As always, it’s a good idea to wear long pants, long sleeves, socks, sturdy shoes, work gloves, bug spray, and sunscreen. Bring water to drink.
Join us to explore the ecological importance of mature forests and the role they play in protecting biodiversity, water resources and the environment.
TRLC is proud to join Simsbury Public Library, New England Forests, Real Art Ways, Simsbury Grange, and neighboring land trusts in presenting a special film series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through the beauty and importance of New England’s old-growth forests.
The series features films by filmmaker Ray Asselin:
- November 19: Old Growth Forests: Nature’s Biotic Water Pump. Have you ever thought about where fresh water comes from? How it gets here? This film helps explain the role that forests play in making Earth a place where life thrives.
- December 17: Proforestation: Letting Forests Grow Old.Three scientists speak about New England’s remaining old-growth forests and how the evolution of forests produced the environmental conditions that give us a place to thrive.
Each evening begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a film at 6:30 p.m. and a brief Q&A with Ray Asselin. Registration required.
Paula Jones and Kevin Gough lead a series of three hikes which require registration in UConn’s Adult Learning Program (ALP).
They explore hiking trails within a 20-mile radius of Bloomfield recommended for their natural beauty, historical significance, flora and fauna, or other unique characteristics. Carpooling will often be suggested. Participants should be able to walk 2.5 to 3 miles over uneven terrain.
Registration in the program, which includes a fee, is required. There is an additional fee to offset ALP’s insurance cost. Details as to directions, meeting places, dog rules, etc. will be provided by e-mail before the hike.
For the last hike of the season, we’ll hike the trail on the old railroad bed that lies east of the reservoir, part of the water supply for central Connecticut. A mostly flat out-and-back trail with a few small hills and stream crossings.
Please join us for this hike with TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul for our first winter hike on the paved loop in Penwood State Park. Even though we’ll be hiking on the road, the views through this thickly forested area should help bring out the holiday spirit.
The planned hike is about 2.5 miles, and it’s expected to take 2-3 hours, depending on the trail conditions and our group’s pace.
Although the road slopes upward in the earlier part of the hike, the majority of the route is relatively flat, without many rocks or roots. However, with the potential for snow and/or ice on the road, some combination of hiking boots, ski poles and/or grippers is strongly recommended.
We’ll depart at 10:30 AM from the parking lot off Simsbury Road. Alternate date of December 18 if we need to reschedule.
Co-sponsored by Simsbury Land Trust.