Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed

Around the Pond - East Haddam
2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | East Haddam Free Public Library, 18 Plains Road, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States
Come explore outdoor spaces through an interactive life-size game presented by our friends from the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)! Collect natural objects while answering questions, and use them to upcycle a t-shirt into a wearable nature notebook. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shirts, but the library will have some available on a first come, first serve basis. Registration Required. Recommended for ages 6-13.
Go to event web site to register: https://easthaddamlibrarysystem.org/event/14825/

Around the Pond - East Haddam
2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00 | East Haddam Free Public Library, 18 Plains Road, Moodus, CT, 06469, United States
Come explore outdoor spaces through an interactive life-size game presented by our friends from the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)! Collect natural objects while answering questions, and use them to upcycle a t-shirt into a wearable nature notebook. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shirts, but the library will have some available on a first come, first serve basis. Recommended for ages 6-13.
Registration Required at event Web site : https://easthaddamlibrarysystem.org/event/14825/

Sharks! - East Haddam
2025-07-29 14:00 - 15:00 | East Haddam Historical Society, 264 Town Street, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Mystic Aquarium Presents Sharks!

July 29 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Sharks are in trouble. Of the roughly 375 shark species, 66 are threatened or endangered, mostly due to overhunting and the effects of pollution. In this presentation guests will learn about the fascinating shark species, the challenges they must overcome for survival, and the conservation efforts underway to protect them. No registration required.
Sponsored by the Friends Groups of the East Haddam Library System

Eightmile River Board Meeting
2025-07-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Eightmile River Office, 2 Dolbia Hill Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States

Birds of Prey - East Haddam
2025-07-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Organization: Eightmile River Watershed

Bring a chair or blanket and explore the world of raptors with Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilition! Learn about adaptions and challenges facing birds of prey and observe rehabilitated birds in a structured setting.
We meet near the covered bridge — keep an eye out for Eightmile River Watershed signs! All programs are FREE and open to the public! No reservation needed. Rain cancels.
Birds of Prey is part of the Eightmile River Watershed’s Programs in the Park Summer Series! Join us on Saturday, July 12th for Rocks & Minerals and Saturday, July 19th for River Exploration. Check our Facebook and website for more information. Same time! Same Place! (Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 10am).
Questions? Email info@eightmileriver.org or message us on our socials

Children's Dragonfly Investigation - Lyme
2025-07-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Lyme Public Library, 482 Hamburg Road, Lyme, CT, 06371-3110, United States
Join Ann Courcy from the Steward Outdoor Day School in this fun and hands-on STEAM experience.
Children ages 5-10 will learn all about dragonflies and create a detailed drawing.
Registration required on the event website https://www.lymepl.org/event/childrens-dragonfly-investigation-with-ann-courcy-of-the-steward-outdoor-day-school/

Family Trail Time - Gillette Castle
2025-07-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Gillette Castle State Park, 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT, 06423, United States
Place: Gillette Castle, Ferry Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: vharris1391@gmail.com
Presenter: Tori Harris
Meet at the Hadlyme Ferry Parking lot on Ferry Rd, Lyme (not Old Lyme) We will begin the walk along the CT River. There is a gentle inclined pathway to get up to the Castle to see the beautiful view. We may get our feet wet.
Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!
Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Programs in the Park: River Exploration - East Haddam
2025-07-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Organization: Eightmile River Watershed

Come explore and discover what lives in and around the Eightmile River. Bring your nets, water shoes & curiosity. Let’s see what we catch!
We meet near the covered bridge — keep an eye out for Eightmile River Watershed signs! All programs are FREE and open to the public! No reservation needed. Rain cancels.
River Exploration is part of the Eightmile River Watershed’s Programs in the Park Summer Series! Join us on Saturday, July 12th for Rocks & Minerals and Saturday, July 26th for Birds of Prey. Check our Facebook and website for more information. Same time! Same Place! (Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 10am).
Questions? Email info@eightmileriver.org or message us on our socials.

Astronomy Observing Session
2025-07-18 21:00 - 23:00
Place: Trail 53 Observatory
Contact Email: astronomy@lymelandtrust.org
Young or old, experienced, or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory.
Registration required. Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines.
For more information and to register: Astronomy Events

Butterflies of Connecticut - Salem
2025-07-16 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States

Geology and the Long Island Sound - Hadlyme
2025-07-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Hadlyme Public Hall, 63 Ferry Road, Hadlyme, CT, 06439, United States
A 30-million year old stream cut lowland that became a glacial lake and is now a major estuary.
On Sunday July 13th from 3-4:30 pm Geologist Ralph Lewis will discuss the geological transformation of one of the best known estuaries on the eastern seaboard.

Morning Paddle - Lyme
2025-07-13 08:30 - 10:30 | Hadlyme Ferry Launch, 154 Ferry Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Explore Whalebone Creek, a freshwater tidal marsh filled with large stands of wild rice where egrets feed. Paddling a kayak or canoe is the best way to enjoy the solitude of this gem of this lower Connecticut River Valley Estuary. We will leave from the launch area next to the Hadlyme ferry to paddle south to the cove entrance. We suggest wearing sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent, and bringing binoculars and water. Personal flotation devices are required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fishers in Connecticut Presentation - Salem
2025-07-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Presented by Master Wildlife Conservationist, Ginny Apple.
In this slide show presentation, Ginny will discuss the fisher’s diet, behavior and its population in Connecticut. There will be time for questions after the presentation.
Registration is required. Call 860-859-1130 to register.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Salem Free Public Library

Geology Rocks - East Haddam
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Organization: Eightmile River Watershed

Bring a chair or blanket and join the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for an interactive presentation and game about rocks & minerals. Learn the four different types of rocks, the rock cycle, and more!
We meet near the covered bridge — keep an eye out for Eightmile River Watershed signs! All programs are FREE and open to the public! No reservation needed. Rain cancels.
Rocks & Minerals is part of the Eightmile River Watershed’s Programs in the Park Summer Series! Join us on Saturday, July 19th for River Exploration and Saturday, July 26th for Birds of Prey. Check our Facebook and website for more information. Same time! Same Place! (Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 10am).
Questions? Email info@eightmileriver.org or message us on our socials.

Butterfly Walk - Salem
2025-06-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Walden Preserve, 119 Hagen Road, Salem, 06420, United States
Butterfly Walk at Walden Preserve
Richard Chyinski will show hikers the amazing varieties of butterflies that live and migrate through the Walden Preserve. These Butterfly Walks are very popular with children. Rich has a technique that allows him to safely “catch” these delicate creatures; keep them in hand for the children (and adults!) to study, and then let them fly free. Call 860-859-3520 for more information

Tuesday Trek: Johnston Preserve
2025-06-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Johnston Preserve, RT 82 (South side), Lyme, CT, 06439, United States
Place: Meet at the parking area on Rt. 82.
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: Wendy Hill
About a 2.5-mile walk, with a moderate incline to the overlooks and back. We’ll check out the vegetation that has emerged after the bluff meadow restoration work that was carried out in March.
Register: openspace@townlyme.org

Insect Discovery Walk - Lyme
2025-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Roaring Brook Preserve, Day Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Place: Roaring Brook Preserve, Day Hill Rd, Lyme, CT
Contact Email: education@lymelandtrust.org
Take a walk of discovery with insect expert, Katherine Dugas from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Space is limited. Registration is required. Register: education@lymelandtrust.org
This is part ofthe Wild Lyme project. Channel your inner Charles Darwin to discover species both new and familiar to you. Along with the joy and wonder of exploration and identification, you’ll contribute to modern-day biology through citizen science.For more information on the Wild Lyme Project and how to install and use iNaturalist. For more information on the Bioblitz Team.
Co-sponsored with Lyme Pollinator Pathway and Town of Lyme

Family Trail Time - Lyme
2025-06-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme, CT, 06439, United States
Place: Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme CT
Contact Email: vharris1391@gmail.com
Presenter: Tori Harris
In June, visit the Gnome trail to search for gnomes at Pleasant Valley Preserve. Click here to see the Family Gnome Hunt map. Meet at the parking lot on MacIntosh Rd.
Join Tori and family on the 4th Sunday of every month for a “mile-ish” hike geared towards families with children under 5, but no age limit!
Kindly email vharris1391@gmail.com to register.

Astronomy Observing Session - Lyme
2025-06-20 21:00 - 23:00

Summer Solstice Celebration with Forest Bathing - Lyme
2025-06-20 09:30 - 11:30 | Pleasant Valley Preserve, MacIntosh Rd, Lyme, CT, 06439, United States
Place: Pleasant Valley Preserve, Macintosh Road, Lyme CT
Contact Email: regan@reganstacey.com
Welcome in the season of summer with a guided mindful stroll along the meadow, river, and forest of Pleasant Valley Preserve. Enjoy a gentle mindful movement sequence, nature meditation, and opportunities to connect with the natural world along the way. In honor of the summer solstice, we’ll create a nature-inspired mandala with flowers and items collected from the forest. The session concludes with tea together.
The walk is about 1-mile round trip over easy to moderate terrain.
Registration: free
Register here.
Rain or shine event. Challenging weather cancels.

Nature Photography - Lyme
2025-06-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd (Rte 156), Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
We are pleased to announce that naturalist, photographer and writer William Burt will lead a Nature Photography presentation and discussion for the community at the Lyme Public Hall.
A resident of Old Lyme, Burt has a passion for wild places—especially marshes—and the elusive birds few people see. He is the author of four books, and his photographs and stories have appeared in Smithsonian, Audubon and other magazines. His print exhibitions have shown in museums across the country and Canada, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, The New Brunswick Museum, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
This talk is co-sponsored by the East Haddam Land Trust and the Lyme Public Hall. We anticipate a big turnout at this free event, and preregistration by June 16 is requested at: http://ehlt.org/register-photos. If you have questions, please contact Kyn at: kyn.tolson@ehlt.org

Botanical Walk - Lyme
2025-06-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Road, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Place: Brockway Hawthorne Preserve, Brush Hill Rd, Lyme
Contact Email: openspace@townlyme.org
Presenter: CT Botanical Society
Join us for an exploratory walk with the Connecticut Botanical Society at Brockway Hawthorne Preserve. This 82-acre preserve helps protect the Whalebone Cove watershed, with wetlands, vernal pools, mature forest and a healthy hemlock stand. The trail passes former pasture and an abandoned quarry.
Directions and Parking: We will meet at the main parking lot for the Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve on Brush Hill Road, Lyme, about 1/2 mile south of Hadlyme Four Corners. For a trail map.
Please Pre-register with Lisa or Wendy below. Raindate: June 26
Leaders: Lisa Wahle, lcwahle@gmail.com, 860-304-6184, Wendy Hill, openspace@townlyme.org.

Hummingbirds
2025-06-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States

John Lohmann CT River Preserve - Old Lyme
2025-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | John Lohmann CT River Preserve, 33 Coult Lane, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Presenter: Wendy Hill

A short steep incline opens to a beautiful expanse of meadow. We will walk along the mowed path to reach our destination, Whale Rock, a spectacular outcropping with views of Lord Cove and the CT River. Bring your binoculars. 1.5 miles
Directions: Parking is along the road near 33 Coult Lane, Old Lyme. Coult Lane is a small road on the west side of Rte 156 just south of the Lyme’Old Lyme border. From Halls Rd, Old Lyme, travel 2 miles north on Rte 156. take a left onto Coult Lane. The preserve is about 1/2 mile in on the right. Look for a mailbox with 33 Coult Lane on it.

Please Reserve. Please email Caitlin Perkins at cperkins@oldlyme-ct.gov or call (860)434-1605 ext. 241. Free to all.

Words from the Woods Book Circle - East Haddam
2025-06-16 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.

Beavers in Connecticut Presentation - Salem
2025-06-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT, 06420, United States
Presented by Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple.
Ginny will discuss beavers as a keystone species, their biology, behavior and history as well as the beaver’s unique role in shaping North America’s landscape.
Registration is required. Call 860-859-1130 to register.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Salem Free Public Library

Mt.Archer Woods Hike - Lyme
2025-06-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Mt Archer Woods, Mt Archer Rd, Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Place: Meet at the Mt. Archer Woods parking lot.
Contact Email: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com
Presenter: Ryan Quinn
Let’s go hike around the top of Mt. Archer. This hike will be a little over 2 miles and we will have a lot of fun exploring the woods just before the start of summer.
Contact: ryan.p.quinn@gmail.com

Coastal Connecticut as a Maritime Culture - Hadlyme
2025-06-08 15:00 - 16:30 | Hadlyme Public Hall, 63 Ferry Road, Hadlyme, CT, 06439, United States
Southeastern Connecticut played an outsized role in America’s maritime history from the country’s earliest days through shipbuilding, whaling and fishing.
Mystic Seaport Museum’s Curator of Maritime History, Michael P. Dyer, will talk about our maritime history and highlight twelve objects that offer evidence of that story. A great presentation for experts and amateurs alike. Free admission.

Teen Hike - Lyme
2025-06-08 13:30 - 15:30
Place: Register to learn location @ reganstacey@gmail.com.
Contact Email: reganstacey@gmail.com.
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. Each time we meet, we offer a different topic, often with a hike and trail work in a selected preserve.
Tools and gloves provided.
