Avalonia Land Conservancy

Water Fest 2024!!
2024-09-21 07:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | CT
Sponsored by the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed, Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, and the Lantern Hill Valley Alliance, come immerse yourself in issues of Community, Collaboration, Water, and Watershed Protection!

7:30-9 For early-bird hikers! Choose easy or rugged hikes on Lantern Hill
​9:30-4 Waterfest 24, at 72a Long Pond Road (the area between Homestead and Long Pond roads)
​9:15, 11:45, 1:45 Boat-cleaning demos: With hydrilla threatening in nearby lakes, it is important for everyone to observe best practices when moving a boat (even a kayak) from place to place.
​10 Yootây Singers honor the water who gives us life
11 Conversation Circle : Rahiem Eleazer, Tobias Glaza, Ed Lamoreaux, Maggie Favretti, Brenda Geer lead a discussion about how to collaborate across local cultural boundaries.
12 and 2 Guided Paddles to see where the fishway to bring river herring home will go
1pm Conversation Circle : Pollution Solutions and How to Make a Difference

​All Day: Swimming and Paddling
Fun Learning Activities and opportunities to share your knowledge and hear from local experts about how to care for the water and keep each other safe.
Participate in building our huge relationship map that shows how among all of us we know everyone!
Take part in the Mashantucket Pequot Museum’s Harvest Moon Market, only four minutes away! (11-3)
Details and Registration by visiting the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed homepage or by clicking here.

(CANCELED BOTH DAYS) Stewardship Work Party at Alden Fish Family Preserve
2024-09-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Alden Fish Family Preserve, 0 Sandy Hollow Rd., Groton, 06340, United States
Join us Saturday morning, September 21 at 9:00 a.m. (rain date 9/22) at Avalonia’s new Alden Fish Family Preserve in Groton and be a part of our efforts at managing this 42 acre preserve.

This event will focus on clearing the invasive Japanese Knotweed along Sandy Hollow Rd.
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 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 | CT
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 | CT
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, 101 South Road, Bozrah, CT, 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.

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

Restoration Planting at Parke Memorial Preserve along the Shunock River
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | CT
Please join Avalonia stewardship staff and volunteers at the Parke Memorial Preserve in North Stonington, on Saturday April 19 at 9:00 to help in the restoration of floodplain/riparian habitat along the Shunock River. This free event is open to all-comers!
Over the years great strides have been made at Parke Memorial in reducing the amount of Japanese knotweed and in encouraging native pollinators species along the dam. While the efforts to manage the knotweed continue, we have now reached a point where it is appropriate to plant native trees and shrubs east of the dam and along the Shunock River. Ninebark, sweetspire, spicebush, elderberry, basswood, and sycamore are just a few of the species we hope to reestablish on this site.
The parking area at the preserve can only safely accommodate 2 vehicles, so we plan to meet at the parking lot across from the North Stonington Town Hall (40 Main Street). Depending on the number of participants, we’ll either walk or carpool (less than a 1/4 of a mile) to the Parke Memorial Preserve, one of several that Avalonia stewards along the Shunock River. There is a fairly steep decline from the trailhead to the work site, but it is otherwise close to and visible from the road.
Gloves, sturdy footwear, bug repellent, and drinking water are recommended. While tools will be provided for your use, feel free to bring your own shovel or other planting implements.
We will begin at 9:00 and work as long as spirits remain high, and as weather allows (Rain date of Sunday April 20). Work at your own pace and stay as long as you wish.
Please consider registering as it will help us in planning for this free event.

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

Trail work at Reed Memorial Woodlands and Mitchell Preserve in Preston and North Stonington!
2025-05-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Reed Mitchell Preserve, Near 371 Northwest Corner Road (right side) in North Stonington, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
Avalonia and the Sustainability Team of Preston invite you join them at the Reed Memorial Woodlands and Mitchell Preserve in North Stonington/Preston, on Saturday May 10 from 9-12.

Sometimes simple tasks are the most enjoyable! Take in the lush greenery fed by Main Brook, the ingenuity of the beavers, and breathtaking views from atop cedar dotted knolls all while helping us cut back overgrowth and revive and re-blaze sections of the trails. 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.
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.
Hope to see you on the trails!

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 | CT
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

Trail Work at Founders Preserve In Ledyard
2025-12-04 | CT
Join Avalonia Land Conservancy for a hands-on volunteer day at the new Founders Preserve in Ledyard.

We’ll be working along the main trail near the dam on Tribrook Pond to remove obstructive invasive plants such as Autumn olive, multiflora rose, bittersweet, and Japanese barberry. This important first step will give us visual access to the roadway and allow us to better plan for a potential bridge.

We plan to meet at the preserve parking area at 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway on December 4 at 9:30. It is a third of mile walk from the trail head to worksite. We’ll work until about mid-day.

All participants will receive training in invasive plant identification and best management practices. Tools and light refreshments will be provided. Please wear sturdy footwear (muck boots or low waders might be a good idea), bring thick gloves, and drinking water.

Invasive and Woody Vegetation Removal at Founders Preserve in Ledyard
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Founders Preserve, 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT, 06339-1562, United States
Please consider joining us at Founders Preserve on Saturday 5/9 from 9-11 am. We will continue to clear vegetation that has grown on the beaver dam (built on top of the human constructed dam!), allowing for required safety inspections and future bridge construction so we can access the other side of the brook.
Below the dam, looking up at Tri-brook Pond

We will meet at the parking lot at 334 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard. Bring good waterproof boots, work gloves for dealing with briars, loppers, hand saws, and a water bottle. There will be extra tools on hand and plenty of instruction. No experience necessary.
Beaver activity at Founders Preserve

Hope to see you there!

Restoration Planting at Parke Memorial Preserve along the Shunock River
2026-05-13 09:00 - 12:00 | CT
Please join Avalonia stewardship staff and volunteers at the Parke Memorial Preserve in North Stonington, on Wednesday May 13 at 9:00 to help in the restoration of floodplain/riparian habitat along the Shunock River. This free event is open to all-comers!
Spring 2025 native tree and shrub planting
Over the past four years great strides have been made at Parke Memorial in reducing the amount of Japanese knotweed and in encouraging native pollinators species along the dam. While the efforts to manage the knotweed continue, we have now reached a point where it is appropriate to plant native trees and shrubs east of the dam and along the Shunock River. Ninebark, sweetspire, spicebush, elderberry, viburnum, swamp white oak, river birch, and black gum are just a few of the species we hope to reestablish on this site.
The parking area at the preserve can only safely accommodate our work vehicle, so we plan to meet at the parking lot across from the North Stonington Town Hall (40 Main Street). Depending on the number of participants, we’ll either walk or carpool (less than a 1/4 of a mile) to the Parke Memorial Preserve, one of several that Avalonia stewards along the Shunock River. There is a fairly steep decline from the trailhead to the work site, but it is otherwise close to and visible from the road.
Gloves, sturdy footwear, bug repellent, and drinking water are recommended. While tools will be provided for your use, feel free to bring your own shovel or other planting implements.
We will begin at 9:00 and work as long as spirits remain high, and as weather allows. Work at your own pace and stay as long as you wish.

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

Join Avalonia Land Conservancy as it hosts its inaugural BioBlitz at the Davis Family Forest Preserve in North Stonington!
2026-07-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Sheets Family Forest, Puttker Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
In an effort to learn more about the biodiversity of our various preserves and to make more informed stewardship decisions, we have begun to enlist the public’s help by hosting a series of iNaturalist BioBlitzes over the summer. Whether new to iNaturalist or an “an old hand”, data collected will help us in a numbers ways from protecting state listed plant and animals species to responsible trail building to updating preserve management plans. It is also fun and educational!
The first of these BioBlitzes will be at the Dorothy G. Davis Family Forest on Monday July 13 from 9-12.
This 27-acres preserve offers several interesting habitat types including a steep ridge running north to southwest along the western boundary of the preserve. Adjacent to this ridgeline is a several acre knoll with a flattened plateau which drops off into the red maple swamp at the southeast corner of the preserve. There is a small intermittent stream that snakes along the southern boundary of the preserve and feeds into the wetland. The Green Fall River serves as the eastern boundary of the preserve.
If you are unfamiliar with iNaturalist and the BioBlitz format, there are a number of helpful resources that might help you to get you started. You can also reach out directly to our stewardship team (before the scheduled event)!
If you already have an active iNaturalist account, we invite you to join the Davis Family Forest Project by clicking here.
We will meet at the parking area for the adjacent Herman E. Sheets Family Forest. This is across from 94 Puttker Road in North Stonington.
Hope to see you this coming Monday!

BioBlitz at the Glemboski-Ous Preserve in Bozrah and Montville!
2026-07-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Glemboski-Ous Preserve, 101 South Road, Bozrah, CT, United States
To better understand the biodiversity of our preserves and make informed stewardship decisions, we’re inviting the public to participate in a series of summer iNaturalist BioBlitzes. Whether you’re new to iNaturalist or an experienced user, every observation helps us protect state-listed species, guide responsible trail development, and improve preserve management. Along the way, you’ll discover more about the natural world, making it both fun and educational.
This week’s BioBlitz will be at the Glemboski-Ous Preserve on Monday, July 20 from 9-12.
Th Glemboski-Ous Preserve’s nearly 160-acres encompass a variety of habitats, from wetlands and rocky outcrops to upland forest. It straddles and protects a major named stream, Trading Cove Brook, serving as the boundary between Bozrah and Montville. It boasts nearly 1.2 miles of frontage along Trading Cove Brook, a “Class A” surface water stream and “cold water” habitat stream. Together with The Nature Conservancy’s nearly 300-acre Milo Light Preserve, which borders the property to the south, the Glemboski-Ous property is vital to establishing a greenway and a very large core forest block on the Bozrah-Montville town boundary.
Our focus will be on a portion of the north/south branch of Trading Cove Brook, where a new trail is proposed.
If you are unfamiliar with iNaturalist and the BioBlitz, there are many helpful resources that will get you started. You can also reach out directly to our stewardship team (before the scheduled event)!
If you already have an active iNaturalist account, we invite you to join the Glemboski-Ous Preserve Project by clicking HERE.
We will meet at the parking area at 101 South Road, Bozrah,
Hope to see you this coming Monday!

BioBlitz at the Benedict Benson Preserve in North Stonington!
2026-07-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Benedict Benson Preserve, Swantown Hill Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
To better understand the biodiversity of our preserves and make informed stewardship decisions, we’re inviting you to participate in a series of summer iNaturalist BioBlitzes. Whether you’re new to iNaturalist or an experienced user, every observation helps us protect state-listed species, guide responsible trail development, and improve preserve management. Along the way, you’ll discover more about the natural world, making it both fun and educational.
This coming week’s BioBlitz will be at the Benedict Benson Preserve on Monday, July 27 from 9-12.
Vernal pool along the southern edge of the eastern tract
Atop North Stonington’s Swantown Hill, the Benedict Benson Preserve’s nearly 94-acres encompass a variety of habitats, from vernal pools, riparian corridors and rocky outcrops to upland forest. It sits astride both the Mystic and Pawcatuck River watersheds and protects approx. 2000 linear feet of Lantern Hill Brook, the headwaters of the Mystic River. Our focus for the day will be on the 28-acre eastern portion of the preserve
If you are unfamiliar with iNaturalist and the BioBlitz, there are many helpful resources that will get you started. You can also reach out directly to our stewardship team (before the scheduled event)! If you already have an active iNaturalist account, we invite you to join the Benedict Benson Preserve Project by clicking HERE.
We will meet at the small parking area on Swantown Hill Road, just beyond Stonington Institute.
Hope to see you this coming Monday!

Invasive Plant Removal and Trail Preparation at the Louis and Gladys Bond Preserve in Montville
2026-09-15 09:00 - 12:00 | CT
Please join Avalonia’s stewardship staff and volunteers on Tuesday September 15 at 9:00 – Noon at our newest and largest property (641 acres!), the Louis and Gladys Bond Preserve. In this first of three events, you will help in the removal of invasive plants and to enhance access to the water for visibility and for future watercraft recreation. This free event is open to all-comers!

Parking and meeting access area will be on the south side of the property along the northwesterly side of Chesterfield Road in Montville. From Route 85, head east for .25 miles and our entrance will be on the left hand side just passing 787 Chesterfield Road, the Power Lines, and Bogue Brook.

Gloves, sturdy footwear, bug repellent, and drinking water are recommended. While tools will be provided for your use, feel free to bring your own loppers, pruners, hand saws and/or other plant removal tools.
We will begin at 9:00 and work as long as spirits remain high, and as weather allows. Work at your own pace and stay as long as you wish.
Rain Date will be on the following day, Sept 16th at the same time.

Continued Restoration work at Parke Memorial Preserve along the Shunock River
2026-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 | CT
Please join Avalonia stewardship staff and volunteers at the Parke Memorial Preserve in North Stonington, on Thursday September 17 from 9:00- Noon to help in the restoration of floodplain/riparian habitat along the Shunock River. This free event is open to all-comers!
Spring 2026 planting at Parke Memorial
Over the past four years great strides have been made at Parke Memorial in reducing the amount of Japanese knotweed and in encouraging native pollinators species along the dam. While the efforts to manage the knotweed continue, we also want to give recently planted native trees and shrubs east of the dam and along the Shunock River every advantage. To that end, we’ll spend some time removing any weeds or vines that might be impeding their growth. Ninebark, sweetspire, spicebush, elderberry, viburnum, swamp white oak, river birch, and black gum are just a few of the species we have begun to reestablish on this site.
The parking area at the preserve can only safely accommodate our work vehicle, so we plan to meet at the parking lot across from the North Stonington Town Hall (40 Main Street). Depending on the number of participants, we’ll either walk or carpool (less than a 1/4 of a mile) to the Parke Memorial Preserve, one of several that Avalonia stewards along the Shunock River. There is a fairly steep decline from the trailhead to the work site, but it is otherwise close to and visible from the road.
Gloves, sturdy footwear, bug repellent, and drinking water are recommended. While tools will be provided for your use, feel free to bring your own clippers and loppers.
We will begin at 9:00 and work as long as spirits remain high, and as weather allows. Work at your own pace and stay as long as you wish.
