Hartman Park Hike : Lyme
2025-12-09 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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, 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.

Winter Wonders Forest Bathing : Lyme
2026-01-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Beebe Preserve, Old Grassy Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Enjoy a relaxing and peaceful guided forest bathing retreat that will surprise you with all that is present this time of year.
Our mini-retreat session includes gentle mindful movement, nature meditation, and a slow-paced walk with opportunities to pause and connect with nature along the way. Our time together includes sharing in a warm seasonal tea among the trees at Beebe pond. The walk is about 1-mile round trip over easy to moderate terrain.
Registration: Sliding scale: $10 – $30
LLT member save 10% with code LLT10
Ages 18+. No pets please.
Register here.
Questions? Email Regan at regan@reganstacey.com

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.

Beebe Preserve Hike : Lyme
2026-01-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Beebe Preserve, Old Grassy Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
We’ll walk the gentle and mostly-flat 1-mile loop, pausing at the viewing platform 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 Old Grassy Hill Road.
Register: jim.arrigoni@lymelandtrust.org

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.

Eightmile River Board Meeting
2026-01-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Burnham Brook Preserve, Dolbia Hill Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States

Plimpton Preserve Hike : Lyme
2026-01-27 09:00 - 23:00 | 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, Lyme.
Register: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com

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

Garden Party : Salem
2026-01-31 11:00 - 13:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Beat your winter blues and join us as we prepare for the upcoming gardening season!
Learn how you can support your community, save seeds, and protect our pollinators!
No registration required.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Salem Library

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.

Woodland Wander - East Haddam
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Chapman Pond Preserve, 187 RIver Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Hike the Chapman Pond Preserve.

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.

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

Coexisting with Connecticut's Critters - Lyme
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Coexisting with Connecticut’s Critters with Master Wildlife Conservationist, Ginny Apple, Connecticut DEEP
How can we coexist safely with wildlife and minimize negative interactions in backyards and open spaces?We value protecting native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. However, because of the fragmentation of habitats, the risks of habituation and the movement of animals, conflicts between humans and wildlife can and do occur. These interactions may increase as climate change shifts animal ranges and as species recover or disperse to new areas.
How can we move from conflict to coexistence? What tools and strategies can we employ to reduce conflicts that may arise when people and wildlife share landscapes? And can these strategies help imperiled wildlife rebound and expand to their historical ranges?
This discussion by Ginny Apple will help answer these questions and guide our thinking about animal encounters, opening the path to coexistence.
Registration: education@lymelandtrust.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
