Tag: Connecticut

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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Parmalee, Voyage, Jimmy Kenny & More at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Norwalk Seaport Association has just released the headliners for the 47th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7. Headlining this year’s festival is Parmalee, named the most-played group on Country Radio in both 2022 and 2023. With five #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and over a billion on-demand streams, Parmalee is bringing their Carolina swagger and chart-topping hits to the Optimum Main Stage on Saturday night, September 6.

Parmalee brings their southern swagger to Norwalk Oyster Festival Sept. 5-

Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee continues to redefine what country music can be—infusing their sound with a variety of influences that set them apart in the genre. When they hit the Optimum Main Stage, expect nothing less than a toe tapping, hit-packed set featuring fan-favorite anthems like “Close Your Eyes,” “Carolina,” “Already Callin’ You Mine,” “Musta Had a Good Time,” “Girl in Mine,” and their latest release, “Cowgirl,” from the April, 2025 album Fell in Love with a Cowgirl. With a commanding stage presence, Parmalee doesn’t just perform. They have fun onstage while connecting with fans. As Matt Thomas says, “We just hope people can sing along, smile and ride the roller coaster of emotions with us.”

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival—all included with admission to the festival of just $15. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

“Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk resident’s backyards,” said Colin Mulhern, Event Manager, Mohegan Sun Online Casino.

It’s 5 ‘clock somewhere with the Jimmy Kenny Band at the Norwalk Oyster Festival

The music doesn’t stop there! Friday night kicks off with Rock Country Nights, delivering a high-energy hit list from country, rock, and southern legends. And at 8:30 p.m., the crowd will be whisked away to paradise with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band.

Capping off the weekend on Sunday at 4 p.m., VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey will take over the Optimum Main Stage. Known for their spot-on recreations of Journey’s iconic sound, VOYAGE delivers a powerhouse performance of classic hits like “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways.” With pitch-perfect vocals, blistering guitar solos, and all the stadium rock vibes folks love, VOYAGE will have fans singing along to classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Their electrifying stage presence and attention to detail make them the world’s premier Journey tribute band.

With Mohegan Sun Online Casino as the Presenting Sponsor and Optimum powering the Main Stage, this year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever—a three-day celebration of music, family entertainment, rides, arts and crafts, food, and unforgettable memories by the sea. *For further information and tickets visit seaport.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Take a journey with VOYAGE

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino

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Step Back in Time with Open-Fire Cooking Mother’s Day Weekend! At The Glebe House

Have you ever wonder how early New England settlers cooked up a hearty meal after a long day in the fields? Now’s your chance to find out! Join the fun at the Glebe House, in Woodbury on Saturday, May 10th from 12:00–3:00 PM, for a hands-on, open-fire cooking workshop with the legendary Frontier Mess Chuckwagon. This unique experience is the perfect way to kick off your Mother’s Day weekend—with a little history, a lot of flavor, and maybe even a touch of nostalgia for Mom’s home-cooked meals.

During this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to build and cook over a fire like a 19th-century trail cook, discover the tools of the trade (hint: there’s a lot of cast iron involved), and even help prepare a delicious meal and dessert right over the flames. With space limited to just 18 participants, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time and a chance to savor the full pioneer experience.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just in the mood for something different, this workshop promises to be both educational and entertaining. Pre-registration is required, so grab your spot now! Tickets are $40 for Museum Members and $45 for Non-Members. Visit the website at http://www.glebehousemuseum.org to register and get ready to cook like it’s 1749!


Celebrate 100 Years of History—Gatsby Style
As if that wasn’t enough reason to visit, the Glebe House is marking a major milestone—100 years as a house museum! Join the celebration on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at Aria in Prospect for an unforgettable evening themed “The Great Gatsby.” Expect an elegant night of live music, delectable food and drink, signature cocktail, and exciting silent and live auctions. Dress to impress and toast to a century of preserving history in style. For tickets and more info, visit
https://www.glebehousemuseum.org/general-4

A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Built around 1750, the Glebe House stands as a testament to Colonial craftsmanship and enduring community spirit. Rescued and restored in 1923 under the guidance of Henry Watson Kent, the visionary behind the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it opened to the public just two years later in 1925. Today, it continues to tell the stories of early America—one tour, one exhibit, and one unforgettable experience at a time.

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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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