April Hike on Sunday April 12, 1 – 3 P.M.
We’re back on the trails after a long winter! Join us for the second hike of 2026 to be held on Sunday April 12 from 1 – 3 P.M. We will be doing a loop hike of about 2 miles that begins in the Van Epps Preserve climbing into the abutting Naugatuck State Forest along the Blue Trail on the ridge before returning to Van Epps.
To register: contact Bob Harrison by April 10th via cell at 203-506-5888 or bjh51box@gmail.com
Parking: We will meet at the Van Epps Preserve at 390 Beacon Road (Route 42) in Bethany at 1:00 PM, where participants will be directed to an off-road parking area. All are welcome but space for the hike will be limited to 25 registered participants. Please leave your pets at home and inclement weather will cancel.
Spring Educational Program: Bats are the Best!
Thursday, April 9, 7 PM at Lakeview Lodge 265 Beacon Road (Route 42), Bethany.
Join Carrie Szwed of the White Memorial Conservation Center for an hour-long program during which she will take you from fearing this often-maligned animal to appreciating their uniqueness and how beneficial they are to the planet. There’ll be no live bats but she’ll use props that include a bat skeleton, a replica bat fossil, and a sample bat house. She’ll use a fun photo/video presentation and interactive activities to count down all the reasons why bats are simply the coolest. First, she’ll describe some bat basics providing some fun facts that might surprise you. Then, she’ll delve into which species are native to CT and how they are the “bugbusters” of the nocturnal world. She’ll also cover why humans and bats share more in common than you think, and discuss their significance in several cultures. Finally, she’ll uncover what is causing the recent decline of bats and suggest ways we can help these misunderstood creatures.
DIY bat house kits will be available at the program in exchange for a donation to the Land Trust.
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In response to our calls for photos from people exploring Land Trust preserves, Condie Ward submitted beautiful fall photos taken at Mendell’s Folly while Dan Van Epps sent us photos of eastern box turtles seen in the Van Epps Preserve.
To see these photos and more, sign up for all things BLT to be delivered directly to your inbox by sending an email to BethanyLandTrustCT@gmail.com
Bob Harrison, Bethany Land Trust Trails Chair