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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T120000
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UID:7368-1713693600-1713700800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Honoring Earth Day with a Wild Flora Walk at the Benedict Benson Preserve
DESCRIPTION:  \nLed by Avalonia naturalist Bruce Fellman\, trek through the Benedict Benson Preserve to watch its uplands\, centerpiece stream\, and wetlands come to life with greening ferns\, mosses\, and wildflowers\, from the rare Hepatica to the ubiquitous marsh marigolds. \nREGISTER HERE \n  \nOne of the critical precursors of the passage of the Clean Water Act\, the landmark federal legislation whose 50 years of making a difference was celebrated in 2022\, is Earth Day\, the consciousness-raising holiday for the planet that began in 1970. As part of Avalonia’s ongoing tribute to the CWA\, join naturalist and guide Bruce Fellman as we wade into moving waters\, figuratively\, if not literally\, at the Benedict Benson Preserve on Sunday\, April 21\, shortly after Earth Day\, from 10 a.m. until noon\, in North Stonington to watch the refuge’s wetlands and its centerpiece stream come to life: a tribute to wise stewardship. \nIn keeping with our theme\, we’ll pay close attention to the area around Lantern Brook\, a delightful woodland stream that flows through the heart of the preserve and is wonderfully photogenic as it tumbles down a boulder field left behind by the glaciers that shaped this land. The area around the brook is paradise for botanists interested in mosses\, ferns\, lichens\, and wildflowers\, and while there are certain to be such stalwarts as Wood anemones\, a number of violets\, and Marsh marigolds in bloom\, there’s one botanical gem known as the hepatica that we’ll scramble up a favored hillside to seek out. Hepaticas thrive in specific\, rather “sweet” soil conditions unusual in our woods\, but Benson has the right stuff in one area. \nThe Preserve features a typical Southern New England post-agricultural-abandonment upland forest dominated by oaks\, beeches\, birches\, and hickories\, many of them fully mature. Some are home to striking Pileated Woodpeckers\, while others support a wide array of hardwood-forest songbirds\, the most intriguing of which is the Cerulean Warbler. This stunning bird\, which is listed as a Species of Special Concern in Connecticut\, has been seen and heard at Benson and the surrounding area\, and is one of the treasures we’ll be looking for as we walk the approximately mile and a half trail system in search of signs of spring. \nThe trailhead for the Benedict Benson Preserve is located at 100 Swantown Hill Road in North Stonington.  A small parking area is on the West side of the road and there’s more parking on either side of Swantown. For more information and to register\, visit the Events Calendar of Avalonia’s website: avalonia.org/events/ Please note: parts of the trail are pretty rugged\, so while my pace is always family-friendly\, the terrain\, particularly our scramble up a rocky hillside in search of wildflowers\, might not be suitable for small kids and the occasional elder. You’ll want to wear waterproof hiking boots\, and trekking poles might be a good idea\, too. Bring water and an energy bar\, and\, of course\, binoculars and cameras.  Don’t hesitate to call or email: 860-599-4867\, or fellnature@sbcglobal.net. \n*** \nAccessibility Note \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement: https://avalonia.org/accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities-statement/ \nAccessibility point person: Mary Anne Sherman\, 860-884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com \n  \n  \n*** \nThe featured image is by Jodi Williams taken at Benedict Benson Preserve. Jodi received an Honorable Mention in the Wildflowers category in Avalonia’s 2023 Photo Contest.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/honoring-earth-day-with-a-wild-flora-walk-at-the-benedict-benson-preserve/
LOCATION:Benedict Benson Preserve\, Swantown Hill Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, 06359\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Exploration,Family,Hikes,Nature,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wildflowers2_Williams.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T120000
DTSTAMP:20240528T154653Z
CREATED:20240308T214857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240528T154653Z
UID:7380-1717236000-1717243200@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:An Exploration for the Birds at Tri-town Ridgeline Forest Preserve
DESCRIPTION:As part of National Trails Day\, join Avalonia naturalist Bruce Fellman for a walk along the woodland trails of Tri-town Ridgeline Forest Preserve as we look and listen for a wide variety of avian delights in full courtship. \nThe Avalonia Land Conservancy’s TriTown Ridgeline Forest Preserve is a 500-plus-acre treasure trove of natural and human history\, and the rugged woodland is at its most enticing in the late spring\, when the abundant wildflowers\, ferns\, and mosses are opening\, and migrating and resident birds are wearing their courtship best and singing their hearts out. We’ll walk slowly and deliberately to take in the flora and fauna\, and we’ll spend our time learning how to identify what we encounter. Of special interest: our veteran American Sign Language interpreter Joy Valenti and naturalist Bruce Fellman will use techniques to make birdsong accessible to all\, including members of the hard-of-hearing/deaf community\, by converting sounds into pictures called sonograms. \n  \nREGISTER HERE \n  \nIt would be ideal if all participants could\, in advance\, download the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s Merlin birdfinding app to their phones. Here’s the link: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ \n*** \nAccessibility Note \nParking: Off-street rutted\, packed-dirt lot with some rocks. Room for about eight cars. Trailhead located at lot. Additional parking alongside the road.  \nTrail: Grassy entry trail about six feet wide\, relatively level\, but pocked with rocks. Secondary trail varies in width and slope\,  with many rocky sections and occasional steep uphills and descents.\n \nCommunication Access: This walk will be amplified and sign language-interpreted. \n \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement: https://avalonia.org/accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities-statement/\nAccessibility point person: Mary Anne Sherman\, 860-884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com \n  \n  \n*** \nThe featured image is by Elise Torello taken at Tri-town Ridgeline Forest Preserve. \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/an-exploration-for-the-birds-at-tri-town-ridgeline-forest-preserve/
LOCATION:TriTown Forest Preserve\, 91 Miller Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exploration,Nature,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Wildlife_Torello2-scaled.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240908T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240908T150000
DTSTAMP:20240905T184941Z
CREATED:20240903T133032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240905T184941Z
UID:8171-1725800400-1725807600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Guided Walk at Wequetequock Cove Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Led by Lydia Pan of CT Wild Ones and Beth Sullivan from Avalonia\, this is a guided walk at Wequetequock Cove Preserve in Stonington. We will look at the cove side preserve\, note vegetation\, changes in response to sea level rise as well as impacts by invasives. We will discuss the importance of coastal habitats for the migration of insects and birds\, Anguilla Brook/Wequetequock Cove watershed protection\, and Avalonia’s management plan for the property.  This guided walk is sponsored in part by the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) and the Wequetequock Cove Clean Water Coalition. \nSunday\, September 8\n1 – 3 pm\nRain date if absolutely needed on Sept 22 at the same time.   \nREGISTER HERE \nNOTES:  \nTick/mosquito prevention spray and sunscreen are important.\nThere is no shade.\nPlease BYO water.\nPark with care along the roadside. \nClosed-toe shoes are recommended. \nNo dogs are allowed due to nesting animals\, birds\, and habitats.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/guided-walk-at-wequetequock-cove-preserve/
LOCATION:Wequetequock Cove Preserve\, Located between Palmer Neck Road and Wequeteqock Cove\, Stonington\, United States
CATEGORIES:Educational,Preserves,Walks
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T113000
DTSTAMP:20250507T125556Z
CREATED:20250331T134828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T125556Z
UID:9410-1746871200-1746876600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Rocky Road: A Geological Exploration of Pine Swamp Wildlife Corridor in Ledyard
DESCRIPTION:You’ve heard of tree-hugging…but boulder-hugging? \nJoin 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.  \nSaturday\, May 10\, 2025\n10 am – 11:30 am\nRain date: Saturday\, May 17\, 2025 (same time) \nParticipants will have the opportunity to get a little gritty\, get a handle on a gneiss vug (huh?)\, and\, yes\, hug a boulder. \nPost-tour reception will include beverages and gluten-free Rocky Road brownies. (No rocks will have been hurt in the making of these brownies!) \nParking: 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). \nAccessibility Note: \nParking: No accessible parking. \nTrail: 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.  \nCommunication: Walk will be amplified. Tour will include rich verbal description.  \n< The sign language interpretation for this event has been cancelled > \n  \nFor more info\, contact: accessibility@avalonialc.org (860) 884-3500. \nRegister: \nFill out my LGL Form!
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/rocky-road-a-geological-exploration-of-pine-swamp-preserve-in-ledyard-2/
LOCATION:Pine Swamp and Wildlife Corridor\, 113 Whalehead Rd\, Gales Ferry\, CT\, 06335\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Pine-Swamp.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T120000
DTSTAMP:20250516T131105Z
CREATED:20250423T192136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T131105Z
UID:9557-1749376800-1749384000@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Greet-the-Morning Hike at Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve in North Stonington
DESCRIPTION:From time immemorial\, observers have found poetry—and poetic prose—in nature. Whatever form your observations have taken\, we’ll have plenty to observe and record as we greet the morning and hike Avalonia Land Conservancy’s Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve in North Stonington. \nTefftweald\, a former Girl Scout camp\, is a 77-acre masterpiece of upland forest\, meadows\, wetlands\, old graveyards and cellar holes\, and its wonderfully photogenic Wyassup Brook always offers inspiration. We’ll explore the woodland trails at a pace leisurely enough to enable everyone to give the Preserve a close read and stop often enough to capture the abundant plants and animals\, from early blooming Mountain laurels to birds\, butterflies\, and dragonflies.  \nAt the Poet’s Bench\, we’ll pause to give everyone who’s willing the chance to share a treasured bit of verse. Walk leader Bruce Fellman is a veteran photojournalist\, naturalist\, and documentarian who has kept and published a weekly Naturalist’s Journal in a number of local newspapers for the past 47 years. \nRegistration is limited to 25. \nRegister Here \n  \nAccessibility Note:\n \nParking: Small lot located about 100 yards down an unnamed gravel-and-dirt side street off of Grindstone Hill Road (approximately 281 Grindstone Hill Road) at the start of the Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve’s main trail. Lot with packed dirt surface\, no accessible space\, room for 8–10 cars. Additional parking available along the road.\nTrails: Narrow in spots\, some slopes\, some protrusions into pathway\, occasional wet areas\, and occasional off-trail walking.\nCommunication: This walk will be amplified; sign language interpretation will be provided.\n \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement: https://avalonia.org/accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities-statement/\nAccessibility point person: Mary Anne Sherman\, 860-884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com\n \n \nFeatured image: Avalonia’s Tefftweald at Birchenturn by Sherry April\n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/greet-the-morning-hike-at-tefftweald-at-birchenturn-preserve-in-north-stonington/
LOCATION:Tefftweald at Birchenturn\, 282 Grindstone Hill Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, 06359\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sherry-April-Tefftweald-Preserve-in-North-Stonington.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T133000
DTSTAMP:20260825T142705Z
CREATED:20260825T142705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T142705Z
UID:11753-1791626400-1791639000@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Walk\, Observe\, Connect: A Walktober Nature Adventure
DESCRIPTION:Walktober is almost here! \nThe Last Green Valley’s fabulously successful annual series of activities starts in September\, and Avalonia’s four offerings go right through the whole season! Registration is required for all Avalonia Walktober programs. (If an event is rescheduled because of weather\, you’ll want to know.) Service animals only\, please\, at these events. \nSaturday\, October 10\, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM  \nThis collaborative event between Otis Library (Norwich)\, Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC)\, and Avalonia begins at 10:00 AM with a guided exploration of Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich\, followed by pizza and a conservation program at the library. Lead presenter is Vanessa Daye\, Community Conservation Coordinator at CLCC. Youth are especially encouraged to attend! (In the event of inclement weather\, the walk will be cancelled and the program will begin in the library at 12 noon.) \n  \nREGISTER HERE \n  \nPreserve address: Across the street from 183 North Wawecus Hill Road\, Norwich \nOtis Library address: 261 Main Street\, Norwich\, CT\nThe program will take place in the Community Room on the second floor. \n  \nAccessibility Note:  \nThe parking lot of the preserve includes one designated accessible space. Trail begins at lot. An accessible boardwalk over a vernal pool leads to a meadow with relatively level trails\, although there is an occasional dip. Trail surfaces are clipped grass and approximately three to four feet wide. Walk will be amplified. Sign language interpretation may be available upon request. \nThe library offers many accessible features. Street parking includes several designated accessible spaces. Entry doors are automated. An elevator immediately to the left of entry leads to the second floor. An accessible bathroom is on that floor. Sign language interpretation and amplification may be available upon request. \nFor more information about the accessibility of this event\, contact Avalonia at info@avalonialc.org or 860-884-8500. \n  \n  \nAbout Vanessa Daye \n \nAs Community Conservation Coordinator at CLCC\, Vanessa connects diverse audiences with recreational opportunities at land trusts across Connecticut. (Vanessa also works part-time at the New York Botanical Garden as the Family Programs Supervisor.) Prior to joining CLCC\, Vanessa worked as the Climate Change and Disaster Relief Consultant at Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut. She will graduate in 2026 with a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland. \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/walk-observe-connect-a-walktober-nature-adventure/
LOCATION:Cedar Wood Preserve\, 180 North Wawecus Hill Rd.\, Norwich\, CT\, 06360\, United States
CATEGORIES:Walks
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