You’ve heard of tree-hugging…but boulder-hugging?

Join geologist Mary DiGiacomi-Cohen for a tour of Pine Swamp Preserve that explores the physical characteristics and geologic history of the area. We’ll learn to understand and apply terms like glaciation, dirt machine, shear zone, meltwater deposition, and eolian processes. We’ll deploy several of our senses, including sight, touch, and taste, during our exploration of this special environment. 

Saturday, May 10, 2025
10 am – 11:30 am
Rain date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 (same time)

Participants will have the opportunity to get a little gritty, get a handle on a gneiss vug (huh?), and, yes, hug a boulder.

Post-tour reception will include beverages and gluten-free Rocky Road brownies. (No rocks will have been hurt in the making of these brownies!)

Parking: Room for up to three vehicles in a small lot. Additional parking is available on the side of the road on Stone Court (diagonally across from the lot).

Accessibility Note:

Parking: No accessible parking.

Trail: Trail begins at lot. Surface ranges from stony to packed earth and grass, with some roots and widths of two feet to six feet. Slope varies from level to some short, steep areas with slope as high as 1:4 (one inch of slope for every four inches of travel). An approximately 30 foot area may require some scrambling. 

Communication: Walk will be amplified. Sign language interpretation will be provided. Tour will include rich verbal description. 

For more info, contact: accessibility@avalonialc.org (860) 884-3500.