme vista. The walk is moderate with a long gentle climb to reach the overlook. We will follow a portion of the  George and Rosemary Moore Trail.

The entire walk is about 3 miles. We will have a snack break on the overlook. Bring water or something to drink.

Everyone is welcome.

Inclement weather cancels.

Directions: Rt. 156 north to left on Macintosh Rd. (across from Beaver Brook Road.) The parking area is about 1/4 mile on the right.

Registration is appreciated: openspace@townlyme.org

Photo by Wendolyn Hill


The Bobcat “Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat” – Presented by Paul Colburn

Date: Thu December 5, 2019
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Place: Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme
Contact Email: programreg@lymepl.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join the Friends of the Lyme Library for this presentation that focuses on the natural history of bobcats in Connecticut. Paul Coburn will present an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. Learn about “citizen science,” the role of the public in helping with field data collection. Bobcat artifacts are shared with the audience. Paul Colburn is a 2015 graduate of the Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP) and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC). Mr. Colburn has provided over 160 wildlife presentations across the state on black bears, bobcats, eastern coyote, fisher, white-tailed deer and a natural history of Connecticut dating back to 1650.  Mr. Colburn is an avid outdoorsman, “The Bobcat: Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat” is the subject of an informative talk by Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn, a graduate of Wesleyan.

Please call the Lyme Public Library at 860-434-2272 to register or email programreg@lymepl.org.


Join the Friends of the Lyme Library for this presentation that focuses on the natural history of bobcats in Connecticut. Paul Coburn will present an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. Learn about “citizen science,” the role of the public in helping with field data collection. Bobcat artifacts are shared with the audience. Paul Colburn is a 2015 graduate of the Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP) and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC). Mr. Colburn has provided over 160 wildlife presentations across the state on black bears, bobcats, eastern coyote, fisher, white-tailed deer and a natural history of Connecticut dating back to 1650.  Mr. Colburn is an avid outdoorsman, “The Bobcat: Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat” is the subject of an informative talk by Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn, a graduate of Wesleyan.

Please call the Lyme Public Library at 860-434-2272 to register or email programreg@lymepl.org.


Saturday after Thanksgiving Hike – Hartman Park Red Trail

Date: Sat November 30, 2019
Time: 1:30 - 3:30ish pm
Place: Meet at Hartman Park Entrance Parking Lot
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

rocks-by-Wendolyn-Hill2Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Board member, and Lyme open Space Coordinator, will lead a walk on the Red Trail in Hartman Park. Work off your Thanksgiving overindulgence on this beautiful moderate trail that winds along craggy ridges strewn with boulders. The route will follow a portion of the Goodwin Trail.

The Goodwin Trail, overseen by the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee, is a an extended trail system crossing four towns: East Haddam, Salem, Lyme and East Lyme. Dr. Richard H. Goodwin (1911-2007) was president of the Nature Conservancy from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1964 to 1966. The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, was started in 1951, and Dr. Goodwin was one of its founders. Since then, it has protected 15 million acres of land in the United States and 102 million acres in 29 other countries.

The entire walk is about 3.5 miles. There are some moderate hill climbs and some rocky terrain. We will have a snack break on the bald nubble about halfway through. Bring something to drink.

Meet at the of Hartman Park Entrance Parking Lot on Gungy Road in Lyme.

Rain cancels.

Directions: The parking lot is on Gungy Road about 1.5 miles north of the 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Beaverbrook Road, Grassy Hill Road, and Gungy Road.

Registration is appreciated: openspace@townlyme.org


rocks-by-Wendolyn-Hill2Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Board member, and Lyme open Space Coordinator, will lead a walk on the Red Trail in Hartman Park. Work off your Thanksgiving overindulgence on this beautiful moderate trail that winds along craggy ridges strewn with boulders. The route will follow a portion of the Goodwin Trail.

The Goodwin Trail, overseen by the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee, is a an extended trail system crossing four towns: East Haddam, Salem, Lyme and East Lyme. Dr. Richard H. Goodwin (1911-2007) was president of the Nature Conservancy from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1964 to 1966. The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, was started in 1951, and Dr. Goodwin was one of its founders. Since then, it has protected 15 million acres of land in the United States and 102 million acres in 29 other countries.

The entire walk is about 3.5 miles. There are some moderate hill climbs and some rocky terrain. We will have a snack break on the bald nubble about halfway through. Bring something to drink.

Meet at the of Hartman Park Entrance Parking Lot on Gungy Road in Lyme.

Rain cancels.

Directions: The parking lot is on Gungy Road about 1.5 miles north of the 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Beaverbrook Road, Grassy Hill Road, and Gungy Road.

Registration is appreciated: openspace@townlyme.org


Hadlyme Autumn Road Litter Clean Up

Date: Sat November 23, 2019
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Meet at Hadlyme Country Market, Rte 148, Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Volunteers Needed

Project: Pick Up Litter Along Rt. 82 from Shagbark To Baker Lane
Orange or Bright Yellow Outerwear Recommended

Plastic Bags Will Be Provided

 Sponsored by Hadlyme Public Hall, North School Society, Friends of Whalebone Cove, Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Hadlyme Hall Garden Club, & Town Of Lyme Open Space Office.

 More Info – Call Humphrey 518-253-4844

(Rain Date: 1 PM Sunday Nov 24)


Volunteers Needed

Project: Pick Up Litter Along Rt. 82 from Shagbark To Baker Lane
Orange or Bright Yellow Outerwear Recommended

Plastic Bags Will Be Provided

 Sponsored by Hadlyme Public Hall, North School Society, Friends of Whalebone Cove, Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Hadlyme Hall Garden Club, & Town Of Lyme Open Space Office.

 More Info – Call Humphrey 518-253-4844

(Rain Date: 1 PM Sunday Nov 24)


Explore Nature Walk for Families with Kim Hargrave

Date: Sun November 17, 2019
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: Banningwood Preserve, Town Street, Lyme CT
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Please join us at Banningwood Preserve for a family walk geared for young children, with Kim Hargrave, Education Director of Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Along the way we’ll explore rock outcroppings, notice changes of the season and search for creatures getting ready for winter. We will listen to the sounds around us to create sound maps.

Reservations appreciated. Education@lymelandtrust.org

The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. located in Mystic CT, is a combination wildlife sanctuary, natural history museum, and educational facility highlighting the habitats of southeastern Connecticut. Their mission is to inspire and nurture appreciation and scientific understanding of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic.


Please join us at Banningwood Preserve for a family walk geared for young children, with Kim Hargrave, Education Director of Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Along the way we’ll explore rock outcroppings, notice changes of the season and search for creatures getting ready for winter. We will listen to the sounds around us to create sound maps.

Reservations appreciated. Education@lymelandtrust.org

The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. located in Mystic CT, is a combination wildlife sanctuary, natural history museum, and educational facility highlighting the habitats of southeastern Connecticut. Their mission is to inspire and nurture appreciation and scientific understanding of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic.


Ceremonial Stonework: The Enduring Native American Presence on the Land

Date: Fri November 15, 2019
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Lyme Public Hall, 248 Hamburg Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Photo by Markham Starr

Documentary photographer Markham Starr will present a slideshow which takes the audience on an extended walk through the woods to see the ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that inhabited New England for 12,000 years. 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. This slideshow, from the book by the same name, comes from photographs from sites in North Stonington and neighboring Rhode Island.

Attendees of the slideshow will be invited to a walk to see stonework in one of our local preserves on Saturday, November 16th at 9:00 am, location to be announced (raindate Nov 17).

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, Historic New England, and other museums throughout New England.

For information: openspace@townlyme.org.


Photo by Markham Starr

Documentary photographer Markham Starr will present a slideshow which takes the audience on an extended walk through the woods to see the ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that inhabited New England for 12,000 years. 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. This slideshow, from the book by the same name, comes from photographs from sites in North Stonington and neighboring Rhode Island.

Attendees of the slideshow will be invited to a walk to see stonework in one of our local preserves on Saturday, November 16th at 9:00 am, location to be announced (raindate Nov 17).

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, Historic New England, and other museums throughout New England.

For information: openspace@townlyme.org.


Demonstration and Work Party with an Audubon Expert- Identifying and Removing Invasive Plants

Date: Sat October 19, 2019
Time: 9:30 am-11:30 am
Place: Olde Field Preserve, 170 Parker Rd, East Haddam, 06423
Contact Email: gnuttall@audubon.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Invasive Bittersweet

Join an expert from Audubon Connecticut to learn how to identify and remove invasive plant species. 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.


Invasive Bittersweet

Join an expert from Audubon Connecticut to learn how to identify and remove invasive plant species. 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.