Avalonia Land Conservancy

Celebration of the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council Community Grant Program
2024-09-22 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Grey Sail Brewing, 63 Canal St., Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Green Fall River at Yannatos Preserve
The Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council is hosting an event at Grey Sail Brewing in Westerly, RI on September 22, 2024 from 11:00 – 3:00 to celebrate their Community Grants Program, their partners in conservation, and the various projects funded over the last year.
Avalonia will host an informational table with a poster presentation highlighting recent access and ecological enhancements at the Yannatos Preserve in North Stonington. All are welcome to join in the festivities.
Grey Sail will have wood fired pizza and beverages (including non-alcoholic) available for purchase. Complementary water and cups will be provided.

Stewardship and Trail Walk at Pike Marshall Preserve in Ledyard
2024-09-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Burton Property, Burton Property, Ledyard, CT, 06339, United States
Please join us Sunday morning, September 29 from 9:00 -12:00 at Avalonia’s Pike Marshall Preserve in Ledyard as we continue our efforts at managing this beautiful 272-acre property!
Moss covered stones at Pike Marshall
In June of last year, The Nature Conservancy transferred ownership of Pike Marshall Preserve to Avalonia and we, along with our various partners, are excited to initiate the next stages of preserve management. This particular event, sponsored in collaboration with Mike Marelli and the Ledyard Conservation Commission, will focus on light maintenance of portions of the existing trail network. This will have the combined effect of enhancing passive recreation opportunities, emergency access, and convenient passage to the interior of the preserve for stewardship activity. Whether you are new to Avalonia or a longtime volunteer this will be chance to get acquainted with (or reacquainted with) some of the basics of preserve stewardship in an informal and friendly setting.
Participants will meet at the Burton Property to the rear of Ledyard High School and the walk and trail work will go from there through the town owned Burton property to Avalonia’s Pike Marshall Preserve, focusing on clearing the causeway trail. Consider also setting aside time to hike the other trails and explore the diversity of habitats, from forest, to riparian, and to ridge lines.
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, drinking water, and bug spray. If you have loppers or clippers feel free to bring them. Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
REGISTER HERE

Stewardship Work Party at Leo Antonino Preserve
2024-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Leo Antonino Preserve, 0 Antonino Road, Groton, CT, United States
Join us Saturday morning, October 5 at 9:00 a.m. at Avalonia’s Leo Antonino Preserve as we continue to manage this hidden gem tucked behind the Gold Star Office Park on Route 184. Rain date is Sunday, October 6.
Leo Antonino Preserve Kiosk
We will be removing a Japanese Barberry infestation near the entrance.
Although the Leo Antonino Preserve is in a commercial area, it is a valuable connector between privately and publicly owned open space and drains into the Groton Reservoir. It was donated to Avalonia by Leo Antonino in 2018.
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, drinking water, and bug spray. If you have loppers or clippers feel free to bring them. Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
REGISTER HERE

Stewardship and Trail Walk at the Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich
2024-10-13 09:00 - 12:00
Join us Sunday morning, October 13th from 9:00 -12:00 at Avalonia’s Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our efforts at managing this beautiful 27-acre preserve!
Whether you are new to Avalonia or a longtime volunteer this will be chance to get acquainted with (or reacquainted with) some of the basics of preserve stewardship in an informal and friendly setting. This particular event will focus on invasive plant identification and removal, light trail maintenance, and trail blazing/marking.

Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, drinking water, and bug spray. If you have loppers or clippers feel free to bring them. Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
REGISTER HERE

Short Notice Stewardship Event at Barrett Preserve in Ledyard
2024-10-26 09:00 - 23:00
Please join us Saturday morning, October 26th from 9:00 -11:00 at Avalonia’s Barrett Preserve in Ledyard and be a part of our efforts at managing this beautiful 70+ acre preserve!
Whether you are new to Avalonia or a longtime volunteer this will be chance to get acquainted with (or reacquainted with) some of the basics of preserve stewardship in an informal and friendly setting. This particular event will focus on the removal of black birch trees that have begun to take over clearings and sections of early emergent forest. Consider setting aside time to hike the trails and explore the diversity of habitats, from fields to forests.
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers, clippers and or handsaws feel free to bring them. Due to the short notice nature of this event, there is no registration. On street parking is available at Mt. Vernon Dr. or in the field at 904 Long Cove Rd. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.

Stewardship and Trail Walk at the Glemboski-Ous Preserve in Bozrah and Montville
2024-10-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Glemboski-Ous Preserve, South Road, Bozrah, United States
We would like to invite you to join us from 9-12 Sunday, October 27th at the nearly 160 acre Glemboski-Ous Preserve to assist Avalonia’s stewardship team in light maintenance of an existing trail system.
As we traverse the old logging roads, cross and, in some cases, follow the wending Trading Cove Brook, and pass through rocky ledges and outcrops, there will be plenty of time to enjoy, not just the work and comradery, but also the splendor of this beautiful preserve. If time permits we may cross into the adjacent 343-acre Milo Light Preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy

No experience is required and there will be opportunities to learn about the basics of preserve monitoring, methods for maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat, and other aspects of preserve stewardship.
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers or clippers feel free to bring them. Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
REGISTER HERE

Stewardship and Trail Walk at Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich
2024-11-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Cedar Wood Preserve, 180 North Wawecus Hill Rd., Norwich, CT, 06360, United States
Join us Sunday morning, November 10th from 9:00 -12:00 at Avalonia’s Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our efforts at managing this beautiful nearly 50-acre preserve!

Whether you are new to Avalonia or a longtime volunteer this will be chance to get acquainted with (or reacquainted with) some of the basics of preserve stewardship in an informal and friendly setting. This particular event will focus on invasive plant identification and removal and light trail maintenance. Consider setting aside time to hike the trails and explore the diversity of habitats, from fields to forests. Enjoy the boardwalk over the vernal pool, examine the chimney swift tower, and explore the stream-side hemlock grove.
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, drinking water, and bug spray. If you have loppers or clippers feel free to bring them. Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
REGISTER HERE

Stewardship and Trail Walk at Tefftweald at Birchenturn in North Stonington
2024-11-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Tefftweald at Birchenturn, 282 Grindstone Hill Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
Join us Sunday morning, November 24, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at Tefftweald at Birchenturn in North Stonington. This nearly 80-acre preserve, a former Girl Scout Camp, boasts forested uplands and wetlands, more than 2000 feet of frontage along Wyassup Brook, a woodland meadow, beaver pond, the historic Bell/York cemetery, and numerous foundations and other archaeological features.
Whether you are new to Avalonia or a longtime volunteer, this will be a chance to get acquainted with (or reacquainted with) some of the basics of preserve stewardship in an informal and friendly setting. We expect to perform trail maintenance, including refreshing some of the blazes, as well as the annual monitoring walk for the property.
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers, clippers and or handsaws, feel free to bring them. While not required in order to participate, please consider registering here. This will help us in the planning process. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking.
Please contact the Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.

Trust for Public Land (TPL) Presentation at Norwich City Hall
2025-03-03 18:30 - 19:20 | Norwich City Hall, 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT, 06360, United States
Honor Lawler, Trust for Public Land (TPL) Project Manager, will present a review of the work TPL, a frequent Avalonia collaborator, does across Connecticut, including projects in the State’s distressed municipalities.
Accessibility Note: One on-street accessible parking space, plus additional accessible parking across the street on the upper level of parking garage. Building is highly accessible to people with disabilities. For more information about accessibility, including communication access, please contact Elanah Sherman at elanahs@gmail.com or (860) 614-7200.

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement at the Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich
2025-03-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Brook Preserve
Please consider joining Avalonia Stewardship staff and volunteers on the morning of March 29th from 9:00 -12:00 at our Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our larger efforts at enhancing wildlife habitat on this beautiful 27-acre preserve!
For this first phase, work will consist of implementing recommendations associated with the recent Audubon Forest Bird Habitat Assessments, in particular the management of invasive plants, primarily Japanese barberry along the brook. This time of year cutting, pulling, and digging out these plants is considered the most effective method. This is simple and unglamorous work, but with meaningful results as it will set the stage for a later effort at planting native trees and shrubs. Participants will receive training in invasive plant identification and best management practices.
The necessary tools will be supplied for volunteer use. It is suggested that volunteers bring thick gloves, sturdy and waterproof footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers, clippers, or digging implements feel free to bring them. Light refeshments will be provided.
Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
This Project is supported by Audubon.
REGISTER HERE

Cancelled due to weather-Wildlife Habitat Enhancement at Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Cedar Wood Preserve, 180 North Wawecus Hill Rd., Norwich, CT, 06360, United States
Please consider joining Avalonia Stewardship staff and volunteers on the morning of Saturday April 12th from 9:00 -12:00 at our Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our efforts at managing this beautiful nearly 50-acre preserve!
For this first phase of work, we will be implementing recommendations associated with a recent Audubon Forest Bird Habitat Assessment, in particular the management of invasive plants, along the edges of fields where they transiton into woodlands. This time of year cutting, pulling, and digging out of a wide variety of invasive plants in combination with the strategic application of herbicide are considered the most effective methods. This is simple and unglamorous work, but with meaningful results as it will set the stage for a later effort at planting native trees and shrubs in an effort to soften the forest edge and increase plant diversity and structure. Participants will receive training in invasive plant identification and best management practices.

The necessary tools will be supplied for volunteer use. It is suggested that volunteers bring thick gloves, sturdy and waterproof footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers, clippers, or digging implements feel free to bring them. Light refeshments will be provided.
Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.

This Project is supported by Audubon.
REGISTER HERE

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement at Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich- Phase II
2025-04-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Cedar Wood Preserve, 180 North Wawecus Hill Rd., Norwich, CT, 06360, United States
Please consider joining Avalonia Stewardship staff and volunteers on the morning of Saturday April 26th from 9:00 -12:00 at our Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our efforts at managing this beautiful nearly 50-acre preserve!

During this second phase of work, we continue to implement recommendations associated with a recent Audubon Forest Bird Habitat Assessment, in particular the planting and protecting from herbivory of native shrubs and trees along the edges of fields where they transiton into woodlands. This softening of the forest edge will lead to an increase in plant diversity and structure. Participants will receive training in invasive plant identification, best management practices, and planting techniques.
The necessary tools will be supplied for volunteer use. It is suggested that volunteers bring thick gloves, sturdy and waterproof footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers, clippers, or digging implements feel free to bring them. Light refeshments will be provided.
Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
This Project is supported by Audubon.
REGISTER HERE

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement at the Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich- Phase II
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Hunter Brook Preserve
Please consider joining Avalonia Stewardship staff and volunteers on the morning of May 3rd from 9:00 -12:00 at our Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our larger efforts at enhancing wildlife habitat on this beautiful 27-acre preserve!
For this second phase, work will consist of implementing recommendations associated with the recent Audubon Forest Bird Habitat Assessments, in particular the planting and protecting from herbivory of native shrubs and trees along the brook. Participants will receive training in invasive plant identification, best management practices, and planting techniques.
The necessary tools will be supplied for volunteer use. It is suggested that volunteers bring thick gloves, sturdy and waterproof footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers, clippers, or digging implements feel free to bring them. Light refeshments will be provided.
Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
This Project is supported by Audubon.
REGISTER HERE

Volunteer Day: Invasive Species Removal at Anguilla Brook Northern Headwaters Preserve
2025-09-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Anguilla Brook Northern Headwaters Preserve, 33 N Anguilla Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
Join the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) and Avalonia Land Conservancy for a hands-on volunteer day at the Anguilla Brook Northern Headwaters Preserve in Stonington/North Stonington.

We’ll be working along the brook to remove invasive plants such as Autumn olive, multiflora rose, bittersweet, and Japanese barberry. This important first step will make way for planting native trees, including Atlantic white cedar, to restore a rare cedar swamp and establish a riparian buffer.

All participants will receive training in invasive plant identification and best management practices. Tools and light refreshments will be provided. Please wear sturdy footwear, bring thick gloves and water, and feel free to bring loppers or clippers if you have them.

Registration is required to participate. A confirmation email will include parking information and additional details.
Register here: https://InvasiveVolunteerDay1.eventbrite.com

Funding provided by the USDA Forest Service, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Dragonfly Mercury- an Exciting Volunteer Opportunity at Avalonia's Yannatos Preserve Sponsored by the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council
2025-09-27 12:00 - 14:00
The Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council (WPWCRSC) is excited to announce a new opportunity to get involved with The Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP)—https://www.nps.gov/articles/about-the-dmp.htm, a nationwide community science effort that enlists volunteers to collect dragonfly larvae for mercury testing. Mercury is a global pollutant that, in large amounts, can be toxic to humans and wildlife. The data from this field study help scientists and resource managers better understand and fight mercury contamination. Since 2009, over 6,000 volunteers have helped collect dragonfly larvae at more than 140 parks and other protected areas across the US, making the DMP the nation’s largest mercury assessment effort.
Now, you can be part of it—right here on our local Wild and Scenic Rivers. We’re looking for approximately 8 volunteers at each site to help us collect samples, learn about dragonfly larvae, and get hands-on with river science. Be prepared to get muddy (and maybe a little wet!) while making a real contribution to environmental research.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Wednesday, September 24 – 10AM to 12PM at Arcadia Management Area Check Station, Exeter, RI (RIDEM)
Saturday, September 27 – 9AM to 11AM at Mastuxet Brook Greenway North, Westerly, RI (Westerly Land Trust)

Saturday, September 27 – 12PM to 2PM at Yannatos Preserve, Wyassup Brook and Green Fall River confluence, N Stonington, CT (Avalonia Land Conservancy)
**Important to note that these events are pending approval from the states of CT and RI for the scientific collector’s permit, which are currently under review.

What to expect:
-Training and guidance from WPWCRSC National Park Service Natural Resources Manager

-A field day at local rivers or streams to collect dragonfly larvae
-The chance to learn more about mercury, watershed science, and community action
-Your contributions informing science, policy, and public health

By volunteering, you’ll help fill critical data gaps in Rhode Island and Connecticut, where mercury contamination in fish is known but understudied in rivers and streams. Your participation will not only contribute to national research but also support WPWCRSC Stewardship Plan goals—engaging the community, raising awareness, and teaching watershed science through hands-on exploration. No prior experience is needed—WPWCRSC will provide training, supplies, and guidance. All you need is curiosity, a willingness to get outside, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

To register, RSVP here by Mon, September 22.
https://forms.gle/c3KEvdNXBCTUvFFR9

Listening Sessions on DEEP Draft Nature-Based Solutions Report
2026-05-26
We’re sharing this on behalf of DEEP.

Background
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) has released its Draft Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Initiative Program Evaluation for public review. This critical report, mandated by Public Act 25-125, evaluates how Connecticut can integrate and advance NBS in state programs supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem resilience, and biodiversity.
CLCC has been actively engaged in advancing nature-based solutions as part of Connecticut public policy. We encourage land trusts, communities, and other conservation partners to participate and help shape the future of this important statewide initiative.

Why Your Voice Matters
Nature-based solutions—such as forest conservation, wetlands protection, healthy soils, and urban tree planting—are among our most potent and cost-effective defenses against the impacts of climate change and offer myriad benefits for public health, the economy, and the environment. This evaluation covers dozens of state programs, including critical funding sources like the Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) grants, and offers suggestions to advance NBS in state policy. Public feedback will directly inform the Final NBS Report due later this summer.

Attend a Listening Session
Join CT DEEP to learn more about the draft report and provide your input on how Connecticut should advance these vital conservation tools. Each session will take place both in-person at CT DEEP’s Gina McCarthy Auditorium, 5th Floor, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, and via Zoom. More information about session times and how to join is available in CT DEEP’s Notice of Two Listening Sessions.

REGISTER
Listening Session #1: Tuesday, May 26 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Register Here: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kFEd_oQMS8S01Z-DH7eNCA#/registration
Listening Session #2: Tuesday, May 26 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Register Here: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__9J5fGR2QU6ayrDx04m4MA#/registration

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement at the Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich
2026-06-10 09:30 - 12:00 | Hunter Brook Preserve
Join Avalonia Stewardship staff, interns, and volunteers on the morning of June 10th from 9:30 -12:00 at our Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our continuing efforts at enhancing wildlife habitat on this beautiful 27-acre preserve!
Work will consist of implementing recommendations associated with the recent Audubon Forest Bird Habitat Assessments, in particular the removal of the invasive plant, Japanese barberry from along the brook. Participants will receive training in invasive plant identification, best management practices, and removal techniques.
The necessary tools will be supplied for volunteer use. It is suggested that volunteers bring thick gloves, sturdy and waterproof footwear, and drinking water. If you have loppers, clippers, or digging implements feel free to bring them. Light refeshments will be provided.
Please register so that we can better plan for this no-cost event. A confirmation email will contain additional event details including specifics regarding parking. Please contact Director of Stewardship, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org for more information.
This Project is supported by Audubon.
REGISTER HERE
