MARCH 20 MARCH 23. Check Often for Updates on our website: thelastgreenvalley.org

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1 MARCH 20 A Special Vernal Equinox TLGV Member Hike: 11:30 am 1 pm. Join us for a special Vernal Equinox hike at West Thompson Dam as we celebrate the Vernal Equinox and first day of Spring 2018 at 12:15 pm. We ll meet up at the US ARMY Corps of Engineers parking lot on West Thompson road adjacent to the dam. From there we ll hike the Ramsdell Woods Trail to the West Shelter. At the shelter we ll enjoy lunch and the first moments of Spring From there we ll hike back the Shoreline Road and enjoy the views of beautiful West Thompson Lake. The hike is just over 2 miles round trip. Bring a bag lunch and TLGV will pack in cider and cookies for all to enjoy. Registration required. Call Chief Ranger Bill Reid at or via at bill@tlgv.org Sponsored by The Last Green Valley Moderate; 2 miles, leashed dogs only Woods Forum: 6:30 8 pm, Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Rd., Hampton, CT. Please join CFPA as we bring together Connecticut woodland owners and conservation professionals to share information and experiences and create an informal, local network of contacts to help provide support for healthy woodland management and stewardship. At this forum, you will hear a short presentation, meet local landowners, engage with conservation experts, and share knowledge with your neighbors. Curious about growing mushrooms? Backyard sugaring? What your neighbors are up to? Don t miss out! Beverages and snacks will be served! Please RSVP: bbernard@ctwoodlands.org. For more information, contact Beth Bernard, Program Director at Goodwin Conservation Center: Sponsored by Connecticut Forest & Park Association, DT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, and the Friends of Goodwin Forest MARCH 23 Check Often for Updates on our website: thelastgreenvalley.org Bark ID for Goodwin Trees: 3:30-5:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton. Ever wanted to learn how to identify a tree by the bark and not by the leaves? Join Master Naturalist Caroline Driscoll as you learn all about bark. Learn about how it s made, why it s so important, and what it does for the tree. You will get to go outside and identify a few trees of your own. Caroline Driscoll has served on the CFPA Board of Directors since 2005.

2 She has taught at both preschool and college levels. Her love of the outdoors and teaching led to a position at the Connecticut College Arboretum where she continues to consult while she works toward a certificate in horticultural illustration at the New York Botanical Garden and her Master Naturalist certification at the Goodwin Conservation Center. For Information, call Jasper Sha at or jasper.sha@ct.gove or visit MARCH 24 Candlewood Ridge Trail Building: 10 am to noon, Larchmont Terrace, Groton, CT. Family friendly trail building work party to enhance a half mile section of trail crossing rugged terrain by removing new growth and building brush pikes to improve habitat. Hand tools and light power tools will be provided. Organizations, service and youth group welcome. Free event. Please register at: or dsmith0705@sbcglobal. net Sponsored by Groton Open Space Association, Moderate;.5 mile, NO dogs please Gardener s Roundtable: 10 11:30 a.m., James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton. This workshop is intended for gardeners of all experience levels. We share best practices and pitfalls for gardening in eastern Connecticut. These monthly workshops cover a wide-range of topics, so please come with your questions, your expertise, and your own stories of success and failure in your gardens. For Information, call Jsaper Sha at or jasper.sha@ct.gove or visit Youth Series: Discover Goodwin Forest-Lichen: 1 to 3 p.m., James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton. Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest Master Naturalist Regan Stacey as we explore the wonderful world of lichen! Come discover the patches of green that grow on trees and rocks, the beards that hang from branches, and the soft pillows tucked along stone walls. A talk and touch session will introduce the three basic kinds of lichen you can find among our forests. We ll then take a discovery walk to find as many as we can! Regan Stacey is a participant in the Master Naturalist II Program at Goodwin Forest. She is a practicing artist who holds a B.S. in biology, an M.F.A in visual studies, and is a self-proclaimed forest whisperer. Lynn Kochiss is an environmental educator who has been a CFPA volunteer since She is a certified elementary teacher, a Project Learning Tree Facilitator, and a Master Naturalist. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Registration is Required For Information, call Jasper Sha at or jasper.sha@ct.gov or visit MARCH 25 The Last Green Valley s Acorn Adventure: Treasure Hunting on the Trails; 1-3 p.m., Camp Laurel, 175 Clubhouse Road, Lebanon CT. The Last Green Valley is teaming up with the Girl Scouts of Connecticut to hold a letterboxing Acorn Adventure. Do you like to be outside? Do you like to search for treasure? Letterboxing is a family-friendly hobby that gets you outside to follow the clues and find the treasure, a hand-carved stamp that you can add to your personal log book. Acorn Adventurers will get an introduction to letterboxing and their own letterboxing kits, which will include a starter logbook, an inkpad and the chance to make a personal stamp. The group will then hike the trails of Camp Laurel, following the clues to find a series of four letterboxes. The program is open to all kids and their families. To learn more about letterboxing, visit

3 Please register by calling Fran at , tlgv.org or message us through facebook. Registering will ensure we have enough materials for everyone! Primary leader: Kim McLean Buffumville Dam Tour: 1 2 pm, Buffumville Dam, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Would you like to know why the lake is lower in the winter months? Have you ever wondered what the Park Rangers do in the winter and in other seasons? Do you like to learn about weather and perhaps learn a little about flood water storage and protection? Then join Park Ranger Jamie to learn all about it. Meet at the gate house doors (48 Old Oxford Road, Charlton) for an exclusive tour, inside and out. Rain or shine. Please Note: There are many stairs within the tour. Questions? Free tour. Sponsored by: US Army Corps of Engineers usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/buffumville-lake/ Moderate; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children; NO dogs please New Bus Tour -- Mills and Beyond : 1 p.m., Killingly Conservation Commission is offering a new event in its Back Roads of Undiscovered Killingly series.this Back Roads Tour will focus on the mills along the Whetstone Brook, plus some scenic vistas and a historic farm. Planned for March before the leaves pop out on trees, the stone ruins of old mills are more visible. Join bus tour guides from Killingly Conservation Commission to learn how Killingly developed during the Industrial Revolution and how some mills have been repurposed. Limited seating; reservations are required by March 21, with name, phone and number attending, and find out where to meet. Call or dguertin@killinglyct.gov MARCH 30 The Art of the Sit Spot: 4 to 5:30 p.m., James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton. Join Beth Bernard, Program Director at the James L. Goodwin Conservation Center in a unique journey to discover the lost art of the sit spot. This observation tool increases awareness, calms the body and mind, and opens up a world of awesome nature sightings! We will be taking a short hike and participating in exercises that awaken our senses. During our sit spot, we will stay in one spot and let nature come to us. Be dressed for the weather and bring a small mat or towel to sit on if you desire. Age 12-adult.

4 For Information, call Jasper Sha at or or visit MARCH 31 Wildflower Walk: 9:30 11:00 am, Joshua s Trust Hubbard Sanctuary/Agnes Pasture in Chaplin. Accompany naturalist Deb Field as we look for spring wildflowers. Walk is approximately 2 miles, moderate difficulty. Wear appropriate clothing for weather. Please register at activities@ joshuastrust.org. Limited to 12 participants. Please no dogs or children under age 12. No rain date. This is the first of 5 spring wildflower walks each one should uncover different flower species depending on how spring unfolds this year. You are welcome to join us on all or on any one of them. Please register for each one individually. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust Moderate; 2 miles, NO dogs please, no children under 12 Dark Sky in The Last Green Valley Light Pollution 101: 1-3 pm, The Last Green Valley Office, 203B Main St. (2 nd Floor), Danielson, CT. Light pollution is the unwanted intrusion of light into our night sky, landscapes, and homes. Light Pollution 101 reveals how light pollution affects human beings, kills tens of thousands of animals annually, and actually makes us less secure in our neighborhoods. The Last Green Valley is blessed with minimal light pollution as seen from outer space but light pollution is expanding up the I-395 corridor. This program focuses on how to improve light fixtures and reduce lighting costs while at the same time providing a more secure and eco-friendly environment for animals, plants, and humans. This program is appropriate for all ages 6+. This program is offered by TLGV Ranger Geoff McLean. Please RSVP to Chief Ranger Bill Reid at bill@tlgv.org or call Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and McLean Research Elevator and Restrooms available. Children 6 and older welcome. Colonial Gardens: 1-3 p.m., James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton. The Europeans who settled the colonies had substantial knowledge of how to use plants in cooking and healing. They brought seeds and plants with them and saw other favorites come over with each new ship. Their gardens developed from their own knowledge and from the new information obtained by the natives they encounter. Their gardens and their medicines emerged as a blend of old and new. This workshop will illustrate early gardens and plant uses from the colonial period of North America with specific emphasis on New England. Debra Hultgren is a retired public school educator and administrator. She is a practicing community herbalist and a master gardener. She grows, harvests and prepares plant foods and medicines and teaches others how to include these healing traditions in their own lives. For Information, call Jasper Sha at or jasper.sha@ct.gov or visit Spring/Easter Saturday Full Moon Walk: 7 pm 8 pm, Hodges Village Dam, 30 Howarth Rd., Oxford, MA. This is your best opportunity over the holiday weekend, to bring the family down for a leisurely, springtime stroll under the moon. Please meet the Ranger on Saturday, March 31st at 7 pm at Hodges Village Dam (30 Howarth Road, Oxford). No registration required, just show up. Cancelled if very rainy. (Sunset 7:11 pm, Moon Rise 7:30 pm). Free event. Please visit our website at: mil/missions/recreation/hodges-village-dam/ Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; 1 mile, restrooms nearby, especially for families with children Blue Moon Night Hike: 7:30 8:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton. Let the full moon guide your path as you take a night hike at Goodwin State Forest. Goodwin Guide Kat Gayson will be taking you on a moonlit journey through the forest to bear witness to the changes in nature from day to night. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if desired, they are not necessary. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

5 For Information, call Jasper Sha at or or visit APRIL 2 A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30-7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all 13! Free event. April 2nd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA APRIL 4 A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children Woodcock Watch: Connecticut Audubon Society, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT Wednesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m. A sure harbinger of spring, this fascinating little bird puts on a riveting mating display at dusk. As long as the weather cooperates, we should hear & see them in action. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. (860) Sponsored by CT Audubon Pomfret Center APRIL 6 A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 pm 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, April 4, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 6th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 7 Long Pond Bird Walk: Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT am. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret and we ll carpool to this new Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson. This property contains early successional habitat, mature conifer forest, a secluded 20 acre lake, and acres of sub-

6 Spring Outdoors 2018 merged shrub lands. Bring a spotting scope or share with the group. Fee: $7 CAS members; $12 non-members. (860) Sponsored by CT Audubon Pomfret Center Survival 101- Fire Making: 10 am to noon, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT Learn how to build a fire using both ancient and modern techniques (with or without matches) in this continuing survival course taught by the Baranski brothers. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $3 CAS members; $7 non-members. (860) Sponsored by CT Audubon Pomfret Center Backpacking for Spring, Summer, and Fall with Mat Jobin: 10 am to noon. James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Join Goodwin Conservation Center and Reach Your Summit for a special interactive backpacking fundamentals presentation. Whether you are new to backpacking or a seasoned trekker, you ll learn what is necessary to pack physically and mentally for 3-season trips. Enjoy a show-and-tell of gear and learn tips on packing a backpack, campsite selection, efficient hiking, lightweight alternatives, and more drawn from Mat s personal experience out on the trails. Mat Jobin, is the founder, owner, and guide for the adventure travel company Reach Your Summit. As a guide since 2010, Mat has led hundreds of trips for individuals, business groups, and families. He has hiked considerable distance trails such as the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, New England Trail, Pacific Crest, and many others with extensive backpacking experience. For more information on trips with Mat, please visit Reach Your Summit. Leffingwell House Museum Opening Day: 11 am to 4 pm, 348 Washington St. Norwich, CT. Join us for the 2018 Season Opening of the Leffingwell House Museum on Saturday, April 7, 11-4pm. During your tour of the 343 year old building, talk with the Revolutionary sailors of the Crew of the Raven--recreators of Naval History. In the new Colonial Cottage Craft Room, see the home industries done by the hardworking colonial housewife. Appreciate the fine art of spinning wool to thread demonstrated by Janice Steinhagen. Look inside the new display cases filled with early reticules in the Norwich Exhibit Room.

7 Enjoy the taste of the official drink of Norwich: Leffingwell Cocoa as well as other chocolate treats in honor of Christopher Leffingwell s cocoa mill located in 1790 Norwich. Watch and Learn about the candle making process. Meet Christopher Leffingwell, Patriot and entrepreneur. Fee: $5 Medicinal Weeds of Connecticut: 2-3 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. This workshop will emphasize the identification and use of wonderful weeds. Sample plants will be shared and weather permitting, a weed walk will be included to help participants recognize local weeds. Recipes will be shared and demonstrated. APRIL 8 Spectrum of Sports: 10 am to noon, Killingly High School, Killingly. An inclusive sports clinic and resource fair for children of all abilities between the ages of Sport stations include: soccer, yoga, nutrition obstacle course, basketball, running and more. Parents are encouraged to stay throughout the event to check out the Resource Vendors. Hosted by The Arc Quinebaug Valley & NOW Northeast Opportunities for Wellness. Register online at Click on Events & scroll to Spectrum of Sports. For more information, please contact Mallory Moreau/Crystal Simonson at The Arc at or Kelsey Quinn/Sarah Wolfburg at NOW at Free event. Candlewood Hill Wildlife Management Area Hike: 10 am to 1 pm, 1245 Gold Star Highway, Groton, CT. Look for special event signs. State s newest Wildlife Management Area, featuring scenic rock formations, cliffs, historic quarries, granite ridges and hollows. Rare and imperiled 44-acre pitch pine/scrub oak forest. Challenging, steep, difficult, rocky terrain. Good balance and endurance are needed. Bring hiking boots, water and snack. Unmarked trails cover a large area. This is a 4.5-mile hike. Heavy rain cancels. Registration requested at gosamail@gmail.com. Free event. Sponsored by Groton Open Space Association, www. gosaonline.org Difficult; 4.5 miles, NO dogs please. Long Distance Guided Hike: noon to 3 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Expect a 5-7 mile hike. Goodwin Guide Kat Gayson, will be taking you on this long distance hike as she points out nature tidbits here and there. All are welcome, including friendly dogs. The Porter Farm the Barns and Beyond: 1 2:30 pm, Apr. 8, 2382 South St., Coventry, CT. Take a walk with the Coventry Historical Society through the Porter Farm behind our Museum the Strong Porter House and its Barn, and see the recently rediscovered system of ponds, dams, cart path and enclosures. We are actively trying to understand how the Porter family used this part of their farm perhaps for certain steps in the production of cloth. Free event. Sponsored by Coventry Historical Society. Moderate; ½ mile; restrooms nearby; age 12+ only, rain date, April 22. Primary Leader: Susan Way, susanway@gmail.com or call Favorite Hikes of CT with Jim Giana - Case Mountain-Yellow Trail: 1-2 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Looking for new trails in Connecticut to explore, but want to hear some reviews? Jim Giana has hiked all of the blue-blazed trails in Connecticut and then some. Learn what makes the Yellow Trail on Case Mountain his favorite. Learn about the maps of the area, see photos of the view, the unique geology, interesting sights (and sites), and all the things you ll find along the way. Jim Giana has footprints all over Connecticut. He turned hiking into his hobby and now is a member of the CT AMC s 400 club, a CFPA Blue Trails Challenge 400-miler, a Steep Rock 36 er, a volunteer trail monitor and a property steward. APRIL 9 Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT

8 Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 9th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 11 A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 13 A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 14 Wildflower Walk: 9:30 11:00 am, Joshua s Trust Hubbard Sanctuary/Agnes Pasture, Chaplin. Accompany naturalist Deb Field as we look for spring wildflowers. Walk is approximately 2 miles, moderate difficulty. Wear appropriate clothing for weather. Please register at activities@ joshuastrust.org. Limited to 12 participants. Please no dogs or children under age 12. No rain date. This is the second of 5 spring wildflower walks each one should uncover different flower species depending on how spring unfolds this year. You are welcome to join us on all or on any one of them. Please register for each one individually. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust Moderate, 2 miles, NO dogs please, no children under 12 Bull Hill Scenic View Hike: 10 am to 2 pm, 401 Ravenelle Rd., N. Grosvenordale, CT, Park on the grass shoulder on the east side of the road. Join TLGV Board member Janet Blanchette and Wyndham Land Trust Board member Jeff Stefanik on a hike to Bull Hill property owned by WLT in Thompson. We will hike from Ravenelle Road north through Army Corps property and then, partially along roads, hike up to a scenic viewing area for lunch. Be prepared for stream crossings, hills, and rocky, rooty, wet trails. Free event. Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley and Wyndham Land Trust. Moderate Difficult; 6 miles; leashed dogs welcome; bring water, lunch or a snack Rain date: April 15 Primary Leader: Janet Blanchette, blanchettejanet@

9 Spring Outdoors 2018 gmail.com, phone: NHS Second Saturday Tour - Nature Walk on the Shetucket: 10:30 am to noon, Apr. 14, 10 Roosevelt Ave., Norwich, CT. We will be meeting at the parking lot at the east end of the 8th St. Bridge. The walk is about a 1.5 mile round trip along the eastern bank of the Shetucket River. It is a rocky and at times wet trail so dress for hiking in the woods. We will be in the woods most of the time as it only opens up at the boat portage around the Greeneville Dam. We will be focusing on the plant and animal life of the region, in the river, on the shore, and in the air above. Please bring your favorite ID books and an adventurous spirit. Recently we have had sightings of Salmon, Bald Eagles, and Great Blue Herons along the Shetucket River. Come on out and enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer! Free event. This tour is led by Zechariah Stover, Vice Chair of the Greeneville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committee, and will start at the river access lot right off the end of the 8th St. Bridge. Especially for families with children. Sponsored by: Greeneville Revitalization Zone. APRIL 15 Long Distance Guided Hike: Sunday, April 15th noon to 3 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Goodwin Guide Elaine Koza has completed all the New England foot elevation hikes, and has hiked all the highest peaks in the 48 contiguous states. Elaine hikes with her Australian Sheppard, Shalee. All are welcome, including friendly leashed dogs. sha@ct.gov, or visit org/ Living in Harmony - West Direction: 1-2:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Mohegan tribal member Chris Harris Turtle returns to present the third part of this series on living in harmony with Mother Earth. During this presentation, we will look at the west direction. How does the west relate to our life? Turtle will do a quick overview of the previous directions and explain how the west correlates to the medicine wheel and cycles of life and ceremony. You will learn about balance between the elements, plants and humans as represented by the symbols which Mother Earth shares with us. sha@ct.gov, or visit org/ APRIL 16 Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower

10 paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/ distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 18 Senior Walk: 10 am to 12:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. These are easy to moderate walks taken on forest trails. They are a great opportunity to get outside, learn something new and maybe even meet a few new friends. These walks are very popular, and not just for seniors! All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow. School Vacation Buffumville Dam Tour: 10:30 am to noon, Buffumville Dam, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Attention Families with kids: Are you home with the children, a daycare and/or homeschool group? We have tours of Buffumville Dam during School Vacation week. Would you like to know why the lake is lower in the winter months? Have you ever wondered what the Park Rangers do in the winter and in other seasons? Do you like to learn about weather and perhaps learn a little about flood water storage and protection? Then join Park Ranger Jamie at the gatehouse doors at 48 Old Oxford Road, Charlton for an exclusive tour, inside and out. Rain or shine. Please Note: There are many stairs within the tour. Questions? Free tour. Sponsored by: US Army Corps of Engineers usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/buffumville-lake/ Moderate; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children; NO dogs please A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 19 Senior Walk: 10 am to 12:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. These are easy to moderate walks taken on forest trails. They are a great opportunity to get outside, learn something new and maybe even meet a few new friends. These walks are very popular, and not just for seniors! All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow. APRIL 20 A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, April 4, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/ motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event.

11 April 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 21 Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Camper Scamper 5K Race/Walk and 1 Mile Kid Run: 326 Taft Pond Rd., Pomfret, CT. Registration begins at 8 am, Kids Race at 9:30, Adult Race starts at 10 AM, walkers start immediately after runners. Professionally timed by Last Mile Race Management. Register by April 1 to receive discount and free t-shirt. Go to for more details and registration forms. Webster Recreation Cleanup: 8 am to noon, throughout Webster. Join Webster Recreation as they collect trash around town. Volunteers will enjoy pizza at the conclusion of the cleanup. For more information contact Carole Marchand, Recreation Director at x Sponsored by the Webster Recreation Department and The Last Green Valley Canterbury Town-wide Cleanup: 9 am to 1 pm, Canterbury Town Hall, Route 14, Canterbury, CT. To brighten up one of the best parts of Connecticut s Quiet Corner, organizations, individuals and families are asked to participate in this opportunity to help clean-up trash along Canterbury s roads. Trash bags will be provided, please bring your own gloves. Anyone with a pickup truck or trailer (with working flashers) is asked to bring that along. People will be designated areas to walk and collect trash alongside the road, bagging it and throwing it into the back of the truck or trailer safely. The vehicles then bring the trash and other items to the transfer station for disposal. Point of contact for any questions call the Canterbury Town Hall at or Ray Shinkiewicz at Students participating in this cleanup may request Community Service Credits. Pizza and soda will be provided to participants after the cleanup. Sponsored by Canterbury Lions Club and The Last Green Valley Primary Leader: Ray Shinkiewicz, phone: nd Annual Let s Clean Up Holland: 9 am to noon, Holland Elementary School, Holland, MA. The main objective for Let s Clean Up Holland event is to clean up the five main roads coming in and going out of this pretty town. With greater participation, side roads can also be ad-

12 dressed. The second objective is to increase morale and spirit in this community wide event and build awareness of the Opacum Land Trust and The Last Green Valley. The third objective is to have a fun pizza party after the cleanup at Diane s Villanova. Sponsored by Opacum Land Trust and The Last Green Valley Primary Leader: Anne Hall, annehallgo@gmail.com, phone: Town of Brooklyn Cleanup: 9 11 am, throughout Brooklyn. The Town of Brooklyn, in conjunction with its residents, is hosting a cleanup day on April 21st, beginning at 9 am. The cleanup will include local parks, the center green, and several local roads. Trash bags, gloves and pickers are available to a limited number of volunteers. All are welcome. Snacks and water will be provided. Participants will be supplied with some helpful everyday ideas to maintain Earth friendliness daily. Please contact Melissa Bradley at for additional information. Sponsored by the Town of Brooklyn and The Last Green Valley Chaplin Cleanup Day: 9 am to 1 pm, throughout Chaplin. The Chaplin Conservation Commission is sponsoring our annual town cleanup day. We hope you will participate and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate in making Chaplin an even better place to live. For the most up to date information, please view our web site at Our goal is to have as many people as possible clean up a section of road or other public area in Chaplin. Sign up for at street at: chris.komuves.org/misc/cleanup2018/ Sponsored by the Town of Chaplin and The Last Green Valley. Spring Cleaning - Trail Wood Work Day: 9 a.m. 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton, CT Come on out to help spruce up Trail Wood. Bring work gloves/rakes etc Sponsored by CT Audubon, Pomfret Center Garlic Mustard Pull - Edible and Invasive with Ed McGuire: 9-11:30 am, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. DEEP Forester Ed Mc- Guire is here to teach you all about the edible and invasive garlic mustard while you help out Goodwin in return. Join him as he teaches you all about this plant and will guide you in an important forest management practice invasive removal. Garlic mustard is highly shade-tolerant and capable of invading high-quality, mature forests. To the detriment of spring wildflowers, garlic mustard quickly monopolizes resources. Its alleopathic compounds inhibit seed germination of other species. Pull while you learn, and help Goodwin continue its ongoing eradication efforts. Earth Day Weekend Trail and Property Clean Up: 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m., Wolf Den Land Trust Otsby Memorial Forest, Opposite 83 East Old Route 6, Hampton, CT. Join The Last Green Valley as we team up with Wolf Den Land Trust (WDLT) and members of the Eastern Connecticut Forest Landowners Association to clean up the hiking trails at the Otsby Memorial Forest in Hampton. The strong winds and heavy snows of this past winter dropped many branches on the trails and property and there is also considerable brush to be removed near the trail head. Two clean up sessions are being organized with the first from 10 a.m. to noon, and the second from 1-3 p.m. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch and stay for both sessions. We ll supply water and snacks as well. We ll have people operating chainsaws and powered brush cutters. Hand tools including rakes and brush cutters will be available, but you re encouraged to bring your own. Make sure to bring work gloves, wear heavy boots, and bring tick repellant. RSVP is suggested but not required. Bill Reid at bill@tlgv.org or call Rain Cancels. Directions: The Otsby Memorial Forest is located on East Old Rote 6 in Hampton. It is a half mile northwest of Route 6 in Hampton. There is a Wolf Den Land Trust sign for the tract opposite 83 East Old Route 6. Park along side of the road. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and Wolf Den land Trust Phenological Walk with Carrie Crompton: 10 am to noon, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. It s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the firsts of the season. We ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees and shrubs and bird arrivals on a weekly basis. Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist and a volunteer at the Goodwin Conservation Center.

13 Gardener s Roundtable: 10-11:30 am, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. This workshop is intended for gardeners of all experience levels. We share best practices and pitfalls for gardening in eastern Connecticut. These monthly workshops cover a wide-range of topics, so please come with your questions, your expertise, and your own stories of success and failure in your gardens. For more information or to register: or jasper. sha@ct.gov, or visit friendsofgoodwinforest.org/ current-programs.html or www. ct.gov/deep/goodwin Sprague Clean and Green Cleanup: 10 am to 2 pm, Grist Mill Parking Lot, Sprague, CT. The Town of Sprague will be celebrating Earth Day. We are looking for volunteers to adopt a road for cleanup. Bags and gloves will be available. Pizza will be served to all participants following the cleanup. The Town will be offering free Dump Day in conjunction with this cleanup with the hope of bringing the community together and encouraging a sense of ownership in keeping a cleaner town and respecting our private and public property. Sponsored by The Town of Sprague and The Last Green Valley Primary Leader: Catherine Osten, phone: Movie Screening - Plight of the Grassland Birds: 1-2:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Come watch a movie about grassland birds and their situation in our changing landscape. Grassland birds are in fast decline throughout the country. This movie explores efforts to protect the birds and their habitats. Joanne Warren, a Goodwin Master Naturalist, will briefly discuss her efforts to help protect bobolinks in our local area. Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House: 2 4 pm at 326 Taft Pond Road, Pomfret, CT. Meet the director & other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. On Saturday the 21st, join us from 1:30pm-2pm for an informational Parent Panel on the benefits of Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp for you and your child, hosted by Heather Logee, Camp Director. Bicentennial Pond Universal Access Trail Official Opening and Guided Hike: 2-4 pm, Bicentennial Pond Recreation Area, 230 Clover Mill Rd. Mansfield, CT. Join us as we celebrate the official opening of Mansfield s Universal Access Trail around Bicentennial Pond. A brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be followed by a guided hike led by naturalists Sue and Tom Harrington. Funded by a CT DEEP Recreational Trails Program Grant, this new 0.7 trail allows people of all abilities to access the natural areas and fitness opportunities in Schoolhouse Brook Park. The Bicentennial Pond Recreation Area is situated in Mansfield s 455- acre Schoolhouse Brook Park and is the site of numerous recreational and educational activities including swimming, hiking, nature study, and Camp Mansfield. In addition to the trail, there are two outdoor classroom areas, a fishing pier, and an accessible playground. For more information, contact the Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department at

14 Healthy Kids Day: 2-5 pm, Hale YMCA, Youth & Family Center, 9 Technology Park Drive, Putnam. Are the kids in your life already dreaming about summer? When Kids are inspired, they can do anything. Let s awaken their imagination so they can explore new activities and healthy habits. Activities include a bounce house, baby lambs, water safety demos, martial arts demos, chair massages, vision screening and healthy snacks. Sponsored by Hale YMCA, Youth and Family Center APRIL 22 Wood Works Fair: 10 am to 4 pm, 28 Bridge St. Willimantic, CT. This will be a fun and fund-raising event. Commercial, conservation, education, recreational, creative efforts with forests, trees, wood as follows: Portable sawmill, children using tools, How to Build a Campfire, axe throwing, Beavers as woodcutters, two-man saw competition, build a bat or bird house, Windham County s Charter Oak history, hybrid chestnut seedlings for sale and more. Demonstrations of woodworking of all kinds including chain saw carving, representatives from tree farms/land trusts/ nature groups. Also, vendors/crafters selling a variety of wood-related products. Free event with items available for purchase. Sponsored by Willimantic Whitewater Partnership. www. willimanticwhitewater.org Easy; restrooms nearby; wheelchair accessible; NO dogs, especially for families with children Primary Leader: Faith Kenton, phone: , phiona8@sbcglobal.net Trees on Woodstock Hill: 10:30 to noon, Palmer Arboretum, 523 Scenic Rte. 169, Woodstock, CT. Tour the beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers of historic Palmer Arboretum (1914) and discover what s new as the restoration of this small park continues. Walk up the road to see the variety of trees planted on the Woodstock Common starting with Roseland Cottage s Mr. Bowen and then the Woodstock Beautification Committee , website thingstodo Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Palmer Arboretum, Town of Woodstock. Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): Restrooms nearby. Leashed dogs ok. The Last Green Valley s Acorn Adventure, Sun Spots and More!: April 15, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., West Thompson Dam. Spend some time with Geoff McLean, a volunteer TLGV Ranger and NASA Solar System Ambassador, examining our closest star. We will view the Sun in normal light looking for currently elusive sun spots and also in the Hydrogen Alpha spectrum where you can see flares, prominences, Ellerman bombs, and other phenomena. Geoff will speak on safety concerning solar viewing, the life of our star, what it does, how it compares to other stars, and how it will end. What is Earth s future going to be like? If there are sunspots (and the sun is currently at its sunspot minimum) make a drawing of it and learn about Greenwich Mean Time and Universal Time as well as latitude and longitude i.e. where you are on the Earth. We ll also talk about NASA s solar projects and space telescopes. Fran@tlgv.org or call with questions. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and McLean Research. Spring Outdoors Salamander Story Walk led by TLGV Ranger Marcy Dawley: 1 2:30 at Windham County 4-H Outdoor Center, 326 Taft Pond Rd., Pomfret, CT. Meet at the lodge and listen to the book Big Night for Salamanders. Then walk the blue trail and look for live squirmy salamanders too! Return for snacks, Acorn stickers, talking about what we love about being outside, and a craft to take home. Dress for the weather and bring a friend, free, all ages welcome, but no dogs please. Call for questions. The Apiary Series - Spring to Fall Hive: Sunday, April

15 22nd, 1-2:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Continuing on with what you learned in the winter ones, learn what s next for your hive. This program is part of a year-long series that will teach you all you need to know about keeping bees. Dave Gilbert joins us again as he teaches you spring and fall management of your hive. Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House: from 2 4 PM at 326 Taft Pond Road, Pomfret, CT. Meet the director & other camp staff, take a camp tour, registration materials available. On Saturday the 21st, join us from 1:30pm- 2pm for an informational Parent Panel on the benefits of Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp for you and your child, hosted by Heather Logee, Camp Director. APRIL 23 Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time

16 (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 23rd, 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 25 A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 25th, 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers. Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 27 Virginia Rail Bird Walk: 6 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT We will set out with the goal of hearing and observing a Virginia Rail, along with other bird species. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. (860) Sponsored by CT Audubon Pomfret Center A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. April 27th and 30th. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children APRIL 28 Andover Conservation Cleanup: 9 11:30 a.m., throughout Andover. The Town of Andover will be holding an annual cleanup of the roadsides and Rail Trail on April 28th beginning at 9 am. Groups of volunteers will spread out throughout town to collect trash. Families are welcome to come and help out. Sponsored by the Town of Andover and The Last Green Valley Nature Sketchbook Journaling: 9 am to noon, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Spend time outdoors on the sanctuary, sketching and painting nature. Roxanne Steed will teach drawing and watercolor techniques. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Call to register and for list of materials to bring. (860) Sponsored by CT Audubon Pomfret Center Wildflower Walk: 9:30 11 am, Joshua s Trust Hubbard Sanctuary/Agnes Pasture, Chaplin. Accompany naturalist Deb Field as we look for spring wildflowers. Walk is approximately 2 miles, moderate difficulty. Wear appropriate clothing for weather. Please register at activities@ joshuastrust.org. Limited to 12 participants. Please no dogs or children under age 12. No rain date. This is the third of 5 spring wildflower walks each one should uncover different flower species depending on how spring unfolds this year. You are welcome to join us on all or on any one of them. Please register for each one individually. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust Moderate, 2 miles, NO dogs please, no children under 12 Groton Open Space 21 st Annual Cleanup Day: 10 am to 2 pm, Haley Farm State Park, Groton, CT. Groton Open Space Association will hold its 21 st annual cleanup day event at Haley Farm State Park with additional cleanups at Veeb Cove Vista, Candlewood Hill State Wildlife Management Area, Candlewood Ridge, Avery Far, Sheep Farm, and the Merritt Family Forest. Come and help with this huge undertaking to clear trails and remove trash, invasive vines and pet waste. Food and drink will be provided after the cleanup. Sponsored by Groton Open Space Association and The Last

17 Green Valley Primary Leader: Joan Smith, net, phone: Earth Day at Horizon Wings: 10 am to 3 pm, 9 Sand Hill Rd, Ashford, CT Join Horizon Wings to celebrate Earth Day. We will have tours of the aviaries, 2 formal programs with our eagles and newest ambassadors. Meet a porcupine, a little brown bat and more! We will offer kids crafts, owl pellet dissection at our education station and music by local artist Bruce John. Food and drink available also. For more information see our website Fee: $7 Adults $4 Children and seniors Under 4 free On street parking Especially for families with children NO dogs please For information call (860) or visit horizonwings.org Sponsored by Horizon Wings Phenological Walks with Carrie Crompton: 10 am to noon, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. It s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the firsts of the season. We ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees and shrubs and bird arrivals. Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist with the Goodwin Conservation Center. APRIL 29 Beginners Bird Walk: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. If you are new to bird watching this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring birds are back and the leaves aren t out yet. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. (860) Sponsored by CT Audubon Pomfret Center lake is lower in the winter months? Have you ever wondered what the Park Rangers do in the winter and in other seasons? Do you like to learn about weather and perhaps learn a little about flood water storage and protection? Then join Park Ranger Jamie to learn all about it. Meet at the gate house doors (48 Old Oxford Road, Charlton) for an exclusive tour, inside and out. Rain or shine. Please Note: There are many stairs within the tour. Questions? Free tour. Sponsored by: US Army Corps of Engineers usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/buffumville-lake/ Moderate; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children; NO dogs please Youth Series - Discover Goodwin s Vernal Pools: 1-3 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Join Master Naturalists Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Jim Bancroft on a vernal pool quest! After a brief indoor introduction on frogs, salamanders, fairy shrimp and their habitats, we ll venture outside to explore the vernal pools at Goodwin. Equipped with nets, buckets, and magnifiers, we ll collect and examine a variety of critters. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is Required May Pole Celebration: 2 4 pm, Atwood Farm, 624 Wormwood Hill Road, Mansfield Center, CT. May Pole celebration. Come join the Mansfield Middle School fiddlers and the community as the headquarters of Joshua s Trust, Atwood Farm, as we celebrate May. We ll dance around the May Pole, make May baskets and wind socks. Families Buffumville Dam Tour: 1 2 pm, Buffumville Dam, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Would you like to know why the

18 welcome. Free event. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust and Mansfield Middle School Easy, especially for families with children APRIL 30 Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA A Mile in My Shoes Walk: 6:30 7:15 pm, Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. Spring is here and Park Ranger Jamie wouldn t mind the company on a mile walk (gentle, into shape walk on top of the dam), each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening in April. A walking club where there will be a surprise each time (nature themed informational tidbits, inspirational/motivational messages along the route and/or little rewards). No need to register, come to one or all! Free event. For more information, please call Jamie at , x399. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children Full Pink Moon Night Hike: 7:30-8:30pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Let the full moon guide your path as you take a night hike at Goodwin State Forest. Goodwin Guide Kat Gayson will be taking you on a moonlit journey through the forest to bear witness to the changes in nature from day to night. Join us for hot chocolate afterwards. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if desired, they are not necessary. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Spring Outdoors 2018 MAY 1 Early Morning Bird Walks: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. With access to over 1,650 acres of land, we will seek out a variety of bird species. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Free to CAS members; $5 non-members. 8 th Grade Riverside Park Cleanup: 11:30 am to 2 pm, Riverside Park, Thompson, CT. Each Spring the 8 th grade students and their teachers from Thompson Middle School volunteer a half day to help with the park cleanup. St. Joseph s students may also join in. The students focus on Riverside Park and Heritage Way Park along the French River. These two parks are heavily used by area residents and usually by Spring are in need of a good sprucing up. Sponsored by Thompson Recreation Department Primary Leader: Angela Newell, recreationdirector@ thompsonct.org, phone: Rain Date: May 3. Toddler Trails and Tales: 1 2 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Volunteer and mom of three, Melissa Telford will entertain your toddlers with stories, activities and fun along our trails. Wear clothes and boots appropriate for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee per child/per day: $5 CAS members; $7 non-members MAY 2 Wednesday Noon Walks: Noon, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Join our volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in backpacks welcome. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Free to CAS members; $3 non-members.

19 MAY 3 Invasives in Your Yard/What to Plant Instead: 6:30 7:30 pm, 30 Howarth Rd., Oxford, MA. Would you like to know more about non-native species of plants, shrubs and trees and why some of them are not good for your backyard? We can then help you to choose indigenous shrubs and how to create a wild area for the birds, bees and butterflies (pollinators). Join Park Rangers Nicole and Jamie at Hodges Village Dam at 6:30 pm. Seating is limited to 20, so please R.S.V.P or nicole.c.giles@ usace.army.mil. There will be light refreshments and door prizes. Families with children encouraged and welcome. Free event. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/hodges-village-dam/ Easy; restrooms nearby, wheelchair accessible, especially for families with children, NO dogs please MAY 4 64th Annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale: at Windham County 4-H Outdoor Center, 326 Taft Pond Rd, Pomfret, CT. Auction starts at 6 PM both nights, preview at 5 PM, unique and antique goods and services, live plants, tickets to events and venues for the whole family. Early bird buy to 3,500 square feet of bargains at the Tag Sale - $5.00/person from 10:30 12:00 on Friday, May 4 ($5/person). Tag Sale open to all from 12:00 5:00 on Friday and 9:00 5:00 on Saturday. Mary s Kitchen open during all open hours both days. First Fridays Mill Town Mosaics - Polish-American Heritage: 6-9 p.m., Downtown Putnam, CT. For the 8th season of First Fridays, The Putnam Business Association invites the public to celebrate the mosaic of diverse local history and culture with a celebration of Northeastern Connecticut s mill towns. Eat, shop, stroll, listen to live music and meet artists all while celebrating the mosaic of cultures the mill towns attracted! May s theme is Polish-American Heritage. Sponsored by the Putnam Business Association MAY 5 Bird Walk: 8 10 am, Joshua s Trust Pigeon Swamp Spring Outdoors 2018 Preserve, Lebanon. Accompany birders Mike Curtis and Dave Parry as we look for potential breeding and migrating species in this habitat. Walk is approximately 2 miles, easy. Bring binoculars. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Please no dogs or children under age 10. Please register at activities@joshuastrust.org. Limited to 12 participants. Easy, 2 mile, No dogs please, no children under 10. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust Primary Leader: Mike Curtis, activities@joshuastrust. org Rain date May 6. Trail Wood Bird Walks: 8 am, 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton, CT. Join Andy as he points out various birds at Trail Wood and a nearby preserve. Meet in the parking lot at 93 Kenyon Rd in Hampton Free to CAS members; $5 non-members. Bird & Habitat Program at Morneau Farm: 8 a.m., Southbridge, MA; prompt start; private property; pre-registration required. Forester and Opacum Land Trust Board member Scott Gerrish will lead this tour of 120-acre managed forest on a private property in Southbridge. Scott will highlight key features of the property, especially the diversity of habitat being created through Opacum s management practices. Scott is trained in the Foresters For The Birds Program, a program originating from Vermont Audubon, which trains foresters to assess the existing bird habitat in a forest, make recommendations for improvement, and plan out bird-friendly management strategies. Empowering landowners to manage for birds is important because about 75% or our forests are privately owned. Therefore, enabling management on these lands can greatly impact the conservation of our forest birds. Opacum s goal with the Morneau woodlands is to demonstrate how to effectively manage wooded land to improve the quality of habitat for birds and other wildlife, while improving the value of the timber at the same time. The tour will cover a couple miles of woods roads, including hills and some moderately rough terrain. Please plan accordingly. No restrooms; no dogs please, children welcome if they are capable of handling terrain; not wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by Opacum Land Trust, OpacumLT.org, Directions to the property will be provided to registrants only. Please call or us with your contact information at membership@opacumlt.org.

20 10 th Annual Putnam Beautification Day: 8:30 am to noon, Rotary Park, Putnam, CT. If you LOVE Putnam, help us clean our parks, streets and public places. School groups, business organizations, fraternal clubs, civic clubs, sports teams, families and individuals. EVERYONE IS NEED- ED AND WELCOME. TROPHIES AWARDED TOO! Volunteers please meet at Rotary Park at 8:30 am to get trash bags, gloves, water, snacks and maps of their assigned area. Town trucks and/or dumpsters will be strategically located throughout the downtown area. Trash will be collected in the downtown area of Putnam, and brush cleared. The cleanup will be followed by a picnic lunch. For any questions on volunteering, or to RSVP please contact Delpha Very at Delpha.very@putnamct.us or Sponsored by Putnam Business Association and The Last Green Valley. Primary Leader: Karen Osbrey, kareno@winyradio. com, phone: Community Cleanup Day: 9 am to 1 pm, Historic Downtown Norwich, Norwich, CT. The cleanup will take place on from 9am to 1pm followed by a volunteer outdoor picnic. Local civic groups will be involved with the cleanup. The Community Rotary Core, Dime Bank Blue Crew, Norwich Creates and the Mayor s Office will be amongst the volunteers. Youth engagement will include the Bully Busters of Norwich. Come and join them. Sponsored by Norwich Community Development, Foundry 66, Norwich Creates, First Friday Commission and The Last Green Valley Primary Leader: Jill Fritzsche, jfritzsche@askncdc. com, phone: Candlewood Ridge Trail Building: 10 am to noon, Larchmont Terrace, Groton, CT. Family friendly trail building work party to enhance a half mile section of trail crossing rugged terrain by removing new growth and building brush pikes to improve habitat. Hand tools and light power tools will be provided. Organizations, service and youth group welcome. Free event. Please register at: or dsmith0705@sbcglobal. net Sponsored by Groton Open Space Association, Moderate; NO dogs please Phenological Walk with Carrie Crompton: 10:00am to noon, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. It s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the firsts of the season. On a weekly basis we ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees, and bird arrivals. Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist and a volunteer at Goodwin Conservation Center. Opening Day at the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum: 10 am to 3 p.m., Bridge Street, Willimantic CT (Drive down the gravel road). Enjoy displays, demonstrations, handcar rides, photo opportunities, picnic area a children s play area and more. There will also be the opportunity to take a 1.5-mile train ride for an additional fee. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 children 8-12; under 8 free. Train ride is $3 for adults and $2 for children Sponsored by the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Musuem, Opening Day at Huntington Homestead Museum: 11:30 am, Huntington Homestead Museum, 35 Huntington RD (Route 14), Scotland, CT. Enjoy cider donuts on Opening Day. New sign will be unveiled with TLGV thanks to their grant. Free. Sponsored by Huntington Homestead Museum The Provision State During the American Revolution: 1 pm am, Huntington Homestead Museum, 35 Huntington RD (Route 14), Scotland, CT. Despite being one of the smaller states, Connecticut played a huge role in our War for Independence. Inventiveness of our people, industry, and government helped pave the way to a remarkable victory against the superpower of the 18th century. A 45 minute power point presentation by Dragoon member, Eric Chandler. Hearth popped corn and tours of the 1720 birthplace available afterward. $4 per person, children 12 and under free, members free. Sponsored by Huntington Homestead Museum 64th Annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale: at Windham County 4-H Outdoor Center, 326 Taft Pond Rd, Pomfret, CT. Auction starts at 6 pm both nights, preview at 5 PM, unique and antique goods and services, live plants, tickets to events and venues for the whole family. Early bird buy to 3,500 square feet of bargains at the Tag

21 Sale - $5.00/person from 10:30 12:00 on Friday, May 4 ($5/person). Tag Sale open to all from 12:00 5:00 on Friday and 9:00 5:00 on Saturday. Mary s Kitchen open during all open hours both days. Explore the Dark Side: 8-11 p.m. Holton Rd., Franklin, CT. Sprague Land Trust property on Holton Road in Franklin. Directions/Parking: From Baltic take 207 West, right onto Holton Rd. (before the Franklin School), drive almost to end. Parking on left in mowed field/marked areas. Expect this! Join Rangers Kim and Geoff for a night observing some far distant objects like galaxies, clusters of stars, Red Giants, Nebulae. We might be able to view Jupiter. If you have a telescope - bring it. If you don t know how to use it come early and we ll help get you get started. (We ll be there about 7PM.) Learn how to find the North Star. We talk about - and answer - all kinds of astronomical trivia while we observe. This is a family friendly event. Please - no lanterns and flashlights should be only be red lights. No white lights. Questions? Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley and McLean Research Associates. & MAY 6 A Connecticut Medicinal Herb Garden: Growing and Using Plants for Home Grown Health: 1-3 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. This presentation will focus on gardening with plants that have medicinal uses. In Connecticut we can grow a large number of perennial herbs in small and large spaces, including pots. Using herbs for nutrition, illness prevention and intervention at home can be easy and is something families have done for generations. Debra will illustrate some of the safest and easiest ways to use the plants we grow and that also grow around us as weeds. Examples will be provided both through visual media, plants and products. Handouts will be available. Debra Hultgren is a retired public school educator and administrator. She is a practicing community herbalist and a master gardener. She grows, harvests and prepares plant foods and medicines and teaches others how to include these healing traditions in their own lives. A Long Stillness Writing Workshop: 2 pm, 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton, CT. Alison Davis will lead this workshop. The group will explore the amazing natural life at Trail Wood and write about their experiences. Bring a notebook and pencil. Meet in the parking lot at 93 Kenyon Rd in Hampton Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. MAY 7 Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA MAY 8 Early Morning Bird Walks: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. With access to over 1,650 acres of land, we will seek out a variety of bird species. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Free to CAS members; $5 non-members. Toddler Trails and Tales: 1 2 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Volunteer and mom of three, Melissa Telford will entertain your toddlers with stories, activities and fun along our trails. Wear clothes and boots appropriate for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Information: ,

22 Spring Outdoors 2018 fret-home Fee per child/per day: $5 CAS members; $7 non-members MAY 9 Bird Watch for Folks with Limited Mobility: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Andy will lead the group by car, from the Center at 218 Day Rd in Pomfret, to various locations to observe numerous bird species from the road. If you ve been reluctant to go on a bird walk due to limited mobility, this is your opportunity. He will call the birds to you! Register at Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. lies! Come join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss to see the Goodwin garden waking up! We will see what is blooming and learn about the pollinators helping our garden. Inclement weather cancels. Please call if the program is in question. To register, visit: $10 per child for non-members/$5 per child FGF and CFPA member Registration and payment due 1 week prior to each program. Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin Forest and Connecticut Forest and Park Association Wednesday Noon Walks: Noon, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Join our volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and Homeschool Program - Spring Flowers & Pollinators: naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with 10 am to noon, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 babes in backpacks welcome. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Potter Road, Hampton CT. Calling all homeschool famird in Pomfret.

23 Free to CAS members; $3 non-members. MAY 12 Bird Walk: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Peak migration is near this time. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest: 9 am to noon, 23 Potter Rd, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA will lead guided mountain bike rides through Goodwin State Forest s trails in Hampton, CT. These rides are open to all levels. Groups will be divided to cater to various experience levels. All welcome, including families & beginners. Bike & helmet required. For more info: find us on Facebook, visit or contact QuietCornerNEMBA@gmail.com. Easy Moderate Difficult NO dogs please Bring bike & helmet (860) Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA, org/chapters/qcnemba Wildflower Walk: 9:30 11 am, Joshua s Trust Hubbard Sanctuary/Agnes Pasture, Chaplin. Accompany naturalist Deb Field as we look for spring wildflowers. Walk is approximately 2 miles, moderate difficulty. Wear appropriate clothing for weather. Please register at activities@joshuastrust.org. Limited to 12 participants. Please no dogs or children under age 12. No rain date. This is the fourth of 5 spring wildflower walks each one should uncover different flower species depending on how spring unfolds this year. You are welcome to join us on all or on any one of them. Please register for each one individually. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust Moderate, 2 miles, NO dogs please, no children under 12 Primary Leader: Deb Field, activities@joshuastrust. org. Sheep Farm Hike: 10 am to noon, 255 Hazelnut Hill Rd., Groton, CT. Look for special event signs. Family friendly 1.5-mile hike through scenic fields and forest featuring diverse wildlife habitats, rocky outcroppings, waterfalls, historic foundations and grist mill site. Some hill climbing. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snack. Free event. Registration requested: or dsmith0705@ sbcglobal.net Sponsored by Groton Open Space Association Easy; 1.5 mile, especially for families with children; NO dogs please. Aaron Dwight Stevens Norwichtown Green Walk: am, Norwichtown Green on East Town Street, Norwich CT. The walk reoccurs May 19 and 26. In October of 1859, Norwich raised, Aaron Dwight Stevens, along with John Brown, led an historic raid at Harper s Ferry, Virginia, and woke the Nation up to a new day in our history which was the impetus to put an end to slavery. That, however, was only a part of Dwight s adventurous life. He fought in the War against Mexico, with the elite Dragoons in New Mexico, and against the pro-slavery factions in Bloody Kansas. Those adventures, along with the love of two beautiful women, made his short life an almost unbelievable but very true story. Tom Coletti and Vic Butsch, authors of A Journey to the Gallows, would be pleased to share some of Dwight s amazing story with you. The tour is completely centered close to young Dwight s home, church and school at the Norwichtown Green, and will take one hour. Feel free to bring a portable folding chair if you wish. Wheelchair accessible Sponsored by The Norwich Historical Society Phenological Walk with Carrie Crompton: 10 am to noon, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. It s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the firsts of the season. We ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees and shrubs and bird arrivals on a weekly basis. Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist and a volunteer at Goodwin Conservation Center.

24 NHS Second Saturday Tour- Firearm Factories of Norwich: 10:30 am to 1 pm, May 12, City Hall 100 Broadway Norwich, CT. Please park at parking garage next to City Hall. Visit the factories where firearms were manufactured from the mid 1800 s to Learn about the interesting history of the firearms industry in the Rose City. 2 miles. Free event. Sponsored by the Guns of Norwich Historical Society. Difficult Colonial Women of Norwich at the Leffingwell: 11 am to 4 pm, Leffingwell House Museum, 348 Washington St. Norwich. Join us at the Leffingwell House Museum on Saturday, May 12, 11-4pm and get a glimpse into the lives of some of the women who were part of Leffingwell House History. During your tour of the museum, you will see the house from their perspective. Hear them speak about the time when they lived in Norwich and discover their story. See history come alive at the Leffingwell. Light refreshments. Visit 10 Rooms of History at the Leffingwell. Fee: $5 For more information, Historical Happenings in The Last Green Valley: 1-3 p.m., Roseland Cottage, 556 Route 169, Woodstock, Connecticut Join The Last Green Valley staff, Museums of Northeast Connecticut members and the staff of Roseland Cottage for a tour of the museum followed by an informative program and workshop on Marketing for Small Museums and Historic organizations. After the tour, we ll explore two staples of good marketing writing effective press releases and using social media. Please be prepared to share your experiences writing press releases and bring samples, if you wish. We ll also explore how to effectively use social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, for marketing your organization and programs. Please RSVP to Bill Reid by at bill@tlgv.org or calling Sponsored by The Last Green Valley, The Savings Institute, Roseland Cottage and Museums of Northeast Connecticut The Three bridges of Downtown Willimantic: 1-2:30 p.m. Jillson Square, Main Street, Willimantic CT. Park in the lot by the First Baptist Church. Stroll downtown Willimantic, visiting each of its three iconic bridges, while discussing the history of the city. About 2 miles, easy. Good for families. Sponsored by the Eastern Connecticut Railroad Museum. Trees on Woodstock Hill: 2:30-4 pm, Palmer Arboretum, 523 Scenic Rte. 169, Woodstock, CT. Tour the beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers of historic Palmer Arboretum (1914) and discover what s new as the restoration of this small park continues. Walk up the road to see the variety of trees planted on the Woodstock Common starting with Roseland Cottage s Mr. Bowen and then the Woodstock Beautification Committee , website thingstodo Time/Distance: 1.5 hours, 1 mile Sponsored by: Palmer Arboretum, Town of Woodstock. Difficulty: Moderate. Key(s): Restrooms nearby. Leashed dogs ok. Living in Harmony - West Direction: 2:30 4 pm. James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Mohegan tribal member Chris Harris Turtle returns to present the third part of this series on living in harmony with Mother Earth. During this presentation, we will look at the west direction. How does the west relate to our life? Turtle will review the previous directions and explain how the west correlates to the medicine wheel and cycles of life and ceremony. You will learn about balance between the elements, plants and humans as represented by the symbols which Mother Earth shares with us. The program will be meeting at the Goodwin Pavilion. MAY 13 Mother s Day Bird Walk: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Bring your mother or grandmother out to see the assorted colorful birds of spring. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members; Mothers Free! Long Distance Guided Hike: noon to 3 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Celebrate Mother s Day as you enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Expect a 5-7 mile hike. Goodwin Guide Kat Gayson, will be taking you on this long-distance hike as she points out nature tidbits here and there. All are welcome, including friendly dogs.

25 Hodges Village Dam Mother s Day Tea & Walk: 2 3 pm, Hodges Village Dam, 30 Howarth Rd., Oxford, MA. Bring your friends, family- especially the kids, and wear your loveliest bonnet/sunhat or handsomest cap to our beautiful pollinator gardens. Tea and light refreshments will be served, yet feel free to bring a picnic for your family or cookies to share. A ground cloth or picnic blanket is also recommended. For all ages! Questions, call Jamie at , X399. Free event. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/hodges-village-dam/ Moderate; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children, NO dogs please MAY Warbler Day: 6 am to 2 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. We are going to attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day. We ll be travelling to numerous locations. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Register at Fee: $15 CAS members; $30 non-members. Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA MAY 15 Early Morning Bird Walks: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. With access to over 1,650 acres of land, we will seek out a vari-

26 ety of bird species. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Free to CAS members; $5 non-members. Toddler Trails and Tales: 1 2 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Volunteer and mom of three, Melissa Telford will entertain your toddlers with stories, activities and fun along our trails. Wear clothes and boots appropriate for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee per child/per day: $5 CAS members; $7 non-members MAY 16 Senior Walk: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. These are easy to moderate walks taken on forest trails. They are a great opportunity to get outside, learn something new and maybe even meet a few new friends. These walks are very popular, and not just for seniors! All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow. Wednesday Noon Walks: Noon, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Join our volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in backpacks welcome. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Free to CAS members; $3 non-members. MAY 17 Bull Hill Bird Walk: 8 am. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret and carpool to this large forest in Thompson. Fee: $7 CAS members; $12 non-members. Senior Walk: 10 am to 12:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. These are easy to moderate walks taken on forest trails. They are a great opportunity to get outside, learn something new and maybe even meet a few new friends. These walks are very popular, and not just for seniors! All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow. Trail Running/Walking 101: 5-7 p.m. at the Airline State Park Trailhead in Pomfret (the intersection of Route 44 Route 169). Meet in the parking lot. Join experienced trail runner Monique Wolanin, of Tackle the Trail, as she helps beginners learn the basics of trail running/walking. No experience is necessary. All you need is the desire to learn and a decent pair of sneakers. Sponsored by the QVCC Foundation and Tackle the Trail, Oct. 20, 2018 Third Thursday Street Fest: 6-9 p.m., Downtown Willimanitc. Every 3rd Thursday from May through September, thousands of people from far and wide stroll along Main Street Willimantic amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual and olfactory delights. There are clowns and bands and jugglers to entertain you as you meander through the fest. Four stages simultaneously host a wide variety of music and entertainment while more than 100 local and regional crafters and vendors showcase the wealth of goods produced in Connecticut. Willimantic s diversity really shines through in the delicious authentic international cuisine. Enjoy locally produced artwork, beer, music, and soda. Free children s activities abound! Free Admission; Free Parking Sponored by Willimantic Renaissance MAY 18 Migration Madness: The Big Weekend Bird Challenge: May 18 20, Connecticut Audubon Center, 218 Day Rd., Pomfret Center, CT. A variety of bird walks and programs all weekend long in celebration of peak spring bird migration. Go to our website for listings. pomfret. Sponsored by Connecticut Audubon Society NO dogs please.

27 Afternoon Bird Walk: 5 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. This time of year is typically the peak of the spring bird migration. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. MAY 19 Migration Madness: The Big Weekend Bird Challenge: May 18 20, Connecticut Audubon Center, 218 Day Rd., Pomfret Center, CT. A variety of bird walks and programs all weekend long in celebration of peak spring bird migration. Go to our website for listings. pomfret. Sponsored by Connecticut Audubon Society NO dogs please. 13th Annual 90 Bird Day: 6 am to 3 pm. The goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in nine hours or less. We ll be visiting many locations within a 10-mile radius. Bring a lunch, drinks, and a snack. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Call to register. Fee: $20 CAS members; $35 non-members. Nature Sketchbook Journaling: 9 am to noon, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Spend time at the Bafflin Sanctuary in Pomfret, 218 Day Rd, sketching and painting nature using pencil, pen and watercolor. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Register at and for list of materials to bring. Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest: 9 am to noon, 23 Potter Rd, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA will lead guided mountain bike rides through Goodwin State Forest s trails in Hampton, CT. These rides are open to all levels. Groups will be divided to cater to various experience levels. All welcome, including families & beginners. Bike & helmet required. For more info: find us on Facebook, visit or contact QuietCornerNEMBA@gmail.com. Easy Moderate Difficult NO dogs please Bring bike & helmet (860) Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA, org/chapters/qcnemba Paddling Putnam to Pomfret: 10 a.m. to noon, The Douglas Cutler Boat Launch, Putnam. Join Chief Ranger Bill Reid and TLGV Volunteer Rangers for a morning paddle. We ll launch at the new Douglas Cutler boat launch on Kennedy Drive and paddle this beautiful 5-mile stretch of the river to the boat landing on Route 101 in Pomfret. This section of the river has some current with stretches of quick-water as well as flat-water. It is an excellent two-hour outing for paddlers who are comfortable and familiar with moving water. There is a limit of 20 boats RSVP is required. Please contact Bill Reid at bill@tlgv.org or by calling to register. You must provide your own boat and personal floatation device (life preserver). Sponsored by The Last Green Valley Forest Walk: 10 am to noon., Joshua s Trust Pigeon Swamp Preserve, Lebanon. We will meet and greet the forest community on this moderate 2 mile walk and search for spring plants, animal life and talk about the forest dynamics. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather, boots, and bring tick spray. Dogs on leash and children over age 10 are welcome. No rain date. Please register at activities@joshuastrust.org. Limited to 20 participants. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust Dogs on leash, children over age 10 Horizon Wings - Birds of Prey at Goodwin: 1-2:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Ever wish you could experience the thrill of being up close to a magnificent eagle, hawk, falcon, or owl? Well, this is your opportunity! Horizon Wings will bring these extraordinary birds right to the Goodwin pavilion. All of the program birds in their care are unable to survive in the wild, but have overcome their individual challenges and have learned to adapt to their new lives as feathered ambassadors. Be inspired by their individual stories of survival, explore fascinating facts about each

28 species, and learn what you can do to help them. Horizon Wings was formed in 2001 by Mary-Beth Kaeser as a 501C3 non-profit organization for the rehabilitation of raptors. Mary-Beth has been a Wildlife Rehabilitator since $10 for non-members/$5 for FGF and CFPA members RSVP IS REQUIRED by 5/12/18 Sponsored by Friends of Goodwin Forest and Connecticut Forest and Park Association KPRD Springtime Cornhole Tournament: 1-3 pm, Davis Park, 250 Main St. Killingly, CT. $20 for a team of 2. Trophies, gift cards, and glory go to the 1st place team. Contact: amercier@killinglyct.org or call for registration information. CFE A4-4DC2-8E0C-4285FCF0E090} Sponsored by The Killingly Parks and Recreation Department Baby Birds Up Close: 2 pm, at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Wildlife rehabilitator Kasha Breau will bring injured birds and demonstrate feeding and rehabilitation. Many songbirds are returning to nest and some sustain injuries. Learn what it takes to revive them. Fee: $3 CAS members; $7 non-members. pomfret. Sponsored by Connecticut Audubon Society NO dogs please. Bird Banding Demonstration: 9 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. See birds up close as we gently catch them, record measurements and safely release them. Participants may release a bird. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. Long Distance Guided Hike: 11 am to 3 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Goodwin Guide Elaine Koza has completed all the New England foot elevation hikes, and has hiked all the highest peaks in the 48 contiguous states. Elaine hikes with her Australian Sheppard, Supper with a Soldier: Breaking Bread with Joseph Plumb Martin. 4 pm, Huntington Homestead Museum, 35 Huntington RD (Route 14), Scotland, CT. Help prepare supper in the lean-to with Connecticut Revolutionary War veteran, Joseph Plumb Martin. Experience 18th century-style foods he recorded eating in his journal during the long war. Hearth cooking event, $50 per person, members 10 percentdiscount. Reservations required by May MAY 20 Migration Madness: The Big Weekend Bird Challenge: May 18 20, Connecticut Audubon Center, 218 Day Rd., Pomfret Center, CT. A variety of bird walks and programs all weekend long in celebration of peak spring bird migration. Go to our website for listings.

29 Shalee. All are welcome, including friendly leashed dogs. World of Painted Turtles: 1-2:30 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Learn about Connecticut s most abundant turtles including where they live, what they eat, what eats them, how they adapt for the winter, and the best times and places to see them. One of Goodwin s Master Naturalists, Bill Powers, has been observing painted turtles and wants to share his observations with you. Learn about their movement throughout the year and their relationship with redwinged blackbirds nesting in cattails. Live Birds of Prey: 2 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Wildlife rehabilitators from Horizon Wings will introduce a variety of live raptors of the region, from our smallest falcon, the American Kestrel, to Atka the Bald Eagle. Come meet these beautiful birds of prey in person at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $5 per person. MAY 21 Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA Contact Glenn Tourtellot at (401) Bring bike & helmet Sponsored by Quiet Corner NEMBA Spring Outdoors 2018 MAY 22 Early Morning Bird Walks: 8 am, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. With access to over 1,650 acres of land, we will seek out a variety of bird species. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Free to CAS members; $5 non-members. Toddler Trails and Tales: 1 2 pm, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Volunteer and mom of three, Melissa Telford will entertain your toddlers with stories, activities and fun along our trails. Wear clothes and boots appropriate for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee per child/per day: $5 CAS members; $7 non-members MAY 23 Wednesday Noon Walks: Noon, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT. Join our volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in backpacks welcome. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Free to CAS members; $3 non-members. MAY 24 Trail Wood Bird Walks: 8 am, 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton, CT. Join Andy as he points out various birds at Trail Wood and a nearby preserve. Meet in the parking lot at 93 Kenyon Rd in Hampton Free to CAS members; $5 non-members. Let s Go Geocaching! 1 3 pm, James L. Goodwin Con-

30 servation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Do you have an interest in geocaching or are already a geocacher? Want to check out the hidden treasures scattered across Goodwin? Join Goodwin s Naturalist, Jasper Sha, as he takes you on a long hike to Governor s Island and back to find these little surprises along the hiking path. Read through clues and use GPS coordinates to find the stashes so cleverly hidden in Goodwin Forest. Learn to incorporate technology, adventure, and the outdoors in one great activity for independent explorers and families! For those with geocaching apps or GPS units. MAY 26 Boston Hollow Bird Watch: 8 am. Explore the Boston Hollow area of Ashford. Owned by Yale, it is a unique area with a Northern forest feel. We ll bird from the road. Carpool from the Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Fee: $7 CAS members; $12 non-members. Wildflower Walk: 9:30 11:00 am, Joshua s Trust Hubbard Sanctuary/Agnes Pasture, Chaplin. Accompany naturalist Deb Field as we look for spring wildflowers. Walk is approximately 2 miles, moderate difficulty. Wear appropriate clothing for weather. Please register at activities@ joshuastrust.org. Limited to 12 participants. Please no dogs or children under age 12. No rain date. This is the last spring wildflower walk. You are welcome to join us on all or on any one of them. Please register for each one individually. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust Moderate, 2 miles, NO dogs please, no children under 12 Fairy House Building: 10 am to 2 pm, Bradley-Buchanan Woods (next to the Mansfield Library). The Mansfield Public Library and Joshua s Trust are teaming up to present a Fairy House building event at the Bradley-Buchanan Woods, 54 Warrenville Road. Builders from all towns and of all ages are invited to bring any natural materials they wish to the event; some starter materials will be available for use. The event is free of charge. A map of the property is located at No rain date. The houses will stay on the Bradley-Buchanan Trail until June 10, 2018, when all remaining materials will be cleared. Attendees should note that there may be poison ivy in the vicinity and precautions should be taken to avoid tick bites. Further, builders are asked not to pick anything growing along the trail to preserve the ecosystem. Any sticks, stones, pinecones, fallen leaves, or other non-growing materials are suitable for use. Persons with questions may call the Mansfield Public Library at Free event. Sponsored by Joshua s Trust and Mansfield Public Library Easy, especially for families with children Gardener s Roundtable: 10-11:30am, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. This workshop is intended for gardeners of all experience levels. We share best practices and pitfalls for gardening in eastern Connecticut. These monthly workshops cover a wide-range of topics, so please come with your questions, your expertise, and your own stories of success and failure in your gardens. 2nd Annual Plant for Pollinators: 10 am to 2 pm, May 26, 30 Howarth Rd., Oxford, MA. CALLING ALL SCOUTS AND FAMILIES: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is requesting your help with planting as many 4 X4 plots of wildflowers. And for this, your plot will be posted with a sign. (This will add more plots to the 11 that were created in 2017.) Free event. Please, RSVP, so I can make the signs. Please, bring the soil amendments- top soil, humus, natural fertilizer, peat, etc. Please bring gloves and your own drinking water. Snacks will be provided. The USACE will supply the New England Wildflower mix and all the tools. Group or club supplies the garden supplies. Register by 5/24/18 to or Jamie.r.kordack@usace.army. mil. Sponsored by US Army Corps of Engineers usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/hodges-village-dam/ Easy; restrooms nearby, especially for families with children, NO dogs please Kayak or Canoe the Quinebaug: 10 a.m. to noon, 20 Pond Bridge Rd., Holland, MA. Meet at the kayak/canoe launch by the bridge at 20 Pond Bridge Road in Holland. Bring your canoe or kayak. The paddle is from 10:00-12:00 and is 3.6 miles on flat water (downstream only). Meet at

31 9:00 to arrange transportation back to the launch. PFDs required. For info: Questions? Time/Distance: 3 hours, 3.6 miles Sponsored by: Holland Trails Committee. Acorn Adventure Underwater Exploration: 11 a.m. to 12:30, 276 Mashamoquet Road, Pomfret, CT What lives under the water in a stream? Explore Mashamoquet Brook with a professional biologist looking for the critters who live there. Ranger Jean has been teaching our water quality monitoring volunteers how some of the bugs that live in our healthy streams help us to understand a lot about the water quality in them. She is inviting all our Acorn adventurers to help her with a stream assessment by catching and examining the squigglies living in the brook. Become a water quality detective for a day. Wear waterproof boots if you want to help collect the bugs. Meet at the Acorn Adventure sign after you pass the parking area for the swimming pond. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and Putnam Bank. Spring Outdoors 2018 MAY 27 Youth Series - Invasive Plants: 1 3 pm, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Road, Hampton CT. Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest Michelle Poudrette as we examine invasive plants growing in Goodwin Forest. What makes a plant invasive? How did it get here? Why should we care? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered. There are a number of invasive plant species currently found in Connecticut s land and water ecosystems. We will focus primarily on those impacting Goodwin State Forest, such as Japanese barberry, winged euonymus, and multiflora rose, and learn what control techniques have been used for these species. Discussion will be followed by a hike to identify invasives on the property. Michelle Poudrette became a certified Texas Master Naturalist for the Capital Area (Austin) chapter and after she returned to Connecticut two years ago has joined the Master Naturalist Program at Goodwin and become a member of Eastford s Conservation Commission. She enjoys volunteering and broadening her knowledge of our environment. Lynn Kochiss is an environmental educator who has been a CFPA volunteer since She is a certified elementary teacher, a Project Learning Tree facilitator, and a Master Naturalist. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is Required. For more information or to register: or jasper.current-programs.html or MAY 28 Mellow Mondays: Mountain Bike Ride: 5:45-7:45 pm, Goodwin State Forest, 22 Potter Road, Hampton, CT Quiet Corner NEMBA s Mellow Monday Mountain Bike Ride at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton is designed as a recovery ride or for those that like a slower paced ride. Novice riders are always welcome! This is always a No Drop ride (no one is left behind) and route/distance to fit the groups. Bikes, helmets required. Be ready to roll at 6PM. Weekly details can be found in the posted event within the Chapter s Group Forum on Facebook. www. Facebook.com/groups/QuietCornerNEMBA