Parker Lord, who grew up in Essex and who now resides in Lyme, will recount his 410 mile canoe journey down the Connecticut River. Along with fellow re-enactor Jim Poole, Parker paddled the entire river from the source to the sound, part of the way in a birch bark canoe. Refreshments served.

Robert Thorson, UCONN professor and stone wall expert, will talk at 1:45pm about his award-winning book. After refreshments he will lead a walk through Cross Lots to discuss and view the many stone walls in that preserve. Co-sponsored by the Essex Garden Club, the public is invited to all or part of this program. Park at Town Hall.

Join Erik Becker, director of Bushy Hill Nature Center, to learn about the ancestral skills and customs of Native Americans who lived here before the arrival of European settlers. Refreshments served.

April

Members and nonmembers of the Essex Land Trust are invited to attend the annual meeting. There is a charge for the buffet (5:30pm-7pm) but you may attend the business meeting at 7pm at no charge. Members automatically receive an invitation. Non-members who wish to attend should contact Peggy Tuttle 860-767-7916.

On Earth Day, join us for the movie “A Sense of Wonder” about
the life of Rachel Carson, renowned pioneer for the natural world and author of the 1962 best seller “Silent Spring” which launched the modern environmental movement. Refreshments served.

Help Essex Land Trust volunteers and other local organizations restore our preserves after a long winter by picking-up brush and clearing trails and streams. Some raking and planting are planned. All ages are welcome; make it a family outing. Meet at the Town Hall parking lot at 9am. Rain or shine. Refreshments served.

Learn about the importance of the Connecticut River to the Long Island Sound watershed. Hear Tom Andersen, author of “This Fine Piece of Water,” trace the history of the sound, its geological origins, early residents, colonization, beautiful natural resources and more. Refreshments served. Co-sponsored with Potapaug Audubon Society..

David LaBella, author and photographer, will lead a special walk at Canfield-Meadow Woods. David will instruct photographers of all levels on how best to take terrific photos of our natural world. Bring your camera. Meet at the Book Hill Woods Rd cul-de-sac.

Join Phil Miller for an educational night walk that culminates in a bonfire and marshmallow roast. Children must be accompanied by adults. Park at the end of Falls River Drive, Ivoryton.

From 4-5pm join Priscilla Wood of Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel and Phil Miller, as they lead a special walk through Cross Lots. They will focus on fun (but educational) games and scavenger hunts for kids of all ages. At 5pm, find a spot on the hill to listen to the Essex Corinthian Jazz Band. Bring your picnic, blankets and chairs. After the band finishes playing, the Land Trust will unveil an updated plaque of major donors. Park at Town Hall.

Get to know more about this hidden gem!! Hike the preserve with Adrienne Brochu and Steve Bancroft, property stewards, leading the way. Park behind left side of the Shoreline Clinic on route 153.

Phil Miller will lead a walk to the south of Essex Boat Club. This
area is generally not open to the public. After the walk, we’ll have a BYO picnic at the Boat Club. Park at Essex Boat Club.

Paddle with Phil Miller around Thatchbed Island, viewing birds and plants and the beauty of Middle and South Coves. Open to paddlers of all ages and abilities. Launch from the shoreline access at the foot of Main St. Co-sponsored by Potapaug Audubon Society.

Historian Chris Pagliuco will cover native American culture in Connecticut and the difficult and complex relations between the natives and European colonists. Co-sponsored by the Essex Historical Society. Refreshments served.

Join ELT volunteers and other local organizations participating in the largest one-day cleanup effort. We will focus on Great Meadows and perhaps Thatchbed Island, both Essex Land Trust preserves. With the help of other community groups we will also tackle cleanup of other riverfront areas of Essex. All ages are welcome. Meet at the Town Hall parking lot at 9am for your assignment. Rain or shine. Refreshments served.

Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and migrating birds that can be viewed on this paddle, led by naturalist Phil Miller. Open to paddlers of all ages and abilities. Park at the shore access at the end of Bushnell St. Co-sponsored by Potapaug Audubon Society.