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.
Visit our new EHLT Events Calendar to learn of more planned events.
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 and
check our EHLT Events Calendar
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER:
Sunday, September 13, 1-3 pm
Woods Walk
New date TBD. This Woods Walk will explore the Selden Creek Preserve off of Joshuatown Road in Lyme. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owns the 207-acre preserve on the west side of Joshuatown Road. As one of the most biologically significant sites on the lower Connecticut River, the Selden Creek Preserve takes its name from the creek that divides it from the 600-acre Selden Neck State Park. With wooded hills and pristine freshwater tidal marshes, it provides vital habitat for many plants and animals, and is also a critical site for wintering bald eagles. Both the Selden white (SW) and the Selden blue (SB) trails lead to overlooks on spectacular vertical cliffs above the Selden Creek wetlands. The orange trail connects the two overlooks. This hike goes through narrow, sometimes rocky areas, and has multiple elevation changes. Hiking poles and sturdy footwear are recommended. Meet at the parking area on Joshuatown Road. All are invited to bring light snacks to share along with EHLT refreshments.
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER: Sunday, September 13, 5:15-9:15 pm
Members Only Swallow Murmuration Paddle
New Date: Saturday, September 19
See the swallow murmuration with East Haddam Land Trust on the Connecticut River in Old Lyme. We launch at 5:15 p.m for the paddle upstream to Goose Island and paddle back after sunset. Participants must wear personal flotation devices and have well-functioning headlamps or waterproof flashlights for the return paddle. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Note: Registration and being a current, paid member of EHLT is required. Registration is limited to 12 vessels. Please register here. The launch location will be sent to all members who register. If you are not yet a 2026 member, become a member here to take part in this paddle.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: A CT law, Public Act 26-60 passed May 20, 2026, requires all unregistered watercraft (kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddle boards, etc.) have the name and phone number of the vessel's owner on or in the vessel. Please read more here and be sure to have this information in your vessel.
Monday, September 21,
1:30-3:00 pm
Words from the Woods Book Circle
Join this discussion of Robin Wall Kimmerer's book, Braiding Sweetgrass, Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. The book circle is a community collaboration between the East Haddam Library System and East Haddam Land Trust. Members choose the books to read from September through June, then gather to share their insights and impressions at the meeting room at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Main Street, East Haddam. Copies of each month's reading can be borrowed from the Rathbun Library, Main Street, East Haddam. All are welcome to join, reading the book is not necessary for participation.
For details on EHLT's other upcoming Events,
visit EHLT Events Calendar:
East Haddam and Lyme Land Trusts encourage participation in our individually and jointly sponsored events. Please visit Lyme Land Trust's Events page for more information on their events.
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.
![Not sure what kinds of photos to submit for the Calendar contest? Here's some tips: 1) FOCUS: Subject should be in focus and not too zoomed in (unless you are taking with a 35 mm camera). A cell phone camera zoomed in won't be clear enough to print at calendar size. (This bobcat and frog are both clear and in focus)
2) LIGHT: Look for interesting weather or light (sunrise and sunset are great) if you are taking a beautiful landscape photo (these lilypads are super cool, but made even more beautiful by the light conditions).
3) SUBJECT: Many of us can't get the amazing wildlife that surrounds us. So go out into nature and look for interesting and beautiful things. How many different shades of green and yellow are in a particular EHLT Preserve meadow? [the sunset photo has flowers and sunset in shades of yellow] Do the shadows of a trees in an EHLT preserve forest make an interesting pattern? Does the water reflect something curious above you?
Taking great pictures often involves trying to see differently, which is a lovely skill to develop.
We look forward to your submissions!](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/764817905_1488691133298905_8865605088640576727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=op7i1LO7t4gQ7kNvwEJuyLn&_nc_oc=Adqy_hIMTrXAMY_HEpKMQTzfJWGW9H4abq1zKGYPxADe3l36rIKIR2OcBSq57dvOGQI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=VbNINY2WBqDtt4BERXqN-w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKEac6s8pwEtrY2XK2VV23gq6nH7Kzag8SlPC3M8GR2iSlSd9CxOXF2NzotMNDLHwfYNMuy0kMK&oh=00_AQLndvCVHT0_LOrMIjsAwMN5MViM6SMO4LIAQBlDVl9xSQ&oe=6AAE88C3)
