The Last Green Valley s

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1 The Last Green Valley s tober years of exploring the beauty and treasures of the National Heritage Corridor! National Heritage Corridor Supported by

2 Explore! tober in The Last Green Valley M. E. Ellsworth The Last Green Valley is a National Heritage Corridor 35 towns in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts, brimming with natural beauty, historic treasures, thriving farms, unique tastes, sips, and shops, and the most enthusiastic tober leaders you ve ever met, ready to help you explore and discover it all. Celebrate 26 years of tober! What started out as a ing Weekend many years ago has expanded to more than a month s worth of adventures. s, strolls, bike rides, paddles, and events galore, all led by passionate volunteer leaders, put new twists on old familiar places or introduce you to eye-opening and brand new discoveries! Want to Explore! more? Don t stop after tober. Keep that adventurous spirit year-round. You can return to these places throughout the year. Bring family and friends! Use our annual Explore! Guide as your #1 resource to the region. The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) also offers monthly Member Programs, Acorn Adventures & Mystery Member Meanders. Visit thelastgreenvalley.org and our Facebook page for ever-changing, fun-filled, up-to-date options! Reminders Note Key Symbols, as they are your guide to an age-appropriate and pleasurable experience Dress sensibly in sturdy shoes and layered clothing. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks. Note age-appropriateness of walk. Register in advance if required. Bring friendly, vaccinated dogs ONLY on those walks marked. Keep them on leashes and please clean up any mess. s go on rain or shine, unless the walk leader determines that conditions are unsafe or that weather totally obscures the view. The Last Green Valley programs and projects are generously supported by:

3 Meet Team tober 2016 Dianne Brown & Regan Miner The Mr. or Ms. tober honor has been bestowed upon only a small number of walk leaders over the past few years, and this year we introduce a dynamic duo from Norwich as they join this extraordinary club! Dianne & Regan have teamed up to provide what is becoming a model for other towns organizing a tober lineup. All Norwich tober experiences are gathered and strategically scheduled to offer attendees memory-making visits. You can plan to spend a day in Norwich and comfortably attend more than one tober experience. Dianne s lifetime love of Norwich architecture led her to purchase an 1860 Greek Revival home in Norwich with her husband in As secretary of the Norwich Historical Society and co-chair of Norwich s Semiseptcentennial Celebration, it seemed natural for Dianne to be part of the newly-formed Norwich tober planning group 3 years ago, and to become its chairwoman for the last 2 years. An avid tober participant, Dianne is thrilled and honored to be in the position of actually coordinating the walking tours she loves so much! A native of Norwich, Regan is a graduate of Norwich Free Academy and UConn, and is currently pursuing a Master s Degree in Public History from CCSU. As a consultant for the Norwich Historical Society, Regan successfully amassed over $120,000 in grant funding towards major projects including restoration of the 18th Century Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse (now home to the Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors Center), the Discover Norwich exhibit and the Norwich self-guided trails. Regan serves on the board of the Society of the Founders of Norwich and is the facilitator for the Norwich Heritage Groups. She hopes to continue advocating for heritage development and being a dedicated steward to her community and its rich history. tober 2016 is proudly supported by the following towns: Chaplin Pomfret Eastford Putnam Franklin Sprague Hampton Sturbridge Killingly Voluntown Please give all of our advertisers, municipal, and business sponsors a high-five, patronize their establishments, and thank them when you see them. Thanks to Team Norwich, for helping make tober so successful and providing a great model for others to follow! Front photos by: L. Bruinooge, M. Dawley, E. Hood (Opacum Land Trust), A. Brayton (Lakeview Marine) and V. Amsel. A. Dabrowski

4 tober is bigger and better! tober has grown to so many walks this year we can no longer easily fit them on the map! Listed below are the walks, by town, along with a smaller reference map. Please refer to the event/walk number description in this guide for detailed directions to their locations. KEY ORANGE listings are free. GREEN listings have a fee. indicates location of The Last Green Valley office, 203B Main St. (2nd floor), Danielson, CT. Open Monday-Thursday 8 am - 4 pm H thelastgreenvalley.org ALL 1 FREE MULTI DAY MASSACHUSETTS Brimfield 38 Fee $ Charlton 7 FREE Dudley 39 FREE 75 FREE 155 FREE 186 FREE 213 FREE Holland 169 Bike Oxford and No. Oxford Paddle Southbridge 4 FREE MULTI DAY Bike 73 FREE 76 FREE 79 FREE 91 FREE FREE FREE 137 FREE Columbia Coventry 33 FREE Eastford FREE MULTI DAY 154 Franklin FREE FREE Griswold 74 MULTI DAY Hampton Fee $ Killingly and Danielson 87 FREE 100 FREE 117 FREE FREE Norwich continued FREE Fee $ Paddle Fee $ Plainfield Pomfret and Pomfret Center 15 FREE 34 Fee $ FREE MULTI DAY Putnam FREE FREE FREE 219 FREE Scotland 18 Fee $ 19 Fee $ 46 FREE 102 FREE FREE Sterling and Moosup 3 Fee $ MULTI DAY Fee $ MULTI DAY 132 Thompson 2 Fee $ MULTI DAY 17 FREE 20 FREE 27 Fee $ /Paddle FREE Fee $ Tolland Union 80 Vernon 168 Voluntown Willington 149 Windham Fee $ 86 Fee $ Fee $ 164 Fee $ 190 Fee $ MULTI DAY 204 FREE 220 Fee $ 230 Woodstock and Woodstock Valley 8 FREE Fee $ MULTI DAY 150 FREE 162 FREE

5 143 FREE FREE 185 FREE FREE 211 Bike 214 FREE 217 FREE 218 FREE 226 FREE 228 FREE 237 FREE 238 FREE Sturbridge 14 Bike FREE MULTI DAY 147 FREE MULTI DAY 198 Webster 24 Paddle Worcester 222 Fee $ CONNECTICUT Ashford Brooklyn 13 FREE MULTI DAY FREE FREE Canterbury 37 FREE Chaplin FREE 241 FREE Lebanon 10 FREE Even 21 Fee $ Ledyard 178 Lisbon 174 Mansfield, Mansfield Center and Storrs 6 Fee $ MULTI DAY FREE MULTI DAY FREE MULTI DAY Fee $ FREE FREE North Stonington 151 Norwich, Taftville and Yantic 5 FREE MULTI DAY Fee $ FREE Fee $ Preston 70 tober Watch for our walk location signs! Tolland Willington Ledyard H For More Information Contact The Last Green Valley at or visit thelastgreenvalley.org 607

6 tober Difficulty Multi-Day events 1 2 All day, every day 24/7 August 20 - October 31 $ Open daily through Oct. 31 R C 3 September 3 - October 30 $ Open Sat. & Sun. from Sept. 3 - Oct. 30 R C 4 September 5 - October 23 Open Thurs. - Sun. from Sept. 5 - Oct. 23 R C 5 September 24 - October 29 6 October 1 - October 30 $ Open daily through Oct. 30 R C 2016 tober Updates from Heritage Information Radio Fort Hill Farms Corn Maze Adventures Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm GIANT Corn Maze Southbridge Highlights Norwich tober Photo Contest! Fall Family Fun at Cedar Ledge Tree Farm of walk/paddle/bike: l Easy n Moderate u Difficult $ Entry fee event (description has green background) S Rain date R Restrooms nearby (outhouses to full bathrooms) Wheelchair accessible C Especially for families with children Dogs welcome on these walks O Bring canoe or kayak and PFD b Bring bike and helmet ( Registration required Tune in to Heritage Information Radio online 24/7 to hear updates and information about tober and all things in The Last Green Valley. Radio Ranger Kevin knows what is going on! Listen to the online streaming info at Sponsored by: Heritage Information Radio. Fort Hill Farms, 260 Quaddick Rd., Thompson, CT Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, 227 Ekonk Hill Rd., Sterling (Moosup), CT QVCAH -The Arts Center, 111 Main St., Southbridge, MA Get lost trying to find your way in and out of Southern New England s premier corn maze. Collect the clues and see if you can solve the maze mystery. Flashlight nights Fri. Sun. Pick pumpkins, meet our farm animals and try your hand at gem mining. Taste The Farmer s Cow Ice Cream in our Creamery, too. See website for fees, hours and more! Sponsored by: Fort Hill Farms. Explore the giant 8-acre corn maze. Hayride & barnyard are included in admission. Solve the maze puzzle and win free ice cream. Pumpkin patch open for purchasing pumpkin(s) to take home. Saturday night flashlight mazes, too, last tickets sold at 8 pm. Don t forget to visit our Harvest Festival on Columbus Day weekend! See website for fees, hours and more! & Sponsored by: Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm. Blast from the past! through the galleries of the QVCAH Arts Center; experience the history of Southbridge and its promise for the future. From the village that was almost called Vienna and the American Optical Company to the Southbridge of today with the people who are working towards its revival. Open Thurs. 4-8 pm, Fri. 2-6 pm, Sat. & Sun.12-4 pm, or by appointment. Sponsored by: Town of Southbridge Love tober? Love Norwich? Then please participate in the Norwich tober Photo Contest! Contest Criteria: Attend any 10 out of 34 Norwich tober s and message us on the Norwich Facebook page with your name, photo of you on the walk, walk title and address. We will post your photo in our Facebook photo album with your name only. How you win: Your name will be entered in a raffle to receive a prize. The winner will be notified by and the winner can pick up their prize on Oct. 30 at the Norwich Heritage and Regional Visitors Center from 10 am - 4 pm. Thank you! Happy ing! For more information, contact Regan Miner at minerregan@gmail.com, & Sponsored by: Norwich Historical Society. Cedar Ledge Tree Farm, 260 Coventry Rd., Mansfield, CT BE SURE TO VISIT THELASTGREENVALLEY.ORG FOR WALK UPDATES, CANCELLATIONS AND ADDITIONS Open the month of October, we offer fall farm family fun! Pick a pumpkin, take a tractor ride, enjoy mulch mountain sliding & pedal carts! Climb on the new Train Playscape! You might even glimpse the perfect Christmas tree to come back for! See website for fees, hours and more! Sponsored by: Cedar Ledge Tree Farm.

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8 MULTI-DAY EVENTS CONTINUED 32 October 1 - October 31 Repeats throughout October. C 74 October 3 - October 31 3:30 pm - Repeats on school (week) days all October R C Mansfield Library Storywalk Haunted Nature Trail Saturday, September R C 9 am - 3 pm R C 9 am - 12 pm 9 am - 4 pm R C ( 10 am - 12 pm R 12 Repeats Sun. 9/25 25th Annual National Public Lands Day at Buffumville Celebrating Agriculture Hike to Hatchet Pond Laurelei s Letterboxing Adventure Architecture of Colonial Norwichtown along the Benedict Arnold Trail Atwood Farm Art Exhibit 54 Warrenville Rd., Mansfield Center, CT Griswold School Campus, 267 Slater Ave., Griswold, CT Park is in the Elementary School lot across from the trailhead Buffumville Lake, 48 Old Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA Woodstock Fairgrounds, Rte. 169, Woodstock, CT Breakneck Rd., Southbridge, MA (Ken Pickren) or (Karen Pickarski) Camp Laurel, 175 Clubhouse Rd., Lebanon, CT Leffingwell House Museum, 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT Atwood Farm, 624 Wormwood Hill Rd., Mansfield Center, CT Throughout the month of October, enjoy a self-guided storywalk on the playground next to Mansfield Library. Our storywalk features the book Zinnia s Flower Garden by Monica Wellington and is funded by Altrusa International of Northeastern Connecticut. Sponsored by: Mansfield Public Library. The Nature Trail is open to the public during school days after 3:30 pm. We welcome you to the Haunted Nature Trail. Take the trail map from the box at the trailhead. It is yours to keep (or you can print it from our website.) Follow the Orange Blaze Trail around the Nature Trail. When you reach a numbered post, look into the woods for a hidden Halloween object, but be sure to stay on the trail. You should be able to see the object from the trail - look on both sides - look up - look down! It may be right at your feet or further into the woods. It may be big or small like a mouse. See it, but don t touch it, don t remove it from the hiding spot! Please leave it for the next family to find. Cross the item off your list and go to the next post. There are 22 to find! 1.2 miles. Sponsored by: Griswold Public Schools. Take part in the 25th Annual National Public Lands Day right here in The Last Green Valley with the Rangers at Buffumville Lake & Hodges Village Dam. Engage with the land and stewardship opportunities with this organized event. Trail work, clean ups, and all sorts of fun in the fresh air. A great day for youth groups like the scouts! Reach out to the USACE Rangers for more information regarding this year s activities and times! (search Buffumville Lake). Sponsored by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Celebrating Agriculture is a fun, free educational day showcasing the benefits agriculture provides to the region, as well as the challenges farms face today. Learn who your farm neighbors are, and how to support local agriculture to enrich and maintain the open space - the working landscape of our area. See website for details. www. celebratingagriculture.org. Coordinated by: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Hike 2.7 miles from the Southbridge water filtration plant along Reservoirs 3, 4 and 5 to Hatchet Pond and back, a total distance of 5.4 miles. Along the way we will stop to investigate cellar holes and their stories in the area. Bring a snack and something to drink; wear sturdy shoes. Sponsored by: Southbridge Trails Committee. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough supplies for all, register online at scroll down for Laurelei s Letterboxing Adventure. Come to Camp Laurel and enjoy a day of letterboxing, no experience required. Learn the basics of letterboxing, make your own letterboxing stamp, get the clue book and head out on the trails to find your treasure. Bring your lunch and enjoy a meet and greet time in the dining hall with other letterboxers, both Girl Scout and non-girl Scout. You decide how long to stay at this great event & pick the trails you d like to explore. Sponsored by: Girl Scouts of Connecticut. View colonial Norwich s impressive architecture while learning about our nation s most infamous native son. 2 miles. Sponsored by: Norwich Historical Society. Come see what the plein air artists have been painting at the farm, as well as a display of fiber art by well-known Chaplin artist Cathy Smith. Check Joshua s Trust website for time and all the details. Sponsored by: Joshua s Trust. KEY l Easy Moderate u Difficult $ Fee event S Rain date R Restrooms Wheelchair accessible C Especially for families with children Dogs welcome OBring canoe/kayak/pfd b Bring bike/helmet ( Registration req. Go to pages 4-6 for multiple day events that may be held on the dates on this page Be sure to visit thelastgreenvalley.org for walk updates, cancellations and additions

9 am - 4 pm Repeats Sun pm C 10 am - 12 pm Bike C b( 10 am - 4 pm R C 10-11:30 am 11 am 1 pm R 11 am 4 pm $ R C Brooklyn Fall Festival Burrito Brunch & Bicycling Positively Pomfret Day Spalding/Rapoport Preserve Celebrate the Women in Thompson History & Thompson Hill Celebrating Sheldon s Horse, the 2nd Light Dragoons Sunday, September am 4 pm $ R C pm $ C ( 12 4 pm C pm Celebrating the 1st Commissioned Cavalry in the United States Thompson Community Day Beltane Farm Scavenger Hunt on Joshua s Trust Pigeon Swamp Property Brooklyn Center, intersection of Rtes. 6 & 169, Brooklyn, CT Westville Lake Recreation Area, 125 Wallace Rd., Sturbridge, MA Recreation Park, 576 Hampton Rd. (Rte. 97), Pomfret, CT End of Calkins Rd., Woodstock, CT Park respectfully on road by #129 Calkins Rd Chase Rd., Thompson, CT Huntington Homestead, 36 Huntington Rd. (Rte. 14), Scotland, CT Huntington Homestead, 36 Huntington Rd. (Rte. 14), Scotland, CT Riverside Park, Riverside Dr., Thompson, CT Beltane Farm, 95 Taylor Bridge Rd., Lebanon, CT Pigeon Swamp Rd., Lebanon, CT Fall in love with Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Fall Festival! All sorts of arts, crafts, food, a Victorian tea, and even scarecrow & pie-baking contests! Free entry, but you will be tempted to shop local at its best, so be prepared! Sponsored by: Town of Brooklyn. Pre-registration required for food counts, sroenfeldt@southbridgemass.org. Enjoy a bicycle brunch of egg burritos, fruit, juice and coffee as we discuss bicycle safety with both kids & adults. Then we ll pedal on a ride for all ages & abilities on the beautiful & family-friendly Titanic Rail Trail overlooking the Quinebaug River. We ll pedal as far & as long as participants want, up to about 1.2 miles and back. Sponsored by: Southbridge Recreation. A day of old-fashioned fun and community activity! Takes place outdoors (weather permitting) at Recreation Park with family fun like music, games, inflatables, vendors, food and more! Entrance and parking are free, but you might want to spend a little money on some delicious foods and wares. Sponsored by: Town of Pomfret. Hike the fields, woods, and wetlands of this scenic 154-acre Wyndham Land Trust Property, the Spalding/Rapoport Preserve. 2 miles. Sponsored by: Wyndham Land Trust. Celebrating the women in Thompson throughout history! the beautiful Thompson Common & visit the Thompson Historical Society s Old Town Hall & Ellen Larned Museum. A presentation about the women in Thompson s history will compliment the Society s Women in Thompson History Exhibit. Celebrate with us! < 0.5 miles. Sponsored by: Thompson Historical Society. The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust celebrates SH2LD, the 1st Commissioned Cavalry in the United States! Capt. Tarantino, Commander, is hosting Crown & Continental Infantry, artillery units, the Queen s Rangers, the Pawtuxet Rangers, Native Americans & Hinsdale civilian crafts with 18th century music. At 1 pm there will be a formal Libation Ceremony for all veterans & local officials. The Homestead will be open from 11 am 3 pm. The kitchen will be in use with Samuel Huntington himself hearthside! Adults $6, Families $12, Children/Seniors/Students $4. Goodwill donations thankfully accepted. Sponsored by: Governor Samuel Huntington Trust. The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust celebrates SH2LD, the 1st Commissioned Cavalry in the United States! The day starts at 11 am with an artillary demonstration. There will also be a cavalry demonstration as well as American & Crown Infantry drills later. The troops skirmish happens at 3 pm. The Homestead is open from 11 am 3 pm and thankfully accepts goodwill donations. Adults $6, Families $12, Children/Seniors/Students $4. Sponsored by: Governor Samuel Huntington Trust. Come to the 13th Annual Thompson Community Day which celebrates the unique people, organizations and businesses in our great town. Enjoy the local talent and great family fun! Free admission and parking. Sponsored by: Town of Thompson. Pre-registration required, register online at Join us for a family-friendly scavenger hunt and fun treats at Beltane Farm. Tour the grounds, visit the farm animals, and see where the goats are milked and fresh cheese is made while hunting for clues. $5 individual / $10 family. Sponsored by: Connecticut Farmland Trust. Trails meander through upland forests and skirt a swamp, marsh and primitive pond. Learn a bit of history, enjoy a pleasant walk while seeing the foundations of an 18th-19th century grist mill & home, dam and sluice way while visiting the Pigeon Swamp s 135 acres. 2 miles. Sponsored by: Joshua s Trust. Sunday, September 25 CONTINUED on next page

10 Sunday, september 25 CONTINUED pm pm Paddle O ( :30-3:30 pm Rain or Shine 2-3:30 pm pm $ C Norwich Veterans Webster Lake Paddle Life in the Settlement of New Oxford St. Mary Cemetery & Stories Hot Air Balloon Views Above the Hill Wednesday, September :30 pm Repeats Fri. 2 pm S 10 am C pm R age 12+ only The Three Bridges of Downtown Willimantic - and More! Special Zombie Thriller Screening Remains Friday, September pm ( NOW Almost More Trails to Treasure in Thompson Chelsea Parade North, Norwich, CT Lakeview Marine, 311 Thompson Rd., Webster, MA or Huguenot Fort Site, 87 Fort Hill Rd., Oxford, MA Handicapped parking available along Fort Hill Rd. directly in front of the site. All other parking is available on 2 nearby side streets St. Mary Cemetery. Providence St. (Rte. 171), Putnam, CT Just west of St. Mary s Church (218 Providence St.) Fort Hill Farms, 260 Quaddick Rd., Thompson, CT Main St. (Rte. 66) at Jillson Square, Windham (Willimantic), CT Park in lot by First Baptist Church Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich, CT Address disclosed with registration confirmation, Thompson, CT Chelsea Parade s community importance is reflected in its selection as the site of Norwich s public monuments, including the Civil War Soldier s Monument erected in Also located at the site is an ornamental memorial fountain and several monuments to the town s war heroes including a field howitzer and several stone tablets. Join war veterans to learn about these prominent memorials. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Norwich Historical Society. Pre-Registration required to abrayton@lakeviewwebster.com or Participants will launch from Lakeview Marine and paddle part of Webster Lake s Middle Pond. Course and duration may vary based on weather. Approximately hour paddle. & Sponsored by: Lakeview Marine & Webster Lake Association. French Huguenots from LaRochelle, France established the Settlement of New Oxford in , and continued to live in the southeast corner of this much larger English Grant until Today, the Town of Oxford owns a park-like historic site with the remains of the Huguenot Fort which is marked with a large educational sign and a Monument dedicated to the memory of the Huguenots. Your guides will present a fascinating program Life in the Settlement of New Oxford which tells the story of these Huguenots. Bring and enjoy a picnic lunch. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Oxford Historical Commission. Cemeteries reveal how different societies have honored their dead and how the dead inspire the living. Enjoy an afternoon walk in a cemetery which dates back to 1867 and learn the history of some of the people who are buried there. Amazing stories! < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam & Town of Putnam. Harvest the views of the tri-state autumn foliage while floating in a tethered hot air balloon. Get the magnificent aerial view of the Corn Maze Adventure. Proceeds of the balloon ride benefit The Last Green Valley. Hot air balloon courtesy of ReMax and the setting provided by Fort Hill Farms. Cost is $10 per person and there are a limited number of ascensions that are wind and weather dependent. Come early. Sponsored by: Fort Hill Farms, ReMax & The Last Green Valley. We will review the great historical photos at Liberty Bank downtown and then explore the Victorian Footbridge, Frog Bridge, and Bridge of Flowers. Lots of history and beauty to behold. 2 miles. Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. View the Zombie Thriller and cult classic movie Remains which was filmed in downtown Norwich. FREE. Limited seating, first come, first served. Sponsored by: Otis Library. Pre-registration required - register and get hike meeting location by ing sarah.mortensen@nowinmotion.org. Learn about NOW s vision to expand the opportunities to our youth even further at this informative walk. Trek on the existing trails & see what trails they connect to. Envision a scouting campground and more on property that the organization hopes to offer to both residents & visitors in The Last Green Valley for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and fresh air outdoors! Be sure to RSVP, space is limited! 3 miles. Sponsored by: Northeast Opportunities for Wellness. KEY l Easy Moderate u Difficult $ Fee event S Rain date R Restrooms Wheelchair accessible C Especially for families with children Dogs welcome OBring canoe/kayak/pfd b Bring bike/helmet ( Registration req. Go to pages 4-6 for multiple day events that may be held on the dates on this page Be sure to visit thelastgreenvalley.org for walk updates, cancellations and additions

11 :30 pm S 10 am C 6:30 8 pm S Cloudy night postpones to 10/1 The Three Bridges of Downtown Willimantic - and More! Hilltop Tour of the Autumn Night Sky Saturday, October am 1 pm C 34 9 am $ C ( The Annual Farm Day Harvest Festival ABC Abolish Breast Cancer 5k Main St. (Rte. 66) at Jillson Square, Windham (Willimantic), CT Park in lot by First Baptist Church Knowlton Hill Preserve, Knowlton Hill Rd., Mansfield/Ashford line, CT 0.4 m north of Knowlton Hill Rd. & Wormwood Hill Rd. intersection. Preserve is on east side of road Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St., Coventry, CT Pomfret Recreation Park, 576 Hampton Rd. (Rte. 97), Pomfret, CT We will review the great historical photos at Liberty Bank downtown and then explore the Victorian Footbridge, Frog Bridge, and Bridge of Flowers. Lots of history and beauty to behold. 2 miles. Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. Arrive while the sky is still light to settle in for an hour of twilight enjoying the setting and sunset. This hilltop tour of the autumn night sky, stars, constellations & planets opens your eyes to our dark & delightful night skies. Bring folding chairs, binoculars and telescopes! If you do bring a flashlight, red colored lights are strongly recommended to save night vision. NOTE: cloudy night postpones to Sat. Oct. 1. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Joshua s Trust. Enjoy and support agriculture at the historic Nathan Hale Homestead for the annual Farm Day Harvest Festival. Observe live local music, farm animals, Corn Maze, a tour of the Homestead, local vendors, UCONN s Timber Team, tractor display, equipment demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations, youth activities and much more. Parking and admission are free. Food and more will be available for purchase. For questions, please contact Darby Pollansky, darbyp@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Coventry Agricultural Committee. Pre-registration suggested at All walkers, joggers and runners are welcome to participate in this chip-timed 5k with all proceeds going to breast cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. You can help make a difference in the effort to Abolish Breast Cancer, and stretch your legs with old and new friends while doing it. See website for registration and fee details. Sponsored by: The Champany Family for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Saturday, October 1 CONTINUED on next page

12 Saturday, October 1 CONTINUED am 1 pm /Paddle age 12+ only O ( 9 am 1 pm Paddle age 12+ only O ( 9:30 am 3 pm R 10 am 3 pm $ S 10/2, 8 or 9 10 am 3 pm am Repeats Sat. 10 am S 10 am R C ( 10 am - 12 pm S 10 am 10-11:30 am S 10 am u 10-11:30 am Repeats Wed. 10 am 10 am - 12:30 pm S 10 am Dynamic Duo: Kayak & Hike Along the French River French River Canoe Trail 6th Annual FACES at FAHS: Fine Art & Craft Exhibit & Sale and Open House 8th Annual Brimfield Antique Auto Show Black Tavern s Annual Craft Fair Camp JN Webster History Chestnuts and Overlooks Hut & Cemetery Shetucket River - Powering Norwich and Lifting Fish in Gertrude Chandler Warner s Footsteps 1017 Riverside Dr. (Rte. 12), Thompson (N Grosvenordale), CT Behind Knights of Columbus U.S. Army Corps Greenbriar Recreation Area, 591 Main St., Oxford, MA Directly behind 581 Main St , Finnish Hall, 76 N. Canterbury Rd. (Rte. 169), Canterbury, CT Heart-O-The-Mart Antique Show Grounds, 37 Palmer Rd. (Rte. 20), Brimfield, MA The Black Tavern, 138 Center Rd., Dudley, MA Ashford Center Rd. (Rte. 44), Ashford, CT Drive 0.5 miles off of Rte. 44 to the Camp s main parking lot Colbridge Rd., Plainfield, CT Follow signs to parking area at end of Colbridge Rd Rte. 32, Franklin, CT Park at the Woodward Museum, entrance off Plains Road Eighth St., Norwich, CT South Main St., Putnam, CT Meet at the Boxcar Museum Pre-registration required by ing koch0722@yahoo.com. During the paddle and hike attendees may see waterfowl and other local wildlife. We will paddle to the upper falls and to see the old mill power plant and dam that holds back the French River from times when the river was used to power local mills and villages. Paddle will be 3 miles out & back. Immediately after putting away the kayaks, we will hike 2 miles out & back along one of Thompson s newest trails that runs along the pond. Sponsored by: Thompson Trails Committee. Pre-registration required, call or Glenn Krevosky at or glenn.krevosky@charter.net. Start with a half hour walk/talk at parking area about impact of invasive plants. Then float 2.6 miles through a low gradient portion of the French River, highlighting the natural features of the river, including animal & plant life in the water and on the banks. End at Hodges Village Dam with transport back to vehicles, return to retrieve your vessel. Limited to 12 canoes/kayaks. 2.6 miles in water, 6 miles round trip. Sponsored by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers & EBT Environmental Consultants, Inc. Enjoy the all-indoor 6th Annual Finnish American Heritage Society s exhibition & sale of fine art/fine craft works by skilled artisans in many mediums, live music & demonstrations in several craft forms. Guided tours of FAHS Archives, Museum, Library & Sauna. Refreshments include salmon chowder, Finnish pulla bread & more! Sponsored by: Finnish American Heritage Society. Antique cars, muscle cars, classic trucks, street rods, custom cruisers, classic imports, and utility vehicles are all welcome! Tons of trophies to be awarded, including best-in-show awards. Vehicle registration: $10 (starts at 8 am). General Admission: $7. Free for seniors over 65, children under 13, military and veterans. org. Sponsored by: Hitchcock Free Academy. No admission fee for this great annual craft fair, but there will be a lot to tempt you, so be prepared. Pick up a unique gift as you visit The Black Tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings! Sponsored by: The Black Tavern Historical Society. Pre-registration suggested to charles.copeland@scouting.org. Visit Camp JN Webster! See the camp and learn the history, including a walking tour of the grounds. 2 miles. Sponsored by: Connecticut Rivers Council - Boy Scouts. Take a walk along the orange trail and view various identified species of trees, including American chestnut backcross breed plantings and native American chestnut trees, the tabletop overlook, quarry remains, wetlands, ledges and an old stone homestead foundation - all in 97+ acres of forestland. 1 mile. conservationcomm. Sponsored by: Plainfield Conservation Commission. Join us for a walk back in time in Franklin, CT. Come for a short (1.5 mile round trip) but steep hike up to Rachel s Hut, the summer camp of a Native American herb gatherer; then continue to the Small Pox cemetery where two Revolutionary War soldiers are buried. Once finished, stay for a visit at the Ashbel Woodward House Museum. 1.5 miles. Sponsored by: Franklin Historical Society & Ashbel Woodward Museum. Slow, level walk past a working hydroelectric station to the historic dam on the Shetucket River. Observe the fish lift and view a video of the shad run. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Norwich Public Utilities. Meet at the Boxcar Children Museum, an authentic 1920s railroad boxcar celebrating local author Gertrude Chandler Warner s life and works. in her footsteps as we pass the homes she lived in throughout her life, the school where she taught and the Grove Street Cemetery where she rests in peace. We encourage you to visit the free museum after the walk. 2 miles. Sponsored by: Putnam Public Library.

13 KEY l Easy Moderate u Difficult $ Fee event S Rain date R Restrooms Wheelchair accessible C Especially for families with children Dogs welcome OBring canoe/kayak/pfd b Bring bike/helmet ( Registration req. Go to pages 4-6 for multiple day events that may be held on the dates on this page Be sure to visit thelastgreenvalley.org for walk updates, cancellations and additions :30 am - 12:30 pm R 11 am 3 pm C 11 am - 12:30 pm 11 am - 12:30 pm Repeats Sat. 11 am S 11 am R C 11 am 4 pm $ R C 11:30 am - 12:30 pm pm 12 1 pm R pm pm S 9 am R Where Our Water Comes From A Dinner Samuel Huntington Would Recognize The Legend of Uncas Leap The River, Rail, Mills & Trails Norwich Founders Day at the Leffingwell Fishing in the Shetucket Everyone s History Matters - Woodstock Hill Any Last Words? 511 Breakneck Rd., Southbridge, MA Huntington Homestead, 36 Huntington Rd. (Rte. 14), Scotland, CT Yantic St., Norwich, CT Bridge St., Windham (Willimantic), CT Drive in about 0.5 miles on the gravel road beside the tracks to the walk greeter Leffingwell House Museum, 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT Eighth St., Norwich, CT Roseland Cottage, 556 Rte. 169, Woodstock, CT South Street Cemetery, Coventry, CT 0.25 miles west of the intersection of South St. and Silver St Feet With a View Mansfield Historical Society, 954 Storrs Rd. (Rte. 195), Mansfield (Storrs), CT Parking lot for the trail is behind the building WWTP Tour - the Ins and Outs of Wastewater Treatment 83 Dresser Hill Rd., Southbridge, MA Take a morning hike around the town s reservoirs to see Southbridge s pristine water supply and enjoy a tour of the filtration plant! Stay in town for lunch, then attend the partner walk to this one at the Waste Water Treatment Plant at 1 pm (#54). 2.5 miles. Sponsored by: Town of Southbridge. Hitch up your team, traveling over the river & through the woods to the Huntington Homestead. Smell gingerbread warming near the fire & observe a farmhouse dinner that Samuel would be satisfied with! Tours of the homestead available from 11 am - 3 pm. Goodwill dontations are always welcomed. org. Sponsored by: Governor Samuel Huntington Trust. Visit the Yantic River gorge, a wonderful natural resource that is home to the legend of Uncas Leap. This tour will be led by a Mohegan Tribal Elder, and will travel from the planned Uncas Leap Heritage Area to the Royal Mohegan Burial Ground. Explore the deep significance of the Mohegan Tribe s heritage and its connection with Norwich. 1.5 miles. & Sponsored by: Norwich Historical Society & The Mohegan Tribe. the new rail trail up to the Railroad Museum, talking & learning about railroad history & current service, and the river that powered the mills. Optional: Tour the museum or take a train ride after for an additional small cost. 2 miles. Sponsored by: CT Eastern Railroad Museum. Celebrate the Founding of Norwich in 1659 at the Leffingwell House Museum. During your tour of this historic museum, take part in a scavenger hunt and look for historic artifacts from the 35 Founding families. Hear the bells ring as the 35 family names are read, listen to the Founders Day Proclamation from the City. Light refreshments will be served. $5 each. Sponsored by: Leffingwell House Museum & Society of the Founders of Norwich. with Pete Procko on a wooded path to the Shetucket Dam. Learn about Greeneville and the various fish thriving in the local rivers. This walk is definitely for the fishing enthusiasts! Bonus: join Norwich Public Utilities prior to this walk (10 am) to learn about Powering Norwich and Lifting Fish in the Shetucket. 2 miles. Sponsored by: Greenville Neighborhood Revitalization Committee. Examine the history of those who have called Woodstock Hill home: Some were illustrious, some were not, and some had illustrious ancestors or descendants. All have contributed to the history of Woodstock. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Roseland Cottage/Historic New England. Discover the work and the burial places of the Loomis family of gravestone carvers, who made half of the stones in Coventry. Learn how gravestones were installed, and find out where poor folk were laid to rest. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Coventry Cemetery Commission. What better place to go on a beautiful fall day than a place with a great view, led by naturalists that can answer questions about what we see! We will take a casual walk through the forest, looking at whatever interests us along the way and be rewarded with an opening at the top of a cliff where we can see most of southern Storrs and beyond. Those who are adventurous can also walk down to the base of the cliff to view some interesting plants that live on the rocks. 2 miles. Sponsored by: Town of Mansfield, Parks Advisory Committee. After seeing where our water comes from on the morning walk in Southbridge (#45), this walk will take participants from the beginning of the wastewater treatment process, explaining each step along the way, to the discharge of cleaned, treated effluent into the Quinebaug River. Sludge solids are also composted on-site and turned into a beneficial use product. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Town of Southbridge/Veolia. Saturday, October 1 CONTINUED on next page

14 Saturday, October 1 CONTINUED :30 pm 1:30 4 pm S 1:30 pm u 3 4 pm Repeats Sun. 3 pm R C Ye Ancient Burial Grounds of Norwich Hike the Preserve - and Then Some! Turkey Talk & More on Ekonk Hill Sunday, October am 3 pm Bike b 10 am 8 pm $ Repeats Sun. 10/23 C 10 am - 12 pm 10-11:30 am 11 am 1 pm 11 am - 12 pm R Mt. Wachusett Bike Ride Climbtober Byle s Sanctuary Hike - Revisit History Historic Ramsdell Explore Mount Misery Pomfret Farm Tour Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors Center, 69 East Town St., Norwich, CT End of Holton Rd., Franklin, CT Meet at the parking area at the end of Holton Rd. (look for sign) Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, 227 Ekonk Hill Rd., Sterling (Moosup), CT Southbridge Bicycles, 100 Central St., Southbridge, MA The Adventure Park at Storrs, 2007 Storrs Rd., Mansfield (Storrs), CT Rte. 44 ( Ashford Center Rd.), Ashford, CT Some parking at Henrietta House B&B and at trailhead. Otherwise use cautious street parking West Thompson Lake, 449 Reardon Rd., Thompson (N Grosvenordale), CT Meet at the Reardon Rd. trailhead Pachaug State Forest, Rte. 49 Entrance, Voluntown, CT Follow signs from park entrance to parking area Lapsley Orchard, 403 Orchard Hill Rd., Pomfret (Pomfret Center), CT Join historian Dave Oat on a walk through the old Colonial burial grounds in Norwichtown. Here you will see a variety of hand-cut colonial tombstones and discover what they can tell us about early life in Colonial Norwich. 1 mile. Sponsored by: Norwich Historical Society. Explore the newest section of the 500-acre Sprague Land Preserve and see how this Preserve fits into a nearly 3,000-acre wildlife corridor in the area. The moderate/strenuous 3.5 mile hike will quickly ascend to the top of the upland plateau. We ll hike through deciduous forest, through stands of mountain laurel to an overlook, down a ledge switchback, past two waterfalls, and then complete the loop back to the starting point. Heavy rain only postpones to the rain date. 3.5 miles. & Sponsored by: Joshua s Trust, Friends of the Shetucket River Valley & Franklin Conservation Commission. Visitors will be guided around the farm to see how our pastured turkeys are raised, plus see how corn in the corn maze is grown for grain and silage - food for the animals. More good news! Take a tour of the new Pick Your Own berry patches. You ll want to come back for strawberries & raspberries when they are calling you next season. Free refreshments afterwards. < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm. Take a two-wheel round trip ride to beautiful Wachusett Mountain from Southbridge and back. Questions on this one, be sure to contact Jon at When you get back to Southbridge, plan to stay for the Oktoberfest in town from 3 6 pm! 75 miles. Sponsored by: Southbridge Bicycles. Enjoy a swinging, climbing good time with a 10% discount at The Adventure Park at Storrs, an aerial forest park with ropes challenge courses and zip lines. A great family activity in a beautiful New England forest. Sponsored by: The Adventure Park at Storrs. Connecting past and present, enjoy this 1.5 mile easy to moderate loop as you pass a meadowland, then descend down a short steep section next to a stream, and then travel through a bio-diverse climax forest. We will also observe a beaver dam on the Mt. Hope River. After the hike, enjoy snacks, drinks, and a few stories at the historic Byles Homestead (now Henrietta House Bed and Breakfast) just off the trail. Add this walk to your plans as part of the First Sunday Open House at The Mill Works (an old thread mill) in Willington. Bonus: Your walk host graciously offers $10 off a stay in her Henrietta House B&B to anyone doing this walk. & Sponsored by: Joshua s Trust & Henrietta House B&B. Visit an old historic farmstead and take a walk back in time to the early 1700s. Learn about the Ramsdell family, interesting personalities who lived there until the mid 1900s. If you find this story intriguing, return to West Thompson for the Dam Tour on Sun. Oct. 16 at 10 am (#170) for a tour of the Dam s gate house! 1.5 miles. Sponsored by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Participants will hike with retired U.S. National Park Service Rangers Bob and Jen Panko to the summit of Mt. Misery (441 ft.) for an outstanding view and some insights into this area s geological and natural history and noteworthy tree species. 3 miles. Sponsored by: Voluntown Economic Development. Take a walk through orchards and fields to experience full scale fruit and vegetable production from a local farm at its best. Learn the many lessons that Mother Nature has taught professional grower, John Wolchesky (aka Johnny Appleseed). Bring your questions! 0.5 miles. Sponsored by: Lapsley Orchard. Sunday, October 2 CONTINUED on next page KEY l Easy Moderate u Difficult $ Fee event S Rain date R Restrooms Wheelchair accessible C Especially for families with children Dogs welcome OBring canoe/kayak/pfd b Bring bike/helmet ( Registration req. Go to pages 4-6 for multiple day events that may be held on the dates on this page Be sure to visit thelastgreenvalley.org for walk updates, cancellations and additions

15 227 Ekonk Hill Rd. in Sterling, CT GIANT CORN MAZE Solve the maze puzzle & WIN homemade ice cream! Scenic Hay Rides Visit Farm Animals Flocks of Turkeys Harvest Festival Kids Games Moon Bounce Hay Rides Face Painting Family Fun 2016 Maze Dates Saturdays & Sundays from September 3 October 30 *Saturday Night Flashlight Maze! Last ticket sold at 8pm* Call to order & reserve your FRESH Thanksgiving Turkey today: Visit online at ekonkturkeyhillfarm.com $5 OFF Corn Maze For Groups of 4 or more with this coupon (valid thru 10/30/16)

16 Sunday, October 2 CONTINUED pm *Repeats Sun. 12 pm R pm R pm ( pm :30 pm $ 1-2:30 pm 1-2:30 pm 1:30 3 pm 2-3:30 pm pm R A Grace Full Village Hale Homestead Landscape Tour: Reading an 18th Century Farm Nipmuck Trail Hike to Pixie Falls with Chief Ranger Bill Norwich Millionaires Triangle Old Willimantic Cemetery Stories in Stone Time Travel Through Colonial New England Historic Killingly Hill / Putnam Heights Cemetery Chamberlin Mill and its Neighborhood Oktoberfest Southbridge 6 Chapel Hill Rd., Yantic, CT Hale Homestead, 2299 South St., Coventry, CT Eastford Rd. Nipmuck Trailhead, Eastford, CT Chelsea Parade South, Norwich, CT Old Willimantic Cemetery, Main St. (Rte. 66), Windham (Willimantic), CT Cemetery is across from Stop & Shop at the junction of Rtes. 66 & Hale Homestead, 2299 South St., Coventry, CT Long Society Rd., Preston, CT Corner of Wilson Rd. & Liberty Hwy. (Rte. 21), Putnam, CT Old Turnpike Rd., Woodstock (Woodstock Valley), CT GPS use zip code The Mill is 0.5 miles west of Rte Southbridge Town Common, 1 Mechanic St., Southbridge, MA Discover the historic Yantic church, considered one of the handsomest copies of a rural English church in all of New England, built in 1902 without raising any debt. The interior contains fine examples of English stained glass, oak carvings, a manual 1908 hall pipe organ and four large bells. Enjoy photos of the 19th century Yantic Village. 1 mile. Sponsored by: Grace Episcopal Church. the property of the Hale Family Farm looking for clues that tell us about life when Nathan Hale lived there. 1.5 miles. Sponsored by: CT Landmarks/Hale Homestead. Pre-registration required by to bill@tlgv.org or call Join TLGV s Chief Ranger Bill Reid for a fun and informative hike along the Nipmuck Trail to Pixie Falls and back. Along the way we ll learn about forest habitat and tree identification while we enjoy the scenic beauty of the Nipmuck Trail. We ll stop at Pixie Falls, a picturesque waterfall, look for Pixie houses and maybe build one or two! Parking is limited, so no more than 25 participants. This walk is good for children & adults alike. 3 miles. Sponsored by: The Last Green Valley. Meet the families who lived in the mansions along Washington St. and Broadway - Norwich s Millionaires Triangle - in the last half of the 19th century when Norwich was a wealthy manufacturing center whose residents drew the attention of people across the nation. We ll talk about who they were and how they lived during the most opulent era of the City s history. 1 mile. & Sponsored by: Norwich Free Academy & Slater Memorial Museum. Tour a classic Victorian era cemetery with Civil War soldiers, mill managers, and other notable characters. $5 students / $10 adults. 0.5 miles. Sponsored by: Windham Textile & History Museum. Discover the art of Eastern CT gravestone carvers, and listen to stories about the citizens buried here. Bring your favorite epitaph to share with the group. < 0.5 miles. Sponsored by: CT Landmarks/ Hale Homestead. Visit the Long Society Meetinghouse, the last example of a Colonial Broadside meeting house in Connecticut. Learn about its history, archaeological finds, and architecture. Participants will then learn about death & burial traditions of the Puritans as we walk through the graveyard miles. Facebook: Preston Historical Society. Sponsored by: Preston Historical Society. Visit the burial place of U.S. Commissioner of Education William Torrey Harris, mill owners Jabez & Mowry Amsbury, Captain Copp who buried his wife at sea and put the coordinates on her tombstone, Reverend Atkins and several physicians. Killingly Town Historian Margaret Weaver and long-time Putnam Heights resident Linden Whipple have many stories to tell on this cemetery walk! < 1 mile. Sponsored by: Killingly Historical Society. Explore the neighborhood of a rare, long-lived sawmill, learning about the history of the mill and its neighborhood on the old Center Boston-Hartford Turnpike. Views of remaining millponds and dam along the Still River, as well as 2 old foundations in The Nature Conservancy s Still River Preserve. 1.5 miles. Sponsored by: Chamberlin Mill, Inc. Enjoy an afternoon of Bavarian fun with music by the Oom Papas! Hosted by Southbridge Recreation as the end of the summer concert series. Taste authentic Bavarian food, pretzels, vendors galore and a beer garden for those over 21 years. People of all ages are welcome to come enjoy the food, music and fun. Free entry, but some spending money might come in handy! Sponsored by: Southbridge Recreation. KEY l Easy Moderate u Difficult $ Fee event S Rain date R Restrooms Wheelchair accessible C Especially for families with children Dogs welcome OBring canoe/kayak/pfd b Bring bike/helmet ( Registration req. Go to pages 4-6 for multiple day events that may be held on the dates on this page Be sure to visit thelastgreenvalley.org for walk updates, cancellations and additions