Exploring The Last Green Valley – Spring Outdoors in The Last Green Valley

In this column two weeks ago I introduced readers to a new program sponsored by The Last Green Valley called “Spring Outdoors.”

We are partnering with our region’s land trusts and conservation commissions to showcase and introduce preserved properties, and to share stories and management strategies on their conservation lands.

If you’re interested in experiencing wonderful outdoor locations and learning about the organizations that are actively preserving land, then we hope you will take an interest in Spring Outdoors and attend one or more of the walks and programs.

Here in The Last Green Valley, several organizations are working to preserve open space and woodlands. Spring Outdoors includes a total of 22 walks and programs, and more may be added as the program advances through April and May.

For the entire list of walks, go to The Last Green Valley website at thelastgreenvalley.org and click on the Explore tab, then the Spring Outdoors tab to download and print the brochure. If you prefer, The Last Green Valley website Events Calendar as well as our Facebook page also have up-to-date information on Spring Outdoors.

Next Saturday, April 30^th, you may want to check out a walk at Joshua’s Trust Friedman Memorial Forest on Bebbington Road in Ashford. “Walking the Woods for Wildlife” is from 9:00 – 11:00 am and participants will discuss and practice deliberately walking to maximize wildlife sightings while traversing a 2 mile loop through diverse ecosystems. For more information call 860-450-0845 or visit the Joshua’s Trust website at joshuastrust.org.

If you’re interested in a bird walk you’ll want to check out CT Audubon’s “Beginners Bird Walk” on Sunday, May 1^st from 8:00 – 10:00 am. Located at the CT Audubon Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret, this 2 mile walk is for those new to bird watching. Some of the more colorful spring birds are back and with leaves not fully out yet, there are improved viewing opportunities. There is a fee for this program of $5 for CAS members and $10 for non-members. For more information call 860-928-4948 or visit their website at ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret.

On Saturday, May 7^th, Palmer Arboretum in Woodstock and the Town of Woodstock are hosting “Trees of Woodstock Hill” from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Palmer Arboretum is located at 523 Route 169 in Woodstock. Participants will tour the 100 year-old arboretum and view special tress on Woodstock Hill’s Common. For more information call 860-928-9469, ext. 322.

Celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8^th from 10:00 – 11:00 am with a “Mother’s Day Walk at McCann Family Farm” in Somers. Sponsored by the Northern CT Land Trust, this 1.5 mile walk is great for families and includes a comfortable trail through fields and forest — good for bird-watching. McCann Family Farm is located at 600 Main Street in Somers with parking at the rear of the Somers Town Hall. For more information call 860-623-5487.

Spring is here and this is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and discover new places to explore with family and friends. I hope you’ll take the time to get out and to learn more about our region’s organizations that are actively preserving land for generations to enjoy in the future.

We are lucky to live in a beautiful region with boundless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I hope you’ll join me as we care for, enjoy, and pass on our natural world.

Bill Reid is the Chief Ranger of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor and has lived in the region for more than 30 years. He can be reached at bill@tlgv.org

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