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Spring Bird Walk Saturday, 4/2/2016, 8-10 am

com or 860-617-8270 Address: Allanach-Wolf

1 Spring Bird Walk Saturday, 4/2/2016, 8-10 am Preregistration: David Parry at or Address: Allanach-Wolf Woodlands, 165 Back Rd., Windham, CT Expect this! Participate in a moderately difficult hike to view the birds on the beautiful Allanach-Wolf Woodlands.

Wolf Den Land Trust Forestry Tour Saturday, 4/2/2016, 10:30-12:30 Preregistration: Bill Reid at wbr655@yahoo.com or 774-262-3284, Participants over age 12 only Address: 336 Ballamahack Rd.

2 Wolf Den Land Trust Forestry Tour Saturday, 4/2/2016, 10:30-12:30 Preregistration: Bill Reid at or , Participants over age 12 only Address: 336 Ballamahack Rd., Windham, CT Directions/Parking: From intersection of Rte 6 & Rte 203 in Windham, take Rte 203 south for 3 miles, then left on Jennings Lane to Ballamahack Rd. Left on Ballamahack Rd to #336 where the road ends. Expect this! Eastern Connecticut Forest Landowners Association & Wolf Den Land Trust in conjunction with Joshua s Trust invite you to an informative program on both WDLT Cloutier property & JT Allanach-Wolf Woodlands properties. Mike Bartlett of Hull Forest Products and consulting forester for the Wolf Den Land Trust will be explaining an active shelter wood first treatment on approximately 10 acres of land within the WDLT Cloutier property, as well as a treatment to another 40 acres that focuses on improvement thinning to remove poor quality trees to enhance the health and vigor of residual trees. The goal is to retail large white pines, (a favorite of the property donor George Cloutier) as well as to retain den and nest trees for wildlife. Touring this active harvest, Mike will explain the decision making process in selecting and marking trees for removal. In addition active harvest tour, representatives from Wolf Den Land Trust & Joshua s Trust will describe a new trail system that connects the WDLT Cloutier property to the Joshua s Trust Allanach-Wolf Woodlands, that share a common boundary. Each property totals just over 100 acres & the new trail system will connect more than 200 acres of permanently protected woodlands that include a diverse habitat for plants and animals. We will be walking approximately two miles on woods trails with some of the trails going up and down hills. Appropriate footwear is recommended for walking in the woods. Questions? Sponsored by: Wolf Den Land Trust, ecfla.org Two Sisters Tract Welcomes You Saturday, 4/9/2016, 10:30-11:45 am Preregistration: Joshua's Trust Office, , leave message Address: Rte. 6, Chaplin, CT Directions/Parking: Park on shoulder of Rte. 6, approximately 2.25 miles east of Willimantic Walmart store or.8 miles north of the intersection of Rte 203/Rte 6 (between Quintana Memorials & Pleasant View Motel.) Expect this! 40-acre forested tract with multiple stone walls, rocky outcrops, glacial erratics. After a short, moderately steep initial climb, the trail is 1 mile long on gently rolling terrain. Time/Distance: 1.25 hours, 1.2 miles

Byles Sanctuary Historic Walk Saturday, 4/16/2016, 9:30-11 am Rain Date: Sunday, April 17, 1:30 pm to Easy Keys: Restrooms, Dogs, leashed Address: 125 Ashford Center Rd.

Connect past to present through the Byles Sanctuary Trail walk and short Open House at the historic Byles Homestead (now Henrietta House Bed and Breakfast), just off the trail.

3 Byles Sanctuary Historic Walk Saturday, 4/16/2016, 9:30-11 am Rain Date: Sunday, April 17, 1:30 pm to Easy Keys: Restrooms, Dogs, leashed Address: 125 Ashford Center Rd., Ashford, CT Directions/Parking: Park at trailhead just across from North Vet Clinic on Rte. 44 (3/4 miles east of Rte. 89 intersection) Expect this! Connect past to present through the Byles Sanctuary Trail walk and short Open House at the historic Byles Homestead (now Henrietta House Bed and Breakfast), just off the trail. Enjoy the almost 2 mile long easy to moderate loop trail as you pass a meadowland, descend down a short steep section next to a stream, and then travel through a bio-diverse climax forest. We hope to be able to observe a beaver dam on the Mt. Hope River (with the leaves off the trees). After the hike, enjoy snacks, drinks, and few stories as you tour Henrietta House Bed and Breakfast. Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Spalding/Rapoport Preserve Saturday, 4/23/2016, 10-11:30 am Address: Calkins Rd., Woodstock, CT Directions/Parking: Take Calkins Rd. off Joy Rd., follow to the end. Street parking near #129. Expect this! Hike the awakening fields, woods & wetlands of the 154-acres to see what is springing up on the Wynhdam Land Trust Spalding/Rapoport Preserve. Questions? Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust, Inc., wyndhamlandtrust.org Walk on the Wild Side Saturday, 4/23/2016, 10-noon Preregistration: James Russel at james_r_russel@yahoo.com or Address: Pappenheimer Preserve, Rte. 97/Devotion Rd., Scotland, CT Directions/Parking: Located 2.5 miles south of Rte. 14/Rte. 97 intersection Expect this! Hike the 101-acre forest preserve, abutting Mohegan State Forest. Visit a red maple swamp and 5.5-acre grass covered swamp.

Walking the Woods for Wildlife Saturday, 4/30/2016, 9-11 am Address: Friedman Memorial Forest, Bebbington Rd., Ashford, CT Directions/Parking: Rte. 89 to Bicknell Rd. left onto Bebbington for.2 miles.

4 Walking the Woods for Wildlife Saturday, 4/30/2016, 9-11 am Address: Friedman Memorial Forest, Bebbington Rd., Ashford, CT Directions/Parking: Rte. 89 to Bicknell Rd. left onto Bebbington for.2 miles. Expect this! We will discuss and practice deliberately walking to maximize wildlife sightings while traversing a 2-mile loop with diverse ecosystems. Includes how to move (or not) and how to see and hear more effectively. No dogs please. Questions? CT Audubon's Beginners Bird Walk Sunday, 5/1/2016, 8-10 am Address: CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Rd., Pomfret Center, CT Expect this! If you are new to bird watching this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring birds are back and the leaves aren't out yet. Expect to see Yellow warblers, Blue-winged warblers, and Black and white warblers. *NOTE: Fees apply - $5 CAS members, $10 non-members. Questions? Sponsored by: CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, ctaudubon.org/center-atpomfret Sheep Farm Hike Sunday, 5/1/2016, 1-3:30 pm Keys: Especially for families with children Address: 245/255 Hazelnut Hill Rd., Groton, CT Directions/Parking: Expect this! Features old foundations, a grist mill dam, colonial stone walls, meadows, forest, rocky ridges, 2 waterfalls, Fort Hill Brook and vernal pools! *This property is in the Thames Watershed, along with the 35 towns in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Our conservation efforts and goals are similar throughout the region. Questions? Time/Distance: 2.5 hours, 2 miles Sponsored by: Groton Open Space Association, gosaonline.org

Tobiasson Forest Hike Saturday, 5/7/2016, 10-11 am Address: Noah Lane, Tolland, CT Directions/Parking: Park at end of cul-de-sac at Noah Lane, off Grant Hill Rd., near Tolland/Coventry border.

5 Tobiasson Forest Hike Saturday, 5/7/2016, am Address: Noah Lane, Tolland, CT Directions/Parking: Park at end of cul-de-sac at Noah Lane, off Grant Hill Rd., near Tolland/Coventry border. Expect this! A short but interesting ramble through a winding forest trail, crossing seasonal brooks and passing several vernal pools. Great bird and wildlife habitats, and possibility of spotting a resident owl! No rain date, we'll walk in showers, but heavy rain cancels. *This property is in the Thames Watershed, along with the 35 towns in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Our conservation efforts and goals are similar throughout the region. Questions? Time/Distance: 1 hour, 1.5 miles Trees on Woodstock Hill Saturday, 5/7/2016, 2-4 pm Rain Date: Saturday, May 14, 2 pm Keys: Restrooms, Dogs, leashed Address: Palmer Arboretum, 523 Scenic Rte. 169, Woodstock, CT Directions/Parking: Park behind brick Historical Society Building. Expect this! We will tour the 100 year old Palmer Arboretum, which is currently being restored and view the special trees on Woodstock Hill's Common. Questions? , ext 322 Time/Distance: 2 hours, 1+ mile Sponsored by: Palmer Arboretum, Town of Woodstock, townofwoodstock.com Mother's Day Walk at McCann Family Farm Sunday, 5/8/2016, am Keys: Especially for families with children Address: 600 Main St., Somers, CT Directions/Parking: Park at rear of the Somers Town Hall, Rte. 190 near the intersection of Rte. 83. Expect this! Comfortable trail walk through field & forest. Good bird-watching habitat. Mothers bring the kids - Kids bring your mother! *This organization is a proud partner of the Southern New England Heritage Forest with the same mission & goals of the like minded organizations in The Last Green Valley, although this property is not located in our 35 town National Heritage Corridor. Questions? Time/Distance: 1 hour, 1.5 miles Sponsored by: Northern CT Land Trust, northernctlandtrust.org

Walking the Plimpton Community Forest Wednesday, 5/11/2016, 6-7:30 pm Keys: Participants over age 12 only. Address: 277 New Boston Rd., Sturbridge, MA Expect this!

6 Walking the Plimpton Community Forest Wednesday, 5/11/2016, 6-7:30 pm Keys: Participants over age 12 only. Address: 277 New Boston Rd., Sturbridge, MA Expect this! Experience conservation collaboration at work as we explore the new Plimpton Community Forest in Sturbridge with Conservation Agent Glenn Colburn and Opacum Land Trust Executive Director Ed Hood. Follow th old cart paths and logging roads on this 2.5 mile walk over the rolling terrain of this old farmland. The property contains scenic ponds, ledges, streams and classic New England stone walls. Wear sturdy shoes. No rain date, we'll walk in light showers, but heavy rain cancels. Questions? Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 2.5 miles Sponsored by: Sturbridge Conservation Commission & Opacum Land Trust, town.sturbridge.ma.us/public_documents/index & opacumlt.org May Wildflowers at Pigeon Swamp Preserve Saturday, 5/14/2016, 10-noon Address: Pigeon Swamp Rd., Lebanon, CT Directions/Parking: Rte. 32S to Rte. 203, turn right (west into the village), straight up hill onto Machine Shop Hill Rd, 1st left is Pigeon Swamp. Expect this! Identify beautiful spring wildflowers while hiking the trails of the Pigeon Swamp Preserve. Trails meander through upland forests and skirt a swamp, marsh and primitive pond. Also enjoy seeing the foundations of an 18th-19th century grist mill & home. Land Collaboration to Develop Air Line Trail Saturday, 5/14/2016, 2-3 pm Address: 28 Bridge St., Willimantic, CT Expect this! Explore the recently completed Air Line Trail/Hop River Extension Project. Learn about the complex property ownership issues, as well as the collaboration required of landowners to develop the trail, including easements & land donations. Questions? Time/Distance: 1 hour, 2 miles Sponsored by: Willimantic Whitewater Partnership, willimanticwhitewater.org

7 Barrett Hill Farm Sunday, 5/15/2016, 1-2:30 pm Keys: No Dogs Please Address: 183 Barrett Hill Rd., Brooklyn, CT Expect this! Guests to Barrett Hill Farm will see first-hand the preservation efforts of local landowners, the Town of Brooklyn, and the CT Department of Agriculture to permanently protect 50 acres of land with an Agricultural Conservation Easement. The property is notable for its farmland soils, White Brook wetlands, historic/cultural resources, scenic vista, and unique geology. Questions? ext. 14 Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Town of Brooklyn Conservation Commission, brooklynct.org CT Audubon's Folks with Limited Mobility Bird Watch Wednesday, 5/18/2016, 8-10 am Preregistration: call Aubudon at Address: CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Rd., Pomfret Center, CT Expect this! We will drive to various locations and observe numerous bird species from the road or your vehicle. Our leader, Andy, hopes many of his long time followers who felt they were unable to attend his regular walks anymore could join him on this new program. He will call birds to the group! Call to preregister. *NOTE: Fees apply - $5 CAS members, $10 non-members. Questions? Time/Distance: 2 hours, n/a Sponsored by: CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, ctaudubon.org/center-atpomfret Gurleyville Grist Mill Opening Day Sunday, 5/15/2016, 1-5 pm Address: Stonemill Rd., Mansfield, CT Directions/Parking: 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. Time/Distance: 4 hours, n/a

Hubbard Sanctuary Vistas Saturday, 5/21/2016, 1-2:30 pm Address: off Rte. 98, Chaplin, CT Directions/Parking: Park at Chaplin Town Hall, 495 Phoenixville Rd., off Rte. 98. Expect this!

8 Hubbard Sanctuary Vistas Saturday, 5/21/2016, 1-2:30 pm Address: off Rte. 98, Chaplin, CT Directions/Parking: Park at Chaplin Town Hall, 495 Phoenixville Rd., off Rte. 98. Expect this! This easy to moderate trail leads past and through a variety of terrain including 2 ponds, large hay field, and a wooded ridge. After hiking to the top of a wooded ridge, the hiker will be rewarded by a beautiful pasture, which is rich in local history. Questions? Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1.5 miles CT Audubon/Trail Wood Full Moon Walk Saturday, 5/21/2016, 7:30-9:30 pm Address: CT Audubon Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd., Hampton, CT Expect this! Enjoy one of the things that makes The Last Green Valley special - dark night skies. Although the skies will be brighter than normal with a full moon to light your way, you'll be able to appreciate the mood lighting, just as Nellie & Edwin Way Teale did. *NOTE: Fees apply - CAS members are free, $3 for non-members. Questions? Sponsored by: CT Audubon/Trail Wood, ctaudubon.org/trail-wood Laurel Blossom Time Sunday, 5/22/2016, 2-4 pm Preregistration: Call Jorie Hunken at or johunken@yahoo.com Address: Border Woods Preserve, Eastford Rd., Woodstock, CT Directions/Parking: On Rte. 198, about 1 mile north of the Rtes 198 & 197 intersection. Kiosk sign will be on your right if you are headed north. Expect this! Marvel at the laurel in bloom in a beautiful oak/pine/laurel woodland, with up and down ledges leading to a lush wooded marsh path. A unique opportunity to learn names & lifestyles of plant and bird life around these special, contrasting habitats. Preregistration is not required, but helpful in case of weather questions/concerns. Questions? Time/Distance: 2 hours, < 2 miles Sponsored by: New Roxbury Land Trust, Inc., nrlt.org

9 Exploring We Will Go Saturday, 5/28/2016, 1-2:30 pm Keys: Especially for families with children Address: H.E. Preston Nature Sanctuary, Rte. 97, Hampton, CT Directions/Parking: 4 miles north of Rte. 97/6 intersection or 5 miles south of Rte. 97/44 intersection. Park on west side of Rte. 97. Expect this! Children will engage in activities using their senses as they walk through a field, the woods, to the Little River and follow the loop trail back to the start. Questions? Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1.25 miles

CraNEsville Swamp Preserve

CraNEsville Swamp Preserve A unique botanical and wildlife preserve Written by: Dan Whetzel Photography by: Lance C. Bell Alder Flycatcher Want to explore a unique botanical and wildlife preserve where