Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed

Train Trail Hike - East Haddam
2025-10-12 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-13 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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!

Jewett & Pleasant Valley Preserve - Lyme
2025-10-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Mt Archer Woods, Mt Archer Rd, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
We will walk a moderately easy loop of about 2.5 miles, passing through the Tom Bischoff Meadow and through beautiful wooded sections with interesting natural and man made rock structures, beginning at the MT Archer Parking Lot, Mt Archer Rd.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

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.

Youth Conservationists - Lyme
2025-10-19 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. It is sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust under the leadership of environmentalist/artist Regan Stacey since 2018. The group meets on one Sunday a month early fall through June. Each month there will be a different topic and hike in a selected preserve. You do not have to be a Lyme resident to join.

Explore the woods. Learn about nature and the importance of biodiversity
Guest speakers/guides
Field trips
Get help with special reports/research projects.
Trail work includes maintaining trails, blazing new trails, and other work to enhance the preserves.
Tools provided.

Registration required: reganstacey@gmail.com.

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

Honeyland Film and Honey Tasting - Lyme
2025-11-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
The 2019 documentary film Honeyland was one of the first to compete at the Oscars for both best documentary and best international feature film. It tells the story of Hatidze Muratova, one of Macedonia’s last wild beekeepers, who uses traditional methods, passed down through generations, for harvesting wild honey. We will be screening Honeyland, and also hosting local beekeepers from Lyme, East Lyme, Old Lyme and East Haddam who will bring their local honey for a tasting experience.

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

Eightmile River Board Meeting
2025-11-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Eightmile River Office, 2 Dolbia Hill Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States

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.

Hartman Park heritage Trail Hike : Lyme
2025-11-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Hartman Park, Gungy Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Join us for the annual post-Thanksgiving hike led by Wendy Hill, Lyme Land Trust Vice President and Lyme Open Space Coordinator. We will walk the Heritage Trail (orange) in Hartman Park, an easy to moderate hike with some uneven rocky footing and moderate inclines. Hartman Park is crisscrossed with ancient stone walls and other stone structures. The Heritage Trail visits several sites of remnants left behind by the people who once inhabited this land, including the mysterious Three Chimneys.
Snacks will be provided. We will have a snack break. Bring your own water or drink. The entire walk is about 3 miles. The walk time is approximate depending upon the group pace. Walking sticks are recommended.
Please register: openspace@townlyme.org
Map and brochure of Hartman Park. Rain cancels.
Directions: Meet at the Main Entrance to Hartman Park. The Main Entrance is about 1.25 miles north of the intersection of Beaver Brook Rd. and Gungy Rd.

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.

Banningwood Preserve Hike : Lyme
2025-12-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Banningwood Preserve, 10 Town Street, Lyme, 06371, United States
After the foliage has died back, views of the floodplain forest restoration site and scenic Roaring Brook will be highlights of this 1.5-mile gentle-to-moderate walk through one of our most ecologically interesting preserves. Meet in the parking lot off of Route 82 (19 Town Street).
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

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

2025 CT River Highlights : Live Stream
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:30 | CT
Join us for an end of year LiveStream to celebrate some of the accomplishments made throughout the watershed in 2025! During this virtual event you will hear from Connecticut River Conservancy’s Executive Director, Rebecca Todd, and many other staff representing our programmatic work for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities.
There will be a series of brief presentations on everything from invasive species to dam removals and restoration projects. You will even get the chance to ask any questions you may have about migratory fish, or how many plastic bottles were pulled out of the river at this year’s Source to Sea Cleanup. Come join us for a riverside round robin as we gear up for another exciting year ahead!
This is a virtual event you’ll be able to access from home via Zoom. A link to access will be sent to you after registration. The event will be recorded and shared the following day with all those who RSVP. The presentation portion of the event is expected to last just under an hour, with staff staying on though 1:15pm to address any questions.
RSVP: https://www.ctriver.org/event-details/currents-at-the-conservancy-2025/form

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

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
