Mary-Beth Kaeser of Horizon Wings, a State-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, will talk with us about what it means to be a “threatened” or “endangered” species. Learn about what caused the drastic decline of the Peregrine Falcon populations in North America in the 1960’s and ways we can help promote bird survival today. She will introduce us to some of the birds currently in her care, e.g. an American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Barn Owl, and Eagle.
This event was rescheduled from earlier in the year. It is part of the Nature Lecture Series co-sponsored by Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services. Join us in person at the Bloomfield Human Services Center or by Zoom. RSVP to help us plan ahead or to receive the webinar link:
Starting at the parking lot for Farmington Canal Trail on Copper Hill Rd., East Granby, we will proceed south along the rail trail until we come to the trail for Newgate Wildlife Management Area. We will take this trail to the Newgate Pond. We will return either along the same path or take the power line cut north to reconnect to the road. Participant registration opens May 8. Register for our Newgate Pond hike in East Granby, or visit the CT Trails Day site to choose from many events across the state.
Bring your binoculars for birding along the fields, woods, and reservoir at Northwest Park. You will learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Led by Brian Kleinman, Riverside Reptiles Education Center owner and member of Hartford Audubon Society. Dress in layers. RSVP in advance.
We’re pleased to announce that we have extended our Nature Lecture Series for an additional virtual program about how to be “River Smart!” Heather Geist, Farmington River Watershed Association Education Manager, and Mary Rickel Pelletier, Park Watershed Director, will discuss stormwater pollution, water conservation, and recent updates to the North Branch Park River Management Plan. Come learn the importance of water in our area and how you can help protect streams and groundwater on your property and across the region. Co-sponsored by Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services. RSVP in advance to receive the weblink for this virtual program. Corrected registration link: Register.
Learn how to draw native flowers: Bottle Gentian, Wood Lily, and New England Aster with local artist, Hayli. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Register at egpl.org.
Meet at the Bloomfield Human Services Center at 330 Park Ave to help pick up debris to keep our streets clean. Gloves, pickers, bags, and safety vests will be provided. Teams of volunteers will pick up debris on specific streets designated with guided assistance from co-sponsors: Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy, Bloomfield Beautification Committee, TREES FOR BLOOMFIELD initiative, Bloomfield Department of Public Works, and Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services.
Pre-register through Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services by Wednesday, April 24: Community Clean Up Day. Those who pre-register are invited to join us after the event for a free lunch at 12:30 at Bloomfield Town Hall. A brief Arbor Day Ceremony will follow!
East Granby Middle School Youth Action Council and Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy are asking your group to join them in a town-wide clean up on Sunday, April 21st, 2023 from 10-12 pm. We are asking all town organizations and small groups of any kind to commit to cleaning up one mile of East Granby roads. We will provide the bags and vests for your group and DPW will pick up all trash bags Monday, April 22nd. Let’s all work together to keep our town looking great. Note: All youth groups must have at least two adults in attendance, including high school groups. To register your group go to: East Granby Recreation Department.
Join us after the North Central Conservation District annual plant sale at Hawk Hill Farm for a trail walk with Ron Pitz, DEEP Certified Master Wildlife Conservationist and retired Executive Director of The Knox Park Foundation and Peter Picone, Urban Wildlife Biologist from State of CT DEEP. Ron and Peter will showcase the invasive control work we have done on the property as well as identify and discuss connections between native plants and trees along the way. More details & links to RSVP in advance.
Many of the wetlands and forests the Land Conservancy helps to protect provide important habitat to native turtle species. The next event in our Nature Lecture Series will feature Brian Kleinman discussing turtles native to Connecticut, including protected species such as the Spotted Turtle. Brian is the owner of Riverside Reptiles Education Center in Enfield and will bring some live turtles with him!
- In Person: Help us plan ahead by RSVPing to attend in person.
- Via Zoom: RSVP to receive your link to the webinar in advance.
The Nature Lectures are cosponsored by the Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy and Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Department. This event will be offered in-person and via Zoom for your convenience. Use one of the online RSVP forms above to register for free in advance.
Dragonflies and Damselflies are among the earliest of insects and have been on Earth for an estimated 300 million years. The largest fossil dragonfly had a wingspan of over two feet! Although smaller today, dragonflies are the fastest flying insects and, along with their smaller relatives, damselflies, remain important environmental indicators of the quality of our environment.
Join Jay Kaplan, Director of Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, for a free webinar to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Use the online RSVP form to receive your link to the webinar in advance. The Land Conservancy’s nature lecture series is co-sponsored by Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services.