Guided Hikes, Paddles & Pedals Beckon You to Spring Outdoors!

Your Spring Outdoors opportunities for fun from May 6 – May 12, 2017.

This week Spring Outdoors in The Last Green Valley beckons you to take advantage of a variety of free guided adventures all over the National Heritage Corridor!

Welcome May with a choice of two bright and early bird walks on Saturday, May 6^th:

• The “Pigeon Swamp Preserve Bird Walk” takes off at 6 am with Joshua’s Trust in Lebanon.
• Or, flock to Opacum Land Trust’s Thompson Family Forever Preserve in Southbridge at 7 am for “Bird Watching with the Bird Store’s Bill.” Bring binoculars and the kids, but please leave the dogs at home.

Enjoy “Nature Sketchbook Journaling at Trail Wood” and learn how to enhance your creativity on Saturday, May 6^th at 9 am. The CT Audubon Society member fee is $10, non-members $20, and worth every cent to work with an engaging artist.

Mansfield’s series of free workshop continues with “Backyard Composting” on Saturday, May 6^th starting at 10 am. Pre-register with Virginia at waltonvd@mansfieldct.org to assure your spot.

Jump in and meet Paddle Killingly on their “Quinebaug River from Fayban to W. Thompson Dam” paddle on Saturday, May 6^th, with oars in at 9:30 am. A car shuttle is involved on this fast water paddle with minimal rapids. River paddling experience is recommended. Bring your kayak, PFD (life jacket) and a whistle. Pre-register and details on the www.meet-up.com/PaddleKillingly site.

“Snows Pond Family Fishing Festival” in Charlton aims to hook kids on fishing. It’s free and non-competitive. Bring your own equipment, or borrow theirs on Saturday, May 6^th starting at 10 am.

Museum season arrives with “Opening Day at the Railroad Museum” on Saturday, May 6^th from 10 am – 3 pm in Willimantic. You won’t believe this family-friendly hidden treasure, filled with too many items to mention here.

Relive history at “Samuel’s Hearty New England Breakfast” on Saturday, May 6^th at the Huntington Homestead Museum in Scotland, featuring a 1750’s meal cooking demonstration. Children are invited to help with kitchen chores of the day such as setting the table. Minor fee of $3.50 each, $10 for family of 4 (children 12 and under free) and well worth it.

“Downtown Danielson Architectural & Historical Walk” steps off on Saturday, May 6^th at 3 pm. Gaze up at the adornments and different building styles as we learn about businesses that worked here in the past, as well as witness the renaissance happening now.

Guided hikes are also happening on Saturday, May 6^th:

• at 1 pm with “Walk the Cat Hollow & Smell Spring” in Killingly. Enjoy magnolias, stunning gardens, a 35’ high waterfall, an old dam and more with the Conservation Commission.
• Then walk “The River, Rail, Mills, & Trails” on Sunday, May 7^th at 11 am in Willimantic to learn how the rails, rivers and mills are all tied together and have rich historical importance.

Bike Mansfield pedals out with their “No-Drop Ride” and “Commuting by Bike & Safe Riding in Traffic,” both Thursday, May 11^th. The 15-20 mile ride kicks off at 5 pm from the Mansfield Community Center. After the ride, attend the workshop featuring bike commuting for work and daily errands, with a focus on safety. Call 860-429-3015 to pre-register for the ride and the presentation.

To get all the Spring Outdoor choices, visit our Spring Outdoors page or TLGV’s Facebook page. New adventures are being added all the time, so be sure to check in often!

The Last Green Valley is a National Heritage Corridor – the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.  The Last Green Valley works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!