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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230603T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230603T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230426T193550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230503T002216Z
UID:6287-1685790000-1685795400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Hike Cedar Wood Preserve
DESCRIPTION:CT TRAILS DAY EVENT: \nThis year\, Avalonia’s is hosting three events during the annual Connecticut Trails Day event.  \nThis hike is at one of Avalonia’s newest acquisitions and only Norwich property\, Cedar Wood Preserve —47 acres of field\, woods\, and water. This 1.4-mile hike goes through an upper trail with open fields and good birding opportunities and through a lower forested trail. This will be a moderate hike with some hills/slopes and a narrow\, somewhat precarious path crossing a dam in the forested section. As funding becomes available\, Avalonia plans to create maximum accessibility on the mostly flat upper trail. \nAvalonia is hosting this adventure\, but please register on the CT TRAILS DAY website. Registration opens May 10th. \n  \nAccessibility Note  \nParking: Off-street lot with room for about 4 cars. Lot is located at trailhead. Accessible space. Parking available on side of road.   \nTrails: Long entry bridge with ramps not yet installed. Initial area has some rocky spots\, but most upper trails are grassy and at least 4 feet wide\, with some dips and slopes. Some protrusions. Lower forested trails are hilly with numerous protrusions and tripping hazards. \nCommunication: This walk will be amplified.  \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement \nAccessibility point person: Mary Anne Sherman (860) 884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/hike-cedar-wood-preserve/
LOCATION:Cedar Wood Preserve\, 180 North Wawecus Hill Rd.\, Norwich\, CT\, 06360\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cedar-Wood-Preserve_0338-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230603T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230603T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230426T191055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230503T001649Z
UID:6268-1685797200-1685804400@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Double Stroll Through The Herman E. Sheets Family Forest
DESCRIPTION:CT TRAILS DAY EVENT: \nThis year\, Avalonia’s is hosting three events during the annual Connecticut Trails Day event.  \nThis event is an adventure at The Herman E. Sheets Family Forest\, an 87-acre picturesque preserve that lies adjacent to the Green Fall River which opened last year. It’s a mixed forest with ponds and brooks to be crossed by bridges. \nThe hike will start out on the yellow trail (south loop). After about 0.75 miles\, folks may continue on the south loop to complete an easier 1.4-mile hike\, while others may take the red trail (north loop) which will result in a moderate 2.8-mile hike. There will be leaders for both of these options. \nAvalonia is hosting this adventure\, but please register on the CT TRAILS DAY website. Registration opens May 10th. \n  \nAccessibility Note  \nParking: Grassy off-street lot with room for about 6 cars. No  accessible space. Location is adjacent to trailhead. On-street parking.   \nTrails: Narrow\, steep\, compacted soil\, with some protrusions. \nCommunication: No communication aids or services scheduled for this walk.  \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement \nAccessibility point person: Mary Anne Sherman (860) 884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/double-stroll-through-the-herman-e-sheets-family-forest/
LOCATION:Sheets Family Forest\, Puttker Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Herman-E-Sheets-Family-Forest-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230604T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230604T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230426T182920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230601T154700Z
UID:6260-1685872800-1685880000@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Beavers\, Bird Calls\, and Brilliant Bugs
DESCRIPTION:CT TRAILS DAY EVENT: \nThis year\, Avalonia’s is hosting three events during the annual Connecticut Trails Day event.  \nJoin Avalonia naturalist Bruce Fellman for this special family-friendly exploration of two adjoining refuges (Babcock Ridge and D.R. Henne Memorial & Shunock Brook Preserves)\, which are among the Conservancy’s most ecologically diverse preserves. Accompanying us on this gentle\, two-mile hike is sign-language interpreter Joy Valenti\, who’s experienced in making nature accessible to the D/deaf/hard of hearing community. In addition to ASL interpretation\, this hike will use amplification to ensure hikers can hear Bruce’s information and guidance.  \nWe’ll comb the uplands for its array of wildflowers\, amphibians\, reptiles\, and colorful songbirds and see how to convert bird calls into accessible sound prints. We’ll also examine the beaver-created wetlands\, home to a large and thriving Great Blue Heron rookery and an abundance of dragonflies and butterflies\, and learn\, first hand\, how these “eager” rodents have transformed local habitats throughout North America. This is a typical woodland trail\, with some rocks and roots. It is up-and-down terrain\, not flat but not steep; fairly wide\, allowing for walking two abreast. \nMeet leader and veteran naturalist Bruce Fellman at 113 Babcock Road (0.9 miles from Wyassup Road or 0.8 miles from Route 49). The parking area is on the north side of the road. The trailhead for the Babcock part of the walk is here; the trailhead for the Henne walk is nearby.  \nRain postpones to June 3\, 10:30 AM. For more information\, visit the CTFPA’s website. The event is part of National Trails Day\, which in Connecticut is coordinated by the CT Forest and Park Association. \nAvalonia is hosting this adventure\, but please register on the CT TRAILS DAY website. Registration opens May 10th. Pre-registration is recommended and can be done by contacting walk leader Bruce Fellman at (860) 599-4867 or fellnature@sbcglobal.net. \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 about 100 feet from Henne Preserve trailhead. Additional parking available along the road. \nTrails: Narrow in spots\, some slopes\, some protrusions into pathway\, occasional wet areas. \nCommunication: This walk will be amplified and sign language interpreted\, and will include live sonograms that provide pictorial representation of birdcalls. \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement \nAccessibility point person: Mary Anne Sherman (860) 884-3500 or avalonialc@yahoo.com
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/beavers-bird-calls-and-brilliant-bugs/
LOCATION:Babcock Ridge\, 113 Babcock Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes,Walks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Henne-BS-3-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230612
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230613
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230607T022140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230607T022140Z
UID:6477-1686528000-1686614399@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:White Oak Restoration - A Second Day of Planting
DESCRIPTION:If you weren’t able to make it to last month’s white oak planting\, you have another chance! \nOn Monday June 12th we’ve planned a morning of environmental restoration at Herman E. Sheets Family Forest in North Stonington\, Connecticut. We will focus on planting\, protecting\, and watering approximately 50 white oak seedling.   Volunteers are asked to bring gloves\, sturdy footwear\, drinking water\, and bug spray.  Shovels and other planting tools will be provided. No experience necessary! \nThe event will start at 9:00 am and we’ll will accomplish as much as possible until 12:00 pm.  There is no expectation of rain\, as of yet! \nPlease use the parking area on Puttker Road and we will carpool to the Loin Hill entrance.\n \nWhile not required\, consider registering for this event here as it will help in our planning efforts. \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/white-oak-restoration-a-second-day-of-planting/
LOCATION:Sheets Family Forest\, Puttker Road\, North Stonington\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/White-oak-plantings-low.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230626T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230626T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230613T172221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230613T172221Z
UID:6495-1687770000-1687780800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Morning work\, Monday June 26th\, 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 Monday\, June 26th from 9-12 at the Hoffman Preserve.  Parking will be at the southern entrance off Route 201. Sturdy footwear\, bug/tick repellant\, and drinking water are recommended. Feel free to bring your favorite pair of loppers\, but extra loppers and other tools will be available for your use. No experience necessary. 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 these seedlings every advantage! \nWhile not required\, consider registering here\, so that we might better plan for this event. \n  \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/morning-work-monday-june-26th-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:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hoffman-sign-web-e1608584771983.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230708T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230708T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230619T154205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230620T182816Z
UID:6517-1688817600-1688817600@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:CLCC Community Engagement Award Celebration at Cedar Wood Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a ceremony honoring Avalonia Land Conservancy for winning the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s 2023 Excellence in Community Engagement Award. \nSaturday\, July 8\, 2023 at 12 PM\nat Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich\, CT\nRain Date: Sunday\, July 9 at 12:00 PM \nThe ceremony\, co-sponsored by Avalonia Land Conservancy and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council\, will feature brief statements by elected officials and will include performances by vocalists Teresa Eickel and Jaime Hamel\, as well as dancers from the youth performance group Blooming Into Greatness. This will be followed by an optional guided ½ mile walk through the relatively flat upper trails of the Preserve.   \nThis event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Limited seating will be available.  \n  \nAbout Cedar Wood Preserve   \nThe parking lot is at 180 North Wawecus Hill Road in Norwich. The lot has room for four vehicles and is located at the trailhead. Additional parking is available on the side of the road. Click here for more information about Cedar Wood Preserve. \n  \nAccessibility Note  \nParking: A short\, steep\, crushed stone driveway leads to the lot. One of the four spaces is accessible for people with disabilities. \nTrail: The upper trail is grassy and relatively level\, with occasional dips; most areas of the trail are about four feet wide.  \nCommunication: This event\, including the walk\, will be amplified and sign language interpreted. \nIf you have questions regarding the accessibility of this event\, please email Avalonia at Accessibility@avalonialc.org or call 860-884-3500. For Avalonia’s Accessibility Statement\, please visit our website.
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/clcc-community-engagement-award-celebration/
LOCATION:Cedar Wood Preserve\, 180 North Wawecus Hill Rd.\, Norwich\, CT\, 06360\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Preserves
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cedar-Wood-Preserve_0338-1536x1152-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230805T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230805T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230721T140442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230721T140810Z
UID:6543-1691229600-1691236800@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Explore the Preston Nature Preserve's Field of Natural History Dreams
DESCRIPTION:Explore Preston Nature Preserve’s Field of Natural History Dreams\nDon’t be fooled: a natural meadow may look like an unkempt lawn that a lazy homeowner has taken a holiday from mowing\, but look closer and you’ll discover an amazing and fascinating array of biological diversity. \nThe Preston Nature Preserve (PNP) offers explorers a pathway through several interconnected meadows that are at their prettiest in August. On Saturday\, August 5th\, from 10 a.m. to at least noon\, Avalonia naturalist Bruce Fellman will guide visitors on a leisurely tour of the 56-acre refuge’s treasure trove of native plants\, insects\, and birds that thrive in the fields\, as well as in the surrounding woods and wetlands. The botanical star of the meadow show is an expanse of Bee Balm\, a native member of the mint family whose showy pink\, red\, and purple flowers are butterfly\, bee\, and beetle magnets. If we’re lucky and patient\, we’re often blessed with sightings of hummingbird moths\, pint-sized hummer mimics that find Bee Balm blooms irresistible—and this is just the tip of the floral iceberg. Joe Pye Weed\, goldenrod\, native grass\, thistle\, and aster flowers will also be bringing in the pollinators. The milkweeds\, though past their blossom time\, will still be attracting Monarch butterflies\, whose eggs and leaf-eating caterpillars we’ll seek. Last but hardly least\, the PNP banquet usually includes a variety of dragonflies\, birds\, frogs\, and even a deer or two. \nBring binoculars\, hand lenses\, cameras\, notebooks\, your natural history curiosity\, and\, if you have them\, your kids and grandkids. Don’t forget the sunscreen\, bug spray\, water\, and a hat—it’s an easy 1.5 mile hike\, but it can be bright and hot in the fields. Rain date Sunday August 6. For more information\, contact Bruce Fellman\, 860-599-4867\, or bruce.fellman@yale.edu. \nRegister Here \nAccessibility Note \nParking: Ample off-street lot\, grass surface\, room for about a dozen cars\, no parking space accessible to people with disabilities. Lot located on 38 Krug Road at the PNP trailhead. Additional parking available along Krug Road. \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. \nCommunication: This walk will be amplified (Bruce will use a portable microphone system)\, with sign language interpretation available upon request. It will include sonograms of bird calls that we hear to provide pictorial representations of their songs. \nAvalonia Accessibility Statement: https://avalonia.org/accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities-statement/ If you have questions on the accessibility of this event\, please call Avalonia at 860-884-3500 or email accessibility@avalonia.org. \n \n  \n \nPhoto credit: Bruce Fellman
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/explore-the-preston-nature-preserves-field-of-natural-history-dreams/
LOCATION:Preston Nature Preserve\, Krug Road\, Preston\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hikes,Nature
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC_8989AsnowberryclearPNP.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230820
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230821
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230813T125924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230813T125924Z
UID:6591-1692489600-1692575999@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:An Introduction to Stewardship at Avalonia's Newest Preserve- Hunter Brook in Norwich!
DESCRIPTION:Join us Sunday morning\, August 20th from 9:00 -12:00\, on a visit to Avalonia’s recently acquired Hunter Brook Preserve in Norwich and be a part of our initial efforts at managing this beautiful 27-acre preserve!   \nWhether you are new to Avalonia or a longtime volunteer this will be chance to get acquainted with (or reacquainted with) some of the basics of preserve stewardship to include trail maintenance\, boundary posting\, invasive plant identification and removal techniques\, and general preserve monitoring. We also hope to install the new preserve sign adjacent to the trailhead. \nVolunteers are asked to bring gloves\, sturdy footwear\, drinking water\, and bug spray.  If you have loppers or clippers feel free to bring them.  Extra tools will be available on site. No experience necessary! \nThis is meant to be an informal introduction combined with some light work.  Just as important\, it will be a time to meet new people and\, hopefully\, an opportunity to learn from and share with our new neighbors along Hunter Brook! \nThe event will start at 9:00 am and we’ll will accomplish as much as possible until 12:00 pm.  There is no expectation of rain\, as of yet! \nWe will meet at the informal parking area\, between 163 and 139 on Hunter’s Road. \nConsider registering here.  Although it is not required\, it can help us in preparing for the event. \n  \n 
URL:https://avalonia.org/event/an-introduction-to-stewardship-at-avalonias-newest-preserve-hunter-brook-in-norwich/
CATEGORIES:Stewardship,Volunteering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hunter-Brook.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230909T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230909T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
CREATED:20230825T151445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230828T133827Z
UID:6609-1694250000-1694259000@avalonia.org
SUMMARY:Join Us to Paint the Preserve at Knox Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Knox Preserve in Stonington is a former farm that runs along Quiambog Cove\, just off Route 1 on Wilcox Road. With sweeping views of old orchards\, fields\, and of course the cove itself\, it’s an idyllic place for an outdoor painting event. \n \nJoin Avalonia’s Office Manager\, Mary Anne Sherman\, who will lead artists on a short hike through the preserve to spots overlooking the meadows and cove. 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 entrance to the Preserve\, hike a short distance\, and paint to our heart’s content.\n \nThis is the first of two Paint the Preserve events planned: the second event will be on Saturday\, October 7\, 2023\, at Preston Nature Preserve.\n \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE\n \nSuggestions: Bring your own easel and painting equipment\, water\, bug spray\, and sunscreen.\n \nParking: Park along the right side of Wilcox Road\, approximately 200 feet south of Route 1. The preserve is across the road. \nTrails: This is a short hike with an elevation of less than 50 feet on mowed grass or packed dirt with some 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\nhttps://avalonia.org/accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities-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-knox-preserve/
LOCATION:Knox Preserve\, Wilcox Road\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts,Nature,Preserves
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://avalonia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Knox-Preserve-water-9_22-sunny.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230916T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230916T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20230923T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20230923T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20230926T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230926T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20231007T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231007T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20231014T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231014T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20231028T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231028T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20231119T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231119T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20231203T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231203T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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;VALUE=DATE:20240126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240401
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20240224T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240224T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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;TZID=America/New_York:20240307T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240307T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20240403T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240403T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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;VALUE=DATE:20240413
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240415
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20240413T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240413T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20240421T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20240511T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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:20240518T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T220503
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
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END:VCALENDAR