North Stonington - Educational Walk - Tefftweald at Birchenturn
2018-06-02 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Tefftweald at Birchenturn, 282 Grindstone Hill Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
A CT Trails Weekend Hike
Photography hike in honor of our 50th anniversary, led by professional photographer. Wyassup Brook flows through a beautiful forest with rugged ledges, rocky outcrops and historic stone structures. The property was a former Girl Scout Camp. Lois Tefft, a founder of Avalonia, purchased it and donated it to Avalonia when it was up for sale and likely to be developed. The preserve provides easy walking in a lovely setting.
Leader: Carl Tjerandsen

Meeting Place: 282 Grindstone Hill Rd, North Stonington. Go down the dirt roadway to the parking area on the left. See Google Maps for directions.

Rain or shine.

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Groton Hike - Bluff Point State Park, X-TOWN TRAIL
2018-06-02 09:15 - 12:15 | Bluff Point State Park, Depot Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
A CT Trails Weekend Hike
Meet our bus at Bluff Point State Park that will deliver us to Avalonia Land Conservancy’s Town’s End Park. This is the reverse our hike from previous years. We’ll hike from Town’s End on Beebe Cove and the Mystic River, to Groton’s Beebe Pond Park, continuing over the ridge on GOSA’s Merritt Family Forest, through Groton’s Mortimer Wright Preserve, across RT 215 to Haley Farm State Park, past Palmers’ and Mumford Coves, and across the railroad bridge to Bluff Point and the Poquonnock River. Please arrive a little early for prompt bus departure.
more details
Leader: Sidney F. Van Zandt

Meeting Place: Bluff Point State Park, Groton. See Google Maps for directions.

Rain cancels

North Stonington - Nature Walk - Babcock Ridge/Henne Preserve Trails
2018-06-02 10:00 - 12:30 | Babcock Ridge, 113 Babcock Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
A CT Trails Weekend Hike
In honor of our 50th anniversary, we’ll explore of two of North Stonington’s most prized open spaces. This family-oriented nature hike will start with a great circle trek of the rugged valleys and slopes of Babcock Ridge, where we’ll look for vernal pools, Pileated Woodpeckers, glacier-carved hillsides, wildflowers, and even tree-climbing Black Rat Snakes.
We’ll follow with a more gentle walk through the Henne Preserve and its beaver-created wetlands, home to nesting Great Blue Herons, acrobatic Tree Swallows, all sorts of ducks and geese, many colorful warblers and other songbirds, an abundance of dragonflies and damselflies, and maybe even Osprey. Bring your cameras, binoculars, and sketchpads, along with an abundance of curiosity.
Leader: Bruce Fellman
Meeting Place: 113 Babcock Rd (0.9 miles from Wyassup Rd or 0.8 miles from Rt 49). Parking area is on the north side of the road by the preserve sign. See Google Maps for directions.
Rain postpones. Rain date: Sunday, June 3, 2018 – 10:30am

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Ledyard - Paddle at Poquetanuck Cove
2018-06-02 13:00 - 15:00
A CT Weekend Event
Explore Poquetanuck Cove with the Thames River Basin Partnership. The cove is a two mile long brackish water tidal cove of the Thames River with a long history of conservation focused efforts. The cove is a Connecticut Bird Sanctuary located between the Towns of Ledyard and Preston, CT. We will launch from the Royal Oaks Drive car top boat launch in Ledyard just before high tide and view properties owned by Avalonia Land Conservancy (celebrating their 50th anniversary), The Nature Conservancy and the CT DEEP from the water. Life jackets and pre-registration required.
Leader: Jean Pillo
Meeting Place: Royal Oaks Drive car top boat launch in Ledyard See Google Maps for directions.

rain cancels

more info

Griswold - Educational Hike - Rixtown Road
2018-06-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Rixtown Mt., 367 Rixtown Road, Griswold, CT, United States
A CT Trails Weekend Hike
Challenging hike up Rixtown Mt. in honor of our 50th anniversary with views and a quarry, then through a chestnut oak forest to Avalonia’s Lost Pond, hiking over two old stone dams. Remarkable stone walls and other structures are found along the entire trail. Please bring water and a cell phone. The entire loop hike requires the ability to climb about 60 flights of stairs over 2 hours.
Leader: Sue Sutherland
Meeting Place: 367 Rixtown Road, Griswold. Carpooling is encouraged. See Google Maps for directions.
more info

Hike - Pine Swamp Wildlife Corridor, Ledyard
2018-06-23 10:00 - 11:30
Please park at our trailhead, on Merry Lane, which is off Whalehead Road – get directions
Trail Details: North Tract- 2-mile trail loop, beginner
Pine Swamp Wildlife Corridor is one of Ledyard’s most interesting, and under-celebrated properties. Featuring an impressive glacial moraine, ponds, swamps, and lush wildlife, our preserve protects one of southeastern Connecticut’s major aquifers. Comprised of three major scenic tracts, we will explore the properties’ beautiful glacier moraine features, wildflowers and water resources.
Please RSVP for this event as a courtesy to Avalonia, with your name and contact information. Any related questions or concerns can be addressed to Karen Askins. Email: k.askins@sbcglobal.net

Annual Meeting 2018
2018-06-26 18:00 | Dennison Pequotsepos Nature Center, 109 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Avalonia will hold its annual membership meeting on June 26th at the Dennison Pequotsepos Nature Center, 109 Pequotsepos Rd., Mystic, CT. Doors will open at 6:00pm with light refreshments and a social gathering. The meeting will start at 6:30pm with an update of Avalonia’s accomplishments over the past 12 months. We will take some time to recognize several Avalonia volunteers and present our 2018 Hero Awards.
The primary business at hand will be to elect a slate of new board members, who will be introduced by Avalonia’s president, Dennis Main, followed by a vote. After the vote, member Mike Goodwin will be our special guest speaker. Mike has led a team of volunteers to upgrade the maps of Avalonia’s properties and he will introduce a new ARC GIS system that shows more of the amazing details of our properties. ARC GIS maps are downloadable to cell phones so a visitor can follow our trails and see elevations, stone walls and other landmarks. This mapping project is the result of many hours of volunteer time and a proud accomplishment for Avalonia in 2018. See the map here.
Please join us for an evening of Avalonia accomplishments and successes in this, our 50th anniversary year.
Please CLICK HERE to let us know you are coming.
photo: Beth Sullivan

Hike - Hoffman Evergreen Preserve, Stonington
2018-07-07 10:00 - 11:30
Our trailhead is located off Route 201, and can be hard to see at times. You may receive directions using Google maps on either your computer, our website, or a smart-phone. Google Directions
Trail Details: This is a beginner-intermediate hike, geared towards individuals interested in hiking rocky, woodland terrain. Roadside parking at signed trailhead. Mixed evergreen and hardwood forest, some wetlands.
more on Hoffman Evergreen Preserve
Please RSVP this event HERE as a courtesy to Avalonia, with your name and contact information.

Conservation & Tractor Night
2018-07-13 16:00 - 19:00 | Bozrah Farmer’s Market, 45 Bozrah St., Bozrah, CT, 06334, United States

Regional Conservation Conversation
2018-07-14 09:00 - 10:00 | TriTown Forest Preserve, 91 Miller Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
Avalonia Land Conservancy will host an informal discussion and guided tour for State legislators, community leaders, and other land trusts in southeastern Connecticut at our Tri-Town Ridgeline Forest on Saturday, July 14. The event is sponsored by the Connecticut Land Conservation Council to celebrate projects made possible in part by DEEP’s Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) grant program, funded by the Community Investment Act.
Please RSVP for an informal conversation about your local, regional, and statewide land conservation priorities, and enjoy a short walk into our forest preserve.
The event is from 9:00 to 10:00 am, and heavy rain cancels. Meet at 91 Miller Road in North Stonington. Parking is limited to the sides of the street. We recommend good footwear as this trail is rugged in places. No dogs, please. Visit the Connecticut Land Conservation Council webpage for more information, or REGISTER HERE.

Hike - Preston Nature Preserve, Preston
2018-08-11 10:30 - 12:30 | Preston Nature Preserve, Krug Road, Preston, CT, United States
Everyone needs to spend some time in a high summer meadow. The woodlands are quieting, uniformly green now and drier. Spring wildflowers are long gone and most vernal pools have dried up. But the excitement can be found in the open fields, those not hayed or mowed, but allowed to grow naturally and wildly.

Join noted naturalist and photographer, Bruce Fellman and enjoy our well-established 0.5-mile trail. Our meadow walk is one of peace and observation- advertised to families, residents and anyone looking for a slow and educational hike, on one of our most beautiful properties. Learn about wildflowers, meadows, bees, butterfly migration and their important role in our ecosystem. Come enjoy the beautiful colors of summer!

Where: Preston Nature Preserve – Krug Rd., Preston, CT. Our trailhead is located on the South side of Krug Road, 0.6 miles west of Jewett City Road. Please park at the trailhead. Google Directions
When: Saturday, August 11, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Difficulty: Beginner level. Great for families.
Bring: Camera, binoculars, water, good hiking shoes

Registration requested, click HERE

Chain Saw Workshop
2018-09-01 09:00 - 16:00
A chain saw workshop will be held on Saturday, September 1, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Avalonia’s Hoffman Preserve (Stonington) with expert instructions on the safe operation of chain saws.
Class size is limited and this class will sell out quickly.
There is a $50 fee. Send an email to abpatterson@ctconservation.org with your name and contact information to register for this training.
Interested in joining our new Trail Maintenance Team? learn more here

Wood Pawcatuck Paddle and Picnic
2018-09-07 16:00 | Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, 203 Arcadia Rd., Hope Valley, RI, 02832, United States
RSVP recommended – click here

RSVP recommended – click here

Salt Marsh Scavenger Hunt!
2018-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Barn Island, 249 Palmer Neck Road, Stoningtong, CT, United States
Explore Barn Island’s Salt Marsh with Avalonia and the
UCONN Dept. of Marine Sciences
Learn more about how coastal marshes provide habitats for a variety of creatures.
Explore three stations:
1. a welcome area with a touch tank containing marsh creatures, plants and seaweed
2. a stream area for trapping fish, hunting for coffee bean snails, and scanning for birds
3. a marsh pool and plant area
Avalonia owns over 250 acres of land affected by tides. They provide buffers for storm surges and are vital to our local economy as spawning grounds for the fishing industry. Join us this Sunday to learn more about how our coastal marshes provide habitats for a variety of residents.
Come prepared to get your feet wet!
This event is FREE and open to people of all ages – REGISTER HERE
Where: Meet at the educational kiosks on the left just before the Barn Island, Connecticut, state boat launch parking lot located at 249 Palmer Neck Road in Stonington. See Map Access road is handicapped accessible (and stroller accessible too)
When: Sunday, September 16, 10 am – 12 pm
Bring: Shoes and clothing that may get wet, binoculars and a camera
Celebrate Avalonia’s 50 years of wetlands conservation at this FREE and FUN event.

Boundary Walking Instructional Meeting
2018-09-22 09:00
Attend our first boundary walking team meeting on Saturday, September 22, at 9:00 AM at the Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Rd., Groton.
This instructional class will be led by our experienced board members, Scott Dawley and David Young. During this session, they will discuss monitoring procedures and our developing drone technology.
Interested in joining the Boundary Walking Team? learn more here

Hike the New TriTown Forest Preserve Trail
2018-09-23 09:00 | TriTown Forest Preserve, 91 Miller Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
Avalonia volunteers have been hard at work building a great trail system on our new TriTown Forest Preserve (TTFP).

This hike will mark the grand opening of the blue trail (a major five-mile loop around the perimeter of these properties) and celebrate the addition of the impressive Boyd Preserve to Avalonia’s acreage. It takes about three hours to complete. Hikers have the option of an easier three-mile hike by taking a return trail midway through the blue-trail loop.

The hike is moderate in difficulty with trails summiting both the 520-foot Lambert and the 510-foot Rixtown Mountains. Hikers will start by joining the atmospheric Old King’s Highway, an historic colonial road, followed by stops at Lost Pond, The Beeches Overlook, and Chestnut Oak Alley, home of several of the largest chestnut oaks in Connecticut.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water and trail snacks. Leashed dogs are welcome.
register for this event
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the hike leader, Sue Sutherland, at suesutherland@snet.net.

Boundary Marking Training Session
2018-09-29 09:00
Our first boundary marking training session will be held on Saturday, September 29, at 9:00 AM at the Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Rd., Groton.
Interested in joining the Boundary Marking Team? learn more here

Trail Maintenance Training Session
2018-09-29 10:00 | Pine Swamp and Wildlife Corridor, 113 Whalehead Rd, Gales Ferry, CT, 06335, United States
Our team leader, Kimberly Bradley, will be holding a basic field instruction for trail volunteers on September 29 at 10:00 AM at the Pine Swamp Preserve in Gales Ferry section of Ledyard, so come and join us to learn more. To keep our volunteers informed and safe, we ask that new trail stewards attend at least one class before taking on the trail steward job.
Interested in joining the Trail Maintenance Team? learn more here

Record Keeping Training Session
2018-10-04 10:00 | Hatch Street Office, 6 Hatch Street, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
There will be a short record keeping training session on Thursday, October 4 at 10:00 AM 6 Hatch St., Mystic to become familiar with the procedures. If you are interested, click HERE to sign on.
Interested in joining our Record Keeping Team? learn more here

Tri-Town Natural History Trek
2018-10-07 10:00 - 13:00 | TriTown Forest Preserve, 91 Miller Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
This trek is part of Walktober festivities sponsored by the Last Green Valley.
The Tri-Town Ridgeline Forest, a 409-acre property straddling Griswold, North Stonington, and Preston, is Avalonia Land Conservancy’s newest acquisition. In honor of ALC’s 50th anniversary, we’ll explore Tri-Town’s rugged trails for migrating birds, insects, and amphibians, late-blooming wildflowers, early fall foliage, and stone walls.
Register for this event
Trek leader and contact: Bruce Fellman – 860-599-4867

Trail-Building Workshop
2018-10-12 09:00 - 15:00
Our trail-building workshop will be on Friday, October 12, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. This session will be held on our Tri-Town Preserve (North Stonington) and taught by Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s Clare Cain, one of the state’s leading trail planners.
Send an email to abpatterson@ctconservation.org with your name and contact information for the trail-building class.
Interested in joining our new Trail Maintenance Team? learn more here

RiverFest 2018
2018-10-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Devil’s Hopyward State Park, 366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT, United States
Avalonia will be participating with a table/tent at this event.

Directions:

From CT Route 9: take Exit 7, then a left at the end of the exit ramp onto CT Route 82 east/154 north. Take a right at the first traffic light following CT Route 82 east and follow the signs.

From Interstate 395: take Exit 80 west. Take a right onto CT Route 82 west. Take a right onto Hopyard Road and follow signs.

Full “Hunters” Moon Walk with DPNC on Knox Preserve
2018-10-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Knox Preserve, Wilcox Road, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Celebrate the full “hunters” moon with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center on a night hike through the Knox Preserve in Stonington (84 Wilcox Road), an Avalonia Land Conservancy property. Please note full moon hikes happen even on overcast nights, and are suitable for adults and older, interested children. Heavy rain cancels. Easy.
Members: Free, Nonmembers: $10 per person
more info and register

INFORMATION SESSION on ballot initiative #2
2018-10-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Groton Town Hall Annex, 134 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton, CT, United States
Dear Friends of Groton’s Environment,
Now, with only 25 days remaining until Nov. 6th when we vote on Ballot Initiative #2, we’re inviting you to attend an information session to learn more about the reasons for, and benefits of, this amendment to Connecticut’s constitution.
Please, mark your calendar and join us for an

INFORMATION SESSION
and Q & A
Groton Town Hall Annex
134 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton
7:00 – 8:30, Thursday, October 25th
Led by Eric Hammerling, Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA)
Sponsored by Groton Conservation Advocates

We are thrilled that Eric found time in his packed schedule to speak to us about the amendment because, in all honesty, there is no one in the state more qualified to speak about this amendment initiative than Eric. Eric Hammerling has served as CFPA’s Executive Director since May 2008 and is the lead advocate for CFPA at the state legislature where he works primarily on forestry, recreation, education, and trail-related policy issues. (The CFPA, founded in 1895, was the first private, nonprofit, conservation organization to be established in Connecticut “to develop public appreciation of the value of forests, and of the urgent need for preserving and using them rightly.”) Recently, Eric has been advocating tirelessly in support of the constitutional amendment to protect our state public beaches, parks, forests, landmarks, and wildlife management areas from being given away by the legislature without adequate public input. He founded and is serving as treasurer of the constitutional amendment advocacy organization, Protect CT Public LandsCoalition, Inc.

Thank you and we’ll see you at the Town Hall Annex on the 25th!

Liz Raisbeck and Eugenia Villagra
Co-Chairs, Groton Conservation Advocates

Treasures of Southeastern Connecticut Book Presentation Schedule
2018-11-03 - 2018-12-12
Steve Fagin is scheduled to give a series of presentations regarding the upcoming publication of “Treasures of Southeastern Connecticut. Our Proud History of Preserving Scenic Woodlands, Farms, the Shoreline and Other Natural Gems.”
From Steve: “I’m very excited about the book and am sure those connected with Avalonia will be happy to read about how your preservation efforts are paying off. There are chapters and photos devoted to Avalonia.”
– 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, Lyme Public Library
– 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, Mystic & Noank Library
– 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, Wheeler Library, North Stonington
– Noon Thursday, Nov. 15, Otis Library, Norwich
– 7 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 20, East Lyme Public Library
– 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 27, New London Public Library
– 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic.
– 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 1, Waterford Public Library
– 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, Groton Public Library
– 6 p.m. Wednesday, Wednesday, Dec. 12, Salem Public Library

Winter Wonderland Hike
2019-02-09 09:00 - 23:30 | TriTown Forest Preserve, 91 Miller Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
Bundle up and take a winter tour of Avalonia’s TriTown Forest Preserve! The route will be decided by the hike leader based on the condition of the trails, but there will be plenty of options. You may visit a winter wonderland at Lost Pond or pause in the solitude of a deep valley. Discover a rich variety of stone formations from past eras and hear the stories behind them. Even if you’ve visited TTFP before, its a different world in winter. Anyway, its time to get out of the house and onto the trail!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the hike leader, Sue Sutherland, at suesutherland@snet.net or call 860-574-5111.

Registration: Required, click HERE

Where: TriTown Forest Preserve, 99 Miller Rd., N. Stonington, CT United States See Map
When: Saturday, February 9, 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Rain Date: Sunday, February 10, 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Cancellations: Rain reschedules/cancels; snow is a go!
Difficulty: Moderate
Bring: Water, trail snacks, warm rugged boots, walking poles or staff; dress in layers (no jeans or cotton base layers); snow shoes/cross country skis okay with sufficient snow cover.
Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome

A Vernal Pool Adventure, Babcock Ridge Preserve
2019-03-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Babcock Ridge, 113 Babcock Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
After a long winter in hiding, an amazing variety of frogs, salamanders, and aquatic invertebrates will once again make their presence felt in a temporary wetland known as a vernal pool. At twilight, we’ll hike the trail to a group of vernals in Avalonia’s Babcock Ridge Preserve to search for such creatures as wood frogs and spring peepers, spotted and marbled salamanders, and fairy shrimp. We might also hear the booming hoots of barred owls and the peents of woodcock. Bring a flashlight, wear warm clothes and waterproof boots, and don’t forget your spirit of adventure. Walk leader Bruce Fellman has been introducing people to vernal pool life for almost a half-century.

Become a Nature Detective at Moore Woodlands (NEW DATE 4/16)
2019-04-16 13:00 | Moore Woodlands, 314-264 Capstan Ave, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
NEW DATE 4/16: Please note this event has been moved from Monday 4/15 to Tuesday 4/16 due to forecasted rain.
Register Here

All Hands on Deck! Seedling Planting at Anna Coit Parcel
2019-04-27 07:30 - 12:30 | Anna Coit Parcel, 65 Denison Hill Road, North Stonington, CT, United States
Here’s the situation. Anna Coit, an amazing force of nature and long-time Avalonia supporter, willed a parcel of land to us that needs our help. We have secured 2,900 pine and spruce seedlings that need to be planted as soon as possible on Anna’s property, as they can only live so long out of the soil.
Yes, we know this is a last minute request, but if you can show up for only an hour or two that would be wonderful; every little bit helps. Besides, the property is beautiful, the weather looks great, you’ll meet some fellow tree-huggers, and you will be outside as close as you can possibly get to nature. 🙂
WHAT: Help plant 2,900 seedlings at the Anna Coit parcel
WHERE: 65 Denison Hill Road, North Stonington, CT
WHEN: April 27, 2019
TIME: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm (or as long as you can)
WHO: Anyone and everyone that can help (young and old)
PARKING: Park on the side of the street near 65 Denison Hill Road and walk into the field where the seedlings are being distributed.
BRING: Shovel, water, bug spray
The land used to be an old Christmas tree farm and is mostly flat with slight hills.
Share this with your friends, and check out our posts on our Facebook and Instagram.
A very BIG THANK YOU in advance!

Benedict Benson Preserve Hike
2019-04-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Benedict Benson Preserve, Swantown Hill Road, North Stonington, CT, 06359, United States
In honor of Earth Day, we’ll be hiking the main trail of Avalonia’s Benedict Benson Preserve on a mission to find signs of spring. There are sure to be emerging fern fiddleheads, the calls of amphibians and newly arrived migrant songbirds, including, perhaps, the rare cerulean warblers that occasionally call the refuge home, and a stunning array of wildflowers, especially an extra-extra bloomer called the hepatica that thrives in a rocky area near the picturesque Lantern Brook. Veteran naturalist Bruce Fellman will lead this gently-paced exploration.
Register Here
