Outings and Events
We host a variety of fun outings and informative events. Don't miss an event ... sign up for our email notices at the bottom of this page.
Check out our photos from Instagram below!
Hikes and Paddles
Hikes are scheduled for the second Sunday of September through June and the last Sunday of September through May (except for December); most are easy to moderate in difficulty. During warmer months we schedule paddles on local waters.
Stewardship Work Parties
Our Stewardship Work Parties generally occur on the third Saturday of the month to help with trail and preserve boundary maintenance. There is usually work for all ability levels. Help is greatly appreciated and always needed.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting occurs during the first half of June and reviews the activities of the land trust, elects new board members, conducts other official business, and features interesting speakers and programs.
Special Events
These events vary from year to year; most are open to the public, but some are for members only. We announce all events through email and some specific events, such as the annual meeting, by email and USPS mail.
Stay up to date ... subscribe to our weekly emails.
Bells of East Haddam UPDATE
We believe 6 bells remain hidden at these East Haddam Land Trust preserves: Hidden Valley, Olde Field, Pegus' Path, Saunders, and Sheepskin Hollow. However, some Bells may have been found but not reported.
If you find a Bell, you may keep it, and email Doreen at the below address.
You may also take a photo of it noting the number on the bottom and the preserve in which it was found.
Feel free to post your photo on our Facebook or Instagram page.
Those not already EHLT members, can receive a one-year complimentary membership by emailing their name, address, phone number to land trust director Doreen Jezek at doreen.jezek@ehlt.org.
Sunday, December 7, 1-4 pm
Chocolate Creation Workshop
This event is full. Thank you to all who registered.
Join Jodie Liatti, a long-time chocolatier, to learn chocolate design and dipping techniques and support East Haddam Land Trust in one sweet gathering. The class will teach how to create yummy chocolates as holiday gifts for others or for yourself. All supplies will be provided and
each participant will leave with five bags of chocolates!
As this is a fundraiser, there will be no refunds for attendance cancellations.
Sunday, December 14, 1-3 pm
Woodland Wander
This slower-paced hike at Sheepskin Hollow Preserve and led by land trust directors, is designed for those who like casual walks through the woods with time to explore nature. The trails have changing elevations. Poles and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Meet at the parking area on Sheepskin Hollow Road. Leashed dogs are welcome to come along with their owners. Walkers are invited to bring light snacks to share along with EHLT refreshments for an after-hike tailgate.
Monday, December 15, 1:30 - 3 pm
Words from the Woods Book Circle
Each month, book circle participants discuss different nature science writings. For this gathering, we will share thoughts on Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. This is an engaging and heartwarming young adult novel about a red oak that is a neighborhood's "wishtree." Meet at the community room of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, on the opposite side of Main Street, East Haddam, from Rathbun Library. The book circle is a collaboration between East Haddam Land Trust and the East Haddam Library System. Check at the Rathbun Library for copies of each month's book, but you are welcome to join even if you haven't read or completed the book.
Check back here and on our Facebook page for event postponements, cancellations, or updates.
Saturday, December 20, 9:30 - noonish
Stewardship Work Party
This work party will continue the bog bridge extension needed to avoid wet areas on the red trail at Golet Farm Preserve. Meet at the parking lot on Great Hillwood Road in the Moodus section of East Haddam.
Thursday, January 1, 2026 1 - 5:30 pm
New Year's Day Hike & Gathering
EHLT members are invited to greet the first day of 2026 with an invigorating outdoor trek followed by a friendly gathering. Our annual New Year's Day Hike at Burnham Brook Preserve will be either a more strenuous hike over changing elevations or a relaxed wander through the Burnham Brook fields. You may choose your hike based on your level of comfort. We will then gather in the Goodwin House, the former home of Richard Goodwin, one of EHLT's founding directors, and the current location of EHLT's office for food, refreshments, and warm conversation.
Please RSVP no later than December 28.
If you donated to EHLT in 2025, you are a member through 2025.
If not, you may join here. We would love to welcome you to our community.
Check 'Our Preserves' for info on each preserve with trails or use our Interactive Trail Map.
Use the contact link at the bottom of this page to report trail issues.
