Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed

Musical Bridges - East Haddam
2025-08-25 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Goodspeed Opra House, 6 Main Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423-0281, United States
You are invited to party with a purpose! Support the East Haddam Land Trust and listen to The Bluesberry Jam Band and friends. Other musicians include Erin and Abe from The Local Honey Project, Anthony V from The Locomotives, Cody Urban, Chas and Kathy Marte, and more…!
EHLT directors will be available to describe their favorite hikes, to explain how you can get involved with us, and to share the many ways protected woods and water contribute to our outstanding quality of life. We will have membership envelopes available in case you want to join our work.

Proceeds from the BBQ and raffle support the purchase of a shed for our tools. Please bring any homegrown or homemade items to put in the raffle.

Fungal Ecology Walk (Mushrooms) - Lyme
2025-09-27 10:00 - 17:00 | CT
Join us for this fascinating walk with naturalist and mycologist Bill Yule, to walk, talk, and discover mushrooms. Bill will explain about forest and watershed ecology and all things fungal.
If you wish, bring mushrooms from home for identification after the walk.
On the walk, we will discuss how you can upload your observations to support the Wild Lyme Project and its mission to catalog and compare the biodiversity of preserves protected by the Town of Lyme, The Nature Conservancy, and the Lyme Land Trust. Participants wishing to record observations to iNat should bring a smartphone, camera, or both. All skill levels are welcome, from experienced to those who have never used the iNaturalist app.
Space is limited. Register: education@lymelandtrust.org

Woodland Wander - East Haddam
2025-09-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Golet Farm Preserve, Great Hillwod Road, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States
This will be the first of our relaxed-paced hikes for those who like casual wanders through the woods. There will be time to explore aspects of our natural world that are often missed during the brisk-paced hikes. Meet at Golet Farm Preserve, on Great Hillwood Road in the Moodus section of East Haddam. Leashed dogs are welcome to hike with their owners. Bring light snacks to share along with EHLT refreshments for an after hike tailgate.
Directions:
From Route 82 take Route 151
north toward Moodus Center.
Take a right onto Route 149.
Take the first right after the Post Office onto Great Hillwood Road.
The dirt driveway to the preserve is on your right, across from the Senior Center.

Building Resilient Landscapes - Lyme
2025-09-28 16:00 - 17:30 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Join Lyme Pollinator Pathway for this program at the Lyme Public Hall with horticulturist Tom Christopher, who will discuss the importance of protecting, creating and maintaining climate resilient habitat in our backyard as well as in preserved open spaces, to ensure that all of the land that drains into the Eightmile River watershed is healthy and supports life. Tom Christopher is host of the podcast Growing Greener, as well as an author/collaborator for several books and columns about improving the environment with native plant restoration.
https://www.thomaschristophergardens.com/
Co-sponsored by Lyme Pollinator Pathway and Pollinator Pathway East Lyme.

Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve Hike - Lyme
2025-09-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Mixed deciduous and conifer forests blanket this gently rolling landscape featuring vernal pools and Whalebone Creek. Gentle-to-moderate 2.5 mile walk.
Meet at the parking lot off of Brush Hill Road.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

Train Trail Hike - East Haddam
2025-10-05 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-12 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Gillette Castle State Park, 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette’s narrow-gauge train. Gillette’s train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.
Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!
Cancelled if the weather is bad.
Let us know you’re coming!

Pleasant Valley Preserve - Lyme
2025-10-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme, CT, 06439, United States
We are going to explore the trails of the Pleasant Valley Preserve. Pleasant Valley has it all, rivers, streams, fields, forests, hills, deciduous trees, evergreen trees, etc. There are many options for hike length but I want to aim for a 2 or 2.5 mile round trip. We will meet at the parking area on MacIntosh Rd.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com

Rocky Neck Beach Walk - Niantic
2025-10-08 09:30 - 11:30 | Rocky Neck State Park, 244 West Main Street, Niantic, CT, 06357, United States
A beautiful wooded walk along the salt marshes toward the beach on Long Island Sound. Bring binoculars if you have them. 2 miles.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot on Rte i56 across from the KOA Campground, 271 Main St (Rte 156), about 0.5 mile east of the intersection with Four Mile River Rd.
Contact: hillwendyb@gmail.com

Goodwin Trail Challenge - East Haddam, Lyme, Salem, East Lyme
2025-10-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Franklin Academy, 140 River Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
The new Goodwin Trail Mountain Bike Challenge is a unique 45-mile adventure loop that utilizes the most interesting and challenging public preserves in East Haddam, Salem, Lyme, and East Lyme, Connecticut. The most iconic portion of this loop is the Goodwin Trail. This is a unique, 13.5 mile linear trail that winds its way through preserved lands owned by local land trusts, municipalities, the Yale School of Forestry, and Nehantic State Park.
Ride begins at the Franklin Academy, 140 River Road, East Haddam. Parking, restrooms, and rider meetings at Franklin, then we will complete a challenging and scenic 45 mile loop traversing as-much-trail as possible . You will be very happy to see Franklin Academy upon the completion of the loop… we promise!
A mountain bike with sturdy tires and low gearing is recommended.
The course is unmarked, so a navigation device will be required. GPX route will be emailed to registrants the Thursday before the event.
Registration is required, please register on https://www.bikereg.com/the-goodwin-trail-challenge-cycle

This event is a fundraiser to support East Haddam Land Trust. Donations appreciated.

Expressive Nature Journaling - East Haddam
2025-10-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Rathbun Library, 36 Main Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Join East Haddam Land Trust and the East Haddam Library System in welcoming Nancy DeNicolo as she invites us to deepen our experience of nature, all around us. Nancy is an artist, maker and creative arts counselor; with her gentle direction learn to bring a spirit of ease to expressing your relationship with great nature. More information about Nancy DeNicolo can be found at nancydenicolo.com.
This free event is for adults and limited to 15 attendees.
Register on the event web page.

Astronomy Observing Session - Lyme
2025-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 | CT
DATE COULD SHIFT BASED ON WEATHER– The Milky Way arches from SW to NE, almost straight up, as darkness falls. Saturn rises higher and higher in the east after its long absence from our night sky. If the weather goes against us, we will move the event to the closest clear night and notify you.
Register using the GOING button on the web site.
PLEASE NOTE:
Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines. Please see event web site for full information.
For questions or comments, please contact us at astronomy@lymelandtrust.org.

Eightmile RiverFest - East Haddam
2025-10-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Join the Eightmile River Watershed for Eightmile RiverFest, Saturday, October 18th from 1-4pm at Devil’s Hopyard State Park. This FREE event is a celebration of the Wild & Scenic Eightmile River and the local conservation-focused organizations. Attendees can enjoy bluegrass music from the Homer Mountain Boys along with free cookies, soup and cider from the Moodus Sportsman Club and the Eightmile River Watershed Committee. Exhibitors range from local land trusts to wildlife rehabilitators to state organizations and offer a variety of information, demonstrations and family-friendly activities.

Join us for FREE:– Bluegrass Music by The Hosmer Mountain Boys– Soup/chowder by the Moodus Sportsman Club– Cookies and cider by the Eightmile River Committee– Nature Drawing with Salem ArtSpace– Live opossums with Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue– History walks to Chapman Falls– Information, demonstration and activities with local conservation organizations!

Severe weather cancels. See our Facebook page for updates.

Words from the Woods Book Circle - East Haddam
2025-10-20 13:30 - 15:30 | St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 31 Main Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Join this nature focused book circle from the East Haddam Land Trust and East Haddam Library System to soak in the writings of natural scientists who expand and deepen our awareness of the ecologies of life. By reading about the seen and unseen relationships of the wood-web, our experiences of forests, waterways, and meadows of East Haddam will be enriched. All are welcome. Copies of the books may be borrowed through the East Haddam Library System.

Johnston Preserve Hike - Lyme
2025-10-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Johnston Preserve, RT 82 (South side), Lyme, CT, 06439, United States
Moderate 2.5-mile walk through dramatic bedrock outcrops and mature forest. We’ll pause at the highest point in Lyme to enjoy the fall foliage which offers many clues to aid tree identification. Meet at the parking lot on Route 82
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

Bats - Salem
2025-10-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Join us as Ginny Apple, Master Wildlife Conservationist with CT DEEP, discusses the economic value of bats, their migration and hibernation patterns, decline and disease as well as steps the public can take to help ensure the health and safety of our bat populations.
Registration is required. Call 860-859-1130 to register.

Plimpton Preserve Hike - Lyme
2025-10-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Plimpton Preserve, Sterling City Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
This will be a moderate 1.75 mile hike right in the center of Lyme. There are some significant elevation changes especially at the start and end of the hike but that effort will be rewarded with a nice lookout half way through our hike. We will meet at the trail entrance with parking along Sterling City Road.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com

Burnham Brook Preserve - East Haddam
2025-11-04 09:30 - 11:30 | Burnham Brook Preserve, Dolbia Hill Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
About 3 miles, blue trail loop in pristine upland forest with a section along vibrant Burnham Brook plus the red trail which has beautiful scenic vistas.
Directions: At the end of Rte. 156, take a right onto Rte. 82, travel 2.7 miles, take left onto Woodbridge Road, travel 1 mile (stay to the right), take left onto Dolbia Hill Rd. Park by Preserve sign along the side of the road.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

Selden Creek Preserve Hike: Lyme
2025-11-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Selden Creek Preserve, Joshuatown Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Hike to both overlooks and view the creek in Fall. 2.5 miles. Fairly steep in parts. Meet at the Selden Creek Preserve parking lot on Joshuatown Rd.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

Hike at Walden Preserve : Salem
2025-11-25 09:30 - 11:30 | Walden Preserve, 119 Hagen Road, Salem, 06420, United States
Tuesday Trek: Walden Preserve

Walk about 2.5 moderately easy miles through a variety of habitats in this 400-acre abandoned farm and quarry. Features include meadows, beaver activity, and an ancient abandoned Pierce Arrow Car.
Directions: Parking area is at 119 Hagen Road. Go east on Rte 82 from Lyme. Take left onto Hagen Road about 3/4 miles past Rte 11 overpass. The parking lot is 1/2 mile on the left.
From Salem Roundabout, go north on Route 85 for 1/2 mile, then take a left onto Hagen Road. The parking lot is about 300 ft on the right.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

Work and Learn about Invasive Plants : Lyme
2025-11-29 09:00 - 16:00 | Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme, CT, 06439, United States
The war continues! BURN OFF THE TURKEY with vernal pool wetland area restoration. Join or leave any time during the day. Follow the orange flags to the work site. Come join a group of volunteers led by naturalist and habitat restorer Jim Natale.
Learn to identify and remove invasive plants to restore natural areas. Removal of barberry, multiflora rose and other invasives in the vernal pool wetland.
What to bring: Shovels, Water, food, loppers, handsaws, pruners, a backpack, gloves, work shoes, durable clothing, chainsaw or power pruner if you have one.
Jim Natale is owner of Wilder Gardens, LLC, whose mission is to establish a regional community, the Invasive Plant Work Group, to restore native habitat throughout the region. See the Meet-Up Post.
This event is co-sponsored by the Town of Lyme and Lyme Land Trust.

Woods Walk : East Haddam
2025-11-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Machimoodus State Park, 128 Leesville Road, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States
This brisk-paced hike will be led by EHLT directors through sections of Machimoodus and Sunrise State Parks. Meet at the main parking lot, 128 Leesville Road, in the Moodus section of East Haddam. Leashed dogs are welcome to hike with their owners. Participants are invited to bring light snacks to share along with EHLT refreshments for an after-hike tailgate.

Hartman Park Hike : Lyme
2025-12-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Lets go explore Hartman Park’s eastern trails. This will be a longer 2.5 to 3 mile trip and pass by several old settlement sites, wetlands and glacial features. I am excited to visit some of the trails that get less attention. We will meet at the main Hartman Park entrance on Gungy Road.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com

Woodland Wander : East Haddam
2025-12-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Sheepskin Hollow, Sheepskin Hollow Road, East Haddam, 06423, United States
This slower-paced hike at Sheepskin Hollow Preserve and led by the land trust’s Executive Director Pete Govert, is designed for those who like casual walks through the woods with time to explore nature. Meet at the parking area on Sheepskin Hollow Road. Leashed dogs are welcome to come along with their owners. Walkers are invited to bring light snacks to share along with EHLT refreshments for an after-hike tailgate.

Teen Hike and Steward Group Meet-up : Lyme
2025-12-14 13:00 - 15:30 | CT
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.
For more information and for the schedule of meet-up dates.
Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

Gillette Castle State Park Hike : East Haddam
2025-12-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Gillette Castle State Park, 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Meet at the main parking lot by the visitor center. We will walk up to the Castle terrace, which is in Lyme, to see the most spectacular view of the CT River. We will explore the moderately easy dirt path route that was once a narrow gauge train trail. About 1 mile.
Contact: hillwendyb@gmail.com

Managing Spotted Lanternfly and Tree-of-Heaven : Webinar
2025-12-17 14:00 - 15:30 | CT
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) are closely linked invasive species that continue to threaten North American forests, agriculture, and ecosystems. This webinar will explore promising biocontrol solutions aimed at managing these invasive pests.
Registration required. See website.

Walbridge Woodland Hike: Lyme
2025-12-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Walbridge Woodland, Gungy Road, Lyme, 06371, United States
Moderate 1.5-mile walk through cedar grove and deciduous upland forest among several interesting stone walls and remains of old buildings. Meet at the Hartman Park main parking entrance, just north of Walbridge Woodland on Gungy Road.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

First Day Hikes at Gillette Castle : East Haddam
2026-01-01 08:00 - 16:00 | Gillette Castle State Park, 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Enjoy a hike along the beautiful trails at Gillette Castle State Park as part of the national First Day Hikes initiative!
Self guided hikes – all day – Print the Hiking & History map at home, and bring more insight to your hike! Printed maps are also available at the welcome table from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; a $1 donation for the map is appreciated to defray printing costs.
Hot cider and trail maps – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Welcome table with trail maps that explain the route of William Gillette’s trail system, and hot cider to keep everyone warm and toasty.
Guided hikes: departing the Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. (departing every half hour between 10:30am and 1pm, except there is no hike at noon)
Register here for the 2025 First Day Hikes
