Avalonia Land Conservancy

Stonington Resiliency Plan Kick-Off Event
2016-10-20 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
The Town is excited to announce the public event to kick off its Municipal Coastal Resilience Plan on Thursday October 20th 6:00pm at Mystic Aquarium. The event will feature a children’s activity area, food and interactive sessions to gather public feedback.
The focus will be on how Stonington prepares for sea level rise and extreme weather so our community continues to thrive for our children and future generations. The Town and Arup consulting team will present survey findings and other information. Stonington has a long and proud history of settlement dating back to 1649 and the Town is planning for it to thrive well into the future. Current changes in weather patterns and projected sea level rise present significant challenges for our coastal community and the Town is starting to plan in order to better understand the extent of risks we will face in the future and to identify things we can do to adapt and respond to these risks. This resiliency plan is about being wise, planning ahead, and protecting people, places, and investments. Broad public engagement in this resiliency planning will provide the best chances for success for our efforts and the best use of public and private resources.
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Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home - Documentary & Lecture at CT College
2016-10-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT, United States
Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home is a documentary film that flips the landscaping paradigm by raising awareness about the critical role native plants play in the survival and vitality of local ecosystems.. Join in on a discussion after the 90 minute film.
FREE screening at Blaustein Humanities Center, Rm 210. For FREE reservations, call 860-439-5020

Argia Private Charter Cruise
2016-10-01 10:05 - 12:50 | Argia Mystic Cruises, 15 Holmes St # 7, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
PURCHASE TICKETS

PURCHASE TICKETS

DPNC led Walk-tober hike at Tefftweld at Birchenturn - FREE
2016-10-01 09:00 - 10:30 | Tefftweald at Birchenturn, 282 Grindstone Hill Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center will lead a hike at Tefftweld at Birchenturn. This is a free hike.
more about Tefftweld at Birchenturn

Summer Guided Hike Series: Knox Preserve (change of location)
2016-09-03 09:00 | CT
*Please note this hike was edited on 8/25 – change of location – the hike will be at Knox Preserve (previously listed as Knox Family Farm)
Looking for a good hiking trail this summer? Join the Avalonia Conservancy as we embark on guided hiking trails on our beautiful preserves! See an array of wildlife, get a good workout and spend some time learning about nature with family or friends!
September 3 rd : Knox Preserve, Stonington CT
Trail Details: Approximately 1 mile of trails. Easy, family friendly. Wide flat trails, pretty views along the water, and a field of flowers great for butterflies.
Knox Preserve location and details
part of Avalonia’s Summer Guided Hike Series
RSVP is not necessary but strongly appreciated! Please RSVP at amanda.dostie@gmail.com

Summer Guided Hike Series: Preston Nature Preserve
2016-08-20 09:00 | CT
Looking for a good hiking trail this summer? Join the Avalonia Conservancy as we embark on guided hiking trails on our beautiful preserves! See an array of wildlife, get a good workout and spend some time learning about nature with family or friends!
August 20 th : Preston Nature Preserve, Preston CT
Trail Details: Well-established 0.5 mile trail system with bridges. Beautiful meadows, pastures, swamps, ponds and varied vegetation
Preston Nature Preserve location and details
part of Avalonia’s Summer Guided Hike Series
RSVP is not necessary but strongly appreciated! Please RSVP at amanda.dostie@gmail.com

Summer Guided Hike Series: Avery Preserve
2016-08-06 09:00 | CT
Looking for a good hiking trail this summer? Join the Avalonia Conservancy as we embark on guided hiking trails on our beautiful preserves! See an array of wildlife, get a good workout and spend some time learning about nature with family or friends!
August 6 th : Avery Preserve, Ledyard CT
Trail Details: Approximately 1 mile of hiking trails. Beginner hike! Glacial rock deposits, wetlands and lush wildlife.
Avery Preserve location and details
part of Avalonia’s Summer Guided Hike Series
RSVP is not necessary but strongly appreciated! Please RSVP at amanda.dostie@gmail.com

Summer Guided Hike Series: D.R. Henne Memorial Brook Preserve
2016-07-23 09:00 | CT
Looking for a good hiking trail this summer? Join the Avalonia Conservancy as we embark on guided hiking trails on our beautiful preserves! See an array of wildlife, get a good workout and spend some time learning about nature with family or friends!
July 23 rd : D.R. Henne Memorial Brook Preserve, North Stonington CT
Trail Details: Main trail extends approximately 1.5 miles, beginner hike! Full of lush vegetation and wetlands.
D.R. Henne Memorial Brook Preserve location and details
part of Avalonia’s Summer Guided Hike Series
RSVP is not necessary but strongly appreciated! Please RSVP at amanda.dostie@gmail.com

Summer Guided Hike Series: Hoffman Evergreen Preserve
2016-07-09 09:00 | CT
Looking for a good hiking trail this summer? Join the Avalonia Conservancy as we embark on guided hiking trails on our beautiful preserves! See an array of wildlife, get a good workout and spend some time learning about nature with family or friends!
July 9 th : Hoffman Evergreen Preserve, Stonington CT
Trail Details: About 2 miles of connected trails, an intermediate-beginner hike! Mixed evergreen and hardwood forest.
Hoffman Evergreen Preserve location and details
part of Avalonia’s Summer Guided Hike Series
RSVP is not necessary but strongly appreciated! Please RSVP at amanda.dostie@gmail.com

Impromptu Outing: Moore Woodlands
2016-06-25 09:00 | Moore Woodlands, 314-264 Capstan Ave, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Approximately 0.8 miles of trails connect Moore Woodlands to Beebe Pond Park trails. The preserve contains wetlands draining into the Mystic River. Great beginner hiking!
To read more about the preserve, and for a map and directions click here.
To RSVP (optional, but preferred) email

PINE SWAMP WILDLIFE CORRIDOR HIKE
2016-06-05 10:00 | Pine Swamp and Wildlife Corridor, 113 Whalehead Rd, Gales Ferry, CT, 06335, United States
Meet us at the cul-de-sac at the end of Merry Lane, Ledyard.
PSWC protects one of southeastern Connecticut’s major aquifers, and features ponds, extensive swamps and upland woods. Its habitats support many types of plants, flowers are abundant and birdwatching is excellent. Gravel roads and a low shrub habitat are excellent for rabbits.

HENNE PRESERVE AND BABCOCK RIDGE NATURE HIKE
2016-06-04 10:00 | Babcock Ridge, 113 Babcock Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
Early June is a great time to observe all kinds of wildlife and this hike, led by naturalist and photojournalist Bruce Fellman, packs a lot of habitat diversity into a small and easily walkable distance.
We’ll start with a great circle trek of the rugged valleys and slopes of Babcock Ridge, where we will look for vernal pools, pileated woodpeckers, worm-eating warblers, glacier-carved boulders, and possibly tree-climbing black rat snakes. We’ll follow with a more gentle walk through the Henne Preserve, with its beaver-created wetlands, nesting osprey and great blue heron, tree swallows, ducks, turtles and possibly nesting red-headed woodpeckers. Bruce will highlight the abundant plants and animals and help with photography. Bring binoculars, cameras, magnifying glasses, and field guides.
Meet Saturday, June 4 at 10am at the small parking area at 113 Babcock Road, North Stonington. Rain date Sunday, June 5 at 10:30am.

Groton's X-Town Trail Hike
2016-06-04 09:30 | Bluff Point State Park, Depot Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
This moderately-paced 5-6 mile hike is co-sponsored by Avalonia, GOSA and the Town of Groton Parks & Recreation Department and connects public hiking trails on two state parks, two Town of Groton parks, and preserves owned by the Groton Open Space Association (GOSA), as well as Avalonia’s own Town’s End and Moore Woodlands preserves.
The hike extends from the Poquonnock River to the Mystic River in Noank and will involve a small amount of travel along paved roads. Meet at the Bluff Point State Park Parking lot at 9:30 am on Saturday, June 4. A Groton Parks & Recreation bus will meet us at Beebe Pond Park about 1-1:30 pm for our return to Bluff Point parking lot.
Heavy rain cancels; there is no scheduled rain date. No dogs, please.
Pre-registration is requested: contact Sidney Van Zandt by phone 860-572-5715 or email svanzandt3@aol.com.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2016-05-27 18:00 - 21:00 | LaGrua Center, 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT, United States
There will be a business meeting at which we will review our activities for the past year, and the membership will elect the Officers and Board of Directors for the coming year. The Nominating Committee has submitted the following slate of candidates:
President: Dennis Main
Vice-President: Sue Sutherland
Secretary: Binti Ackley
Treasurer: Claude Pellegrino
Directors-at-Large:
Karen Askins
Dick Conant
Scott Dawley
Rusty Morrison
Mike Pernal
This will be followed by a program that is open to the general public. Please feel free to invite your friends. The speaker will be
Ayla Fox

Ayla Fox is a documentary filmmaker from Rhode Island who believes in using film to “communicate the science, policy, and social topics surrounding coastal issues to the public”. She founded her own production company called Shed Light Films and has worked with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, NOAA, Rhode Island Sea Grant, Sailors for Seas, and The Coastal Resource Center.
We are excited to welcome Ayla to speak with us about her experiences and the knowledge she has gained from her work She will be talking about.integrating technology and media for the success of an organization’s mission, and the ways in which they can raise awareness and support.

Avalonia on TV
2016-05-25 19:00 | SEC TV (Channel 12)
There will be a segment on Avalonia on SEC-TV’s non-profit series. It will air on Wednesday, May 25th at 7:00pm on channel 12.

BABCOCK RIDGE DEDICATION
2016-05-14 10:00 | Babcock Ridge, 113 Babcock Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
We completed the acquisition of this beautiful property last spring. Now we have signs, trails, and water crossings in place and are ready to proudly introduce it to the Avalonia membership.
Join us for the dedication, rain or shine, meeting at the preserve entrance at 113 Babcock Road.
Formalities will be minimal, and light refreshments will be served. There will be ample opportunity to explore the newly installed trails, which connect with those on the popular Henne and Erisman preserves.

Whitford Brook Volunteer Opportunity
2016-05-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Whitford Brook, 46 New London Turnpike, Route 184, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States

Bird banding at Knox Preserve
2015-10-25 08:00 | Knox Preserve, Wilcox Road, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Bob Dewire has graciously offered to repeat his bird banding demonstration program at Knox Preserve Sunday Oct. 25 at 8am. Hands on learning and a great opportunity for photos.
This program is by both Bob Dewire and Beth Sullivan.
Rain cancels.

Avalonia’s 2nd Annual "Art of Conservation” Exhibit
2015-10-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Mystic Museum of Art, 9 Water St, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
SAVE THE DATE! Avalonia’s 2nd Annual “Art of Conservation” exhibit and art auction, at the Mystic Art Center.
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ART CATALOG
View Full Flyer and Participation Form

Nature Study Hike and Picnic at Tefftweald
2015-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Tefftweald at Birchenturn, 282 Grindstone Hill Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
Join us at Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve, for a fall exploration of this 77-acre jewel of a preserve.
To work up an appetite, we’ll begin with a leisurely hike and explore the flora and fauna along the trail, which will take us along the edge of Wyassup Brook. Naturalist and photojournalist Bruce Fellman will highlight botanical and zoological treasures, from Mountain Laurels and Tulip Trees to migrating warblers and late-hopping Wood Frogs, along our meandering route. Since we’ll be out at the height of fall foliage season, this is sure to be a walk you’ll want to photograph; the leader will be happy to offer lots of helpful advice.
At the end of a mile-long trek, we’ll enjoy beverages and cheese, fruit and doughnuts; participants may also bring their own snacks to share. This year’s picnic takes place on Sunday, October 18, from 2 to 4, at the Tefftweald Preserve in North Stonington. We’ll meet at the parking area just off 282 Grindstone Hill Road.
Note: heavy rain postpones to the following Sunday, October 25. For more information and to register, contact Bruce Fellman, 860-599-4867, or bruce.fellman@yale.edu.

Groton's Fall Festival
2015-10-10 11:00 - 17:00 | Poquonnock Plains Park, Groton, CT, United States
Look for Avalonia’s booth at Groton’s Fall Festival. Be sure to stop by and say hello, learn about our ongoing projects and meet your fellow conservationists.
A community-wide event for artists, crafters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to display their wares and share information. Over 110 vendors participate and thousands of people from the local area (and some from the not-so-local area) attend.
http://www.mysticchamber.org/events/groton-s-fall-festival

Timothy Lester Homestead Tour
2015-10-04 13:00 | CT
Sunday, October 4th at 1pm.
Visit the 18th century Timothy Lester Homestead to learn about 3 Griswold properties on The National Register of Historic Places (Lat. Long.: 41.570433,-71.957000). Visitors may explore the site where local American Revolutionary War militia met and trained; Avalonia owned Mary & John Walton Meadow Preserve. Walk the grounds, view the exterior of the main “Garrison House”, carriage house, barn, cistern, old foundations and stonewalls and hear some of Griswold, CT’s history. The barn was recently featured on the cover of the Barns of Connecticut book!
Time: about 1.5 hours, Distance: 0.5 miles.
This program is also listed in The Last Green Valley’s WALKTOBER calendar as well as included in Griswold, CT’s Bicentennial calendar of events.

Celebrate the Sound
2015-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Birch Plain Creek Park, Thomas Road, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
Sunday, September 27
10:00am-12:00pm
no registration fee
All ages (all children must be accompanied by an adult)
Celebrate our local estuary in style! Join Mystic Aquarium educator and Avalonia volunteer MaryEllen Mateleska for a habitat exploration program. Search some of the unique plant and animal life that make Birch Plain Creek Park home. Nets and buckets will be provided but be prepared to bring shoes that can get dirty and be ready to have fun!
This salt marsh estuarine system lies along Birch Plain Creek on Thomas Road in Groton and offers an excellent habitat for a variety of animals. A gravel parking lot is provided and there are nice walking trails along the creek.

photo by Joellen Anderson
Photo of Creek and Map courtesy Town of Groton website

Celebrate National Public Lands Day
2015-09-26 15:00 | Preston Nature Preserve, Krug Road, Preston, CT, United States
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a DPNC naturalist led walk on Avalonia’s Preston Nature Preserve on Krug Road, one of Avalonia’s twenty one trailed preserves, on Saturday, September 26 at 3p.m. (Lat. Long.: 41.535453, -71.977043).
Arrive early, 10am-5pm, to attend Preston’s 10th annual Scarecrow Festival to view and vote for your favorite scarecrow and stay after our 3pm walk to enjoy a Chicken BBQ dinner at the Preston City Congregational Church from 4 to 6:30pm. If you feel really creative, design, construct and submit your own scarecrow. Prizes are being awarded for the public voted best scarecrow.

North Stonington Harvest Festival
2015-09-26 11:00 - 16:00 | Hewitt Farm, 21 Wyassup Rd, North Stonington, CT, United States
Look for Avalonia’s booth at the North Stonington Harvest Festival. Be sure to stop by and say hello, learn about our ongoing projects and meet your fellow conservationists.
Enjoy wagon rides, animals, antique tractors, games, gardening information, fishing or hiking, and great food. Parking available in two areas: just inside the Hewitt Road entrance off Route 2, or a quarter mile down Hewitt Road from Ryder Road, where there is a marked parking area.
(rain date: Sunday, September 27)

Argia Cruise
2015-09-26 09:20 - 12:50 | Argia Mystic Cruises, 15 Holmes St # 7, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Mary Ellen Mateleska will be our Naturalist tour guide aboard the Argia.
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"Brunswick" Film Screening
2015-06-27 13:30 | Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT, 06355, United States

Board of Directors Meeting
2015-06-24 18:30 | Stephen Main Homestead, 1 Wyassup Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
*Location is now moving around- best call or email | 860-884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com

Walk at Dodge Paddock & Beal Preserves
2015-06-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Dodge Paddock & Beal Preserves, 32 Wall Street, Stonington Borough, CT, 06378, United States
Walk at Dodge Paddock/Beal Preserves to discuss history of problems, plans and progress.

X-Town Trail Hike in Groton
2015-06-06 09:30 - 13:30 | Bluff Point State Park, Depot Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
Join us for a 5- to 6-mile moderately paced journey from the Poquonnock River at Bluff Point State Park to Haley Farm State Park, continuing on to Beebe Cove on the Mystic River and through Town of Groton parks and land owned by the Groton Open Space Association (gosaonline.org) and Avalonia Land Conservancy (avalonialandconservancy.org). Minimum road walking. A bus will meet us at the end of the hike at Beebe Pond for our return to Bluff Point. Participants are responsible for their own beverage and snacks (no water available along the way). Toilet facilities are available at Bluff Point and Haley Farm.
Event # in Booklet: 062
Leader(s): Sidney F. Van Zandt, Dick Conant
Total Distance: 5 – 6 miles
Meeting Place: Meet at the Bluff Point State Park parking lot. Please arrive a little early for a prompt hike departure.
Rain Plan & Registration Details: Rain cancels.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Questions and/or participant registration (if applicable), contact: Sidney F. Van Zandt – (860) 572-5715 – svanzandt3@aol.com
Sponsored by: Groton Open Space Association (GOSA), Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc. & Town of Groton Parks & Recreation Department
