Here There Be Dragons: The Unseen World of Dragonflies
By Dr. Kirsten Martin, Professor of Biology and Program Director for Environmental Science at the University of Saint Joseph
Dr. Martin will talk about the life cycle of dragonflies, with special attention paid to the nymphal and emergence stages. She will also talk about her work with the Dragonfly Mercury Project, a project which uses dragonflies to track mercury deposition.
Dr. Kirsten Martin is an environmental scientist whose research work focuses on nymphal dragonfly behavior. She earned her BS in Wildlife Management from the University of New Hampshire, an MS in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University, and her PhD in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England.
Co-sponsored by: Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
Penwood State Park Hike
New for 2026!:
Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy Hiking Club
Anyone is welcome to join the brand new Traprock Ridge Hiking Club exploring trails in our local area. We will be hosting these hikes in partnership with the Simsbury Land Trust Hiking Club to share even more of our region’s protected lands with you!
The first hike of the new Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy Hiking Club will be held at Penwood State Park and led by TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul. The planned route is about 3 miles, and it is expected to take 2-3 hours, depending on our group’s pace.
We will be hiking the scenic yellow trail, potentially returning on the orange trail for a loop route. Depending on the trail conditions, this is expected to be a moderate hike with a limited number of inclines and areas with uneven footing. Since there is potential for snow and/or ice on the trail, please wear sturdy shoes or boots that have good traction, and bring poles to use if you like to do so.
The Abundant Life in Old Dead Trees
By Margery Winters, Assistant Director at Roaring Brook Nature Center
Once considered a wasted resource and a hazard in forest landscapes, dead trees and logs are now known to be valuable and essential parts of a healthy forest ecosystem. Learn how they provide habitat and food for many terrestrial and aquatic species, act as seedbeds for new trees, and serve as a source of water, energy, carbon, and nutrients for the entire forest.
Margery is a long-time nature instructor at Roaring Brook Nature Center
in Canton where she is delighted to share her passion for earth sciences and
nature with students of all ages. Margery currently serves as chair of the
Simsbury Conservation Commission, is a member of the Simsbury Open Space
Committee, and is president of the Simsbury Land Trust.
Co-sponsored by: Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
Nature Lecture: Bobolinks and Warblers
By Zellene Sandler, DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist
May is the month when many birds arrive back to their nesting
territories, some flying thousands of miles. We will learn about what causes
birds to migrate in spring and fall, how latest technology is used to track
them, and dangers to migrating birds. We will discuss the Bobolinks of
Bloomfield and the issues they face here and will view a video on warblers, the little gems of the bird world.
Zellene, a past president of the Hartford Audubon Society, leads hikes
and naturalist walks for the Appalachian Mountain Club. She is a dedicated
birder and occasional wild plant and mushroom forager who writes occasional articles for local papers and environmental groups, and book reviews for the Horticultural Society and the Audubon.
Co-sponsored by: Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services