Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed

Eightmile RiverFest - East Haddam
2025-10-18 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | 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, 2026-01-18 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

New Year's Day Hikes : Lyme / Hadlyme
2026-01-01 10:00 - 15:30 | CT
Start 2026 off with a refreshing hike in the Lyme woods. The Lyme Land Trust is offering two walks this year. Register with the walk leader for the time and location you prefer. Space is limited. You may sign up for more than one walk if space and time permits.

10:00 am to 12:30ish pm: Pleasant Valley Preserve with Tony Irving. Notice glacial geology and its effect on colonial agricultural practices on a moderate 3.5-mile walk with a long gentle incline to a spectacular overlook. Meet at pull-in parking lot, Macintosh Rd, Lyme, about 1/4 mile west of the intersection of Macintosh road and Rte 156.
Register: anthonyinlyme@gmail.com
1:30 to 3:30ish pm: Gillette’s Castle with Wendy Hill: From the Hadlyme Ferry parking lot, we will walk a gentle climb along the walkway up to the Castle. At the top, take in the vista from the terrace of the Castle, and then follow the original train route, including a very cool tunnel and round-about, for Gillette’s small gauge railroad. Along the way, note the unique geology and enjoy beautiful views of the Connecticut River unobstructed by leaves. About 2.5 miles.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org
Directions: Meet at the Hadlyme Public Boat Ramp parking lot by the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, Ferry Road (Rte 148). (Note: For google maps, search for “Chester-Hadlyme Ferry”. Make sure GPS sends you to Ferry Road in Lyme (Rte 148), not Old Lyme.)

For more information about the preserves. Everyone is welcome. End times are approximate. Allow extra time. Bring a bottle of water. Inclement weather cancels. Check for updates on the LLT website.

Ravine Trail Hike : Lyme
2026-01-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Ravine Trail, Mitchell Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
We will walk a loop that takes us up the ravine, stops at 2 overlooks, and through Laurel groves. Some steep terrain. 2-plus miles. Meet at the entrance on Mitchell Hill Rd., Lyme.
Register: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org

Clever Corvids : Salem
2026-01-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Corvids, a family of birds including crows, ravens, and jays, are renowned for their exceptional intelligence. Explore with us the specific, and often amusing, behaviors that illystrate their complex cognitive abilities.
This 1 hour program features a crow, raven, owl and hawk.
Presented by Horizon Wings.
Call 860-859-1130 to register
Funds for this project were provided by the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee and the National Park Service under CFDA:15-962-Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Assistance.

Hartman Park/Goodwin Trail Hike : Lyme
2026-01-13 09:30 - 11:30 | Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Walk the Goodwin Trail segment to the NE corner of Hartman Park and back, about 3 miles. The Goodwin Trail overlaps with the northern section of the red trail. Meet at the Goodwin Trail Entrance on Gungy Rd, about 2 miles north of the intersection of Gungy Rd and Beaver Brook Rd. Park along the side of the road.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

Changing Landscapes - Lyme
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Changing Landscapes with Wildlife Biologist Ginny Apple
Lyme Public Hall is pleased to partner with the Lyme Land Trust to present CT DEEP wildlife expert Ginny Apple and her presentation of Changing Landscapes, a talk about how wildlife species in our area have been affected by land use practices throughout the years, starting from colonial times. We hope you’ll join us for this fascinating evening!
To preregister for the talk, please email here.

January Thaw - East Haddam
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 | 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 | 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.
Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.
