McCann Family Farm and Whitakers Woods are two unique pieces of property totaling over 350 acres in the center of Somers. Both properties have an abundance of flora and fauna, a large variety of trees, vernal pools, delightful brooks and unique stone walls all of which make for homes for an abundance of wildlife. We will hike at a leisurely pace to give everyone time to absorb this wonderland of preserved open space-it is nature at its best! Rolling terrain with a few uphill climbs. Layered clothing and sturdy boots are recommended. Bring snacks and drinks. This is a special invitation to the Narturalist Club members from the Northern CT Land Trust. Meeting Place: Somers Town Hall parking lot-center of Somers on Route 190. Leaders: Wes Smith, Judith Snyder. Registration: Judith Snyder-(860) 749-5411.

 

As spring unfolds, enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Scantic River and its surroundings on a leisurely canoe/kayak trip starting from Mill Pond and going north. Casual bird watching will be encouraged so be sure to bring your binoculars. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Mill Pond in Somerville. Bring your own canoe or kayak and PDF for all. This is an ideal family activity; however, all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Inclement weather cancels. This trip is sponsored by the SCANTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION-on the web at Scanticriverwatershed.org. For more information call Judith Snyder-(860) 749-5411 or e-mail at nctia@yahoo.com.

 

 Sunday May 25^th

Join Naturalist Jerry Stage on an informative nature walk looking for spring flowers on some of the Land Trusts prettiest and biologically interesting properties. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Somers Town Hall Parking Lot. Jerry Stage (860) 870-4255.

 

Hikers will start with a chance to climb the observation tower in the Shenipsit State Forest. On a clear day the view can include Western MA, southern VT, NY, and Mt. Monadnock, NH. The hike will continue down the mountain along trails maintained by CFPA, the Town of Somers and Northern CT Land Trust. For those who do not wish to hike the entire 5 miles, they can hike half way and be shuttled back to the parking lot. The hike will then continue on to the recently acquired 272 Whitaker property by the NCLT. Rain or shine. Bring plenty of water, snack, and wear sturdy shoes. Optional pizza afterwards. Leaders: Wes Smith, Judith Snyder. Meeting Place: Soapstone Mountain parkinig lot off Gulf Rd., Somers, CT. Information: Judith Snyder-(860) 749-5411 or e-mail nctia@yahoo.com.

 

Join CT Water CO and CFPR Trail Managers George Arthur and Joe King for a celebration walk on the newest section of the CFPA Shenipsit Trail along abandoned trolley track on the east shore of Shenipsit Lake. This very scenic walk will be 1 ¾ miles in length, flat terrain, casual pace and will include conversations about flora, fauna, area history, and more. Meet at 10 a.m. at the trailhead on RT 74 in Tolland across from Rock-Vern Electric. 0.1 miles east of the Vernon/Tolland line. Rain or Shine. Contact Information: George Arthur, (860) 871-0137, trailsarthur2@comcast.net, or Mary Ingarra, (860) 669-8630, x3014, mingarra@ctwater.com.

 

Enjoy exploring parts of Bald Mountain with leader Albie Grant. This bushwhacking excursion will visit parts of the Galbraith and the Bridges parcels, two properties owned by the land trust. Since these two lack marked, maintained tails this is a good opportunity to see them. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Somers Town Hall parking lot.

 

Join Vernon Parks and Recreation Dept and CFPA Trail Managers George Arthur and Joe King for a nature walk on the Hockanum River Linear Park Trail. Meander along the river, enjoy the scenery, learn about flora and fauna, trail construction, and area history. Meet at 9a.m. at Naek Rd. cul-de-sac, turn west from Rt 83 about 1 mile north of I-84, exit 64/65. Rain or shine. Contact Information: George Arthur, (860) 871-0137, trailsarthur@comcast.net, or Bruce Watt, Vernon Parks & Rec. (860) 870-3520, bwatt.vpa@spcglobal.net.

 

Join naturalist Jerry Stage on an informative nature walk. Jerry Stage (860) 870-4255. Meet at 9:00 a.m. Somers Town Hall Parking Lot.

After climbing the short, steep ½ mile ledge trail hikers have a fine vantage point for watching the sun set across the Connecticut River Valley. From there the group is led northward in the moonlight on unmarked trails on Minnechaug Mountain in Massachusetts. Sturdy hiking shoes and flashlights are recommended. Meet at Somers Town Hall at 3:30 p.m.   Jerry Stage (860) 870-4255