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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240831T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240831T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240829T220233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T220233Z
UID:8166-1725094800-1725102000@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Short Notice Stewardship Opportunity- Japanese Barberry Removal at Avalonia’s Pine Swamp Wildlife Corridor in Ledyard
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to join us this Saturday August 31 from 9-11am as we work to manage a Japanese barberry infestation at our Pine Swamp Wildlife Corridor. Many hands will make light work and together it is expected that we will make significant progress in controlling this invasive plant species.  Plans are to hand pull and dig out the barberry. If we make short work of it\, there’s always some wisteria to cut!  Poison ivy shouldn’t be an issue in this particular area\, and the bugs seem to be very mild of late. \nWe will meet at the end of Merry Lane in Ledyard and walk in 1/10-mile counter-clockwise on the blue trail.  Bring a shovel & loppers. Long sleeves\, sturdy footwear\, good gloves\, and drinking water encouraged. Work at your own at your pace and stay as long as you wish.  Although registration is not required\, please consider sending an email to Director of Stewardship (tglaza@avalonialc.org) express your interest in attending ( for planning purposes). \nHope to see you on Saturday! \n\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/short-notice-stewardship-opportunity-japanese-barberry-removal-at-avalonias-pine-swamp-wildlife-corridor-in-ledyard/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Pine-Swamp.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240731T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240731T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240723T164229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240724T113922Z
UID:7971-1722416400-1722427200@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Knotweed Management at Shunock River Complex
DESCRIPTION:Please join Avalonia stewardship staff\, intern\, and volunteers at the Parke Memorial Preserve\, in North Stonington\, on Wednesday July 31 at 9:00 to help manage an infestation of Japanese Knotweed.  We have been following the Nix the Knotweed management protocols at this preserve and it is time for the second cutting of Japanese knotweed for the year ( I know\, we are a bit behind schedule)!   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.  The parking area at the preserve can only safely accommodate 2 vehicles.  There is a fairly steep decline from the trailhead to the work site\, but it is otherwise close to and visible from the road. \nWe hope to spend several hours cutting this hollow stemmed invasive at its base and piling the cut stalks for drying and later removal. \nGloves\, sturdy footwear\, bug repellent\, and drinking water are recommended. While tools will be provided for your use\, feel free to bring your own set of clippers\, loppers\, or serrated knife to cut the hollow stems of the knotweed.  If you have an old tarp or sheet of plastic that you would be willing to donate to the cause\, please bring it along!  \nTo learn more about this noxious weed and various management and disposal practices\, visit the Avalonia Stewardship page. Contact tglaza@avalonialc.org for more detail. \nWe will begin at 9:00 and work as long as spirits remain high\, and as weather allows (rain date of August 7). Work at your own pace and stay as long as you wish.  Although registration is not required\, please consider sending me an email to express your interest in attending ( for planning purposes). \nHope to see you on Wednesday! \n\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/knotweed-management-at-shunock-river-complex-2/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Parke.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240724T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240724T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240711T144909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240711T144909Z
UID:7939-1721815200-1721822400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Phish and the Waterwheel Foundation to Clear Trails at Glemboski-Ous Preserve
DESCRIPTION:The Waterwheel Foundation is kicking off a new round of hands-on volunteer opportunities at certain Phish Summer Tour stops — and Avalonia made the list! \nJoin us on Wednesday\, July 24 from 10 am – 12 pm at Glemboski-Ous Preserve in Uncasville where we’ll be clearing trails. Avalonia’s leadership team will be there to guide the work and coordinate teams. \nREGISTER HERE  \n  \nPhish will be performing at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Montville\, CT on July 23 and July 24\, 2024. \nThe Waterwheel Foundation was created by Phish in 1997 to oversee the band’s various charitable activities and has been harnessing the kindness of the Phish fan community to creative positive change for over 25 years. Phish will be playing  \nFor more information\, visit waterwheelfoundation.org
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/phish-and-the-waterwheel-foundation-to-clear-trails-at-glemboski-ous-preserve/
LOCATION:Glemboski-Ous Preserve\, South Road\, Bozrah\, United States
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240714T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240714T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240620T130329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240620T130329Z
UID:7894-1720951200-1720965600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Wequetequock Cove Clean Water Coalition Festival
DESCRIPTION:Avalonia will join other organizations and core communities on Sunday July 14 for the Wequetequock Cove Clean Water Coalition  (WCCWC) Festival! \nFunded in part through a grant from the Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund\,  this free festival is designed to engage the local community\, recruit members for the WCCWC\, and provide education about the watershed.  Avalonia has a number of preserves and conservation easements within the watershed and is committed to the coalition’s efforts to enhance the quality of drinking water and recreational and ecological values within the Anguilla Brook/Inner Wequetequock Cove watershed. \nThis promises to be an educational\, fun-filled\, family-friendly experience\, with music\, food\, and drink as well as an optional post-festival paddle in the outer Cove. \nDETAILS: \nDate: July 14\, 2024 \nTime: 10 AM – 2 PM (Optional paddle: 3 PM – 5 PM)\n \nLocation:\n \nLandside: The Hounds\n                769 Stonington Rd\n                Stonington\, CT 06378 \nPaddle Launch Site: Barn Island boat launch\n \nSecondary Launch Site: Stonington Marina (for equipment rental and non-paddlers) \nEntry: Free to outdoor exhibits\n \nHope to see you there!\n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/wequetequock-cove-clean-water-coalition-festival/
CATEGORIES:Community,Conservation,Educational,Family,Festivals,Recreation,Stewardship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Paffard-Marsh.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240609T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240609T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240604T173426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240605T133920Z
UID:7847-1717923600-1717934400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Trail-Clearing Work Party at Glemboski-Ous
DESCRIPTION:Join Avalonia’s Northern town committee at our newest preserve\, Glemboski-Ous\, in Bozrah on Sunday\, June 9 to help us clear some of the trails. As a follow-up to the Introduction to Stewardship event on May 26\, we will again be walking the primary farm/’logging’ roads and clearing the lower safety\, emergency\, and maintenance access route roughly parallel to the East Branch of the Trading Cove Brook to the point of the brook crossing. \n \nIf time\, energy\, and strong constitutions allow\, we will continue on to the Eversource transmission lines corridor\, with the eventual goal of reaching the secondary South Road maintenance easement access point. \nPlease bring gloves\, sturdy footwear\, drinking water\, and bug spray. If you have loppers and clippers\, feel free to bring them. Extra tools will be available on site. No experience necessary. We will meet at 9:00 am and try to accomplish as much as possible until noon. \n  \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/trail-clearing-work-party-at-glemboski-ous/
LOCATION:Glemboski-Ous Preserve\, South Road\, Bozrah\, United States
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240506T195235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240510T145415Z
UID:7765-1717236000-1717243200@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Hike a Wildlife Habitat Restoration at Leo Antonino Preserve
DESCRIPTION:CT TRAILS DAY EVENT: \nWe’ll hike the Leo Antonino Preserve through forested areas\, past active brooks\, vernal pools\, and up a bedrock ridge. There is a go-around for those who want to avoid the scramble up the ridge. We will pass next to erratics deposited by the glaciers and see how the Earth’s crust has been folded and lifted in Connecticut’s geologic history. The hike will end at the parking area if you choose not to explore the habitat restoration. \nAt about 11:00\, we will walk a short way on the preserve from parking to an area of a multi-year project where invasives have been removed to make way for establishment of wildlife habitat. Charlie Boos\, an expert in habitat restoration that emphasizes protection of existing beneficial natives and ensuring biodiversity\, will be leading this portion of the event. You will see the progression from thickets of autumn olive to “bunny piles” and thriving grasses and native pollinators including a pond that was unreachable until this project. You can join this part of the event if you choose not to participate in the 10:00 hike. \n  \nFollow this link to RSVP: \nRSVP HERE
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/hike-a-wildlife-habitat-restoration-at-leo-antonino-preserve/
LOCATION:Leo Antonino Preserve\, 0 Antonino Road\, Groton\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240530T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240530T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240528T155430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240528T155430Z
UID:7834-1717090200-1717097400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:GO (Get Outdoors) Groton
DESCRIPTION:Join Avalonia as we participate in an informational session about GO GROTON\, dedicated to increasing access to nature for ALL kids. Bring the kids for a special species talk from our friends at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/go-get-outdoors-groton/
LOCATION:Groton Community Center\, 61 Fort Hill Road\, Groton\, 06340\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240526T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240526T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240521T004800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T162837Z
UID:7806-1716714000-1716724800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Stewardship at our Newest Preserve\, Glemboski-Ous in Bozrah and Montville
DESCRIPTION:Memorial Day weekend isn’t complete without an opportunity to stretch your legs and to enjoy the onset of late Spring/early Summer in the woods!  \nWe would like to invite you to join us from 9-12 Sunday\, May 26th at the nearly 160 acre Glemboski-Ous Preserve to learn more about how Avalonia\, with the help of community stewards\, manages its preserves.   \nAs we hike the old logging roads\, cross over the wending Trading Cove Brook\, and pass through the rocky ledges and outcrops\, Avalonia Board of Directors president\, Dennis Main\, along with Director of Stewardship\, Tobias Glaza will share with you how we plan to steward the property. Discussions will include the ways in which we engage with volunteers to keep trails open and safe as well as the basics of preserve monitoring\, boundary posting\, methods for maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat\, and other aspects of land management. Along the way\, there will be plenty of opportunity to do some light trail maintenance as we walk and talk. \nVolunteers 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 here so that we can better plan for this 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. \n  \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/introduction-to-stewardship-at-our-newest-preserve-glemboski-ous-in-bozrah-and-montville/
LOCATION:Glemboski-Ous Preserve\, South Road\, Bozrah\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conservation,Educational,Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Glemboski-Woods-road.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240308T185306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240308T191748Z
UID:7376-1716030000-1716044400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Earthfest CT 2024
DESCRIPTION:The community comes together for an expressive celebration featuring environmental organizations (like us!)\, live animal exhibits\, fun food vendors\, and musical guests at McCook Point Park. \nCome visit and say hello. We’ll have lots of info to share and a fun activity for the kids! \nVisit www.earthdayeverydayct.org for more info.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/earthfest-ct-2024/
LOCATION:McCook Park\, Niantic\, CT\, 06357\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Educational,Family,Festivals
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/earthfest-CT-2024.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240506T193246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240506T193441Z
UID:7762-1715421600-1715428800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Pachaug Pond Paddle with Avalonia Land Conservancy
DESCRIPTION:Join The Last Green Valley Chief Ranger Bill Reid and Dick Conant\, of the Avalonia Land Conservancy\, for a springtime paddle on Pachaug Pond to Burton Island. We’ll launch on Avalonia Land Conservancy conservation land in the southern end of the pond and paddle the short distance to Burton Island\, three-quarters of which is owned by Avalonia Land Conservancy. \nWe’ll explore the island\, which has outstanding native wildflower habitat\, and the shoreline of Pachaug Pond. This area is known for sightings of raptors\, songbirds\, and plentiful small mammals. From the pond\, we may have numerous wildlife sightings along the shoreline. \nThis paddle is on flatwater and is easy\, however\, wind can make it more challenging. RSVP is required and the paddle is limited to 25 boats. You must have your own boat and PFD. \nRSVP \nContact Bill Reid to RSVP or for information at Bill@tlgv.org or call (860) 774-3300. Details about parking and possible car shuttling to the launch area will be provided upon registration.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/pachaug-pond-paddle-with-avalonia-land-conservancy/
LOCATION:Pachaug Pond\, Dutka Nature Preserve\, Griswold\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exploration,On the Water
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240308T184257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240308T184412Z
UID:7370-1715418000-1715428800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:The North Stonington Garden Club’s 2024 Plant Sale
DESCRIPTION:The North Stonington Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale is a community event and their biggest fundraiser of the year\, raising funds to support their activities and allowing them to give back to the community through civic planting\, donations to community organizations\, and the Anna Coit Memorial Scholarship. \nCome visit us and say hello. Avalonia will be there showing off our new event booth and displays! \nCheck www.NSGardenClub.org for all the details.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/the-north-stonington-garden-clubs-2024-plant-sale/
LOCATION:North Stonington Elementary School\, 311 Norwich-Westerly Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, 06359\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/plantsale-lead.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240308T214921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240419T171322Z
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240308T173816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240308T191440Z
UID:7364-1713610800-1713628800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Groton Earth Day Expo
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to join us at the Groton Earth Day Expo at the Groton Public Library on Saturday\, April 20\, 2024!  \nThe mission of this event is to provide community members education and resources to live more sustainably. At the inaugural event in 2023\, there were over 40 exhibitors\, crafters\, and guest speakers sharing sustainable initiatives\, green living\, climate awareness\, volunteer opportunities\, and more\, with hundreds of attendees from New London County and beyond.  \nWe look forward to seeing you!
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/groton-earth-day-expo/
LOCATION:Groton Public Library\, 52 Newtown Road\, Groton\, CT\, 06340
CATEGORIES:Community,Educational,Family,Festivals,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Earth-Day-Expo-2024.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240413T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240413T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240328T211035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240328T223333Z
UID:7452-1712998800-1713009600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:White and Red Oak Planting at the Herman E. Sheets Family Forest
DESCRIPTION:Join us from 9-12 Saturday April 13th in North Stonington at the Herman E. Sheets Family Forest to help plant bare root oak seedlings!\nThis spring we begin the second phase of a larger\, multi-year restoration effort\, in which volunteers\, together with Avalonia staff\, will work to get more than 300 red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Quercus alba) seedlings into the ground.  \nNearly a decade ago\, the combined stressors of Spongy moth and drought served to weaken and ultimately kill many mature stands of oak in the region.  Sadly\, this preserve was no exception.  With natural regeneration being limited\, we instituted a restoration plan\, a part of which includes planting and then protecting seedlings from deer browse. \n \nStaff and volunteers will provide a brief tutorial\, but\, other than that\, no special skill set is needed! Bring a shovel/spade\, gloves\, sturdy footwear\, bug/tick repellant\, and drinking water.  If you don’t have tools\, extras will be available. Work at your own pace\, stay as long as you like\, and consider hiking the beautiful trail system afterwards. \nWe will meet at the Puttker Road parking area (across from 94 Puttker Road) at 9:00 AM and shuttle the short distance from there to a convenient access point.  There is limited off street parking\, so please consider carpooling to the event. Rain date of Sunday April 14. \nThis restoration effort is funded\, in part\, by a generous grant from the North Stonington Garden Club. \nFor more details\, contact Director of Stewardship\, Tobias Glaza at tglaza@avalonialc.org \nP.S.  You will see this opportunity referenced again in the context of a forthcoming Avalonia-wide Stewardship Day post.  
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/white-and-red-oak-planting-at-the-herman-e-sheets-family-forest/
LOCATION:Sheets Family Forest\, Puttker Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conservation,Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Second-day-of-Sheets-planting-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240413
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240415
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240403T163612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240404T174846Z
UID:7448-1712966400-1713139199@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Third Annual Stewardship Day - Saturday April 13\, 2024
DESCRIPTION:Spring has sprung and it’s time to clean up the trails!  If you are itching to get outside\, we have multiple opportunities to help clear the trails\, remove invasives\, plant trees\, and more.   Stewardship activities will be on Saturday\, April 13.  Times and activities may vary by location – see below for preserve locations and details.  \nIn general\, bring gloves\, bug spray\, drinking water and task appropriate hand tools  (if you have them.)  If you don’t have them\, that is OK – we try to have extras.   \nRegister here! \nGriswold \n\nDate: Saturday April 13\, 2024 \nLocation: Dutka Nature Preserve  (Dutka Lane parking lot immediately off Bethel Road on right-hand side)\nTime: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm\nActivity: Trail work and trash pick up\nWhat to Bring: Work clothes\, work boots\, work gloves\, loppers\, hand saws\, Gloves\, bug spray\, water\, loppers and handsaws\nLeader: Dick Conant (contact details will be sent out to registrants)\n\nGroton \n\nDate: Saturday April 13\, 2024\nLocation: Leo Antonino Preserve (parking along Antonino Road).\nTime: 9:00 am -12:00 pm\nActivity: Brush and branches clean up (Spring Cleanup)\nWhat to Bring: Gloves\, bug spray\, water\, loppers\nLeader: Bonnie Castellani (contact details will be sent out to registrants)\n\nNorth Stonington  \n\nDate: Saturday April 13\, 2024 (rain date Sunday April 14)\nLocation: Herman E. Sheets Family Forest (parking area adjacent to the mailbox  for 94 Puttker Road). Carpool if possible.\nTime: 9:00 am -12:00 pm\nActivity: Planting of white and red oak seedlings- for more detail click here.\nWhat to Bring: Gloves\, bug spray\, water\, shovel/spade/other planting implements\nLeader: Tobias Glaza (contact details will be sent out to registrants)\n\nStonington \n\nDate: Saturday April 13\, 2024\nLocation: Knox Preserve (parking on the north side of Wilcox Road)\nTime: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm \nActivity: Clearing vegetation from stone walls  \nWhat to Bring: work gloves\, hand tools (pruners\, clippers or loppers – pls mark your own tools)\, and water\nLeader: Beth Sullivan\, Susan Hibbard\, MaryEllen Mateleska  (contact details will be sent out to registrants)\n\nLedyard \n\nDate: Saturday April 13\, 2024\nLocation: Samuel Lamb and Forsberg Preserve (parking along Town Farm Road)\nTime: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm \nActivity: Clearing vegetation from stone walls. \nDescription:  This is a continuation of work done during a similar event in late February.\nWhat to Bring: Gloves\, water bottle\, hand saw and/or loppers\, tick repellant.  Poison ivy may be present\, so\, in addition to gloves\, long sleeves recommended\nLeader: Laurie Gorham (contact details will be sent out to registrants)\n\nRegister here!
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/third-annual-stewardship-day-saturday-april-13-2024/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Image-for-Stewardship-Day-2024.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240403T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240403T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240308T171600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T171029Z
UID:7358-1712167200-1712174400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Vernal Pool Adventure at Babcock Ridge - CANCELLED
DESCRIPTION:CANCELLED DUE TO WIND AND RAIN. NEW DATE TBD. \n  \nThere’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than to visit a woodland pond alive with the sights and sounds of newly awakened amphibians and invertebrates — and there’s no more exciting time to do so than at dusk when the local vernal pools are a noisy chorus of quacking wood frogs and bell-ringing spring peepers. As the skies darken\, we’ll follow our ears for about a half-mile hike to the center of the Babcock Ridge Preserve where a dry hole last autumn is now a rain-soaked “wicked big puddle.”  \nThis brimful temporary pond is a wetland nursery filled with a variety of exciting creatures. In addition to frogs\, we’ll likely see marbled salamander youngsters\, fairy shrimp\, giant predaceous diving beetles\, and the stars of the show\, the exquisite yellow-spotted salamanders. We’ll use nets to collect pond residents and examine them at close range before releasing them unharmed\, and if we’re especially lucky\, we might also hear the booming hoots of barred owls and the peents of woodcock.   \nBring a flashlight and a headlamp\, wear warm clothes and waterproof boots\, and don’t forget your spirit of adventure and curiosity on this family-friendly exploration of a fascinating part of the natural world.   \nWalk leader Bruce Fellman has been introducing people to vernal pool life for almost half-a-century. For more information\, contact the leader at bruce.fellman@yale.edu or 860-599-4867.  \nTo register for the adventure\, which is free and open to the public but limited to 25 people\, click on the link below. This program tends to fill up quickly\, but If there’s sufficient interest\, we’ll try to schedule additional walks. Note: heavy rain will postpone to Thursday\, the 21st\, same time\, but light rain will be just perfect for bringing out the critters — and raincoat-clad naturalists. \n  \nREGISTER HERE \n  \n*** \nAccessibility Note \nParking: Small off-street lot\, packed dirt surface\, no accessible space\, room for 7-8 cars. Lot located at Babcock Ridge Preserve trailhead. Additional parking available along the road. \nTrails: Narrow in spots\, some slopes\, some protrusions into pathway\, occasional wet areas. Off-pathway walking through open woods to vernal pool. Sampling for organisms involves dip-netting and getting hands wet. The hike back to the parking area takes place in the dark and is illuminated by flashlights and headlamps. \nCommunication: This walk will be amplified and may include live sonograms that provide pictorial representation of frog and bird calls. \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 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/vernal-pool-adventure-at-babcock-ridge/
LOCATION:Babcock Ridge\, 113 Babcock Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exploration,Family,Hikes,Walks,Water
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_9640AsamplingBab.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240307T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240307T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240216T170444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240216T170600Z
UID:7323-1709809200-1709812800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Forum on Proposed Accessible Trail
DESCRIPTION:Join Avalonia Land Conservancy at Otis Library in Norwich for a forum on a proposed accessible trail at Cedar Wood Preserve\, Avalonia’s first fully owned open space property in Norwich. A PowerPoint presentation on the meadow section of this beautiful 47-acre parcel will be followed by questions\, answers\, and discussion. Bring your ideas and perspectives about outdoor equity for people with disabilities!   \nSign language interpretation will be provided.   \nFor more information\, please contact Mary Anne Sherman at avalonialc@yahoo.com or (860) 884-3500. 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/forum-on-proposed-accessible-trail/
LOCATION:Otis Library Community Room\, 261 Main Street\, Norwich\, 06360\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240224T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240224T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240219T170006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240219T170006Z
UID:7327-1708768800-1708776000@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Volunteer work party at Samuel Lamb and Forsberg Preserve\, in Ledyard
DESCRIPTION:Please consider joining us for our inaugural stewardship event of 2024.  Avalonia’s Ledyard Town Committee is organizing a work party at the Samuel Lamb and Forsberg Preserve in Ledyard for this coming Saturday (2/24).  Our efforts will be devoted to clearing vegetation from the stone wall that runs along Shewville Road. \nThis work will complement our earlier mowing efforts\, designed to keep the fields open for birds and pollinators. Over the years invasive vines and shrubs have found refuge along the boundaries of this field and have begun to encroach inward.  Winter season is a great time to cut these back\, allowing for increased access in the spring for another round of more intensive management efforts. Work at your own pace and stay for as long as your time and energy allow.  \nThere is no designated parking area for this preserve\, but there is ample parking along Town Farm Road. Please exercise caution exiting and entering your vehicles. \nPlease bring any clippers\, pruners\, or loppers you may have. If you don’t have any\, there will be extras on site for your use. The weather looks like it will cooperate\, but in the event that it’s necessary\, we’ve set aside the next day\, Sunday 2/25\, as an alternate. \nWhile not required\, by registering here we will be able to better plan for this free event. \nLooking forward to seeing you!! \nLocation: Samuel Lamb and Forsberg Preserve \nDate/Time: February 24th 10-12 \nRain/Snow Date: Sunday February 25th 10-12 \nWear/bring: warm clothing\, boots\, sturdy pants\, gloves\, hand tool(s) of choice \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/volunteer-work-party-at-samuel-lamb-and-forsberg-preserve-in-ledyard/
LOCATION:Samuel Lamb and Forsberg Preserve\, Town Farm Road\, Ledyard\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conservation,Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Samuel-Lamb-Forsberg-Preserve-2023-12-5-03-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240401
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20240126T142221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240126T142309Z
UID:7239-1706227200-1711929599@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Avalonia's 2024 Membership Drive
DESCRIPTION: \nOur team is shivering with excitement! January has proven to be a busy and productive time as we plan 2024. From upcoming acquisitions to engaging events\, there’s a lot to look forward to.\n \nJoin Avalonia or renew your membership to support the important initiatives on the horizon that will help preserve and protect the natural beauty that surrounds us. Don’t miss out on all that’s ahead!\n \n \nJOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/avalonias-2024-membership-drive/
CATEGORIES:Conservation
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231203T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231203T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20231030T200735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231030T224125Z
UID:6978-1701619200-1701626400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Avalonia Annual Members Meeting 2023
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Avalonia’s 2023 Annual Members Meeting on Sunday\, December 3 from 4  – 6 pm.\n \nThe event is at Fellowship Hall in the Ledyard Congregational Church.\n722 Colonel Ledyard Highway\, Ledyard\, CT.\nLight refreshments will be served.\n \nAccessibility Note:\nStructural: Accessible parking\, entrances\, and bathroom stalls.\nCommunication: Program will be amplified. For sign language interpretation or written material in alternative format\, please submit your request by 11/27/23.\nFor more info\, contact: accessibility@avalonialc.org or call (860) 884-3500.\n \nRSVPs are required. Please email avalonialc@yahoo.com by 11/25.\n \n \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/avalonia-annual-members-meeting-2023/
CATEGORIES:Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-Avalonia-Annual-Members-Meeting-Graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231119T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231119T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20231113T022507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231113T022507Z
UID:6996-1700384400-1700395200@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Volunteer work party at our model climate resilient forest\, the Hoffman Preserve\, in Stonington
DESCRIPTION:In 2018 Avalonia initiated a climate resiliency forestry plan at this preserve\, including the planting of many tree species projected to do well in the face of ongoing climate change. While most of these have succeeded in becoming established\, we do need to help them out by cutting back surrounding vegetation\, including grey birch suckers and saplings. \nPlease consider joining us on Sunday\, November 19th from 9-12 at the Hoffman Preserve.  If you haven’t volunteered with us before\, this is a perfect entry point into Avalonia conservation and stewardship efforts. You’ll have an opportunity to do a bit of hiking\, learn more about on-the-ground climate resiliency work\, and help us to give our planted seedlings/saplings every advantage! \nParking will be at the southernmost entrance off of Route 201\, the usual place for those of you who have joined us before.  Sturdy footwear\, gloves\, and drinking water are recommended. Feel free to bring your favorite pair of loppers\, but extra tools will be available for your use.  If you have experience and the necessary PPE\, brush saws and small chainsaws are also particularly effective tools for this sort of work. \nWork at your own pace and stay for as long as your time and energy allow. It looks\, for now\, like it will be perfect weather for this sort of work.  There is no rain date scheduled. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/volunteer-work-party-at-our-model-climate-resilient-forest-the-hoffman-preserve-in-stonington/
LOCATION:Hoffman Evergreen Preserve\, 580-632 CT-201\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conservation,Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Hoffman.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231028T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231028T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20230906T163132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231019T194523Z
UID:6642-1698487200-1698494400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Documenting Discoveries at Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve
DESCRIPTION:RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY\, OCTOBER 28\, 2023 / 10 AM – 12 PM \nDocumenting discoveries on the trail is a key skill that needs to be in every naturalist’s toolkit. We’ll have plenty to observe and record as we enjoy the fall colors at Avalonia’s Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve on 280 Grindstone Hill Road.  \nTefftweald\, a former Girl Scout camp\, is a 77-acre masterpiece of upland forest\, meadows\, wetlands\, old graveyards and cellar holes\, and the wonderfully photogenic Wyassup Brook.  \nThis is a family-friendly excursion\, and we’ll explore the woodland trails at a pace moderate enough to give the Preserve a close read and capture the experience in whatever form\, from pen and ink on paper to digital drawings\, photos\, and text entered on a smart device\, your journaling takes. 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 45 years. \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE \nFor more information\, e-mail Bruce Fellman at fellnature@scbglobal.net\, or call 860-599-4867. \nIn case of inclement weather\, participants will be notified of a cancellation via email no later than 2 hours before the event. \n \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 is available along the road. \n \nTrails: Narrow in spots\, some slopes\, some protrusions into pathway\, occasional wet areas\, and occasional off-trail walking. \n \nCommunication: This walk will be amplified and sign language interpreted.\n \nAccessibility point person: Mary Anne Sherman\, 860-884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com.\n \nAvalonia’s Accessibility Statement \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/documenting-discoveries-at-tefftweald-at-birchenturn-preserve/
LOCATION:Tefftweald at Birchenturn\, 282 Grindstone Hill Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, 06359\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts,Exploration,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_5986AleafstreamTefft.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231014T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231014T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20231006T121628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231006T121628Z
UID:6905-1697274000-1697281200@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Fall Clean-up of Avery Preserve Parking Area
DESCRIPTION:Work Party!!!\nAvery Preserve Parking Area\nSaturday\, October 14th\, 9-11 am (or until we get tired).\nOur efforts will be focused on clearing the sightlines inside and outside of the parking area. Over the years it has been a challenge to keep this spot open and the encroaching vegetation at bay. With increased visibility\, both entering and exiting the preserve will be safer and will allow for more maneuverability within the lot itself. This improvement will also serve to discourage unauthorized dumping in the area.\n \nIf you can make it\, bring gloves and loppers or pruners if you have them\, or any other brush removal device (cordless hedge trimmers\, for example). Come when you can and work at your own pace.\n \nTo limit the number of vehicles in our work area\, we will meet at the Avery Cemetery at the corner of Avery Hill Road and 214 (Stoddards Wharf Road) and either carpool\, drop-off\, or walk from there.  We plan to close the preserve parking area to the public for the duration of the work party.  There is no rain date set for this event\, so hopefully the weather holds.\n \nPlease consider setting aside additional time to explore this beautiful preserve!\nHope to see you on the 14th!\n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/avery-parking-area-clean-up/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/avery-20191026-e1581964872221.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231007T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231007T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20230825T165158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231006T154218Z
UID:6612-1696669200-1696678200@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Join Us to Paint the Preserve at Preston Nature Preserve *CANCELLED*
DESCRIPTION:*THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED*\nJoin fellow artists and Avalonia’s Office Manager\, Mary Anne Sherman\, who will lead you on a short hike through the Preston Nature Preserve to paint en plein air. It’s an idyllic place for an outdoor painting event. Artists of all skill levels and mediums are invited. Learn from and share with other artists\, enjoy being in nature\, and create your next masterpiece. We will meet at the parking area\, hike a short distance\, and paint to our heart’s content. \n\nThis is the second of two Paint the Preserve events. The first event is planned for Knox Preserve in Stonington on Saturday\, September 9\, 2023.\n \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE\n \nSuggestions:  Bring your own easel and painting equipment\, water\, bug spray\, and sunscreen.\n \nParking:  Ample off-street lot\, grass surface\, room for about a dozen cars\, no parking space accessible to people with disabilities. The lot is located on 38 Krug Road at the PNP trailhead. Additional parking is available along Krug Road. \nTrails:  Mostly mowed grass surface pathways through open meadows\, some slopes\, some areas with roots and rocks in the pathway\, as well as occasional protruding branches. \nIn case of inclement weather\, participants will be notified of a cancellation via email no later than 2 hours before the event. \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement \nFor more information\, please contact Mary Anne Sherman at info@avalonialc.com or (860) 884-3500.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/join-us-to-paint-the-preserve-at-preston-nature-preserve/
LOCATION:Preston Nature Preserve\, Krug Road\, Preston\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts,Nature,Preserves
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paint-the-Preserve-Preston-Nature-Preserve-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230926T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230926T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20230924T173113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230924T173113Z
UID:6682-1695718800-1695729600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Early Emergent Habitat Management at Appleton Preserve (Bell Cedar Swamp)- Take 2
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to join us on Tuesday\, September 26th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Appleton Preserve\, a part of the larger Bell Cedar Swamp. \nWe have been working to create and maintain habitat for the New England Cottontail and other fauna on a number of our preserves\, in association with the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge initiative.  At Appleton Preserve\, with our wildlife habitat piles (i.e. bunny piles) built\, we turn our focus to the removal of autumn olive\, multiflora rose\, and black locust\, invasive species that have crept into some of the early emergent habitat or “thicket”.  OUr focus will be on reclaiming/restoring a 2-acre open area or meadow. \nIf you’ve assisted with this before\, you know that it is not for the faint of heart.  We will work in small teams of 2-3 to cut\, remove\, and treat these invasives. Stump painting with herbicide will be a component of this management effort\, although there are plenty of other tasks to be done. Thick clothing\, sturdy footwear\, and heavy gloves are recommended. Tools will be provided\, but feel free to bring your own. No experience necessary. Plant identification tutorial provided on-site. \nThere is a small parking area adjacent to 64 Boombridge Road\, North Stonington. We will meet there. Vehicles with higher clearance/4×4 may continue past the gate\, down the access road to the work site\, otherwise we can walk down together.  Carpooling is encouraged.  \nAlthough not required\, please consider registering here to assist us in event planning. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/early-emergent-habitat-management-at-appleton-preserve-bell-cedar-swamp-take-2/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/open_field_looking_southwest_Sept_2022-post-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20230826T020549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230828T154346Z
UID:6621-1695463200-1695470400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Hike & Seek and Beyond at Preston Nature Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a late September Hike (& Seek) at Preston Nature Preserve\, one of Avalonia’s 27 Hike & Seek properties. Hike & Seek is a fun\, non-competitive outdoor scavenger hunt. Learn about the nature of the Preserve while using clues to find the items listed. We will provide a trail map with clues or visit the Hike & Seek page for Preston Nature Preserve on our website where you will find a trail map and the Hike & Seek clues. Explore at your own pace and come up with your own clues for new Hike & Seek targets. \nLong-time Avalonia volunteer and Groton Town committee member Joellen Anderson will meet you at the trailhead to explain what to look for on the trails. She’ll also tell you about Avalonia and the history of Preston Nature Preserve before you set off on your self-guided adventure. After your hike\, let us know how many targets you found and what new ones you’d like to add. Share your photos on Instagram. Be sure to tag @avalonialandconservancy and include #MyAvalonia \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE \nTrails: Mostly mowed grass surface pathways through open meadows\, some slopes\, wide enough for several people to traverse side-by-side. One quarter-mile stretch of trail through upland woods\, hilly and narrow\, with some roots and rocks in the pathway\, as well as occasional protruding branches. Some side trails not mowed may be more of a challenge. \nParking: Ample off-street lot\, grass surface\, room for about a dozen cars\, no parking space accessible to people with disabilities. Lot is located on 38 Krug Road at the PNP trailhead. Additional parking is available along Krug Road. \nAvalonia’s Accessibility Statement \nFor more information\, please contact Mary Anne Sherman at info@avalonialc.com or (860) 884-3500.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/hike-and-seek-and-beyond-at-preston-nature-preserve/
LOCATION:Preston Nature Preserve\, Krug Road\, Preston\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exploration,Family,Hike & Seek
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bird-house-Preston-Nature-Preserve-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20230828T120048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230918T125015Z
UID:6595-1695463200-1695468600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Fledglings: A Nature Experience for Children 2-5 *CANCELLED*
DESCRIPTION:*THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED*\nChildren ages 2-5 (and their adults) are invited to join naturalist and educator Beth Sullivan and Avalonia Board member Elanah Sherman for a walk through the relatively flat trails at Norwich’s Cedar Wood Preserve. On this walk\, we are going to use our senses to check out EVERYTHING! There is so much to see at this time of year: flowers and other plants; maybe some animals; and all sorts of insects! We will think about how everything in nature seems connected: birds and trees\, bees and flowers\, butterflies and milkweed. And we will think about changes the seasons might bring to them all.  After the walk\, we will gather at the trailhead for a craft project: creating seed bombs. \nThis event is limited to 8 – 10 children. All children must be accompanied by adults. Sturdy\, closed-toe shoes are required. Bug repellant is strongly recommended and will be available at the event. Rain date September 24\, 10-11:30 \nAccessibility Note: \nParking: Off-street lot with room for about 4 cars. One space is accessible to people with disabilities. The lot is located at trailhead. Parking is also available by the side of the road. \nTrails: Long entry boardwalk with step at each end. (Accessible pathway to boardwalk has not yet been installed.) Some rocky spots at initial trail area\, then grassy trails about 4 feet wide\, with some dips and slopes. Some protrusions and tripping hazards. \nCommunication: This walk will be amplified. Sign language interpretation available upon request. \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement \nThis free event is co-sponsored by the City of Norwich.\nFor more information\, please contact Mary Anne Sherman at info@avalonialc.com or 860-884-3500.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/fledglings-a-nature-experience-for-children-2-5/
LOCATION:Cedar Wood Preserve\, 180 North Wawecus Hill Rd.\, Norwich\, CT\, 06360\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exploration,Family,Nature,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cedar-Wood-Preserve-1-by-Elanah-Sherman-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20230907T201905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230907T201905Z
UID:6649-1695200400-1695211200@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Early Emergent Habitat Management: Continuation of the New England Cottontail Work at Appleton Preserve in North Stonington
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to join us on Wednesday\, September 20th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Appleton Preserve\, a part of the larger Bell Cedar Swamp.  \nWe have been working to create and maintain habitat for the New England Cottontail and other fauna on a number of our preserves\, in association with the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge initiative.  At Appleton Preserve\, with our wildlife habitat piles (i.e. bunny piles) built\, we turn our focus to the removal of autumn olive\, multiflora rose\, and black locust\, invasive species that have crept into some of the early emergent habitat or “thicket”. \nIf you’ve assisted with this before\, you know that it is not for the faint of heart.  We will work in small teams of 2-3 to cut\, remove\, and treat these invasives. Stump painting with herbicide will be a component of this management effort\, although there are plenty of other tasks to be done. Thick clothing\, sturdy footwear\, and heavy gloves are recommended. Tools will be provided\, but feel free to bring your own. No experience necessary. Plant identification tutorial provided on-site. \nAlthough not required\, please consider registering here to assist us in event planning. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/early-emergent-habitat-management-continuation-of-the-new-england-cottontail-work-at-appleton-preserve-in-north-stonington-2/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/open_field_looking_southwest_Sept_2022-post-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230916T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230916T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T052315
CREATED:20230907T201213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230907T201213Z
UID:6646-1694854800-1694865600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Knotweed Management at Shunock River Complex
DESCRIPTION:We have been following the Nix the Knotweed management protocols at this preserve and it is time for the third and final cutting of Japanese knotweed for the year! \nOn Saturday September 16th at 9:00 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.  The parking area at the preserve can only safely accommodate 2 vehicles.  There is a fairly steep decline from the trailhead to the work site\, but it is otherwise close to and visible from the road. \nWe hope to spend several hours cutting this hollow stemmed invasive at its base and piling the cut stalks for drying and later removal. \nGloves and bug repellant are recommended. While tools will be provided for your use\, feel free to bring your own set of clippers\, loppers\, or serrated knife to cut the hollow stems of the knotweed.  If you have an old tarp or sheet of plastic that you would be willing to donate to the cause\, please bring it along!  \nTo learn more about this noxious weed and various management and disposal practices\, visit the Avalonia Stewardship page. Contact tglaza@avalonialc.org for more detail. \nAlthough not required\, please consider registering here to assist us in event planning. \nHope to see you on Saturday!
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/knotweed-management-at-shunock-river-complex/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Parke.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR