Category: Connecticut Travel

Discover the Power of Forest Stewardship with Woodland Academy

The Great Mountain Forest (GMF) Woodland Academy is continuing its commitment to forest education with a robust lineup of workshops this July, August, and September. Tailored for forest owners and stewards—including individuals, nonprofit organizations, and municipal leaders—these sessions aim to deepen participants’ understanding of forest management and promote sustainable land use practices. In addition to supporting professional continuing education, the Academy also fosters meaningful connections and collaboration within the regional forest community. All workshops are held at the historic Yale Camp in the heart of GMF, in Falls Village, Connecticut.

On July 21, GMF will host a workshop on Managing Forests for Birds, in partnership with Audubon Connecticut. This one-day session, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., offers insights into the habitat needs of our region’s diverse bird populations, including migratory species. Participants will gain practical insights on how forest management choices can enhance bird habitats and support biodiversity. The workshop will also review Audubon’s Bird-Friendly Maple program and share resources for adopting bird-conscious forestry practices. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

On August 8, forest professionals Star Childs, Founding Trustee of GMF, and David Beers from CT DEEP Forestry Division, will lead a full-day workshop on Land Navigation and Mapping. Attendees will receive hands-on instruction in both traditional map and compass methods as well as modern digital navigation tools. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this course is ideal for those looking to build confidence in navigating and thinking about the management of their land. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

For those seeking an in-depth experience, GMF’s three-day intensive Forest Management Workshop Series—held on August 1, August 15, and September 12 offers a good starting foundation in forest stewardship. Held in the heart of the 6,300-acre Great Mountain Forest, this series combines classroom instruction with immersive fieldwork guided by seasoned forestry professionals. Participants will gain vital skills in tree and shrub identification, explore forest ecology, learn how to align management practices with various landowner goals, and get an introduction to financial and technical assistance programs. Whether you’re managing a family woodland, stewarding a community forest, are a student, or are interested in better understanding forests, these workshops will help you make informed, sustainable decisions about the land. The three-day intensive series is available for $75. To register, click here.

These workshops provide an invaluable opportunity to gain foundational skills and connect with a network of fellow forest stewards. Whether you manage land for timber, wildlife, recreation, or conservation, there is a program to help you meet your stewardship goals. Ultimately, the goal of Woodland Academy is to help stewards care for more forests, enhance biodiversity, and bring more forest benefits to the communities around them

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

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Why Nature is the Best Medicine — Experience it at Great Mountain Forest

In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, it’s easy to forget how healing nature can be. Yet for centuries, humans have found peace and rejuvenation in forest environments, drawn by the quiet atmosphere, fresh air, and the simple beauty of trees swaying in the breeze. Few places embody this restorative experience better than Great Mountain Forest, a 6,000-acre gem spanning Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Here, the ancient practice of forest immersion—also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing—can be truly embraced. This isn’t about hiking or physical exertion; it’s about slowing down, engaging all five senses, and reconnecting with the natural world in a meaningful, mindful way.

Jean’s Trail – photo credit Tom Blagdon

Scientific research has consistently shown that spending time in forest environments can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and enhance cardiovascular health. At Great Mountain Forest, these benefits are just a walk away.

With 13 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging, Great Mountain Forest offers something for everyone. More than 16 trails weave through diverse ecosystems, where there are a multitude of sensory experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re listening to the whispers of rustling leaves, looking for wildlife, catching the earthy scent of moss and pine, or watching sunlight flicker through the canopy, each step brings you closer to nature—and to yourself.

Old Man McMUllen Pond, Gt. Mtn. Forest, Norfolk, CT Photo credit Tom Blagdon

Whether you’re a beginner enjoying the peaceful Tamarack Interpretive Trail around a dragonfly-dotted pond or an adventurer exploring the historic Charcoal Pit Trail, where remnants of 19th-century industry meet modern conservation, there’s a path for everyone. More adventurous explorers can venture into the Tobey Bog Trail, a unique ecosystem rich with pitcher plants and black spruce trees, or stand in awe among 400-year-old hemlocks on the North Forty Trail. Each trail offers a distinct sensory experience designed to help you slow down and truly be present.

More than just a place to walk, Great Mountain Forest is a living classroom. With year-round guided walking tours, tours, educational programs, and hands-on workshops in sustainable forest management, visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of the natural world and their place within it. As Michael Zarfos, Executive Director of GMF, puts it: “In an age dominated by artificial surroundings and constant noise, forest immersion is a simple, powerful return to our roots.” At Great Mountain Forest, that return is always just a walk away.

For event information and to download maps, visit greatmountainforest.org. To sign up for the Woodland Academy, visit greatmountainforest.org/woodlandacademy.

Old Man McMullen Pond, Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk, CT photo credit Tom Blagden

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

Photo credit: Tom Blagden

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Glebe House Museum Announces “Hands-on-History” Summer Experience for Children

This summer, step into another time with the Glebe House Museum’s immersive Hands-on-History program, running from August 4–8, 2025. Now in its 36th year, this beloved program offers children ages 6–12 a unique opportunity to explore life in 18th and 19th century Woodbury through engaging, hands-on activities at our historic site. The full-day program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, providing a safe, educational, and exciting environment led by experienced educators.

Participants will delight in creating colonial crafts, churning butter, making candles, playing historic games, and exploring the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, while also learning about herbal remedies, kitchen gardens, and nature-inspired art. Designed to spark curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for history, horticulture, early American trades, and the arts, the program is both enriching and fun.

The program fee at the Glebe House located on Hollow Road in Woodbury, Connecticut is $250 for members and $275 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. High school students aged 14 and up are invited to apply as Youth Leaders, earning community service hours and a stipend while supporting program operations.
To learn more or to register, visit www.glebehousemuseum.org
, call 203-263-2855, or email office@glebehousemuseum.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a summer filled with history, discovery, and creativity.

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Glebe House, 1933

Celebrate 100 Years of History at The Glebe House Gala

Nestled in the historic heart of Woodbury, Connecticut, The Glebe House stands as one of the nation’s earliest house museums—an enduring symbol of early American architecture and preservation. Nearly lost to demolition a century ago, this treasured landmark was saved in 1922 by the Seabury Society and restored under the visionary leadership of Henry Watson Kent, founder of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since opening its doors to the public in 1925, The Glebe House has remained a beacon of early American history, education, and community engagement.

To commemorate its remarkable legacy, The Glebe House is hosting a dazzling celebration — “Cheers to 100 Years” —a Gatsby-style gala to be held on June 27th at Aria Wedding and Banquet Facility in Prospect, Connecticut. Guests will be transported back to the Roaring Twenties with a night inspired by flappers, gangsters, and silent film stars. The event promises an evening of elegance and entertainment, including a signature cocktail, gourmet food stations, live music by the Harold Zinno Orchestra, and both live and silent auctions.

“We are so proud of all the Glebe House has accomplished in the last 100 years,” says Board President Melinda Belcher, who hopes the gala will draw both longtime supporters and new friends to continue the museum’s mission of preservation and education for the next century.” The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners, including Ron and Adrienne Artale, Guy Gabrielson, Dr. Duncan J. and Melinda Belcher, Bennett Sullivan Associates, William T. Drakeley Swimming Pool Company, Carter and Sally Booth, Marc and Susan Joy Minker, J. Andrew Ward, Norbert E. Mitchell Co., New Morning Market, the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, O&G Industries, and Ace Hardware of Woodbury among many others.

Tickets are $150 per person, with decorated VIP table options available for $2,000 for ten guests. The RSVP deadline is June 6th, and tickets can be purchased online at www.glebehousemuseum.org. Can’t attend? Donations are gratefully accepted to help preserve this national treasure for generations to come. For more information, please contact: office@glebehousemuseum.org.

Glebe House, 1933

About The Glebe House
Built about 1750, the Glebe House was saved by a committee that eventually became known as the Seabury Society for the Preservation of the Glebe House and was restored in 1923 under the direction of Henry Watson Kent, founder of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It opened to the public as a Historic House Museum in June of 1925.

The Glebe House was the farm homestead of Woodbury’s first Anglican Minister, Rev. John Rutgers Marshall, his wife Sarah, their nine children, and three enslaved persons. It is historically significant because it is where the first Bishop of the American Episcopal Church, Reverend Dr. Samuel Seabury, was elected in 1783.

At the time, this was a momentous decision because it assumed the separation of church and state and religious tolerance in the new nation. This significant historic house museum is beautifully appointed with period furniture, some of it locally made, and it is surrounded by the only extant garden in the United States designed by Gertrude Jekyll, one of Great Britain’s most famous 20th-century garden designers. The garden includes a classic English-style mixed border in Jekyll’s signature drifts of color, foundation plantings, and a planted stone quadrant.

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Taste Tradition June 7: Experience Docktails and Oysters Norwalk Seaport Association’s Waterfront Party!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate seaside celebration! The Norwalk Seaport Association, in partnership with the renowned fourth-generation oyster farmers at Norm Bloom and Sons, invites you to their signature event — Docktails and Oysters. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening of fresh flavors, live music, and stunning waterfront views at the historic Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Even better? Every ticket purchased supports the educational mission and the restoration and maintenance of the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a beacon of Norwalk’s maritime heritage.

This is no ordinary event; it’s a celebration of Norwalk’s rich oyster-farming history, dating all the way back to Native American traditions. The oysters, nurtured under the dock at Norm Bloom and Sons and planted in the sandy Sound, are prized worldwide for their sweet, briny flavor. And if you’ve never tried oysters freshly plucked from the sea, this is your chance to treat yourself to one-of-a-kind indulgence. Don’t worry if oysters aren’t your thing — the event also features a mouthwatering array of appetizers, catered by Seaside Sliders. It’s a feast for all tastes!

But the magic doesn’t stop at the food. Guests will have the unique opportunity to tour the Oyster Museum and discover the fascinating process of oyster farming, from seed to harvest. You’ll even get to see how tiny oysters are before they mature — it’s a glimpse into an ancient craft that’s still thriving today. Add in the lively atmosphere of good company and live music, and this Sheffield Island-inspired party becomes the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and philanthropy.

Tickets are just $100, and with only 200 spots available, this event sells out every year. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an evening to remember while supporting a meaningful cause. Purchase your tickets online HERE now, and get ready for an experience that’s as delightful as it is delicious! For questions, call 203-838-9444.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Celebrate Spring with Art, Deals, and Sustainable Creations at Whiting Mills!

Spring is the season of renewal—and what better way to welcome it than by refreshing your space with unique, handmade treasures? Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 31, starting at 11 a.m., when Whiting Mills in Winsted hosts its Artists and Makers Spring Cleaning Sale. It’s the perfect opportunity to browse one-of-a-kind creations, meet local artists, and score some incredible deals!

One artist you won’t want to miss is Tina Puckett of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art. Known for her stunning woven creations, Tina is offering deep discounts—25% to 50% off select pieces during the event. But her work is more than just beautiful—it’s meaningful. Tina transforms invasive vines like Oriental Bittersweet, which threatens Connecticut’s forests, into handcrafted baskets, bowls, wall hangings, and sculptures. “Each piece I create is not just an object—it’s a solution,” Tina says. So when you bring home one of her creations, you’re not only adding a unique, eco-friendly treasure to your space, but you’re also helping to support sustainable practices.

With over 30 artists and makers participating, there’s something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood to redecorate, find a unique gift, or simply enjoy a day filled with creativity and community, Whiting Mills is the place to be this spring.

Visit and Connect
Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art Studio is located in Room 305 at Whiting Mills, 100 Whiting Street, Winsted. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the studio welcomes visitors eager to experience Tina’s weaving prowess firsthand. For special appointments or inquiries about custom work, you can text 860-309-6934 or email tina@tinasbaskets.com.


About Tina Puckett
Tina Puckett, a nationally acclaimed weaver of baskets and woven art, owns Tina’s Baskets at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Since 1981, she has been weaving her artistic magic using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet, and various objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased in galleries across the United States, and she often can be found weaving at her gallery/studio on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Custom orders are warmly welcomed, and appointments can be made by texting 860-309-6934.

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