Last week we cleared the interior trails at Veterans Park of fallen trees and put up blazes there. And at Simpson, blazes were changed to establish different colors for 3 different trails. Looks like we may be snowed out for a while, but meanwhile, here are some pics… Enjoy the winter wonderland
Between the holidays and the snow it’s been a while, but it looks like the January thaw will be continuing through Wednesday. It also looks like there is a possibility of rain that morning, but if not, this would be a good time to continue on the trails at Veterans Park. The interior trails need clearing from downed trees, and blazing. If we have enough people we will also do some reblazing at Simpson. Useful tools will be chain saws and loppers, plus hammers and nail pullers for blazing. If it does appear that we are getting rained out I will send out an… Read more: Wednesday January 14th
Too much snow this week, but with the January thaw coming, there is a possibility of trail crew activity next week. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, we were able to hold the First Day hike on the trails we had just shaped up at Simpson and Veterans Park and it was exhilarating (10 degrees with the wind chill) but really beautiful in the low afternoon sun with long shadows across the woods.
Last week we worked on the trails at Veterans Park and the problem stream crossing is now very user friendly and other crossings across stone walls were addressed and made easier. In addition the blazing of the interior trails was begun. With the leaves down you can now see the many beautiful stone walls both along the main trail (the yellow trail) and an interior trail ( the red trail). Looks like we got snowed out this week, so no trail work Wednesday. And we’re pausing through the end of the year. Enjoy the holidays and hope to see you in January!
Last week we worked on blazing and clearing the revitalized loop trail at Veterans Park. This week, weather permitting, we will go back and continue to make the trail more accessible as it passes over 3 streams and through 3 stone walls. In addition, if there are enough people we can also work on the interior trails which intersect with the broad loop trail. They have downed trees, and need blazing and clearing. So, there is possible use for chains saws, rock moving implements, rakes, loppers, leaf blowers, and hammers for blazing. Currently the forecast is for rain, but it looks… Read more: December 10th
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This week we are going back to Veterans Park to do further work on the trails there. The outer loop trail that we already cleared needs to be blazed, as it will be part of the First Day hike. The inner connecting trails need clearing with chainsaws and leaf blowers and then to be blazed. For the blazing, bring hammers, for the clearing, loppers, leaf blowers and chainsaws will be useful. We will meet at Veterans Park, Wednesday December 3 at 9 AM. Hope to see you then! Carol Since we didn’t go out last week, here… Read more: December 3rd
Yesterday we worked at Hein and Welch. At Hein the remaining leaf blowing was done, a downed tree blocking the trail was removed and new signage was added to the trails to avoid confusion. At Welch, invasives were removed, 2 lengths of bog bridging were laid down in a wet area of the trail coming off of Carrington Rd, and the stones in the trail entrance area were rearranged to make it easier to walk on. Next week due to the forecast of rain on Wednesday and the holiday on Thursday, we are not planning any trail work. But we will… Read more: November 26th
Last week we moved the bench Bart had restored to its new location on a trail at Simpson with a good sunset view. We also spread out and cleared trails and some invasives at Woodward, Simpson and Three Sisters. This week we are going to work at Welch and Hein which are very close to each other on Carrington Road. At Welch we are going to put in bog bridging, clear the trails, and pull invasives. Useful tools will be stone moving ones, hammers, leaf blowers and root pullers for the invasives. At Hein, 2/3 of the trails have been leaf blown,… Read more: November 19th
Last week we had a huge crew and cleared trails at Carrington Preserve, Hidden Brook, part of Bethany Farms and at Whispering Pines both cleared trails and tackled invasives. This week we are going to meet at the end of Lebanon Road and disperse from there and I will bring maps for various locations. Bart will bring the newly restored bench and a few people will be needed to clear the trail and carry the bench up the trail for placement at Simpson Preserve. Other projects include: Three Sisters: Clean up the trash, clear the trail, remove invasives and post signage at… Read more: November 12th
Now that it has been replaced with a new bench, last week we carried the old bench out from the bird stand at Mendell’s Folly and Bart will recondition it for use at another location with a great sunset view. We also cleared leaves from Mendell’s Folly trails and Van Epps in preparation for the Owl Prowl and addressed an area of Tibby’s Trail that needed widening. This week we are going to work at the other end of town throughout Whispering Pines, Carrington Preserve and Hidden Brook. There are trees down across trails, trail blazes needed in a few spots… Read more: November 5th
Last week Andre and Norm cleared the Veterans Park Trail of trees and the rest of us installed several lengths of bog bridging at Hall Preserve to raise the trail above a perennially wet and muddy section. This week we are planning to: (1) start the fall trail clearing leaf blowing; (2) carry a bench to a location at Simpson Preserve where it affords a view of the sunset, and (3) make sure Van Epps is ready for the November Evening Hike. We will meet at the Van Epps parking area, 390 Beacon Road. If you have a leaf blower, bring it… Read more: October 29th
Last week we got a good start in building bog bridging at a perennially wet area of the Hall Preserve. Chuck Oman donated 6, 2 x 6 planks, which are now being put to good use. (And BTW, if anyone else has planks they would like to donate, they could be put to good use building similar bog bridging at Welsh Preserve.) This week Andre and Norm are returning to the Veteran’s Park Trail to remove the remaining downed trees. The rest of us will return to Hall Preserve to finish the bog bridging and continue invasive removal. Stone moving tools, hammers,… Read more: October 22nd
Last week we cleared the trail route for what was planned to be Sunday’s hike through Simpson Preserve and the Veterans Park trail loop passing by Bethany Bog. However, with Sunday’s hike rained out, it has now been postponed to New Year’s Day. This week we are going to Hall Preserve to put in bog bridging and continue to clear invasives. Stone moving tools, carpentry tools and invasive removal tools will be useful. Hall Preserve is located at 152 Downs Road. We meet there at 9 AM.
Last week we cleared the trail from the end of Split Rock Rd to Russell Road, and reinstalled the Preserve sign. This week we need to prepare for the hike on Sunday covering Simpson Preserve and the Veterans Park Trails. The image below shows the October 12th hike route for Simpson in orange heading first to the bridge and then up the Brookside Trail and the Veterans Park route in green. The red ovals on the Veterans Park map indicate areas where trails need to be cleared. We will need weed whackers, loppers, a chainsaw and leaf blowers. We will meet… Read more: October 8th
Last week the crew cleared the trails at Carrington Lowell, and, spotted a barred owl that didn’t seem to mind the racket created by a weed whacker. This week we are going to clear the trail at Split Rock. There is the usual assortment of blockages and invasive barberry, so useful tools will be loppers, a chainsaw, weed whackers, and materials to tackle the barberry. This trail begins at the end of Split Rock Road and continues through to Russell Road. Park in the turnaround. We meet at 9 AM.
Last week we worked on clearing the trails at Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve. Still a little more work to do to make the Ridge Trail entrance clearer with signage and get up a few more fallen trees, but over all, we covered quite a bit of ground. This week the trail work will be focused on Carrington Lowell Preserve. The trails need the usual clearing with weed whackers, scythes and loppers, and there is a tree down across the stream crossing and another not too far from there. There is also barberry to look out for and remove. So its Wednesday, 9… Read more: September 24th
Last week Bart’s new bench for the bird stand at Mendell’s Folly was installed and we worked clearing the trails at Rodell’s Roost and Delano Sanctuary. This week we are going to work clearing the trails at Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve. Bring the usual assortment of invasive removing items, loppers, weed whackers etc. ( I don’t know if a chain saw will be needed.) We will meet at 59 Farm View Road at 9 on Wednesday.
Last week we cleared the trail at Hall Preserve and checked on the 2 hybrid chestnut trees that are now several feet tall and doing very well. We have surrounded them with wire fencing to protect them from deer browse, and we also enclosed some of the very small oak, red cedar and pine saplings that are starting to emerge to protect them as well. This week Chuck and Joe are going to work with Bart to carry in the new bench for the bird stand at Mendell’s Folly. The rest of us are going to work at Rodells Roost for Robins and… Read more: September 10th
Last week we cleared the trails at Mendell’s Folly and got to enjoy what a truly lovely place it is. This week we are going to tackle Hull Preserve, which is always very challenging. There are a number of oak saplings starting out in the open area, so we will have to be careful, but we need to clear the trail through there and check on the chestnut tree plantings. It would be good to erect fencing around some of the oak saplings to protect them. Multi floral rose and barberry are proliferating, and we won’t be able to come close to getting all of… Read more: September 3rd
Last week we worked at Simpson Preserve and installed stone steps from the end of Lebanon Road up the hill to the trail. This week we are going to work at Mendell’s Folly and clear the trails of overgrowth, poison ivy and any invasives. Useful tools will be loppers, weed whackers, and root slayers. And for the poison ivy I will bring bags. We will meet at the Van Epps parking area, 390 Beacon Road, Wednesday 9 AM.
Last week we worked the trails at Whispering Pines, Carrington Preserve and Hidden Brook in preparation for the Citizen Science hike September 7, and we applied a bark drench to selected beech trees to help them survive beech leaf disease. This week we are returning to Simpson and will work on rerouting a trail and installing stone steps. Useful tools will be a rake, shovels, hazel hoe, leaf blower and stone moving tools. We will meet at the end of Lebanon Rd at 9 AM Wednesday.
Last week one crew worked at Welch and cleared a new trail moving part of Carol and Polly’s Trail to higher ground. They also worked on improving the stone steps crossing the stone wall at the end of the field. Another crew worked at Hershman’s Hollow and cleared a large stand of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive plants at the entrance, opening up a view of the stone wall and making the hidden entrance very visible. This week we are going to work on the trails which will be part of the next hike on September 7. We will meet… Read more: August 13
Last week the boundary signs at Simpson along Hockanum got posted; steps and a rope got added to the Three Sisters trail leading to the summit; and another crew tackled the trail at Hershman’s Hollow, clearing the overgrown brush and invasives. This week, the crew who were at Hershman’s Hollow are invited to return to take out the invasives and poison ivy and edit the plants along the stone wall in the sunny entrance area. Useful tools will be loppers and small saws, as well as the poison ivy hopper. The other task will be at Welch, focusing on Carol and Polly’s Trail,… Read more: August 6
Last week we pulled poison ivy and invasives and installed a new bridge over the tributary to Hockanum Brook at Simpson Preserve. The tributary is currently dry, but most of the year it carries water and the old bridge was unstable. This week Norm and Bob will finish boundary marking there, and the other 2 projects are adding a few more stone steps at Three Sisters, and clearing the trail at Hershman’s Hollow. If they are willing and able, the crew that worked on the steps there last time (and anyone else who would like to join them) could add… Read more: July 30th
Last week more work got done on stone steps and a rope added alongside the steep trail leading to the summit at Three Sisters. At Welsh much of the trails as well as the one going through the field got cleared, although more to do there. This week we are going back to Simpson and will install the bridge across the tributary to Hockanum Brook. Drills are needed to secure the decking and some stone work tools to shore up the stone on either side may be needed. One person with boots would be good but no waders are needed.… Read more: July 23rd
Last week Ali and Grace cleared the Whispering Pines trail in preparation for yesterday’s Bioblitz, and the rest of us worked at Three Sisters, clearing the lower trail and establishing a trail to the summit in preparation for the Geology Hike August 3. This week Joe, Bob, Chuck and anyone else interested will return to Three Sisters to put in a few more stone steps and work to level the upper trail in a couple of spots. Rock moving tools and the hazel hoe will be useful. The rest of us will work at Welch Parcels to clear the trails. The new Marque… Read more: July 16th
Last week we completely cut in the new trail at Simpson Preserve that goes from Lebanon Road to Veteran’s Park. Part of it follows the old ski tow that was built in the 1930’s, and interesting artifacts. such as stanchions and the straight 8 engine are still there. This week Ali and Grace will be clearing the trail at Whispering Pines from Briar Road in preparation for the Bioblitz this Sunday. They will be there from 8 AM to 9:30 on Wednesday and could also use someone with a chainsaw to cut up 2 small trees across the trail. The entrance is at… Read more: July 9th
Last week a few of us marked a new trail from the Lebanon Road entrance to Veterans Park. We located the stanchions from the 1933 -1965 ski tow that operated in that area. Then on Friday we finished cutting in the trail from the Northrup Road entrance to Simpson Preserve down to the central area. This week we are going to work on cutting in the trail that leads from Lebanon Road to Veterans Park. Useful tools will be rakes, weed whackers, leaf blowers, loppers, and a chain saw. We will meet at the end of Lebanon Rd at 9 on… Read more: Wednesday July 2nd
Last week the drizzle and slippery conditions stopped us from doing field work; this week, the heat wave threatens temperatures in the 90’s on Wednesday, but FRIDAY they will be in the 60’s. So we are moving the work to Friday, 9 AM. We will meet at the end of Northrup Road. We will be continuing to cut in the trail we have started at Simpson. Useful tools will be a chainsaw, loppers, rakes, leaf blowers, and items for leveling the trail and pulling up invasives and poison ivy (I can bring the poison ivy bin.)
Last week we made more progress on a trail through Simpson Preserve, providing a direct connection from the Woodward Trail. We put in stone steps through a unique area of large stone slabs which create a small enclosure (see photo), continued cutting in the trail and began blazing. This week, weather permitting we will continue on the same route. Useful tools will be a chainsaw (Joe), loppers, weed whackers, rakes, leaf blowers and shovels for removing invasives. We will meet Wednesday at 9 at the end of Northrup Road, however currently there is a 50% chance of rain, so we may have… Read more: Wednesday June 18th
Last week we made a lot of progress on the new streamside trail at Simpson Preserve, cutting in a long leg of it and establishing a stone crossing. This week we are going to continue there. Useful tools will be a chain saw, rock moving equipment for a 2nd stone crossing, leaf blower, loppers, hazel hoe etc. We will meet Wednesday at 9 AM in the Veterans Park parking lot. Hope to see you then!
Last week a huge crew began tackling the new Simpson Preserve. Invasives were dug up and removed; a new trail was temporarily laid out and the first sign was put up. This week we will return and start cutting in a new trail. Useful tools will be loppers, small saws, chainsaws and as well as tools to even out the terrain and put up blazes. We will meet at the Veterans Park parking lot, 9 AM on Wednesday.
Last week we completed the bridge at Mendell’s Folly. This week we have 2 projects. The first is to clear the Spirit Rock Trail (part of the Van Epps Preserve) which meets the Whittemore Trail in the Naugatuck State Forest. This will be part of our route on the big hike, June 8, and that area of the trail needs to be cleared of brush growing up on the trail, and along the sides. Useful tools will be a weed whacker, leaf blower and loppers. The second project will be walking the new Simpson Preserve to determine which trails to… Read more: May 19th
Today we finished the bridge crossing Hockanum Brook at Mendell’s Folly. Using a rope and sling we were able to repurpose several of the large stones that had been part of the previous crossing and turn them into a ramp leading up to the bridge. And Bart and Ed were able to add the rope banister and finish the steps. We finally have a solution that we think (hopefully) will last years and won’t get overrun every time we have a big rainstorm. And it means that all the trails on Mendell’s will be connected and in shape for a… Read more: May 12th
Last week we continued on our epic bridge project at Mendell’s Folly below the beaver dam, floating the heavy support beams on a boat down to the site, carrying in the decking, unloading everything from the boat, and constructing the base. The next step is putting on the decking and attaching steps on the north side and a ramp on the south side to reach the bridge. Apparently we are going to get quite a lot of rain between now and Wednesday morning, but at least at this time, it looks like there may be a dry window to continue the… Read more: May 7th
Last week the remaining poetry kiosks got installed at the Van Epps and Hidden Brook Preserves, and trails at Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve got cleared. This week we are going back to Mendells Folly for the next stage in our bridge building project. We will be bringing in the heavy beams, probably by boat, and carrying in other items for the installation. Useful items: waders if you have them, gloves, (plus bug spray and drinking water suggested.) We will meet at the Van Epps parking area, 390 Beacon Road, 9 AM Wednesday.
Last week the Cliff Trail at Whispering Pines got cleared, and much of the Big Tree Trail at Bethany Farms got reblazed and cleared and several trails were leaf blown. The poetry plaques were installed at Mendell’s Folly (and yesterday was the big poetry walk and it was quite a wonderful event.) This week we are taking on another bridge construction. This one will be below the Beaver Dam at Mendell’s Folly and will replace the stone crossing that keeps getting inundated. Instead we will use gabions (wire cages filled with stones) as supports like we did at Three Sisters and… Read more: April 16th
Last week we swarmed over Mendell’s Folly, clearing trails, repairing the bird stand and improving visibility from it, and siting the poetry plaques. This week we are going to turn most of our attention to Bethany Farms and the Carrington Preserve area. The trails need clearing and the Big Tree Trail needs blazes where the old painted ones are faded. Useful tools will be leaf blowers, lopers and small hand saws. Chuck and hopefully Joe, will return to Mendell’s to install the poetry plaques. For those going to Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve, we will meet at 30 Briar Road, 9 AM… Read more: April 9th
Last week we cleared the interior trails at Veterans Park of fallen trees and put up blazes there. And at Simpson, blazes were changed to establish different colors for 3 different trails. Looks like we may be snowed out for a while, but meanwhile, here are some pics… Enjoy the winter wonderland
Between the holidays and the snow it’s been a while, but it looks like the January thaw will be continuing through Wednesday. It also looks like there is a possibility of rain that morning, but if not, this would be a good time to continue on the trails at Veterans Park. The interior trails need clearing from downed trees, and blazing. If we have enough people we will also do some reblazing at Simpson. Useful tools will be chain saws and loppers, plus hammers and nail pullers for blazing. If it does appear that we are getting rained out I will send out an… Read more: Wednesday January 14th
Too much snow this week, but with the January thaw coming, there is a possibility of trail crew activity next week. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, we were able to hold the First Day hike on the trails we had just shaped up at Simpson and Veterans Park and it was exhilarating (10 degrees with the wind chill) but really beautiful in the low afternoon sun with long shadows across the woods.
Last week we worked on the trails at Veterans Park and the problem stream crossing is now very user friendly and other crossings across stone walls were addressed and made easier. In addition the blazing of the interior trails was begun. With the leaves down you can now see the many beautiful stone walls both along the main trail (the yellow trail) and an interior trail ( the red trail). Looks like we got snowed out this week, so no trail work Wednesday. And we’re pausing through the end of the year. Enjoy the holidays and hope to see you in January!
Last week we worked on blazing and clearing the revitalized loop trail at Veterans Park. This week, weather permitting, we will go back and continue to make the trail more accessible as it passes over 3 streams and through 3 stone walls. In addition, if there are enough people we can also work on the interior trails which intersect with the broad loop trail. They have downed trees, and need blazing and clearing. So, there is possible use for chains saws, rock moving implements, rakes, loppers, leaf blowers, and hammers for blazing. Currently the forecast is for rain, but it looks… Read more: December 10th
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This week we are going back to Veterans Park to do further work on the trails there. The outer loop trail that we already cleared needs to be blazed, as it will be part of the First Day hike. The inner connecting trails need clearing with chainsaws and leaf blowers and then to be blazed. For the blazing, bring hammers, for the clearing, loppers, leaf blowers and chainsaws will be useful. We will meet at Veterans Park, Wednesday December 3 at 9 AM. Hope to see you then! Carol Since we didn’t go out last week, here… Read more: December 3rd
Yesterday we worked at Hein and Welch. At Hein the remaining leaf blowing was done, a downed tree blocking the trail was removed and new signage was added to the trails to avoid confusion. At Welch, invasives were removed, 2 lengths of bog bridging were laid down in a wet area of the trail coming off of Carrington Rd, and the stones in the trail entrance area were rearranged to make it easier to walk on. Next week due to the forecast of rain on Wednesday and the holiday on Thursday, we are not planning any trail work. But we will… Read more: November 26th
Last week we moved the bench Bart had restored to its new location on a trail at Simpson with a good sunset view. We also spread out and cleared trails and some invasives at Woodward, Simpson and Three Sisters. This week we are going to work at Welch and Hein which are very close to each other on Carrington Road. At Welch we are going to put in bog bridging, clear the trails, and pull invasives. Useful tools will be stone moving ones, hammers, leaf blowers and root pullers for the invasives. At Hein, 2/3 of the trails have been leaf blown,… Read more: November 19th
Last week we had a huge crew and cleared trails at Carrington Preserve, Hidden Brook, part of Bethany Farms and at Whispering Pines both cleared trails and tackled invasives. This week we are going to meet at the end of Lebanon Road and disperse from there and I will bring maps for various locations. Bart will bring the newly restored bench and a few people will be needed to clear the trail and carry the bench up the trail for placement at Simpson Preserve. Other projects include: Three Sisters: Clean up the trash, clear the trail, remove invasives and post signage at… Read more: November 12th
Now that it has been replaced with a new bench, last week we carried the old bench out from the bird stand at Mendell’s Folly and Bart will recondition it for use at another location with a great sunset view. We also cleared leaves from Mendell’s Folly trails and Van Epps in preparation for the Owl Prowl and addressed an area of Tibby’s Trail that needed widening. This week we are going to work at the other end of town throughout Whispering Pines, Carrington Preserve and Hidden Brook. There are trees down across trails, trail blazes needed in a few spots… Read more: November 5th
Last week Andre and Norm cleared the Veterans Park Trail of trees and the rest of us installed several lengths of bog bridging at Hall Preserve to raise the trail above a perennially wet and muddy section. This week we are planning to: (1) start the fall trail clearing leaf blowing; (2) carry a bench to a location at Simpson Preserve where it affords a view of the sunset, and (3) make sure Van Epps is ready for the November Evening Hike. We will meet at the Van Epps parking area, 390 Beacon Road. If you have a leaf blower, bring it… Read more: October 29th
Last week we got a good start in building bog bridging at a perennially wet area of the Hall Preserve. Chuck Oman donated 6, 2 x 6 planks, which are now being put to good use. (And BTW, if anyone else has planks they would like to donate, they could be put to good use building similar bog bridging at Welsh Preserve.) This week Andre and Norm are returning to the Veteran’s Park Trail to remove the remaining downed trees. The rest of us will return to Hall Preserve to finish the bog bridging and continue invasive removal. Stone moving tools, hammers,… Read more: October 22nd
Last week we cleared the trail route for what was planned to be Sunday’s hike through Simpson Preserve and the Veterans Park trail loop passing by Bethany Bog. However, with Sunday’s hike rained out, it has now been postponed to New Year’s Day. This week we are going to Hall Preserve to put in bog bridging and continue to clear invasives. Stone moving tools, carpentry tools and invasive removal tools will be useful. Hall Preserve is located at 152 Downs Road. We meet there at 9 AM.
Last week we cleared the trail from the end of Split Rock Rd to Russell Road, and reinstalled the Preserve sign. This week we need to prepare for the hike on Sunday covering Simpson Preserve and the Veterans Park Trails. The image below shows the October 12th hike route for Simpson in orange heading first to the bridge and then up the Brookside Trail and the Veterans Park route in green. The red ovals on the Veterans Park map indicate areas where trails need to be cleared. We will need weed whackers, loppers, a chainsaw and leaf blowers. We will meet… Read more: October 8th
Last week the crew cleared the trails at Carrington Lowell, and, spotted a barred owl that didn’t seem to mind the racket created by a weed whacker. This week we are going to clear the trail at Split Rock. There is the usual assortment of blockages and invasive barberry, so useful tools will be loppers, a chainsaw, weed whackers, and materials to tackle the barberry. This trail begins at the end of Split Rock Road and continues through to Russell Road. Park in the turnaround. We meet at 9 AM.
Last week we worked on clearing the trails at Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve. Still a little more work to do to make the Ridge Trail entrance clearer with signage and get up a few more fallen trees, but over all, we covered quite a bit of ground. This week the trail work will be focused on Carrington Lowell Preserve. The trails need the usual clearing with weed whackers, scythes and loppers, and there is a tree down across the stream crossing and another not too far from there. There is also barberry to look out for and remove. So its Wednesday, 9… Read more: September 24th
Last week Bart’s new bench for the bird stand at Mendell’s Folly was installed and we worked clearing the trails at Rodell’s Roost and Delano Sanctuary. This week we are going to work clearing the trails at Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve. Bring the usual assortment of invasive removing items, loppers, weed whackers etc. ( I don’t know if a chain saw will be needed.) We will meet at 59 Farm View Road at 9 on Wednesday.
Last week we cleared the trail at Hall Preserve and checked on the 2 hybrid chestnut trees that are now several feet tall and doing very well. We have surrounded them with wire fencing to protect them from deer browse, and we also enclosed some of the very small oak, red cedar and pine saplings that are starting to emerge to protect them as well. This week Chuck and Joe are going to work with Bart to carry in the new bench for the bird stand at Mendell’s Folly. The rest of us are going to work at Rodells Roost for Robins and… Read more: September 10th
Last week we cleared the trails at Mendell’s Folly and got to enjoy what a truly lovely place it is. This week we are going to tackle Hull Preserve, which is always very challenging. There are a number of oak saplings starting out in the open area, so we will have to be careful, but we need to clear the trail through there and check on the chestnut tree plantings. It would be good to erect fencing around some of the oak saplings to protect them. Multi floral rose and barberry are proliferating, and we won’t be able to come close to getting all of… Read more: September 3rd
Last week we worked at Simpson Preserve and installed stone steps from the end of Lebanon Road up the hill to the trail. This week we are going to work at Mendell’s Folly and clear the trails of overgrowth, poison ivy and any invasives. Useful tools will be loppers, weed whackers, and root slayers. And for the poison ivy I will bring bags. We will meet at the Van Epps parking area, 390 Beacon Road, Wednesday 9 AM.
Last week we worked the trails at Whispering Pines, Carrington Preserve and Hidden Brook in preparation for the Citizen Science hike September 7, and we applied a bark drench to selected beech trees to help them survive beech leaf disease. This week we are returning to Simpson and will work on rerouting a trail and installing stone steps. Useful tools will be a rake, shovels, hazel hoe, leaf blower and stone moving tools. We will meet at the end of Lebanon Rd at 9 AM Wednesday.
Last week one crew worked at Welch and cleared a new trail moving part of Carol and Polly’s Trail to higher ground. They also worked on improving the stone steps crossing the stone wall at the end of the field. Another crew worked at Hershman’s Hollow and cleared a large stand of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive plants at the entrance, opening up a view of the stone wall and making the hidden entrance very visible. This week we are going to work on the trails which will be part of the next hike on September 7. We will meet… Read more: August 13
Last week the boundary signs at Simpson along Hockanum got posted; steps and a rope got added to the Three Sisters trail leading to the summit; and another crew tackled the trail at Hershman’s Hollow, clearing the overgrown brush and invasives. This week, the crew who were at Hershman’s Hollow are invited to return to take out the invasives and poison ivy and edit the plants along the stone wall in the sunny entrance area. Useful tools will be loppers and small saws, as well as the poison ivy hopper. The other task will be at Welch, focusing on Carol and Polly’s Trail,… Read more: August 6
Last week we pulled poison ivy and invasives and installed a new bridge over the tributary to Hockanum Brook at Simpson Preserve. The tributary is currently dry, but most of the year it carries water and the old bridge was unstable. This week Norm and Bob will finish boundary marking there, and the other 2 projects are adding a few more stone steps at Three Sisters, and clearing the trail at Hershman’s Hollow. If they are willing and able, the crew that worked on the steps there last time (and anyone else who would like to join them) could add… Read more: July 30th
Last week more work got done on stone steps and a rope added alongside the steep trail leading to the summit at Three Sisters. At Welsh much of the trails as well as the one going through the field got cleared, although more to do there. This week we are going back to Simpson and will install the bridge across the tributary to Hockanum Brook. Drills are needed to secure the decking and some stone work tools to shore up the stone on either side may be needed. One person with boots would be good but no waders are needed.… Read more: July 23rd
Last week Ali and Grace cleared the Whispering Pines trail in preparation for yesterday’s Bioblitz, and the rest of us worked at Three Sisters, clearing the lower trail and establishing a trail to the summit in preparation for the Geology Hike August 3. This week Joe, Bob, Chuck and anyone else interested will return to Three Sisters to put in a few more stone steps and work to level the upper trail in a couple of spots. Rock moving tools and the hazel hoe will be useful. The rest of us will work at Welch Parcels to clear the trails. The new Marque… Read more: July 16th
Last week we completely cut in the new trail at Simpson Preserve that goes from Lebanon Road to Veteran’s Park. Part of it follows the old ski tow that was built in the 1930’s, and interesting artifacts. such as stanchions and the straight 8 engine are still there. This week Ali and Grace will be clearing the trail at Whispering Pines from Briar Road in preparation for the Bioblitz this Sunday. They will be there from 8 AM to 9:30 on Wednesday and could also use someone with a chainsaw to cut up 2 small trees across the trail. The entrance is at… Read more: July 9th
Last week a few of us marked a new trail from the Lebanon Road entrance to Veterans Park. We located the stanchions from the 1933 -1965 ski tow that operated in that area. Then on Friday we finished cutting in the trail from the Northrup Road entrance to Simpson Preserve down to the central area. This week we are going to work on cutting in the trail that leads from Lebanon Road to Veterans Park. Useful tools will be rakes, weed whackers, leaf blowers, loppers, and a chain saw. We will meet at the end of Lebanon Rd at 9 on… Read more: Wednesday July 2nd
Last week the drizzle and slippery conditions stopped us from doing field work; this week, the heat wave threatens temperatures in the 90’s on Wednesday, but FRIDAY they will be in the 60’s. So we are moving the work to Friday, 9 AM. We will meet at the end of Northrup Road. We will be continuing to cut in the trail we have started at Simpson. Useful tools will be a chainsaw, loppers, rakes, leaf blowers, and items for leveling the trail and pulling up invasives and poison ivy (I can bring the poison ivy bin.)
Last week we made more progress on a trail through Simpson Preserve, providing a direct connection from the Woodward Trail. We put in stone steps through a unique area of large stone slabs which create a small enclosure (see photo), continued cutting in the trail and began blazing. This week, weather permitting we will continue on the same route. Useful tools will be a chainsaw (Joe), loppers, weed whackers, rakes, leaf blowers and shovels for removing invasives. We will meet Wednesday at 9 at the end of Northrup Road, however currently there is a 50% chance of rain, so we may have… Read more: Wednesday June 18th
Last week we made a lot of progress on the new streamside trail at Simpson Preserve, cutting in a long leg of it and establishing a stone crossing. This week we are going to continue there. Useful tools will be a chain saw, rock moving equipment for a 2nd stone crossing, leaf blower, loppers, hazel hoe etc. We will meet Wednesday at 9 AM in the Veterans Park parking lot. Hope to see you then!
Last week a huge crew began tackling the new Simpson Preserve. Invasives were dug up and removed; a new trail was temporarily laid out and the first sign was put up. This week we will return and start cutting in a new trail. Useful tools will be loppers, small saws, chainsaws and as well as tools to even out the terrain and put up blazes. We will meet at the Veterans Park parking lot, 9 AM on Wednesday.
Last week we completed the bridge at Mendell’s Folly. This week we have 2 projects. The first is to clear the Spirit Rock Trail (part of the Van Epps Preserve) which meets the Whittemore Trail in the Naugatuck State Forest. This will be part of our route on the big hike, June 8, and that area of the trail needs to be cleared of brush growing up on the trail, and along the sides. Useful tools will be a weed whacker, leaf blower and loppers. The second project will be walking the new Simpson Preserve to determine which trails to… Read more: May 19th
Today we finished the bridge crossing Hockanum Brook at Mendell’s Folly. Using a rope and sling we were able to repurpose several of the large stones that had been part of the previous crossing and turn them into a ramp leading up to the bridge. And Bart and Ed were able to add the rope banister and finish the steps. We finally have a solution that we think (hopefully) will last years and won’t get overrun every time we have a big rainstorm. And it means that all the trails on Mendell’s will be connected and in shape for a… Read more: May 12th
Last week we continued on our epic bridge project at Mendell’s Folly below the beaver dam, floating the heavy support beams on a boat down to the site, carrying in the decking, unloading everything from the boat, and constructing the base. The next step is putting on the decking and attaching steps on the north side and a ramp on the south side to reach the bridge. Apparently we are going to get quite a lot of rain between now and Wednesday morning, but at least at this time, it looks like there may be a dry window to continue the… Read more: May 7th
Last week the remaining poetry kiosks got installed at the Van Epps and Hidden Brook Preserves, and trails at Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve got cleared. This week we are going back to Mendells Folly for the next stage in our bridge building project. We will be bringing in the heavy beams, probably by boat, and carrying in other items for the installation. Useful items: waders if you have them, gloves, (plus bug spray and drinking water suggested.) We will meet at the Van Epps parking area, 390 Beacon Road, 9 AM Wednesday.
Last week the Cliff Trail at Whispering Pines got cleared, and much of the Big Tree Trail at Bethany Farms got reblazed and cleared and several trails were leaf blown. The poetry plaques were installed at Mendell’s Folly (and yesterday was the big poetry walk and it was quite a wonderful event.) This week we are taking on another bridge construction. This one will be below the Beaver Dam at Mendell’s Folly and will replace the stone crossing that keeps getting inundated. Instead we will use gabions (wire cages filled with stones) as supports like we did at Three Sisters and… Read more: April 16th
Last week we swarmed over Mendell’s Folly, clearing trails, repairing the bird stand and improving visibility from it, and siting the poetry plaques. This week we are going to turn most of our attention to Bethany Farms and the Carrington Preserve area. The trails need clearing and the Big Tree Trail needs blazes where the old painted ones are faded. Useful tools will be leaf blowers, lopers and small hand saws. Chuck and hopefully Joe, will return to Mendell’s to install the poetry plaques. For those going to Bethany Farms and Carrington Preserve, we will meet at 30 Briar Road, 9 AM… Read more: April 9th