Mendell’s Folly Birding Hike Helped Connect New Haven Youth to the Wonders of Wetlands
On Friday, April 17, members from the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven hiked 1.7-miles through Mendell’s Folly and the Simpson Preserve during their Spring Break Camp. The outing was sponsored by the New Haven Bird Club and the Black Wing Coalition with support from Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC).
The group consisted of 13 middle school students, all filled with curiosity and excitement. After a lesson on using binoculars, the group observed red-winged blackbirds and wood ducks and overall, identified a total of 15 bird species.
While observing beaver lodges and dams, the group learned about how beavers create wetlands that store water, support ecosystems, and reduce flooding. One hiker shared he had never seen a wetland up close before—only dreamed of it—and was excited to experience one.
Trails Day Northern Green Loop Trail Hike
Thanks to Ali and Jack Nork, the Land Trust will be participating in our sixth CT Trails Day hike on Sunday, June 7th, 9 AM – 12 Noon. CT Trails Day occurs on the first full weekend in June every year with over 200 events this year. We will be doing the 4.2-mile Northern Green Loop Trail, which connects trails in Mendell’s Folly, the Grobe, Van Epps and Woodward Nature Preserves as well as the Town’s Simpson Preserve and Veterans Park. This loop trail also brings hikers through a portion of the Naugatuck State Forest.
For further information/registration, visit the CT Trails Day website: https://trailsday.org/events/bethanys-northern-green-loop-trail/
Bethany Celebrates America: Three Sisters Preserve History Hike
As part of Bethany Celebrates America, the Land Trust is sponsoring a history hike on Sunday June 14th 10 AM – 12 Noon in the Three Sisters Preserve. Join us as we highlight the connections between Bethany’s history and the Three Sisters Preserve. In addition, we’ll learn about the importance of the white oak in both Connecticut and America’s history as well as the Preserve’s geologic past.
For information/registration, visit https://bethanyct.gov/america250/threesisters
Birding Hike
The New Haven Bird Club is sponsoring a vigorous birding hike 8-11 AM on June 14th at Mendell’s Folly. Space is limited.
For details, contact NHBC Co-leaders: John Triana, 203-758-7203 or jtriana1@sbcglobal.net
and Christin Arnini, 203-671-5567 or cevea55@gmail.com.
Great Give 2026 Thank You: Over $5,600 Raised
Thanks to the generosity of almost 50 donors, the Land Trust has raised $5,665 through the Great Give® 2026 held in early May. We are very grateful to those who supported us during this campaign.
Bob Harrison, Bethany Land Trust Trails Chair