Past Events

FULL – Ceremonial Stonework Walk with Markham Starr

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Serpent Stone, Photo by Markham Starr
Date: Mon December 4, 2023
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Place: Upper Three Mile River Preserve, 106 Four Mile River Road, Old Lyme
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

 

This walk is full. Email education@lymelandtrust.org to be put on the wait list.

Join us for a walk in Upper Three Mile River Preserve in Old Lyme to see ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that has inhabited New England for at least 12,000 years. Documentary photographer Markham Starr will lead the walk. The walk brings us along high, craggy ledges and broad hilltops with a few steep climbs. Some of it is off-trail. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a walking stick for stability. Bring your own  bottle of water or beverage. 

Space is limited. Registration required.
Parking is along Four Mile River Road at the preserve entrance, which is across the road from the Old Lyme Transfer Station.

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.

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.

 


 

This walk is full. Email education@lymelandtrust.org to be put on the wait list.

Join us for a walk in Upper Three Mile River Preserve in Old Lyme to see ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that has inhabited New England for at least 12,000 years. Documentary photographer Markham Starr will lead the walk. The walk brings us along high, craggy ledges and broad hilltops with a few steep climbs. Some of it is off-trail. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a walking stick for stability. Bring your own  bottle of water or beverage. 

Space is limited. Registration required.
Parking is along Four Mile River Road at the preserve entrance, which is across the road from the Old Lyme Transfer Station.

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.

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.

 


Tuesday Trek: Banningwood Preserve

Date: Tue November 28, 2023
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Banningwood Preserve
Contact Email: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Jim Arrigoni
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Explore the rich variety of habitats including meadows, streams and wetlands, and upland and floodplain forests on a gentle ~1.5-mile walk. An ongoing 2.6-acre invasive plant management project will also be highlighted, as well as any birds and other wildlife we see or hear along the way. Meet at parking lot and Preserve entrance on Route 82.

Contact:  Jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Explore the rich variety of habitats including meadows, streams and wetlands, and upland and floodplain forests on a gentle ~1.5-mile walk. An ongoing 2.6-acre invasive plant management project will also be highlighted, as well as any birds and other wildlife we see or hear along the way. Meet at parking lot and Preserve entrance on Route 82.

Contact:  Jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Sunday after Thanksgiving Hike – Jewett Preserve Red Trail

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Photo by Wendolyn Hill
Date: Sun November 26, 2023
Time: 1:00 - 3:30ish pm
Place: Meet at the Cemetery Entrance to Jewett Preserve on Mt. Archer Rd., Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join us for a post-Thanksgiving hike led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Vice President and Lyme Open Space Coordinator. We will walk the gorgeous red trail at Jewett Preserve, which winds along craggy ridges strewn with boulders, and return on alternate trails in Johnston Preserve to make a loop. There are some moderate hill climbs and some rocky terrain. Walking sticks are recommended. The entire walk is about 3.5 – 4 miles. The walk time is approximate depending upon the group pace. 

Snacks will be provided. We will have a snack break. Bring your own water or drink. 

Please register: openspace@townlyme.org

Map and brochure of Jewet tand Johnston Preserve. Rain cancels.

The Cemetery entrance Jewett at the top of the hill on north side of Mt Archer Rd. across the street from the Eno Preserve Entrance.


Join us for a post-Thanksgiving hike led by Wendolyn Hill, Lyme Land Trust Vice President and Lyme Open Space Coordinator. We will walk the gorgeous red trail at Jewett Preserve, which winds along craggy ridges strewn with boulders, and return on alternate trails in Johnston Preserve to make a loop. There are some moderate hill climbs and some rocky terrain. Walking sticks are recommended. The entire walk is about 3.5 – 4 miles. The walk time is approximate depending upon the group pace. 

Snacks will be provided. We will have a snack break. Bring your own water or drink. 

Please register: openspace@townlyme.org

Map and brochure of Jewet tand Johnston Preserve. Rain cancels.

The Cemetery entrance Jewett at the top of the hill on north side of Mt Archer Rd. across the street from the Eno Preserve Entrance.


Night Hike with Quinn

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Date: Fri November 24, 2023
Time: 5:00-6:30pm
Place: Hartman Park Main Entrance, Gungy Rd. Lyme CT
Contact Email: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com
Presenter: Quinn
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join Quinn, Lyme Land Trust board member, for a family friendly night hike in Hartman Park. We focus on how our perceptions change and appreciate what night brings to the forests and ponds of Lyme.Our way will be lit by the almost full moon. We will not be using artificial light, but you are invited to bring an emergency flashlight. Dress warmly and bring a walking stick. 

Please register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com


Join Quinn, Lyme Land Trust board member, for a family friendly night hike in Hartman Park. We focus on how our perceptions change and appreciate what night brings to the forests and ponds of Lyme.Our way will be lit by the almost full moon. We will not be using artificial light, but you are invited to bring an emergency flashlight. Dress warmly and bring a walking stick. 

Please register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com


Tuesday Trek: Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve / Ravine Trail

Date: Tue November 21, 2023
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve / Ravine Trail
Contact Email: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
Presenter: Kristina White
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

A roughly 3 plus mile hike past laurel groves, through a ravine and to a beautiful overlook. Park at Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve parking lot on Brush Hill Rd.

Contact: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


A roughly 3 plus mile hike past laurel groves, through a ravine and to a beautiful overlook. Park at Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve parking lot on Brush Hill Rd.

Contact: Kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Volunteer Work Party – Help Create a New Trail at Eno/Mt Archer Woods

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photo by Wendy Hill
Date: Sun November 19, 2023
Time: 1:00-3:30 pm
Place: Meet at the Jewett Preserve cemetery parking lot ( across from Eno Preserve Entrance, Mt. Archer Rd., Lyme CT
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join us for a work party to create a woods trail in Mt. Archer Woods to bypass Mt Archer Road.

Tools needed for the morning will be lopping shears, hand pruner, rake and/or hand saw, chain saws, power pruner and weed whacker. Be sure to bring rugged work gloves and wear long sleeves and long pants. Please bring a bottle of water or beverage. Snacks will be provided. 

Please Register (walk-ins welcome):
openspace@townlyme.org 
Wendy Hill, Town of Lyme Open Space Coordinator

Sponsored by the Town of Lyme and the Lyme Land Trust


Join us for a work party to create a woods trail in Mt. Archer Woods to bypass Mt Archer Road.

Tools needed for the morning will be lopping shears, hand pruner, rake and/or hand saw, chain saws, power pruner and weed whacker. Be sure to bring rugged work gloves and wear long sleeves and long pants. Please bring a bottle of water or beverage. Snacks will be provided. 

Please Register (walk-ins welcome):
openspace@townlyme.org 
Wendy Hill, Town of Lyme Open Space Coordinator

Sponsored by the Town of Lyme and the Lyme Land Trust


Tree Collective- Teen Hike and Steward Group Meet-up

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Date: Sun November 19, 2023
Time: 1:00-3:30 pm
Place: Register to learn location
Contact Email: reganstacey@gmail.com
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

The Tree Collective is a program designed to engage young conservationists ages 14-18 in outdoor fun and education while working to maintain trails in our beautiful town of Lyme, CT. It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.

Tools and gloves provided.

For more information. 

Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

Click on flyer to enlarge.

 


The Tree Collective is a program designed to engage young conservationists ages 14-18 in outdoor fun and education while working to maintain trails in our beautiful town of Lyme, CT. It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.

Tools and gloves provided.

For more information. 

Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

Click on flyer to enlarge.

 


Tuesday Trek: Young/Walbridge Preserves

Date: Tue November 14, 2023
Time: 9:30 am
Place: Young/Walbridge Preserves
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

The trails are mostly moderately easy with some spectacular rock outcroppings, abundant mountain laurel, and mature forest. Steep incline at the end but there are alternative routes. About 2 miles. Meet at Young Parking lot on Gungy Road, 1/2 mile north of the intersection with Beaver Brook.

Contact: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


The trails are mostly moderately easy with some spectacular rock outcroppings, abundant mountain laurel, and mature forest. Steep incline at the end but there are alternative routes. About 2 miles. Meet at Young Parking lot on Gungy Road, 1/2 mile north of the intersection with Beaver Brook.

Contact: openspace@townlyme.org

View the Tuesday Trek Schedule


Five Years Later – Tour of Young Forest Initiative at Slawson Preserve and Nehantic State Forest

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Slawson Preserve June 2019 by Wendy Hill
Date: Sun November 12, 2023
Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
Place: Meet at Nehantic State Forest, Northern Boundary Rd. Parking Lot, Keeny Rd, Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Join CT DEEP foresters Alexander Amendola, Frank Cervo, and Emery Gluck (retired) for a tour of an ongoing young forest project which is designed to provide suitable habitat for New England Cottontail (NEC) and other wildlife species of conservation concern. The walk to the site and back is about 2 miles, moderately rugged with a few short steep climbs and some rocky footing. We will spend time exploring at the site to experience and learn the significance of early successional habitat. Site Map.

Register: openspace@townlyme.org
Directions: Meet at the northernmost parking lot (closest to Beaver Brook Rd.) on Keeny Rd. in Nehantic State Forest. For a map with the meeting place marked.

In order to promote the survival of NEC and other species that benefit from young forest, the Lyme Land Trust partnered with a private landowner as well as State and Federal Agencies to create young forest at Slawson Preserve and surrounding properties. The partners agreed to conduct three harvests of mature trees to create early successional habitat over a 10-year time period. The first harvest on 25-acres of private land was completed in the winter of 2014-15. After receiving funding from the federal NRCS EQIP program, the Land Trust harvested about 25 acres of trees on Slawson Preserve in the winter of 2017-18. A third harvest was conducted on Nehantic State Forest land a few years after that under the direction of forester Emery Gluck. Staggering the treatments ensured that a mosaic of young brushy habitat is available over a longer period of time. Over time, the treatments will be repeated to maintain the young forest.

In addition to NEC, early successional habitat is beneficial to many species such as the prairie warbler, eastern towhee, indigo bunting, American woodcock, wood turtle, and box turtle. Early successional forest is rare in CT because undeveloped land naturally transitions into forests of large mature trees. Historically, young forest habitat was maintained and regenerated by fire, storms, and tree clearance.  Learn more about young forests and the New England Cottontail.

For a CT Examiner article on the project.

Sponsored by Lyme Land Trust, Town of Lyme, and CT DEEP


Join CT DEEP foresters Alexander Amendola, Frank Cervo, and Emery Gluck (retired) for a tour of an ongoing young forest project which is designed to provide suitable habitat for New England Cottontail (NEC) and other wildlife species of conservation concern. The walk to the site and back is about 2 miles, moderately rugged with a few short steep climbs and some rocky footing. We will spend time exploring at the site to experience and learn the significance of early successional habitat. Site Map.

Register: openspace@townlyme.org
Directions: Meet at the northernmost parking lot (closest to Beaver Brook Rd.) on Keeny Rd. in Nehantic State Forest. For a map with the meeting place marked.

In order to promote the survival of NEC and other species that benefit from young forest, the Lyme Land Trust partnered with a private landowner as well as State and Federal Agencies to create young forest at Slawson Preserve and surrounding properties. The partners agreed to conduct three harvests of mature trees to create early successional habitat over a 10-year time period. The first harvest on 25-acres of private land was completed in the winter of 2014-15. After receiving funding from the federal NRCS EQIP program, the Land Trust harvested about 25 acres of trees on Slawson Preserve in the winter of 2017-18. A third harvest was conducted on Nehantic State Forest land a few years after that under the direction of forester Emery Gluck. Staggering the treatments ensured that a mosaic of young brushy habitat is available over a longer period of time. Over time, the treatments will be repeated to maintain the young forest.

In addition to NEC, early successional habitat is beneficial to many species such as the prairie warbler, eastern towhee, indigo bunting, American woodcock, wood turtle, and box turtle. Early successional forest is rare in CT because undeveloped land naturally transitions into forests of large mature trees. Historically, young forest habitat was maintained and regenerated by fire, storms, and tree clearance.  Learn more about young forests and the New England Cottontail.

For a CT Examiner article on the project.

Sponsored by Lyme Land Trust, Town of Lyme, and CT DEEP


Astronomy Observing Session

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Date: Fri November 10, 2023
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Place: Trail 53 Observatory
Contact Email: astronomy@lymelandtrust.org
!!! seems it only displays well the 2nd time? ugh.

Young or old, experienced, or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events


Young or old, experienced, or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.

Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.

For more information and to register: Astronomy Events