Celebrate the winter solstice with TLGV and the Friends of Pachaug Forest at 10 am on Dec. 21. We’ll start at the youth camping area with a 2.2 mile loop hike through the beautiful cedar swamp, into a varied landscape with large hardwood trees and white pines and then over to Edmonds Pond marsh where we have the chance to spot a bald eagle. We’ll end up back at the CCC Camp area where we’ll relax with a bonfire, hot cocoa and snacks. Participants are welcome to share their thoughts on the winter solstice, including poetry or prose. The hike is mostly level and on dirt roads. Bring a chair for around the campfire. For more information, please contact Chief Ranger Bill Reid at bill@tlgv.org or 860-774-3300.

The Youth Camping Area is accessible off of the Pachaug State Forest Main Entrance on Rt. 49 in Voluntown, CT. From the intersection with Rt. 138, the forest entrance is about 1-mile on the left. There is a Smokey The Bear sign at the entrance. Follow the park road to the right and at the CCC statue stay to the right. The youth camping area is ahead. We will have signs. Ample parking.