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; 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.
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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.
Scholarship Deadline - April 26
The Anita Ballek-East Haddam Land Trust Scholarship is available to graduating Nathan Hale-Ray seniors pursuing further education in environmental sciences. This award, initiated by Anita Ballek, a founding director of EHLT and a life-long proponent of land conservation is now supported by her family.
EHLT further honors Anita's memory by adding to the Ballek Family contribution so the scholarship is now $1500.
Click the link above for more information.
Woods Walk
Sunday, April 28, 1-3 pm
Join this Woods Walk at Elizabeth B. Karter Watch Rock Preserve in
Old Lyme. The hike will feature a stretch along the Duck River, a rocky coastline
with beautiful views of the Connecticut River.
The walk is open to the public and is good for young and old alike, with easy, flat hiking and opportunities to see shorebirds.
Leashed dogs are welcome to walk with their owners.
Meet at the parking area at 7 Joel Road, just off Route 156, Old Lyme.
Hikers are invited to bring post-hike tailgate treats to share along with EHLT refreshments.
Stargazing
Friday, May 10, 8:30-10:30 pm
Join us for this stargazing event at Burnham Brook Preserve, where dark skies prevail. Dress for chilly temps and bring a flashlight with a red filter (if possible) to enjoy the wonders of the stars and galaxies. Amateur astronomers bring various telescope set-ups so there is plenty of opportunity to see into the night sky
(see photos below from our April Stargazing).
Access Burnham Brook Preserve (address 2 East Dolbia Hill Road) from Rt. 82 in Salem. Take Woodbridge Rd. in Salem to Dolbia Hill Road after Woodbridge Rd. becomes West Rd. at the East Haddam town line. Follow Dolbia Hill Rd to the end and the parking lot on the right. Note: West Dolbia Hill Rd. off of Hopyard Rd. in East Haddam does not connect with E. Dolbia Hill Rd. This is open to the public, but please leave furry friends at home.
This event is weather-dependent. Watch our website and Facebook page for any last-minute postponement, or check with Pete at 860-817-3112.
Birdwatching Woods Walk
Sunday, May 12, 8am-noon
Our birding hobbyists will lead this special Mother's Day morning walk while the birds are most active. Bring binoculars. The Eightmile River runs through a portion of the Patrell Preserve which is part of the larger Chapal Farm Preserve. Meet at the parking lot at Patrell Preserve, 11 Baker Lane, East Haddam.
Woods Walk
Sunday, May 26, 1-3 pm
Join us at Banningwood Preserve in Lyme for a 2-mile hike through woodlands and wetlands with interesting geology and great views. The parking area for this Lyme Land Trust preserve is off of Rt. 82 (Town Street) between Clark Hill Rd. and Hadlyme Four Corners. This is open to the public. Hikers are invited to bring a post-hike tailgate snack to share along with EHLT refreshments.
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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.