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.
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.
Sunday, January 11, 1-3 pm
Woodland Wander
This slower-paced hike, at Chapman Pond 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. We suggest using poles and wearing sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the parking area just off a sharp bend in the northern end of River Road in East Haddam. 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, January 12, 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 Is A River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane. 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, You are welcome to join even if you haven't read or completed the book.
Tuesday, January 13, 6:30 pm
Barberry, Mugwort, and Bittersweet, Oh My!
Invasive plants are choking out the native plants in our region. Join us to learn how to manage these invasive plants from Jim Natale of Wilder Gardens, LLC, who specializes in invasive plant management and native plant landscaping.
You will learn about invasive species and the harm they cause to our landscapes, and how to create your own native plant landscape. Plus, Jim will show examples of his completed work, explain the processes involved, provide a list of plant species he uses, and will answer your questions.
East Haddam Land Trust and Lyme Land Trust, in cooperation with the East Haddam Library System, invite you to East Haddam Grange Hall, 488 Town Street, East Haddam.
We hope to see you there.
Friday, January 23 & Saturday, January 24,
7-9 pm
January Thaw
Join us for our Second Annual January Thaw, a warm-hearted winter gathering at Ballek's Garden Center, Maple Avenue, East Haddam. Partake in botanical cocktails, canapés, and natural wine to lift your spirits.
This is a fundraiser benefiting East Haddam Land Trust and River Valley Personal Care Products, a nonprofit providing items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo/conditioner, incontinence products, diapers, menstrual products, deodorant, and similar items to those in need.
Tickets are $75 per person.
Please register here. We hope to see you there!
Visit our new EHLT Events Calendar
to learn of more planned events this month.
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.
