January Thaw - East Haddam
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Ballek’s Garden, 91 Maple Avenue, East Haddam, CT, CT, 06423, United States
Warm Your Spirits with Botanical Sips and Natural Wine at January Thaw, a unique community fundraiser benefiting two incredible causes: the East Haddam Land Trust, dedicated to conserving our town’s wild places and natural beauty, and the River Valley Personal Care Products Project, providing essential hygiene items to our neighbors.
Note: This event is strictly for ages 21 and over.
It is a fund raiser and a suggested donation is $75 per ticket.
Tickets may be purchased on the website.

Why Watersheds Matter - Hadlyme
2026-01-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Hadlyme Public Hall, 63 Ferry Road, Hadlyme, CT, 06439, United States
The Eightmile River Watershed is an exemplary example of an intact naturally functioning watershed with exceptional biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Anthony Irving, Chairman and Patricia Young, Program Director of the Eight Mile River Wild & Scenic Watershed will discuss how our towns benefit from this unique resource.
Free Admission

POSTPONED - Lyme Pollinator 5th Anniversary Party
2026-01-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Ballek’s Garden Center, 90 Maple Ave, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
POSTPONED due to weather. New date: March 28th.

Lyme Pollinator Pathway invites you to our 5th Anniversary Party for an evening of warmth, cheer and greenery with fellow nature lovers at the lovely Ballek’s Garden Center greenhouse. Enjoy libations and nibbles – wine, native plant-themed mocktail, and appetizers. We will present our first annual Habitat Hero Award, have drawings for prizes, and Cake!
Donations: $25.00 per person. Email lymepollinator@gmail.com to RSVP. Pay by mail-in check or by check/cash at the door.  To learn more and to download a form for mail-in payment by check, go to : https://www.lymelandtrust.org/lyme-pollinator-pathway/
100% of your tax-deductible donations allow us to continue to promote pollinator habitat restoration, incorporating native plants, by providing free educational programs for the community.

Chestnut Hill / Nehantic Trail Hike - Lyme
2026-02-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Chestnut Hil Preserve, Sterling City Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Walk through Chestnut Hill Preserve and then enter Nehantic Forest where we will walk up to Brown Hill, through the recent cutting area, along several ridges and back. About 3 or so miles. Park at Chestnut Hill Preserve entrance on Sterling Hill Rd, Lyme.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

Sheepskin Hollow Hike - East Haddam
2026-02-04 09:30 - 11:30 | Sheepskin Hollow, Sheepskin Hollow Road, East Haddam, 06423, United States
Take a Wednesday walk with the East Haddam and Lyme Land Trusts. Sheepskin Hollow Preserve has a brook that descends through some very scenic rock formations, a large and very active beaver pond, and a variety of very different habitats. Wendy Hill, Open Space Coordinator of Lyme and Lyme Land Trust Vice President will lead the walks with host Cameron Beard of the East Haddam Land Trust. Moderate with a some inclines. About 2 miles.

The Tree Collective Teen Event - Lyme
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:30
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. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.
It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey. Regan Stacey is a mother whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature.
Tools and gloves provided.
Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

Selden Creek Preserve Hike - Lyme
2026-02-10 09:30 - 11:30 | Selden Creek Preserve, Joshuatown Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Hike to both overlooks and experience the vista with a view unobstructed by leaves. 2.5 miles. Fairly steep in parts. Meet at the Selden Creek Preserve parking lot on Joshuatown Rd.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

Thach Preserve Hike - Lyme
2026-02-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Thach Preserve, 131 Brush Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Walk the gentle and mostly-flat 1-mile trail, pausing at the picnic table overlooking the beaver wetland to see what’s happening in the “dead” of winter. If we have old-fashioned New England weather, we may attempt to snowshoe or cross-country ski the loop instead of cancelling due to snow. Park at the trailhead on Brush Hill Road.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

Opossum Tales for Young Nature Lovers - Lyme
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme, CT, 06371-3110, United States
Join us during school break for a very special program with opossum rehabilitators experts Pam and Bill Lefferts of Ferncroft
Wildlife Rescue. Using the big screen, Pam will tell an engaging short picture story about backyard wildlife, with a focus on opossums. Children will learn all about the unique characteristics of the gentle, nocturnal creatures, their quirky characteristics and beneficial role in nature. They may be surprised to hear that U.S. Presidents have kept opossums in the White House! Best of all, everyone will have the chance to meet real-life opossum ambassador Brandi, who wears a harness and leash and happily allows young guests to pet her soft fur. There will be time for questions and to have a photo taken with Brandi (animal ambassadors are always held by the presenters so they stay calm and feel safe). Geared for children four and older, and their interested friends & family. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Register: programreg@lymepl.org

Hike the Lena Reserve - East Haddam
2026-02-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Lena Reserve, Babcock Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Take a Wednesday walk with the East Haddam and Lyme Land Trusts. The 207-acre Lena Reserve offers a range of terrains and forest types; as well as stone walls, fields and remnants of its agricultural history. Wendy Hill, Open Space Coordinator of Lyme and Lyme Land Trust Vice President will lead the walks with host Cameron Beard of the East Haddam Land Trust. Moderate with a some inclines. About 2 miles.
Directions: From Hadlyme 4-Corners, follow Rte 82 north for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Clark Hill Rd. Follow 2.6 mi to right on Tater Hill Rd. Take the next left (0.3 mi) on Babcock Rd (gravel road). The parking lot is at the end on the left. (0.4 mi)

Xen's Critters - Salem
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
A one hour presentation by an animal specialist with lots of interaction with animals such a ferret, chinchilla, hedgehog, bunny, guinea pig and more!
Call 860-859-1130 to register.
Sponsored by a grant from the Chelsea Groton Foundation.

Woods Walk - East Haddam
2026-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Rose Farm Homestead Preserve, 200 Town Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Hike the Rose Farm Homestead Preserve in East Haddam.

Mt. Archer Woods Hike - Lyme
2026-02-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Mt Archer Woods, Mt Archer Rd, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
It is Maple Sugar Season! Walk through what was once excellent pasture that has since developed into a hardwood forest. We will look for signs of spring and learn about the process of making one of our regional delicacies. Meet at the parking area at the top of Mt. Archer on Mt. Archer Road.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com

Hartman Park Hike - Lyme
2026-03-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Walk along a ridge and up to the top area of Hartman Park. We will view a variety of indigenous stone structures along the way. – plus miles or so. Meet at Hartman Park main lot, Gungy Rd, Lyme.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

Griswold Point Hike : Old Lyme
2026-03-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Griswold Point, 11 Seaside Ln, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Taking advantage of low tide and depending upon conditions, we will walk to the end of Griswold Point and back. About 1.5 miles. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at White Sands Beach Parking Lot, 11 Seaside Ln, Old Lyme.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

Fishing Local Waterways - Lyme
2026-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Are you a fishing enthusiast? Have you always wanted to be one? Or are you just interested in the fish that are likely to be lurking in the waterways you encounter while hiking the trails of Lyme? Either way, you’ll be interested to hear local expert Rowan Lytle’s talk on fishing our local waterways, sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust.
Rowan is a registered Connecticut fishing guide, operating both wading and canoe-based trips in central and eastern state waterways. He has been fishing ever since he can remember and has been an avid fly fisher since he was 14 years old. He fishes between 250 and 320 days each year, and has caught over 160 different fish species on the fly. Rowan has traveled all over the Eastern US to fish for species big and small, and has learned how to do long fishing trips on a tight budget.
To register for this talk, please email: education@lymelandtrust.org

Teen Hike and Steward Group : Lyme
2026-03-15 13:00 - 15:30
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. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.
It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey. Regan Stacey is a mother whose passion is to reconnect humans to nature.
Tools and gloves provided.
Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com

Newfoundland Dog Story Time and Cart Rides - Salem
2026-03-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Join The Land and Sea Newfoundland Training Group for a fun filled story time followed by cart rides pulled by the beautiful Newfoundlands!
Limited to 24 Participants, ages 5 and up.
Parents must sign waiver to have children participate in cart ride.
Call 860-859-1130 to register.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Salem Free Public Library

Machimoodus Spring Fling : East Haddam
2026-03-22 12:00 - 15:00 | Machimoodus State Park, 128 Leesville Road, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States

Native Plants and Habitats of Southern CT - Lyme
2026-03-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
The Lyme Pollinator Pathway invites you to join Jim Natale, native plant landscape expert, for a presentation on what we can do to preserve our natural heritage. As he takes us on an exploration of our natural open space areas, he will discuss the threat of invasive plants and the rarely seen native plants that are at risk of local extinction. Jim will also talk about what homeowners can do on their own landscapes to help.

Brockway-Hawthorne Hike : Lyme
2026-03-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
This is new hike for Quinn, I am looking forward to some awesome discoveries. Expect a hike that is moderate in pace and full of exploration. Meet me at the parking area on Brush Hill Rd.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com

Lyme Pollinator 5th Anniversary Party - East Haddam
2026-03-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Ballek’s Garden Center, 90 Maple Ave, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Lyme Pollinator Pathway invites you to our 5th Anniversary Party for an evening of warmth, cheer and greenery with fellow nature lovers at the lovely Ballek’s Garden Center greenhouse. Enjoy libations and nibbles – wine, native plant-themed mocktail, and appetizers. We will present our first annual Habitat Hero Award, have drawings for prizes, and Cake!
Donations: $25.00 per person. Email lymepollinator@gmail.com to RSVP. Pay by mail-in check or by check/cash at the door.  To learn more and to download a form for mail-in payment by check, go to : https://www.lymelandtrust.org/lyme-pollinator-pathway/
100% of your tax-deductible donations allow us to continue to promote pollinator habitat restoration, incorporating native plants, by providing free educational programs for the community.

Woods Walk : East Haddam
2026-03-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Golet Farm Preserve, Great Hillwod Road, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States
Golet Farm Preserve is 32 acres of meadows, wetlands, and woodlands interspersed with hiking trails leading through meadows of wildflowers and grasses, woods with interesting rock outcroppings and streams, and wooded wetlands.

Native Plants and Habitats of Southern CT : Lyme
2026-04-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
The Lyme Pollinator Pathway invites you to join Jim Natale, native plant landscape expert, at the Lyme Public Hall for a presentation on what we can do to preserve our natural heritage. As he takes us on an exploration of our natural open space areas, he will discuss the threat of invasive plants and the rarely seen native plants that are at risk of local extinction. Jim will also talk about what homeowners can do on their own landscapes to help.
RSVP for this free talk at the Lyme Public Hall, at lymepollinator1@gmail.com

Native Plant Sale : Lyme
2026-04-16 12:00 - 14:30 | John Pritchard Conservation Center, 12-1 Town Street, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
The Lyme Land Trust will be selling native plants from Judge’s Farm in Old Lyme. Mike Baczewski, from New England Pollinator Gardens, will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips on how and where to grow these local wonders. Go Native!
Native Plant Sale. 3.5 inch pot – $4.00 – gallon – $9.00

Astronomy Observing Session : Lyme
2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:00
DATE COULD SHIFT BASED ON WEATHER– The shift from winter to spring means shifting from winter clusters to spring galaxies. On this evening, we will observe some of each, while also enjoying Jupiter in the western sky, and Mars in the southern sky.
Register on the event website. Upon registration , you will be given directions to the venue.

Spring Ephemerals on the Ravine Trail - Lyme
2026-04-19 09:30 - 13:00 | Selden Creek Preserve, Joshuatown Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Ravine Trail Walk: Join Lisa Wahle and Chris Penniman of the Connecticut Botanical Society in search of spring ephemerals on the Ravine Trail. Begin along the level white and yellow trails that traverse mature oak-hardwood forest, passing by a vernal pool, and proceed to the more challenging red trail as time and abilities allow. The steeper red trail is bordered by metamorphic ledges that host a mosaic of ferns, mosses and lichens.
More information can be found at: https://www.lymelandtrust.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hadlyme-Hills-SeldRavBHWEB081022.pdf
Directions and Parking for the Ravine Trail: There is limited space for parking near the site, so we suggest meeting at the Hadlyme Ferry Boat launch lot (154 Ferry Road (Route 148)) and carpooling to the Seldon Creek Preserve parking lot on Joshuatown Road (1.2 miles south of the intersection of Route 148 and Joshuatown Road). From there we will cross the road to enter the Ravine Trail property. See map at the website link above.
Roaring Brook Preserve Walk: For those who would like to join Lisa and Chris for another short walk after the Ravine Trail, they will stop for a snack/lunch at the Hadlyme Country Market on the corner of Routes 82 and 148 and proceed to the Roaring Brook Preserve. This small gem offers an inclined path through red cedar and hemlock stands down to the cooling waters of the boulder-strewn Roaring Brook. More information and a map can be found at: https://www.lymelandtrust.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RoaringbrookWEB.pdf
Directions for Roaring Brook Preserve: There is a small pull-in parking lot at the trailhead on Day Hill Road or at the Hadlyme Public Hall at the intersection of Route 148 and Day Hill Road.
Registration: encouraged Lisa at lcwahle@gmail.com 860-304-6184 or Chris at chrisepenniman@gmail.com or 860-501-4117
Rain Date – May 4

Words from the Woods Book Circle - East Haddam
2026-04-20 13:30 - 15:00 | St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 31 Main Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Join this offering from the East Haddam Land Trust and the East Haddam Library System to soak in the writings of natural scientists who expand and deepen our awareness of the ecologies of life. For this gathering we explore Stirring the Mud: On Swamps, Bogs, and Human Imagination by Barbara Hurd. All are welcome, even if you have not read or completed the book. The book circle gathers in a meeting room at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 31 Main Street, East Haddam, directly across from the Rathbun Library.

Brookside Farm Earth Day Celebration - East Lyme
2026-04-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Brookside Farm Museum, 33 Society Road, Niantic, CT, 06357, United States
A day focused on land, community, and environmental stewardship featuring: Freedom First Wildlife Rescue, Sierra Club Connecticut, the Connecticut Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, Estuary Magazine, and many others!
