spring outdoors 2017 sponsored by southbridge savings bank · towns in eastern connecticut and...

Spring Outdoors connects you to lands, waters, and trails in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor, 35 towns in eastern Connecticut and south central Massachusetts. Sponsored by Southbridge Savings Bank.

Phone: 860-774-3300 Email: [email protected] thelastgreenvalley.org

203B Main Street (2nd floor), P.O. Box 29, Danielson, CT 06239-0029 P.O. Box 186, Southbridge, MA 01550

Predation & the Ecosystem at Goodwin Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 1 - 2:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-registration recommended 860-455-9534 or [email protected] . Address: 23 Potter Rd., Hampton, CT. Off Route 6 Expect this! The relationship between prey and predator is a delicate balance in our complex and ever changing world. In this program, we’ll take a look at these relationships to determine risks to and potential damage to the balance of our local ecosystem structure. Conservation Educator Michael Grady returns with a brand new program that discusses the state of our ecosystem and includes hands on experience outdoors to discover how nature is letting us know the problem. Take a self-guided hike on any of the trails available in the Goodwin State Forest (including a portion of the Air Line Trail, too) after this presentation to enjoy this environment. Then attend the Book Club at 3pm. Questions? 860-455-9534 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Friends of Goodwin Forest. www.friendsofgoodwinforest.org Goodwin Book Club featuring Edwin Way Teale Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 3 - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-registration recommended 860-455-9534 or [email protected] . Address: 23 Potter Rd., Hampton, CT. Off Route 6 Expect this! Do you like reading about the environment and nature? Do you wish you could discuss your favorite books with other people? Join other like minded folk who want to talk about their favorite books and find suggestions for new and wonderful reads. The book we will be continuing with is A Naturalist Buys an Old Farm by Edwin Way Teale. This book chronicles Edwin’s experiences at his farm in Hampton, CT. Please come to the club having read as much of the assigned book as possible. Take a self-guided hike on the Goodwin Forest Trails before or after the book club gathering to enjoy what Edwin & Nellie did! Questions? 860-455-9534 Time/Distance: 2 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Friends of Goodwin Forest. www.friendsofgoodwinforest.org

Spring Outdoors 2017 Sponsored by

Southbridge Savings Bank

mailto:[email protected]




Organic Lawns Workshop Saturday, March 25, 2017, 10 - 11: 30 am Difficulty: n/a. Key(s):Pre-registration by 3/23/17 to 860-429-3333 or [email protected] . Address: 4 S. Eagleville Rd., Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Expect this! The Town of Mansfield is offering a series of free workshops focused on landscaping techniques that reduce storm water pressure, soil erosion, pesticide, herbicide and synthetic fertilizer use and support a healthy environment around our homes. Residents from other communities are welcome to attend. Learn how to create a lush, healthy yard without the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers from accredited organic land care professional Rick Brosseau of Milrick Lawn Service. Questions? 860-429-3333 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Town of Mansfield, CT. www.mansfieldct.org Medicinal Weeds of Connecticut and Their Use Saturday, March 25, 2017, 10:30 - 12 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-registration recommended 860-455-9534 or [email protected] . Address: 23 Potter Rd., Hampton, CT. Off Route 6 Expect this! This workshop will emphasize the identification and use of our wonderful weeds. Example plants will be shared and a weed walk will be included to help participants recognize plants. Recipes will be shared and demonstrated. Debra Hultgren is a retired public school educator and administrator. In retirement she is a practicing community herbalist and master gardener. She grows, harvests and prepares foods and medicines and teaches others how to include these healing traditions in their own lives. Questions? 860-455-9534 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Friends of Goodwin Forest. www.friendsofgoodwinforest.org TLGV Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure - Is it Spring yet on the Air Line Trail in The Last Green Valley? Sunday, March 26, 2017, 1 - 2:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Chewink Rd., Chaplin, CT. Rte. 6 to Chewink Rd., park at lot where the Air Line Trail crosses road. Expect this! Trek the Air Line Trail in The Last Green Valley! Our feet will take us west to find Joshua's Trust Two Sisters Preserve as we search for signs of Spring - Like Skunk Cabbage! Snacks, Acorn Adventure stickers and lots f FUN always included! Dress for the weather, and bring a friend! FREE! All ages welcome. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley & Putnam Bank. www.thelastgreenvalley.org, www.putnambank.com Climate Change 101 Sunday, March 26, 2017, 2 - 3 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-registration recommended 860-455-9534 or [email protected] . Address: 23 Potter Rd., Hampton, CT. Off Route 6 Expect this! Goodwin’s naturalist, Jasper Sha will lead a discussion about climate change. He will discuss how climate change works, how humans are impacting global changes, and will answer some commonly asked questions and misconceptions. Come learn, ask questions, and find out a little bit more about something often talked about but rarely examined clearly. Stay after the talk and hike or stroll some of the beautiful trails around the Goodwin Forest. Breathe in the fresh air. Questions? 860-455-9534 Time/Distance: 1 hour, n/a Sponsored by: Friends of Goodwin Forest. www.friendsofgoodwinforest.org


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Spring Along the Willimantic River Sunday, March 26, 2017, 2 - 3:30 pm Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Key(s):Pre-register [email protected] Especially for families with children, NO dogs please. Address: 30 Silver Falls Lane, Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Park at the end of Commerce Dr. Expect this! Come look for spring along the Willimantic River - plants and reptiles - and learn about this property long-held by the Potter family of Windham. Rain or snow cancels. No dogs, please. Suitable for children ages 4 and up. Easy to moderate. Mud boots recommended and appropriate weather gear. Questions? 860-429-9023 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Joshua's Trust. http://joshuastrust.org/ Thompson Together's Month-Long Town-Wide Cleanup April 1 - April 30, 2017 Difficulty: n/a.. Address: throughout the town, Thompson, CT. Expect this! Thompson Together, Inc. will be doing their annual month-long town-wide cleanup in the Town of Thompson. The Town of Thompson will provide a dumpster designated for the cleanup. Questions? 860-928-1742 Time/Distance: Entire month of April, Sponsored by: Thompson Together, Inc.. http://www.thompsonct.org NFA Students Cleanup Norwich Select Days in April & May Difficulty: n/a. Address: from NFA to Howard Brown Park & at the Marina at America's Wharf, Norwich, CT. Expect this! Norwich Free Academy Marine & Environmental Sciences students will be doing cleanups from NFA to Howard Brown Park and the Marina at Americas Wharf on select dates in April and May. Toot and give them a thumbs up when you see them at work! Questions? 860-887-2505 Sponsored by: Norwich Free Academy. http://www.nfaschool.org/ Rapoport/Spalding Preserve Walk Saturday, April 1, 2017, 10 - 11 am Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): Leashed dogs. Address: Dead end of Calkins Rd., Woodstock, CT. Park respectfully on road by #129 Calkins Rd. Expect this! Hike the fields, woods, and wetlands of this scenic 154-acre Wyndham Land Trust Property, the Spalding/Rapoport Preserve. Questions? 860-928-4715 Time/Distance: 1 hour, 2 miles Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org Leffingwell House Museum Season Opening & Unveil of 13-Star Flag Saturday, April 1, 2017, 11 am - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT. Expect this! After a self-guided Walk Norwich stroll (walknorwich.org), visit the museum for opening day, including the unveiling of an amazing preserved and framed Centennial 13-Star Flag! Cocoa being served, too. $5 entry fee. Questions? 860-889-9440 Time/Distance: 5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Leffingwell House Museum. www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org





Owl Visit & Iron Mine Walk during school vacation! Thursday, April 13, 2017, 10 am - 12 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Especially for families with children. Address: 9 Sand Hill Rd., Ashford, CT. Expect this! On Thursday, April 13th, at 10:00 AM, kids and adults alike can join Joshua's Trust and Horizon Wings Raptor Rescue for a special program on owls and a walk at nearby Iron Mine Valley Preserve in Ashford for a special April Vacation outing. The program will begin at Horizon Wings where attendees will meet and learn about some of the rescue's resident owls. Following the program, there will be a walk at Iron Mine Valley, just five minutes up the road. The walk will focus on owls' natural habitat and springtime habits. Learn more about Iron Mine Preserve here: http://joshuastrust.org/iron-mine-valley Questions? 860-429-3338 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Joshua's Trust & Horizon Wings. www.joshuastrust.org & www.horizonwings.org Low Maintenance Gardening Thursday, April 13, 2017, 7 - 8 pm Difficulty: . Key(s):Pre-registration by 4/11/17 to 860-429-3333 or [email protected] . Address: 4 S. Eagleville Rd., Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Expect this! The Town of Mansfield is offering a series of free workshops focused on landscaping techniques that reduce storm water pressure, soil erosion, pesticide, herbicide and synthetic fertilizer use and support a healthy environment around our homes. Residents from other communities are welcome to attend. Learn how to create a lush, healthy yard without the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers from accredited organic land care professional Rick Brosseau of Milrick Lawn Service. Questions? 860-429-3333 Time/Distance: 1 hour, n/a Sponsored by: Town of Mansfield, CT. www.mansfieldct.org Where is Hop River Friday, April 14, 2017, 11 am - 1 pm Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Hop River Rd., Coventry, CT. Park at Trail Head Expect this! Walk the rails and learn about Hop River Village, once an important mill village. See two factory sites and the dam. This is a scenic walk on the Hop River Rail Trail to enjoy with your leader, Ray Axelrod. Questions? 860-617-3308 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org TLGV April Member Program at Horizon Wings Saturday, April 15, 2017, Time TBD Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-registration 860-774-3300 or [email protected] . Address: 9 Sand Hill Rd., Ashford, CT. Expect this! Enjoy the monthly TLGV member program with Chief Ranger Bill and Mary-Beth & her Horizon Wings Team. More details to come or contact [email protected]. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: TBD, TBD Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley & Horizon Wings. www.thelastgreenvalley.org & www.horizonwings.org All Day Earth Day Event Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 6 am - afternoon Difficulty: n/a. Address: QVCC, 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson, CT. Expect this! Start out the day with The “On the Air Water Fair” from 6 - 9 am at WINY Radio, 45 Pomfret St., Putnam, listen in to hear how your local actions can positively impact our environment, visit with community partners to in parking lot at WINY Radio. CT DPH will distribute collection sample bottles that you can pick up to test your private well water for arsenic and uranium. (DPH is offering





free testing for these elements. Tests typically costs between $150-$200 dollars! At 11 am, the event moves to the QVCC campus where you can visit even more partners at this awareness event; vendors, murals, art, music, conservation information, speakers and more fun! Expect great surprises! Questions? 860-774-7350 Sponsored by: CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, NDDH, QVCC, WINY, TLGV & more. http://www.nddh.org/ KBA's Downtown Danielson Main Street Cleanup Wednesday, April 19, 2017, 9 - 11 am Difficulty: n/a. Address: 172 Main St., Danielson, CT. Meet at Town Hall Expect this! School vacation is a great time to involve your kids in the downtown Main Street cleanup. All businesses along Main Street are invited to chip in to Spring Outdoors and spruce up the area. Great for Scouts & Young Marines, too! Questions? 860-779-5350 Time/Distance: 2 hours Sponsored by: Killingly Business Association (KBA). https://www.killinglybusinessassociation.org/ Backyard Composting Saturday, April 22, 2017, 10 - 11 am Difficulty: . Key(s):Pre-registration by 4/29/17 to 860-429-3333 or [email protected] . Address: 4 S. Eagleville Rd., Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Expect this! The Town of Mansfield is offering a series of free workshops focused on landscaping techniques that reduce storm water pressure, soil erosion, pesticide, herbicide and synthetic fertilizer use and support a healthy environment around our homes. Residents from other communities are welcome to attend. Learn about the inner workings of a compost pile and how it is an integral part of organic land care. This workshop will help you get started or improve what you already have going. Presented by Virginia Walton, Mansfield Recycling Coordinator. Questions? 860-429-3333 Time/Distance: 1 hour, n/a Sponsored by: Town of Mansfield, CT. www.mansfieldct.org 4th Annual WT4H Camper Scamper 5k Road Race & Kids 1 miler Saturday, April 22, 2017, 10 am - 12 pm Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s):Pre-registration online at www.4hcampct.org . Address: 326 Taft Pond Rd., Pomfret, CT. Expect this! Help support our local youth by running, jogging or walking the 5k on the country road in Pomfret. 1 mile optional run for the younger kids, too! $20 for adults, $10 for the kiddos. Questions? 860-974-1122 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1 mile or 3.1 miles Sponsored by: Windham-Tolland 4H Camp. www.4hcampct.org Sprague's Earth Day Town-Wide Cleanup Day Saturday, April 22, 2017, 10 am - 1 pm Difficulty: n/a. Address: 76 Main St., Baltic (Sprague), CT. Park at Grist Mill lot Expect this! Free bags & gloves available at the Grist Mill parking lot meeting place at 10 am. Cleanup and take advantage of the free dump day, accepted items will be taken in during regular hours free of charge. Meet back in the Grist Mill parking lot at 1 pm for some free pizza to celebrate. Questions? Give Cathy or Barbara a call 860-822-3000 ext 201. Questions? 860-822-3000 Time/Distance: 3 hours Sponsored by: Town of Sprague, CT. http://www.ctsprague.org/


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The Three Bridges of Downtown Willimantic - and More! Saturday, April 22, 2017, 10:30 am - 12 noon Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Especially for families with children. Address: Main St. (Rte. 66) at Jillson Square, Windham (Willimantic), CT. Park in lot by First Bapstist Church. Expect this! We will review the great historical photos at Liberty Bank downtown and then explore the Victorian Footbridge, Frog Bridge, and Bridge of Flowers. Lots of history and beauty to behold. Questions? 860-617-3308 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Wyndham Land Trust's Salamander Search at the Lyon Preserve Saturday, April 22, 2017, 1 - 2:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Wrights Crossing Rd., Pomfret, CT. Look for the Lyon Preserve sign, at the end of Wrights Crossing Rd, just off Rte. 101. Expect this! WALK the Lyon Preserve. READ the book “Big Night for Salamanders.” LOOK for live squirmy salamanders, too! This should be the perfect time & place to look for salamanders. We’re sure to learn & discover more! Snacks included! Dress for the weather, and bring a friend! FREE! All ages welcome. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org Stones, Ponds & Dams Saturday, April 22, 2017, 2 - 3:30 pm Rain date: Sunday, April 23 Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s):Pre-register [email protected] NO dogs please. Address: Rte. 275, Mansfield, CT. 0.2 miles west of Separatist Rd, park at Glen Ridge Fire Pond Expect this! Famed Author & UConn Professor Thor Thorson will lead the group on a walk to explore ponds, dams and walls. Rain postpones to Sunday 4/23. Kids in backpacks or school-age. Questions? 860-429-9023 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Joshua's Trust. http://joshuastrust.org/ GOSA's Haley Farm Cleanup Day Saturday, April 22, 2017, Time TBD Difficulty: n/a. Address: Haley Farm Lane, Groton, CT. Expect this! Get to know the Groton Open Space Assocation (GOSA) through this clean up - a perfect example of just some of the good they do. Contact GOSA for more details at 860-572-5715 or [email protected] Questions? 860-572-5715 Sponsored by: Groton Open Space Association (GOSA). http://gosaonline.org/





TLGV Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure Salamander Story Walk in Holland Sunday, April 23, 2017, 1 - 2:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Lake Siog, Pond Bridge Rd., Holland, MA. Expect this! WALK Lake Siog Pass Trail. READ the book “Big Night for Salamanders.” LOOK for live squirmy salamanders, too! Last year we found so many salamanders at this location and Acorn Adventure, we could not wait to ome back for another visit! We’re sure to learn & discover more! Snacks, Acorn stickers & fresh air FUN always included! Dress for the weather, and bring a friend! FREE! All ages welcome. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley & Putnam Bank. www.thelastgreenvalley.org, www.putnambank.com Forest Stewardship with Patch Cutting Sunday, April 23, 2017, Time TBD Difficulty: TBD. Key(s): TBD. Address: , Mansfield, CT. Expect this! Learn about a “patch cut” that these woods owners are doing with Mike Bartlett of Hull Forest Products. Enjoy the beautiful mature forest location with the land owner, the current forester, and Mike Tremblay the forester that did the original stewardship plan. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: TBD, TBD Sponsored by: ECFLA/WDLT. http://www.ecfla.org/ Wildflowers, Birds and Insects at Mt. Hope Park Saturday, April 29, 2017, 9:30 - 11:30 am Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Route 89, Mansfield, CT. From intersection of Rtes. 195 & 89, head east on Rte. 89 for 3.4 miles. Parking is on right. Expect this! Come take a guided nature walk through Mt Hope Park. This preserve has a wide variety of habitats and, throughout the years, many different species, birds, insects and wildflowers have been spotted. We will poke around in habitats ranging from upland and wetland forests to an early successional field with a stop to view the beautiful river. For the most part, walking is easy and paths are wide. Appropriate for families with children 5 and over. Questions? 860-429-3015 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: Town of Mansfield, CT. http://www.mansfieldct.gov/content/1914/2861/7520/default.aspx Charlton Earth Day Festival & All Day Cleanup Saturday, April 29, 2017, 11 am - 2 pm Address: 37 Main St., Charlton, MA. Expect this! Pitch in and help with the Town of Charlton's annual all day cleanup effort. The family-friendly festival takes place from 11 am - 2 pm, and is surely the best way to Spring Outdoors and meet the smiles of Charlton! Questions? 508-348-2200 Time/Distance: 3 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Town of Charlton, MA. www.townofcharlton.net First Friday-Putnam Friday, May 5, 2017, 6 - 9 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: Main St., Putnam, CT. Expect this! First First Friday of the Season and a great way to Discover Putnam. First Fridays feature films this year & invites the public to celebrate 6 distinct genres of film with this fun, interactive outdoor art festival. May 5th kicks off the seventh season with the fan favorite genre of film: Science Fiction and Fantasy. May’s event is subtitled “Revenge of the Fifth,” with a playful nod to the celebrated Star Wars films. As with previous seasons, the First Fridays committee


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encourages visitors of all ages to dress up and engage with the theme. The evening promises art projects and performances that reference the many celebrated science fiction and fantasy films of the past and present. Time/Distance: 3 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Putnam Business Association. www.discoverputnam.com & www.putnambusiness.org Snows Pond Family Fishing Festival in Charlton Saturday, May 6, 2017, 10 am - 2 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Especially for families with children. . Address: 12 Cemetary Rd., Charlton, MA. Expect this! This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours - limited equipment and bait will be provided at Fay Mountain Farm, 12 Cemetary Rd in Charlton, 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. This event is in cooperation with the Charlton Conservation Department. *Open to the public. For more information, contact Todd Girard at 508-248-2247 or [email protected] Questions? 508-248-2247 Time/Distance: 4 hours, n/a Sponsored by: State of MA & Charlton Conservation Department. www.mass.gov/eea & www.townofcharlton.net Opening Day & Metal Fest at the Railroad Museum Saturday, May 6, 2017, 10 am - 3 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Restrooms. Address: 55 Bridge St., Windham (Willimantic), CT. Follow the railroad tracks down a dirt road for about 1/2 mile to the parking area and entrance gate. Expect this! Questions? 860-456-9999 Time/Distance: 5 hours Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Downtown Danielson Architectural & Historical Walk Saturday, May 6, 2017, 1 - 3 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Restrooms near. Address: 196 Main St., Danielson, CT. Meet at Killingly Historical Society, parking behind Key Bank across the street. Expect this! Stroll the sidewalks of downtown Danielson with TLGV Ranger Marcy & KHS Marilyn, gazing at the adornments and varied architecture. Learn when they were built & the different businesses that went on in each over the years. Many current business owners will welcome us in to see what they are up to now! KHS's Marilyn gathered all of this information and knows it like the back of her hand. Join us! Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Killingly Business Association (KBA), Killingly Historical Society & The Last Green Valley. https://www.killinglybusinessassociation.org, https://www.killinglyhistorical.org, http://thelastgreenvalley.org/





The River, Rail, Mills & Trails Sunday, May 7, 2017, 11 am - 12:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Restrooms, Especially for families with children. Address: 55 Bridge St., Windham (Willimantic), CT. Follow the railroad tracks down a dirt road for about 1/2 mile to the parking area and entrance gate. Expect this! Walk the new rail trail up to the Railroad Museum, talking & learning about railroad history & current service, and the river that powered the mills. Optional: Tour the museum or take a train ride after for an additional small cost. Questions? 860-617-3308 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Bike Mansfield No-Drop Ride in Bike Month Thursday, May 11, 2017, 5 - 7 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-register 860-429-3015 . Address: Mansfield Community Center, 10 S. Eagleville Rd., Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Expect this! May is Bike Month and we will have a no-drop ride from the Mansfield Community Center prior to the presentation “Commuting by Bike & Safe Riding in Traffic.” Everyone is welcome on the ride starting at 5 pm from the MCC, but all riders must sign a waiver. Ride at an easy pace for 15-20 miles to can get back for the presentation at 7 pm. Questions? 860-429-3015 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 15-20 miles Sponsored by: Bike Mansfield. www.bikemansfield.com Commuting by Bike & Safe Riding in Traffic Thursday, May 11, 2017, 7 - 8:30 pm Difficulty: n/a. Key(s):Pre-register 860-429-3015 . Address: Mansfield Community Center, 10 S. Eagleville Rd., Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Expect this! Presenter: Dave Waldburger, Certified League of American Bicyclists Instructor, assisted by other local LCI's and other experienced cyclists will talk about commuting by bike for work and daily errands. This workshop will describe ways to use your bike for commuting to work, shopping, and other daily tasks. It will also focus on safely riding it traffic, proper lane positioning, when to "Take the Lane", and other important skills taught by the League of American Bicyclists. Time for questions/discussion will follow the presentation. Questions? 860-429-3015 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours Sponsored by: Bike Mansfield. www.bikemansfield.com Long Pond Bird Walk Saturday, May 13, 2017, 8 - 9 am Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): NO dogs please. Address: TBD, Thompson, CT. Expect this! Learn about the birds, how to hear them and how to spot them on the Wyndham Land Trust's newest preserve, "Long Pond" with the steward, Andy. Bring binoculars and alert senses. No dogs please. Questions? 860-963-2090 Time/Distance: 1 hour, 1 mile Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust. http://wyndhamlandtrust.org


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Birding with Mom (but mothers are not required!) Sunday, May 14, 2017, 7 - 9 am Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-registration Call 860-429-3015 or email [email protected] to register. Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children, Wheelchair accessible. Address: Schoolhouse Brook Park, off Clover Mill Rd., Mansfield, CT. Expect this! Bring your binoculars and join us for Mother’s Day birding watching! We will be hiking Schoolhouse Brook Park for our spring birds and listening to their songs. This should be the peak of the spring migration so we will be seeing many of the birds for the first time this year. Come and share a lovely spring morning. Dress for the weather and wear boots or sturdy shoes since there may some damp areas. Bringing your mom is encouraged but not required. Remember: Dress for the weather and wear boots or sturdy shoes since there may some damp areas. Questions? 860-429-3015 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: Town of Mansfield, CT. http://www.mansfieldct.gov/content/1914/2861/7520/default.aspx Mansfield PUP Crawl Sunday, May 14, 2017, 9:30 - 11:30 am Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Restrooms nearby, Leashed dogs. Address: 2 Dog Lane, Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Parking is available in the Storrs Center Parking Garage (free for first 2 hours, then just $1/hour thereafter) Expect this! Take a guided walk through Downtown Storrs with your four-legged friends! We'll have fun and educational stops along the way. Walk takes place rain or shine over varied terrain. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds welcome. Dogs should be comfortable on leash and in large groups. Walkers without dogs also welcome! Questions? 860-429-2740 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1.5 miles Sponsored by: Mansfield Downtown Partnership. http://www.mansfieldct.gov/pupcrawl Leffingwell House Museum Special Tour Featuring Colonial Women of Norwich Saturday, May 13, 2017, 11 am - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT. Expect this! After a self-guided Walk Norwich stroll (walknorwich.org), step back in time for a special museum tour, featuring the Colonial Women of Norwich. $5 entry fee. Questions? 860-889-9440 Time/Distance: 5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Leffingwell House Museum. www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org


http://www.mansfieldct.gov/pupcrawl




Mother's Day at the Railroad Museum Sunday, May 14, 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Especially for families with children. Address: 55 Bridge St., Windham (Willimantic), CT. Drive in about 0.5 miles on the gravel road beside the tracks to the walk start point. Expect this! Take Mom for a walk on the new rail trail up to the Railroad Museum, then tour the museum, all the cars, the roundhouse, and turntable! Mom's take a train ride for FREE with regular admission. Entry fees apply to all. Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Bull Hill Bird Walk Thursday, May 18, 2017, 8 - 9 am Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): NO dogs please. Address: TBD, Thompson, CT. Expect this! Learn about the birds, how to hear them and how to spot them on this unique and beautiful property with local bird guru, Andy. Bring binoculars and alert senses. No dogs please. Questions? 860-963-2090 Time/Distance: 1 hour, 1 mile Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust. http://wyndhamlandtrust.org Willimantic's 3rd Thursday Street Fest Thursday, May 18, 2017, 6 - 9 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: Main St. (Rte. 66), Windham (Willimantic), CT. Expect this! Enjoy this monthly street fest, starting every year in May. Vendors, tastes & sips, arts, music and the local businesses on Main Street, too! Questions? 860-450-0918 Time/Distance: 3 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Willimantic Renaissance, Inc. www.willimanticstreetfest.com Riverfest 2017 Saturday, May 20, 2017, 9 am - ? Difficulty: n/a. Key(s): Kayak/canoe, pfd. Address: Bridge St. Plaza, Windham (Willimantic), CT. Expect this! Riverfest 2017 will be held in the parking lot of the Bridge Street Plaza. The river paddle will run from 10 am through 12 pm, and you can drop off your kayak/canoe at the Eagleville Dam starting at 9:15 am, then drive to Bridge St. Plaza to register and catch a bus back up to the dam. Stay after you paddle to enjoy vendors, food, musical arts. More details to come! Questions? 860-455-3611 Sponsored by: Willimantic Whitewater Partnership. www.willimanticwhitewater.org Harmonies & Hops in downtown Danielson Saturday, May 20, 2017, Time TBD Difficulty: n/a. Address: Commerce St., Danielson, CT. Expect this! Bigger than ever, offering over 25 brewers and lots of music, get your tickets now because this event sells out every year! Put together by local brewers at Black Pond Brews, they offer you a chance to enjoy downtown Main Street, Harmonies & Hops and all the local businesses as the fresh spring air greets us all. More details at http://www.blackpondbrews.com Questions? 860-207-5295 Time/Distance: TBD, TBD Sponsored by: Killingly Business Association. https://www.killinglybusinessassociation.org/





TLGV Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure Pond & Field Discoveries at the Fish Hatchery Sunday, May 21, 2017, 1 - 2:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Quinebaug Valley Fish Hatchery, 141 Trout Hatchery Rd., Central Village (Plainfield), CT. Expect this! Tour the fish hatchery building, learn what happens here & where the trout go! Walk the trails to the pond, looking for turtles, frogs & tadpoles! Bring your fishing pole and barbless hooks! Bug spray and worms, too! Snacks, Acorn stickers & fresh air FUN always included! Dress for the weather, and bring a friend! FREE! All ages welcome. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley & Putnam Bank. www.thelastgreenvalley.org

Next Stop: Hampton Station on the Air Line Trail Sunday, May 28, 2017, 11 am - 1 pm Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): Leashed dogs. Address: Eastabrooks Rd., Hampton, CT. Rte. 6 to Potter Rd. (Goodwin Forest), right on 11th Section Rd to Estabrooks Rd. Expect this! Starting out in the beautiful Goodwin State Forest with wonderful foliage views, we will explore this section of the Air Line Trail, going to the Hampton Station Site. Lots of train tales will be told, including the tales of the Ghost Train. Questions? 860-617-3308 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 4 miles Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Chaplin's Air Line Rail Trail Monday, May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day), 2 - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Chewink Rd., Chaplin, CT. Rte. 6 to Chewink Rd., park at lot where the Air Line Trail crosses road. Expect this! Enjoy a walk on this beautifully scenic piece of the Air Line Trail. Learn about the history of the trains in the northeast CT and about the route of the Ghost Train as you walk with railroad historian Ray Axelrod! Questions? 860-617-3308 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 3 miles Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org First Friday-Putnam Friday, June 2, 2017, 6 - 9 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: Main St., Putnam, CT. Expect this! Celebrating feature films this season, June's First Friday will leap into Action & Adventure films, celebrating “Iconic Heroes.” From the unlikely hero of a teenaged Marty McFly saving the future, to a resourceful Katniss Everdeen saving humanity, to the wisecracking Iron Man and his band of Avengers saving the world, heroes come in all shapes and sizes. The evening will give attendees a chance to channel their favorite heroes. Time/Distance: 3 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Putnam Business Association. www.discoverputnam.com & www.putnambusiness.org





Air Line Lore along the Lebanon & Columbia Line Saturday, June 3, 2017 (CT Trails Day), 11 am - 12:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: Pine St. (Columbia) becomes Leonard's Bridge Rd (Lebanon), Lebanon, CT. Rte. 66 to Pine St. in Columbia to trail head over the Lebanon town line where street name changes to Leonard's Bridge Rd. Expect this! No goosebumps, but hear about the Ghost Train, the line construction of 1912-1913, and CT railroad lore with rail historian Ray Axelrod on this nice section of the Air Line Trail. Questions? 860-617-3308 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Rapoport/Spalding Preserve Walk Sunday, June 4, 2017 (CT Trails Day), 10 - 11 am Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): Leashed dogs. Address: Dead end of Calkins Rd., Woodstock, CT. Park respectfully on road by #129 Calkins Rd. Expect this! Hike the fields, woods, and wetlands of this scenic 154-acre Wyndham Land Trust Property, the Spalding/Rapoport Preserve. Questions? 860-928-4715 Time/Distance: 1 hour, 2 miles Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org Explore Dunhamtown Forest on CT Trails Day! Sunday, June 4, 2017 (CT Trails Day), 1 - 3 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Leashed dogs, Especially for families with children. Address: White Oak Rd., Mansfield, CT. From the intersection of Rtes. 275 & 32, head south on Rte. 32 for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto Mansfield City Rd. Go 1.3 miles & turn left onto White Oak Rd. Go .2 miles; parking is on left. Expect this! Join us on CT Trails Day for a hike through one of Mansfield’s interesting parks. Not only will we be looking at trees, wildflowers and wildlife but also discovering several old home sites and abandoned roads. We can only imagine what this area might have been like years ago. Part of National Trails Day, a nationwide hiking initiative established by the American Hiking Society in 1993, CT trails day is organized in CT by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA). CFPA was founded in 1895 as a non-profit organization to protect Connecticut’s forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces for future generations and to maintain 825-miles of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail system. The complete walk schedule, with directions, is available through CFPA at www.ctwoodlands.org. Questions? 860-429-3015 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: Town of Mansfield, CT. http://www.mansfieldct.gov/content/1914/2861/7520/default.aspx Paddle the Shetucket with TLGV's Ranger Bill Sunday, June 4, 2017 (CT Trails Day), Time: TBD Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s):Pre-registration Limited spaces available. Register to [email protected] or 860-774-3300. Kayak/canoe, pfd. Address: TBD, Occum (Norwich), CT. Expect this! More miles of National Recreation Water Trails are now ready for you to paddle. Details to come from TLGV's Chief Ranger Bill for this upcoming member program. RSVP & questions to [email protected]. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: TBD, TBD Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley. www.thelastgreenvalley.org


http://www.wyndhamlandtrust.org/




Leffingwell House Museum Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 6:30 -8:00 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT. Expect this! After a self-guided Walk Norwich stroll (walknorwich.org), attend the Society of the Founders of Norwich Annual Meeting, with a storyteller & refreshments. Open to the public. Free! Questions? 860-889-9440 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Leffingwell House Museum. www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org The River, Rail, Mills & Trails AND Open House Saturday, June 10, 2017 (CT Open House Day), 11 am - 12:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Restrooms nearby, Especially for families with children. Address: 55 Bridge St., Windham (Willimantic), CT. Drive in about 0.5 miles on the gravel road beside the tracks to the walk start point. Expect this! Walk to new rail trail up to the Railroad Museum, talking & learning about railroad history & current service, the river that powered the mills. Optional: Stay longer and tour the museum or take a train ride after for an additional small cost. Questions? 860-617-3308 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Leffingwell House Museum Open House Saturday, June 10, 2017 (CT Open House Day), 11 am - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT. Expect this! After a self-guided Walk Norwich stroll (walknorwich.org), Stop in for a tour of this house museum, filled with tools, clothing, documents and stories galore. Open to the public. First floor tour for Free! Questions? 860-889-9440 Time/Distance: 5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Leffingwell House Museum. www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org

Atwood Farm Open House Saturday, June 10, 2017 (CT Open House Day), 12 - 4 pm Address: 624 Wormwood Hill Rd., Mansfield, CT. Expect this! Visit the historic Atwood Farm and home of Joshua's Trust. Take a tour, stay and enjoy for just a while or the entire afternoon! Questions? 860-429-9023 Time/Distance: 4 hours Sponsored by: Joshua's Trust. http://joshuastrust.org/

Gurleyville Grist Mill Opening Day Sunday, June 10, 2017 (CT Open House Day), 12 - 4 pm Address: Stonemill Rd., Mansfield, CT. Expect this! Attend opening day of the Gurleyville Grist Mill, last owned by the family of Governor Wilbur Cross. Tour the mill! A film will be shown at 3 pm at 624 Wormwood Hill Rd. (Joshua's Trust Office) that features the Grist Mill. Participants may elect to walk along the Fenton River on the blue trail, located nearby. Questions? 860-429-9023 Time/Distance: 4 hours Sponsored by: Joshua's Trust. http://joshuastrust.org/


http://joshuastrust.org/




Paddle for a Cure Sunday, June 11, 2017, 10 am - ? Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): Kayak/canoe, pfd. Address: Greenway Dr., Brooklyn, CT. Meet & park at Riverside Park Expect this! Paddle for a Cure is a scenic and fun kayaking event held to benefit the Rose Bove LaRose Cancer Center at Day Kimball Hospital. Similar to a walk-a-thon, there is no entry fee, just collect pledges! Paddle for a Cure has raised more than $43,000 since 2011 to help support the care of those in our community who are fighting cancer.Get Pledge Form on the listed website. For more information call the Day Kimball Healthcare Development Office at (860) 928-7141. Questions? 860-928-7141 Sponsored by:Day Kimball Healthcare. http://www.daykimball.org/paddle-for-a-cure TLGV Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure Letterboxing with the Girl Scouts! Sunday, June 11, 2017, 1 - 2:30 pm Difficulty: Easy. Key(s):Pre-register [email protected] Especially for families with children. Address: Camp Laurel, 175 Clubhouse Rd., Lebanon, CT. Expect this! Letterboxing is good old-fashioned fun. Be creative. Be a sleuth & a modern-day explorer! Get out in fresh air! We’ll learn how. RSVP REQUIRED so we will have enough materials for all of you! RSVP to [email protected]. Snacks, Acorn stickers & fresh air FUN always included! Be sure to bring a friend! FREE! All ages welcome. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley, Girl Scouts of CT & Putnam Bank. www.thelastgreenvalley.org Willimantic's 3rd Thursday Street Fest Thursday, June 15, 2017, 6 - 9 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: Main St. (Rte. 66), Windham (Willimantic), CT. Expect this! Enjoy this monthly street fest, starting every year in May. Vendors, tastes & sips, arts, music and the local businesses on Main Street, too! Questions? 860-450-0918 Time/Distance: 3 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Willimantic Renaissance, Inc.. www.willimanticstreetfest.com John E. Jackman Tour de Mansfield Saturday, June 17, 2017, 7 am - 1 pm Rain Date: Sunday, June 18 Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s):Pre-register [email protected] or 860-429-3015 Restrooms nearby, Bring Bike & Helmet, Registration Required. Address: 10 S. Eagleville Rd., Storrs (Mansfield), CT. Expect this! The Town of Mansfield, Mansfield Community Center, and Mansfield Downtown Partnership invite you to explore Mansfield by bike! The John E. Jackman Tour de Mansfield features three different routes (7, 20, and 40 miles) through Mansfield’s historic districts, new downtown, and the UConn campus. Experience riding on open roads is encouraged. NOTE: Rides take place on open roads; Helmets required; Registration materials will be available in May with fee to be determined at that time. Questions? 860-429-3015 Time/Distance: 6 hours, 7/20/40 mile options Sponsored by: Mansfield Downtown Partnership. http://mansfieldct.gov/biketour





Father's Day Rail Flea Market Saturday, June 17, 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: 55 Bridge St., Windham (Willimantic), CT. Drive in about 0.5 miles on the gravel road beside the tracks to the walk start point. Expect this! Dads and the whole family will love this fresh air flea market! Railroadiana, toy & model trains, train papers, books, railroad artifacts. (Sellers are welcome for $3 additional with regular admission. BYO table, chairs, tent, etc. Any railroad merchandise acceptable.) Details at www.cteastrrmuseum.org. Entry fees apply to all. Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org Leffingwell House Museum Guys with Guns Manly Day Saturday, June 17, 2017, 11 am - 4 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT. Expect this! After a self-guided Walk Norwich stroll (walknorwich.org), Leffingwell offers a day of "manly" fun for all guys. Guys with Guns shows off the Guns of Norwich & Lebanon Towne Militia Co. 1775. $5 entry fee. Questions? 860-889-9440 Time/Distance: 5 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Leffingwell House Museum. www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org Tour "The Fenn" & Learn How it was Preserved Saturday, June 17, 2017, TBD Difficulty: Easy. Key(s): . Address: 205 Roseland Park Rd., Woodstock, CT. Roseland Park, meet at the park barn. Expect this! Meet Bet & her husband Patrick to learn what they have done & how they have done it. Theirs is an amazing story of purchasing & preserving land in Woodstock. After the story, tour “The Fenn” located on the north end of Roseland Lake in Woodstock. After the tour, refuel with lunch in the park. Questions? 860-774-3300 Time/Distance: TBD, TBD Sponsored by:ECFLA/WDLT. http://ecfla.org/ Wyndham Land Trust's Summer Solstice Gathering Wednesday, June 21, 2017, 7 - 9 pm Difficulty: Easy. Address: Holmes Rd., Pomfret, CT. Take Wrights Crossing Rd. to Holmes. Park considerately on the side of Holmes Rd. Expect this! End Spring Outdoors and welcome in Summer at the Summer Solstice Celebration! Join land trust members on the longest day of the year at the Duck Marsh Preserve in Pomfret with stunning views. Not-yet-members are welcome, too. A great way to relax and ask the questions you may have about how Wyndham Land Trust works to preserve land in northeast CT, and then how they steward the various properties in their care. Bring a snack, bring your camera, bring your canvas and paint! Questions? 860-963-2090 Time/Distance: 2 hours, n/a Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org


spring outdoors 2017 sponsored by southbridge savings bank · towns in eastern connecticut and...

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