Short Notice Stewardship Event at Barrett Preserve in Ledyard
2024-10-26 09:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York)
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.

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
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
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
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
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
