Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed

Tour de Lyme Cycling - Lyme
2026-05-31 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Grassy Hill Preserve, Grassy Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Please join us for the annual Tour de Lyme cycling event with beautifully scenic routes for all ages and levels. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Registration open now!
For more information, visit the Tour de Lyme webpage
Contact Email: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
The Lyme Land Trust inaugurated Tour de Lyme in 2013 as an annual bike ride to raise funds to support its mission of preserving and protecting environmentally important land in Lyme.

Woods Walk - East Haddam
2026-05-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Burnham Brook Preserve, Dolbia Hill Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Join this brisk-paced hike through the trails at Burnham Brook, a Nature Conservancy preserve in the Eightmile River Watershed. The trails lead through woodlands, rock outcroppings, and along a stunning view of Burnham Brook. Leashed dogs are welcome to hike with their owners. Hikers are invited to contribute light snacks for an after-hike tail-gate.

Hartman Park Hike - Lyme
2026-06-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Let’s explore the spring wildflowers in the meadow before we walk the yellow and red trails to see what the beavers are up to.
Meet at the Field Entrance. The Field Entrance is about 1/2 mile north of the Hartman Park Main Entrance on Gungy Rd. Park along the side of the road.

Connecticut Trails Day Hikes
2026-06-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-07 08:00 - 17:00 | CT
Connecticut Trails Day runs Saturday June 6th and Sunday June 7th.
See the Web Site Trailsday.org for events in the Eightmile Watershed and beyond.

History of Hadlyme Burial Ground : Lyme
2026-06-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Hadlyme Ferry Launch, 154 Ferry Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
With its deep roots in local lore and history, Cove Cemetery is one of the most historic sites in Lyme.
Presenter Jim Leatherbee knows the stories behind each stone.
Meet at Hadlyme Cove Cemetery. Extra parking at Ferry lot.

Banningwood Preserve Hike - Lyme
2026-06-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Banningwood Preserve, 10 Town Street, Lyme, 06371, United States
We’ll walk a mostly gentle and occasionally moderate loop, pausing to rest at the picnic table in Diana’s Field, and to explore and assess the floodplain forest restoration project flanking Roaring Brook. We’ll also take a moment along the way to very briefly demonstrate how to effectively manage Oriental Bittersweet vines, which, for now, have a stronghold at a location withing the preserves interior. Meet at the trailhead parking lot on Town Street/Rout 82.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

Living with Connecticut's Wildlife - Salem
2026-06-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Presented by Paul Colburn, Deep Master Wildlife Conservationist.
This presentation focuses on how to live with and enjoy our wild neighbors.
Species covered include Black Bears, Eastern Coyote, Bobcat, Fisher, Raccoon, Skunk, Virginia Opossum, Red and Gray Fox, Woodchuck, White-Tailed Deer, birds, bats, venomous and non-venomous reptiles, and amphibians.
Call 860-859-1130 to register.
Sponsored by a grant from the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed and the National Park Service.

Restore a Native Plant Meadow - Lyme
2026-06-13 09:00 - 11:00 | John Pritchard Conservation Center, 12-1 Town Street, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Help us plant out the native plant meadow. Join Michael Baczewski, of New England Pollinator Gardens, and Kristina White, Executive Director, and plant warm-season grasses/perennials in our meadow. Bring your shovels, pickaxes, trowels, and wheelbarrows. The more the merrier and the quicker we get it done!
We will have coffee and light refreshments to keep you energized.
Registration required: kristina.white@lymelandtrust.org
This project was funded in part by the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program, supported by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The World of Insects - Lyme
2026-06-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Banningwood Preserve, 10 Town Street, Lyme, 06371, United States
Discover the world of insects on a walk in Banningwood Preserve with Biologist Katherine Dugas on June 13 at 3pm.
Katherine is an Agricultural Research Technician in the CAES Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, where she provides insect identifications and outreach/extension for CT residents, municipalities, and businesses.
Photo is Lined Longhorn Beetle by Jim Arrigoni
Register- education@lymelandtrust.org

Rose Farm Homestead Reserve Hike : East Haddam
2026-06-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Rose Farm Homestead Preserve, 200 Town Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Join this brisk-paced hike featuring wetlands along Hemlock Valley Brook and other diverse habitats. The 68-acre Rose Farm Reserve was acquired by the Town of east Haddam in 2009. It is a popular spot for enjoying varied scenery and wildlife. Leashed dogs are welcome to hike with their owners. Hikers are invited to bring light snacks to share with EHLT refreshments for an after-hike tailgate.

Words from the Woods Book Circle : East Haddam
2026-06-15 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 exploreThe Nature of Oaks by Doug Tallamy. 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.

Brockway - Hawthorne Hike : Lyme
2026-06-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
This is a 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

Lena Reserve Hike : East Haddam
2026-06-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Lena Reserve, Babcock Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
This 207-acre preserve offers a range of terrains and forest types; as well as stone walls, fields and remnants of its agricultural history. Moderate with a some inclines. About 2 miles.
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. The walks are moderate along dirt paths with some uneven footing and slight inclines, unless noted. About 2-3 miles. Walks match the group’s pace and distance is estimated. Bring water and dress appropriately; hikes are cancelled if weather is bad.
To register: openspace@townlyme.org
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 Hill Rd (gravel road). The parking lot is at the end on the left. (0.4 mi)

Intro to Gardening - East Haddam
2026-06-26 17:30 - 18:30 | East Haddam Free Public Library, 18 Plains Road, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States
Join Cathy & Company for an Evening of Gardening Inspiration! Grow your garden confidence with an informative, beginner‑friendly talk led by Cathy. She’ll walk you through the essentials — watering, fertilizing, trimming, planting, and more — all explained in a way that feels approachable and fun.
Come learn something new, get clarity on the garden questions you’ve been dying to ask, and enjoy a relaxed hour of plant‑loving conversation.Following the talk, Cathy will lead a live demonstration on how to plant up a beautiful combination flower planter — perfect for summer.
For Teens & Adults.
Registration required, see RSVP on Web Page

Full Moon Paddle : East Haddam
2026-06-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Upper Moodus Reservoir, Launching Area Rd, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
This summer paddle, led by Executive Director, Pete Govert, promises to be enchanting, featuring nocturnal sounds and sights illuminated by the bright-moon sky. Launch kayaks and canoes at the Upper Moodus Reservoir boat launch next to Lakeside Dan’s. Life vests are requires and headlamps or flashlights are highly recommended. Any weather updates will be posted here and on the EHLT Facebook page.

Saunders Preserve Hike : East Haddam
2026-07-01 09:30 - 11:30 | Saunders Preserve, Honey Hill Rd., East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Saunders Preserve lies directly atop the Honey Hill Fault and the fault’s associated rock outcroppings. The geology at Saunders is amazing, with likely Native American stoneworks. The walk is moderate with some inclines. Two miles.
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. The walks are moderate along dirt paths with some uneven footing and slight inclines, unless noted. About 2-3 miles. Walks match the group’s pace and distance is estimated. Bring water and dress appropriately; hikes are cancelled if weather is bad.
To register: openspace@townlyme.org
Directions: From Hadlyme 4-Corners, follow Rte 82 east for 0.6 miles. Turn left onto Honey Hill Rd. After 1 mile, turn left to stay on Honey Hill Rd. Park in Saunders Preserve parking lot, 0.5 miles further on the right.

Nix the Knotweed - Lyme
2026-07-10 08:00 - 10:00 | Whalebone Cove, 41.418873, -72.426321, Lyme, 06371, United States
Whalebone Cove by the bridge over Ferry Road – Rte 149
The knotweed has been highly reduced but we still have to weed out the ones that persist and new ones that come up from seeds. We are in our sixth year of tackling the knotweed using the “method of 3s”: cut knotweed down to the ground and remove the plant material; 3 chops each growing season (May, mid-July, and mid-August). The cuttings must be carefully disposed of since each little piece will regrow into a new plant.
Bring work gloves, clippers or loppers. We’ll provide the bags! Bring your own water bottle. Snacks will be provided.
Please register: (walk-ins welcome) Openspace@townlyme.org

Providing Habitat for Wildlife Presentation - Salem
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Paul Colburn, Master Wildlife Conservationist with CT DEEP, will give a presentation for those wishing to enhance their property for wildlife by providing shelter. This will include natural methods of land management and the use of native flowers, bushes and trees. Species covered include mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds.
To register, call 860-859-1130
Funded by a grant from the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic watershed & The National Park Service

Programs In The Park : CT Wildlife - East Haddam
2026-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Bring a chair or blanket and join us for three, free family programs
at Devils Hopyard State Park. Saturday mornings, 10-11am. Meet
near the covered bridge. No reservation needed. Rain cancels.
Contact info@eightmileriver.org with any questions.
July 18: Wildlife of CT
Join the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for a
wonderfully informative talk on the Wildlife that
lives in your backyard. Come and see if you can find
some of the most popular critter’s from around the
state!

Programs In The Park : Reptiles - East Haddam
2026-07-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Bring a chair or blanket and join us for three, free family programs at Devils Hopyard State Park.
Saturday mornings, 10-11am. Meet near the covered bridge. No reservation needed. Rain cancels.
Contact info@eightmileriver.org with any questions.
July 25: Reptiles
Join us for a fun morning with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Come meet some
of the turtles and snakes that live here in Connecticut.

Eightmile River Board Meeting
2026-07-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-28 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Burnham Brook Preserve, Dolbia Hill Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States

2026-08-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Bring a chair or blanket and join us for three, free family programs at Devils Hopyard State Park.
Saturday mornings, 10-11am. Meet near the covered bridge. No reservation needed. Rain cancels.
Contact info@eightmileriver.org with any questions.
August 01: River Exploration
Come explore and discover what lives in and around the Eightmile River in Devil’s Hopyard State Park.
Bring your nets, water shoes, & curiosity. Let’s see what we catch!

Save Your Seeds - Salem
2026-08-01 11:00 - 17:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
The Community Seed Bank
Join Mark Gostkiewicz of Tri Gable Lea Farm as he teaches how to save, store and share your harvest.
Call 860-859-11130 to register.
Sponsored by the Carole Eckart and Carl Nawrocki Memorial Summer Reading Fund

Wee Wings - Salem
2026-08-08 10:30 - 11:30 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Wee Wings is a program of story time with small birds of prey.
It will feature two small raptors along with a story that teaches children what to do if they find a baby bird.
This 30-40 minute program is suitable for ages 3-7.
A parent or caregiver must accompany the child.
Call 860-859-1130 to register.
Sponsored by the Carole Eckart & Carl Nawrocki memorial Summer Reading Fund

Identifying Birds - Salem
2026-08-08 11:30 - 12:30 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
A Case of Mistaken Idenity
Horizon Wings will discuss the defining features of certain raptors and other birds most commonly mistaken for one another. Includes a crow and a raven, a barn and barred owl, and possibly two other birds.
Limited to 40 participants ages 8 to adult.
Call 860-859-1130 to register
Sponsored by the Carole Eckart & Carl Nawrocki Memorial Summer Reading Fund
