Tag: connecticut events

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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Discover Treasures at the Glebe House Attic Sale May 18

Get ready to step back in time and uncover vintage gems at the Attic Sale hosted by the historic Glebe House Museum, 49 Hollow Road in charming Woodbury, Connecticut! Join the fun on Saturday, May 18, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, where antique lovers, collectors, and curious shoppers alike can browse a curated selection of unique finds. From antique furniture and elegant home décor to garden treasures, fine china, artwork, and exquisite glassware, this sale offers something for every style and taste.

This year’s sale is extra special as the Glebe House Museum is celebrating a remarkable milestone – 100 years as a house museum, preserving the rich tapestry of early American life. Don’t miss the centerpiece of the centennial celebration—a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed gala on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at Aria in Prospect. Enjoy an evening of live music, gourmet food and drinks, signature cocktails, and thrilling silent and live auctions. It’s the perfect excuse to dress your best and raise a glass to a century of history, story telling, and preservation. Tickets to this gala event, Cheers to 100 Years, are available online www.glebehousemuseum.org

Built around 1750 and lovingly restored in 1923 under the vision of Henry Watson Kent—the mastermind behind the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art—the Glebe House stands as a living tribute to colonial heritage. Every dollar spent at the Attic Sale goes directly to supporting its restoration and educational programs, including the stunning Gertrude Jekyll Garden, the only one of its kind in the United States.

So, whether you’re a seasoned antique hunter or just love a good find, come shop for a cause and take home a piece of history. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted, but please—no early birds! Let the treasure hunt begin!

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Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: A Celebration of Nature and Community April 25 – April 27

Mark your calendars! From April 25–27, 2025, the charming town of Norfolk, CT, will host the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: “Our Glorious Northwest Corner: Celebrating the Connectedness of All.” This inspiring three-day 8-event forum, presented by a collaborative of local organizations*, promises a rich lineup of activities centered on biodiversity, conservation, and our shared relationship with the natural world. “The Norfolk Earth Forum brings together experts, artists, and community members to address the critical biodiversity challenges facing our region and to celebrate our profound interconnectedness with all living beings,” said Erick Olsen, Pastor at Norfolk Church of Christ Congregational, which founded the first forum in 2024.

The forum kicks off with a special exhibition, “Imperiled Species in Our Community: The Biodiversity Crisis At Home,” running from April 10–30 at The Hub. This unique exhibit, on loan from the Salisbury Association, shines a spotlight on local endangered species and showcases an educational poster created by the Norfolk Land Trust. Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply curious about the environment, this exhibition offers a powerful lens into the biodiversity challenges right in our backyard.

The forum festivities officially begin Friday, April 25, with an opening reception and lecture by Tim Abbott, Conservation Director of the Housatonic Valley Association, who will discuss the national significance of local conservation efforts. The evening continues with a screening of “A Road Not Taken,” a fascinating documentary on Jimmy Carter’s solar energy initiatives.

Saturday, April 26, offers something for nature enthusiasts of all ages, with three events. Start your day with the “Books & Boots” nature walk, inspired by Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, and join Bina Thomson and Hartley Mead as they explore the lives of trees in the South Norfolk Woodlands. Later, Dr. Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, will lead a walk through spring wildflower blooms. Finally, Craig Repasz from Lights Out Connecticut will shed light on the critical Connecticut Bird Atlas project and the urgent need for bird conservation.

On Sunday, April 27, families can enjoy a delightful Children’s Crafts Workshop creating toad houses, followed by an educational program on reptiles and amphibians with the Roaring Brook Nature Center. The weekend concludes on a magical note with Paul Winter’s breathtaking concert, “This Glorious Earth,” at the Church of Christ. Blending music with nature’s sounds, Winter’s performance celebrates the beauty of life on Earth, accompanied by an introduction to the concept of bioregionalism by Keetu Winter from Wellspring Commons.

Whether you’re walking among Norfolk’s wildflowers, learning from passionate conservation leaders, or simply soaking in the melody of nature itself, the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event that inspires both action and appreciation for the world around us. Visit www.norfolkhub.org/norfolk-earth-forum for more information and registration details, or look for event flyers with QR codes around town. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our glorious Northwest Corner!

*Groups supporting the Norfolk Earth Forum: Church of Christ Congregational, Aton Forest, Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk Conservation Commission, The Hub, Norfolk Land Trust, Norfolk Library, Norfolk Rails to Trails Committee, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, Manor House Inn, National Iron Bank

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Compete in Jumpfest’s Human Dog Sled Race for Cash Prizes: A Winter Tradition Like No Other January 31 @ Satre Hill

Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure at Jumpfest, hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA). While aspiring Olympic ski jumpers take center stage, this event also delivers one-of-a-kind thrills with the wildly popular Human Dog Sled Race—a unique spectacle found in only a handful of places worldwide.

This year, the Human Dog Sled Race returns as a fan-favorite tradition, kicking off under the newly installed state-of-the-art lights at Satre Hill in Salisbury on Friday, January 31. New this year, teams will compete for Cash Prizes! The action begins around 8:30 p.m., right after the Target Jumps wrap-up. Planning to compete? Be sure to arrive when the ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. to check in, organize your sled, and lock in your spot for the race. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exhilarating winter event!

Are you curious about what a Human Dog Sled Race is? Think classic dogsledding but with a hilarious twist—no huskies here! Instead, you and your friends are the “power pups.” Here’s the scoop: gather a team of six – everyone must be 18+ and ready for some snowy action. Five teammates will pull the sled, while one lucky rider gets the best seat in the house—along with the laughs! The race spans a .3-mile snow track, so be prepared to bring your A-game. Compete for glory and cash prizes in men’s, women’s, or mixed categories, but speed isn’t your only ticket to victory. The ultimate prize? The People’s Choice Award, given to the team with the most creative costumes and sled design. Think outside the sled—inner tubes, steam-punk rigs, you name it. The crazier, the better! Dress to impress, unleash your team spirit, and let the snow-filled fun begin!

Registration is open through January 30, 2025. The registration form is online at jumpfest.org. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team, including free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs. An added bonus is that Friday night of Jumpfest is a great all-around time in a beautiful alpine setting. An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide visitors to the site where there are two roaring bonfires and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the newly installed state-of-the-art lights, and both are professionally announced! For more information about Jumpfest https://jumpfest.org 

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.

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The West Cemetery Lantern Tour Returns in Bristol

Ready to get into a Halloween mood? Why not head to Bristol for the West Cemetery Lantern Tour on Saturday, October 5th, and Sunday, October 6th. Guests will go on a guided evening stroll through West Cemetery, and along the way be introduced to notable cemetery “residents” who will share some of their history with attendees. This is a spooktacular way to spend an evening and learn a little about Bristol’s history.

Tours will step off at 6:00pm, 6:20pm, 6:40pm, 7:00pm, 7:20pm, 7:40pm, and 8:00pm. The first tour is intended for those who prefer a daylight option.

The rain date for both days is October 12. If we have to use the rain date, those who have signed up will be notified by email and the change will be posted on our website and Facebook page. Suggestion donation for the tours is $10. Reservations for the tours are required and can be made online via Sign Up Genius:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AA9AA2DA7F58-51412733-west or by emailing president@bristolhistoricalsociety.org

If you prefer to meet your cemetery reenactors inside, we are inviting the public to a dress rehearsal on October 4 at 7pm at the Bristol Historical Society at 98 Summer Street. We will have refreshments, programs with information about the historical figures portrayed, and a period for questions from the audience. The suggested donation for both the regular tour and the dress rehearsal is $10. Reservations for the Dress Rehearsal are recommended and can be made by calling 860-583-6309 or emailing president@bristolhistoricalsociety.org

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Celebrate Oysters and More with the Norwalk Seaport Association June 8, 2024 @ Norm Bloom and Sons Dock

The Norwalk Seaport Association’s signature event, Docktails and Oysters, hosted by Norm Bloom and Sons, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk, is taking place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The proceeds from this sell-out event will be used to refurbish the lighthouse to its golden years in the 19th century when it guided ships safely through Norwalk Harbor.

This Sheffield Island-inspired party is casual and fun where you will see old friends and make new ones as you listen to live music, sip beer or wine, and slurp the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for people to celebrate the Seaport Association’s mission of preserving the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for future generations and have a little fun at an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.

Oysters have a long history in Norwalk that started with the Native Americans. Today, the techniques and processes used to farm Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Sons have been used for centuries, making them an extra special treat. If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat, this is your chance to eat your fill of them – so make sure you come hungry! It’s fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters right before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of delicious sauces. The food and fun doesn’t stop there, as guests can snack on passed and stationed appetizers such as bite-sized cheeseburgers, mini chicken biscuits, southern fried chicken, Jimmy’s fried clams, grilled shrimp skewers, truffle mac and cheese tarts, and scrumptious charcuterie and crudité table catered by Seaside Sliders.

A highlight of the event is its location — right on the water at Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Guests are invited to tour the Oyster Museum and to learn how oysters are grown and harvested here and then shipped all over the world. The oyster beds are incubated under the dock where this event takes place. Part of the charm is to see how small oysters actually are when they are young! As soon as they are big enough, the oysters are “planted” on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds the docks. This time-honored system of growing oysters makes them some of the best that you will ever taste; they are prized the world over for their sweet briny flavor and plump meat. Best of all, this is your chance to eat your fill of them for a good cause!

Tickets to this event are limited to 200 people and are $85 online. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance because this popular event sells out every year. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-docktails-oysters-tickets-888586806057?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, if you have questions, please 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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