Walktober Join Us! Make a Difference! - The Last Green Valley · Walktober 28 years of exploriNg tHe beauty aNd treasures of tHe NatioNal Heritage Corridor! 2018 b ec ome a member

P.O. Box 29

Danielson, C

T 06239-0029

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDDanielson, CT

Permit No. 111

NatioNal Heritage Corridor

Walktober28 years of exploriNg tHe beauty aNd treasures of tHe NatioNal Heritage Corridor!

2018

become a m

ember of the last g

reen Valley today! Join online or com

plete the form

below and m

ail to:the last g

reen Valleyp.o

. box 29d

anielson, Ct 06239-0029

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embership benefits:

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w.thelastgreenvalley.org

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embership

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explore! Walktober in The Last Green Valley

Welcome to the 28th Annual Walktober in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. After 28 years, Walktober is still the best way to celebrate all the beauty, historic treasures and working farms of the 35 towns of eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts. With more than 200 unique experiences, you’ll get a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in New England, meet some of the heroes and scoundrels who shaped our nation, and see first-hand what it means to farm and eat local. All of this is made possible by the most passionate volunteers you will ever meet. Every Walktober leader will share with you what they love about The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Whether you call The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor home, or you are visiting for the first time or the 10th time, you’ll come away with a new apprecia-tion for why this place is so special. If you pair this brochure with one of The Last Green Valley’s Explore! Guides, you’ll also find many places to shop local, catch a fabulous meal or relax with a drink after your Walktober adventures. Keep them both for ideas of year-round things to do. And, visit our website, thelastgreenvalley.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for informa-tion about our monthly programs, including Acorn Adventures for kids and Ranger programs. Enjoy Walktober and help us care for, enjoy and pass on The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor!

remiNders☝

Note Key Symbols, as they are your guide to an age-appropriate and pleasurable experience.

👟 Dress sensibly in sturdy shoes and layered clothing.

🐝 Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks.

👧 Note age-appropriateness of walk.

☎ Register in advance if required.

🐩 Bring friendly, vaccinated dogs ONLY on those walks marked . Keep them on leashes and please clean up any mess.

⛅ Walks go on rain or shine, unless the walk leader determines that conditions are unsafe or that weather totally obscures the view.

⁕ Participants in Walktober do so at their own risk and hold harmless the sponsoring orga-nizations, property owners and The Last Green Valley, Inc.

Few people have been more integral to the creation of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor than Larry Lowenthal. When the National Park Service decided to evaluate the local grassroots efforts to designate this region as a national heri-tage corridor, they sent their Ranger and Historian Larry Lowenthal as their evaluator. Larry’s report not only convinced the park service the locals were right, it’s a primer on what makes The Last Green Valley special, and his “Statement of Distinction” is still on our website today. Since those early days, Larry has also been a dedicated TLGV volunteer. Larry has led Walktober adventures all the way back to when it was known as Walking Weekend. And, Larry is still finding new ways to engage participants. Last year’s Steerage Rock walk, which he co-led with another Mr. Walktober, Mike Bartlett, was one of the most popular events of Walktober. Larry and his wife, Kitty, are also volunteer Rangers and assisted in other behind-the-scenes ways, such as reviewing historic grant applications. When we asked Larry why he has chosen to dedicate so much volunteer time to The Last Green Valley, he said “I live in it. It gave me a connection I didn’t have with too many other places that I had worked on. This was personal.” We’re grateful for that personal connection, and we’re honored to name Larry Lowenthal as Mr. Walktober 2018.

You can join Larry this year on the following walks: 10 a.m. Oct. 20, Walk #145, “Walk the Southbridge Branch” on the

Quinebaug River Trail in Dudley, MA, and 1 p.m. Oct. 21, Walk #164, “The Civil War: Trying To Do My Duty” in Brimfield, MA.

Mr. Walktober 2018 – Larry Lowenthal

The Last Green Valley programs and projects are generously supported by:

Walktober 2018 is proudly supported by the following towns: AshfordChaplinEastford

HamptonLisbon

Putnam

SpragueVoluntown

Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers. Please patronize their establishments and tell them you

appreciate their support of Walktober!

Cover photos by: A. Dabrowski , F. Kefalas and B. Reid

Groton Open Space Association, Titan Energy, UNFI Helping Hands

2

NEWSEWITNESSEY

STEP UP to The Last Green Valley

Walktober challenge!Do You Walktober? Of course you do!•Attend5ormoreWalktoberexperiencesthisyear–themorethemerrier!

•Signtheattendancesheets.

•TakephotosofeveryWalktoberyouattend,posttoFacebookorInstagramandtagTheLastGreenValley–don’tforgettotelluswhereyouare.

•Prize:Aspecially-designedWalktoberChallengeT-shirt–wearitproudly!

The Last Green Valley reserves the right to use any photos submitted to The Last Green Valley for any purpose. We always try to give credit to the photographer, so be sure to include complete con-tact information when submitting photos. We encourage photos of people enjoying Walktober experiences, but we must have written permission from any recognizable subjects, particularly minors (we need permission from their parents/guardians) in order to publish the photos.

M. E

. Ells

wor

th

enjoy your Walktober experience! the last green Valley, inc. is a member-supported, non-profit

organization formed in 1995 to oversee the last green Valley National Heritage Corridor. We are stewards working to care for and pass on the

national heritage corridor so that generations to come may enjoy it. our corridor is 35 towns stretching 1,100 square miles, 77 percent of which is

still forest and farmland. it is the third largest watershed flowing into long island sound and the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl

between boston and Washington, dC. Help us keep the last green Valley green! become a member by completing the form on the back cover or

visiting www.thelastgreenvalley.org and clicking on “Join us.”

explore! Walktober in The Last Green Valley

Welcome to the 28th Annual Walktober in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. After 28 years, Walktober is still the best way to celebrate all the beauty, historic treasures and working farms of the 35 towns of eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts. With more than 200 unique experiences, you’ll get a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in New England, meet some of the heroes and scoundrels who shaped our nation, and see first-hand what it means to farm and eat local. All of this is made possible by the most passionate volunteers you will ever meet. Every Walktober leader will share with you what they love about The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Whether you call The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor home, or you are visiting for the first time or the 10th time, you’ll come away with a new apprecia-tion for why this place is so special. If you pair this brochure with one of The Last Green Valley’s Explore! Guides, you’ll also find many places to shop local, catch a fabulous meal or relax with a drink after your Walktober adventures. Keep them both for ideas of year-round things to do. And, visit our website, thelastgreenvalley.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for informa-tion about our monthly programs, including Acorn Adventures for kids and Ranger programs. Enjoy Walktober and help us care for, enjoy and pass on The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor!

remiNders☝

Note Key Symbols, as they are your guide to an age-appropriate and pleasurable experience.

👟 Dress sensibly in sturdy shoes and layered clothing.

🐝 Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks.

👧 Note age-appropriateness of walk.

☎ Register in advance if required.

🐩 Bring friendly, vaccinated dogs ONLY on those walks marked . Keep them on leashes and please clean up any mess.

⛅ Walks go on rain or shine, unless the walk leader determines that conditions are unsafe or that weather totally obscures the view.

⁕ Participants in Walktober do so at their own risk and hold harmless the sponsoring orga-nizations, property owners and The Last Green Valley, Inc.

Few people have been more integral to the creation of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor than Larry Lowenthal. When the National Park Service decided to evaluate the local grassroots efforts to designate this region as a national heri-tage corridor, they sent their Ranger and Historian Larry Lowenthal as their evaluator. Larry’s report not only convinced the park service the locals were right, it’s a primer on what makes The Last Green Valley special, and his “Statement of Distinction” is still on our website today. Since those early days, Larry has also been a dedicated TLGV volunteer. Larry has led Walktober adventures all the way back to when it was known as Walking Weekend. And, Larry is still finding new ways to engage participants. Last year’s Steerage Rock walk, which he co-led with another Mr. Walktober, Mike Bartlett, was one of the most popular events of Walktober. Larry and his wife, Kitty, are also volunteer Rangers and assisted in other behind-the-scenes ways, such as reviewing historic grant applications. When we asked Larry why he has chosen to dedicate so much volunteer time to The Last Green Valley, he said “I live in it. It gave me a connection I didn’t have with too many other places that I had worked on. This was personal.” We’re grateful for that personal connection, and we’re honored to name Larry Lowenthal as Mr. Walktober 2018.

You can join Larry this year on the following walks: 10 a.m. Oct. 20, Walk #145, “Walk the Southbridge Branch” on the

Quinebaug River Trail in Dudley, MA, and 1 p.m. Oct. 21, Walk #164, “The Civil War: Trying To Do My Duty” in Brimfield, MA.

Mr. Walktober 2018 – Larry Lowenthal

The Last Green Valley programs and projects are generously supported by:

Walktober 2018 is proudly supported by the following towns: AshfordChaplinEastford

HamptonLisbon

Putnam

SpragueVoluntown

Thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers. Please patronize their establishments and tell them you

appreciate their support of Walktober!

Cover photos by: A. Dabrowski , F. Kefalas and B. Reid

Groton Open Space Association, Titan Energy, UNFI Helping Hands

2

NEWSEWITNESSEY

STEP UP to The Last Green Valley

Walktober challenge!Do You Walktober? Of course you do!•Attend5ormoreWalktoberexperiencesthisyear–themorethemerrier!

•Signtheattendancesheets.

•TakephotosofeveryWalktoberyouattend,posttoFacebookorInstagramandtagTheLastGreenValley–don’tforgettotelluswhereyouare.

•Prize:Aspecially-designedWalktoberChallengeT-shirt–wearitproudly!

The Last Green Valley reserves the right to use any photos submitted to The Last Green Valley for any purpose. We always try to give credit to the photographer, so be sure to include complete con-tact information when submitting photos. We encourage photos of people enjoying Walktober experiences, but we must have written permission from any recognizable subjects, particularly minors (we need permission from their parents/guardians) in order to publish the photos.

M. E

. Ells

wor

th

enjoy your Walktober experience! the last green Valley, inc. is a member-supported, non-profit

organization formed in 1995 to oversee the last green Valley National Heritage Corridor. We are stewards working to care for and pass on the

national heritage corridor so that generations to come may enjoy it. our corridor is 35 towns stretching 1,100 square miles, 77 percent of which is

still forest and farmland. it is the third largest watershed flowing into long island sound and the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl

between boston and Washington, dC. Help us keep the last green Valley green! become a member by completing the form on the back cover or

visiting www.thelastgreenvalley.org and clicking on “Join us.”

607

Ledyard

Willington

Tolland

✪

3

for More inforMaTionContact The Last Green Valley at 860-774-3300 or visit thelastgreenvalley.org

Watch for our walk

location signs!

Walktober

Multiple towns1 Walktober Updates, Heritage

Info. Radio109 Art & Foliage Tour

Ashford, CT113 Brandy, Silk & Smugglers126 Byle’s Sanctuary Hike 170 Horizon Wings’ Owl Prowl181 Camp JN Webster History Walk

Bolton, CT47 There Were Trains at Bolton

Notch?

Brimfield, MA164 Civil War: Trying To Do My Duty

Brooklyn, CT36 Disc Golf 10137 Brooklyn Fall Festival86 Social Ferment & Old Meeting

House95 Spooky Nights98 Where Bison Roam154 Quinebaug River Paddle 169 Pumpkin Tours!

Canterbury, CT64 FACES at FAHS110 Old Home Day, Canterbury

Chaplin, CT22 Chaplin’s Air Line Trail

Charlton, MA32 National Public Lands Day104 Invasion at Capen Hill191 Haunted Dam Tours,

Buffumville Dam

Columbia, CT149 Ramble in Columbia Brook Ravine

Coventry, CT23 Nathan Hale Forest Stroll29 Williams Preserve Walk48 Sunday Market Strolls87 Coventry Village History Walk132 Where is Hop River VIllage?193 Old Coventry Ctr. & Nathan Hale

Cemetery Walk

Dudley, MA63 Black Tavern Craft Fair137 Haunted New England, The

Black Tavern145 Walk The Southbridge Branch

Eastford, CT66 Buell’s Orchard Harvest Festival144 Stillness of the Still River157 Bigelow Brook Farm Trail

Hike & Tour

Franklin, CT27 Founders Day, Ayer Farm34 Beaver Trail Hike38 Franklin Life Celebrating 300 Years42 Franklin Notables77 Enjoy The Dark Side of TLGV139 Public Ghost Hunt, Ashbel

Woodward House Museum140 Ghost Hunt, Ashbel Woodward

House Museum165 Moos & More, Cushman Farm202 NW Corner of 9-Mile Square

Griswold, CT8 Griswold Haunted Nature Trail41 Griswold Nature Trail: Intro to

Appalachian Trail

Hampton, CT5 Rural Heritage Arts School33 Hampton Fall Festival43 Rolltober 100 Mountain Bike Ride, Goodwin

State Forest130 Nick Bellantoni Walks Ostby

Forest133 Goodwin Forest Photowalk147 Autumn Wild Plant and Fungi

Foraging 163 Hampton Village: A Walk Back

in Time

Holland, MA124 Holland/Brimfield Trail Ride184 Quinebaug Woods Historic Walk

Killingly/Danielson, CT44 The Truth Behind Investigating

the Unknown101 From Pulpit to Tomb: Preachers

of Westfield Church114 BIG-little Apple Festival & Cabaret119 Over The Bridge176 CTPRT (CT Paranormal Research

Team)177 Free Movie Night! Hocus Pocus

Killingly/Danielson, CT (cont)186 Scarecrow Kingdom/Trick or

Treat on Main St.192 Tricky Trail Run195 TLGV Natural Resources &

Agriculture 196 TLGV Economic Vitality 198 TLGV Historic & Cultural Resources

Lebanon, CT11 Laurelei’s Letterboxing

Adventure73 Explore the Air Line Trail Part 175 Explore the Air Line Trail Part 289 Night Hike Under Dark Skies128 The American Campaigns 135 Railroad Lore Along Columbia/

Lebanon Air Line Trail156 Windows on Revolution,

Lebanon Green in 1780189 Camp Laurel Back Trails Hike

Lisbon, CT171 Tour Waste-to-Energy Plant

Mansfield/Storrs, CT7 Fall Family Fun,

Cedar Ledge Tree Farm51 Invasive Plants in Uncertain Times58 UCONN SAPTA 5K61 Autumn Artisan Show62 Over in (Merrow) Meadow78 Climbtober83 Stonewall Secrets85 Growing Food & Growing

Community99 Hike Spring Hill Tract of

UCONN Forest103 Mansfield Pup Crawl120 UCONN Horsebarn Hill & Animal

Barns Walk167 A Look at Water Life, Albert E.

Moss Sanctuary187 Trick-or-Treat in Storrs188 Halloween Party/Trick-a-Trunk197 Explore Schoolhouse Brook Park

North Stonington, CT81 Tri-Town Natural History Trek

Norwich/Taftville/Yantic, CT12 Walking in a Traitor’s Footsteps13 Shetucket River Powering

Norwich & Lifting Fish19 Benedict Arnold Returns20 Shetucket River Walking Tour24 Ellis Walter Ruley: Norwich Artist26 Bohemian Norwichtown46 History Day, Norwichtown Green49 A Grace Full Village53 Center for Hospice Care

Healing Garden55 The Golden Clock Tower57 Norwich First Friday68 Ye Antient Burial Grounds of

Norwich69 Norwich Founders Day71 Spaulding Pond Dam Flood76 Notables of Yantic Cemetery80 Norwich Millionaires’ Triangle82 Yantic Cemetery Civil War Tour91 Firearm Factories of Norwich105 Off-Kilter Tales of Norwichtown115 Aaron Dwight Stevens

Norwichtown Green Walk122 Behind the Scenes, Slater

Memorial Museum127 War Memorial Tour129 Maritime History of

Norwich Through Civil War143 Surprising History of

Christ Episcopal Church153 Legend of Uncas Leap155 Jaunt Along the Heritage

Trail161 Scarecrows & Cocoa162 Hike Around Mohegan Park178 Haunted History,

Leffingwell House Museum179 Antient Ghosts of Norwich183 Norwich in the 20th Century190 Two Bells Beckon: Taftville

& Ponemah Mill194 Old Reservoirs of Taftville203 Walking in the Footsteps of

the Blind

Oxford, MA25 Visit Huguenot Steamer No. 1

Fire Station Museum28 Full Moon Walk & Gate Tower

Tour50 Walk Through Oxford’s

Huguenot History60 French River Paddle

Plainfield, CT90 Gray Ledge Tree Farm Leaf Hunt123 How to Grow a Christmas Tree152 Stroll, Roll & Read201 TLGV Member Program, Gray

Ledge Tree Farm

Pomfret, CTHTLGV Member Hike to Wolf Den17 Positively Pomfret Day31 Root to Rise Yoga with Kayla65 Art & Artisans Works Show67 Lapsley Orchard Fall Harvest

Festival74 Stories in Stone Walls97 Bird Walk141 Tackle the Trail

Preston, CT2 Preston Nature Preserve

Putnam, CT14 Create a Clay Leaf Bowl56 Putnam First Friday 102 Behind the Scenes Gravel Walk121 Swim with Pumpkins148 Great Pumpkin Festival174 Putnam Trick-or-Treat Night

Scotland, CT21 Story of Faith Trumbull79 Scottish Highland Festival116 Colonial Homestead Landscape

Tour150 An Early New England Funeral159 Shetucket River Ramble185 Forming a Nation200 A Colonial CT Thanksgiving, 1786

Southbridge, MA16 AutumnFest30 Southbridge 100 Years Ago:

Franco-American Community52 Nature in Photography 112 Leaf Art136 Birds in 2018: An Homage 173 Impact of the 2011 Tornado

Sprague/Baltic, CT15 Ride the Shetucket

Sterling/Moosup, CT4 Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm Giant

Corn Maze70 Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm Harvest

Festival151 Turkey Talk & More on Ekonk Hill

Sturbridge, MA59 Explore Camp Robinson Crusoe

& Dam Removal 93 Heins Farm Photowalk96 Publick House’s Scarecrow

Contest111 Sturbridge Harvest Festival134 Leadmine Mountain Hike180 Hamant Brook Restoration Walk

Thompson/North Grosvenordale, CT3 Fort Hill Farms Corn Maze

Adventure40 Acorn Adventure: Geocaching 10172 Thompson Community Day94 Great Thompson Train Wreck158 Root to Rise Yoga160 Historic Ramsdell Farm Walk182 West Thompson Lake Dam Tour

Union, CT54 Breakneck Pond Loop Hike

Voluntown, CT125 Exploring Mt.

Misery199 A Peaceful Walk

Windham/Willimantic, CT6 Exhibition: Hauntings 18 Mills, Rails & The River35 Riverfest Community Paddle39 Willimantic Downtown Country

Fair45 Nightmare on Main: Hauntings92 Three Bridges, Downtown

Willimantic106 Andrychowski Family Forest Tour118 Old Willimantic Cemetery Walk

Woodstock, CT9 Devon Point Farm Cider Mill &

Pumpkin Patch Open House10 Celebrating Agriculture84 Family-Run Dairy Farming in

21st Century88 Kenyon Woods, Woodstock Valley

Woodstock, CT (cont)107 Wildlife & Woodland Resilience

Walk, Rocky Hill Refuge108 Roseland Cottage Fine Arts &

Crafts Festival117 Bull Hill Forest Preserve131 Pumpkins, Pastures & More138 Wildlife & Woodland Resilience

Walk, The Fen142 Sumner & Wilbur Family Forest

Tour146 Rapoport/Spalding Preserve

Walk166 Back in Time at Quasset School168 Hatchet Hill Hike172 Woodchip Bioreactor Tour,

Valleyside Farm175 Trick or Treat Street

Walktober is bigger and better!listed below are the walks, by town, along with a smaller reference map. please refer to the event/walk number description in this guide for specific locations.

Key

✪indicates location of the last green Valley office, 203b main st. (2nd floor), danielson, Ct. open monday-thursday 8 am - 4 pm 860-774-3300 • thelastgreenvalley.org

607

Ledyard

Willington

Tolland

✪

3

for More inforMaTionContact The Last Green Valley at 860-774-3300 or visit thelastgreenvalley.org

Watch for our walk

location signs!

Walktober

Multiple towns1 Walktober Updates, Heritage

Info. Radio109 Art & Foliage Tour

Ashford, CT113 Brandy, Silk & Smugglers126 Byle’s Sanctuary Hike 170 Horizon Wings’ Owl Prowl181 Camp JN Webster History Walk

Bolton, CT47 There Were Trains at Bolton

Notch?

Brimfield, MA164 Civil War: Trying To Do My Duty

Brooklyn, CT36 Disc Golf 10137 Brooklyn Fall Festival86 Social Ferment & Old Meeting

House95 Spooky Nights98 Where Bison Roam154 Quinebaug River Paddle 169 Pumpkin Tours!

Canterbury, CT64 FACES at FAHS110 Old Home Day, Canterbury

Chaplin, CT22 Chaplin’s Air Line Trail

Charlton, MA32 National Public Lands Day104 Invasion at Capen Hill191 Haunted Dam Tours,

Buffumville Dam

Columbia, CT149 Ramble in Columbia Brook Ravine

Coventry, CT23 Nathan Hale Forest Stroll29 Williams Preserve Walk48 Sunday Market Strolls87 Coventry Village History Walk132 Where is Hop River VIllage?193 Old Coventry Ctr. & Nathan Hale

Cemetery Walk

Dudley, MA63 Black Tavern Craft Fair137 Haunted New England, The

Black Tavern145 Walk The Southbridge Branch

Eastford, CT66 Buell’s Orchard Harvest Festival144 Stillness of the Still River157 Bigelow Brook Farm Trail

Hike & Tour

Franklin, CT27 Founders Day, Ayer Farm34 Beaver Trail Hike38 Franklin Life Celebrating 300 Years42 Franklin Notables77 Enjoy The Dark Side of TLGV139 Public Ghost Hunt, Ashbel

Woodward House Museum140 Ghost Hunt, Ashbel Woodward

House Museum165 Moos & More, Cushman Farm202 NW Corner of 9-Mile Square

Griswold, CT8 Griswold Haunted Nature Trail41 Griswold Nature Trail: Intro to

Appalachian Trail

Hampton, CT5 Rural Heritage Arts School33 Hampton Fall Festival43 Rolltober 100 Mountain Bike Ride, Goodwin

State Forest130 Nick Bellantoni Walks Ostby

Forest133 Goodwin Forest Photowalk147 Autumn Wild Plant and Fungi

Foraging 163 Hampton Village: A Walk Back

in Time

Holland, MA124 Holland/Brimfield Trail Ride184 Quinebaug Woods Historic Walk

Killingly/Danielson, CT44 The Truth Behind Investigating

the Unknown101 From Pulpit to Tomb: Preachers

of Westfield Church114 BIG-little Apple Festival & Cabaret119 Over The Bridge176 CTPRT (CT Paranormal Research

Team)177 Free Movie Night! Hocus Pocus

Killingly/Danielson, CT (cont)186 Scarecrow Kingdom/Trick or

Treat on Main St.192 Tricky Trail Run195 TLGV Natural Resources &

Agriculture 196 TLGV Economic Vitality 198 TLGV Historic & Cultural Resources

Lebanon, CT11 Laurelei’s Letterboxing

Adventure73 Explore the Air Line Trail Part 175 Explore the Air Line Trail Part 289 Night Hike Under Dark Skies128 The American Campaigns 135 Railroad Lore Along Columbia/

Lebanon Air Line Trail156 Windows on Revolution,

Lebanon Green in 1780189 Camp Laurel Back Trails Hike

Lisbon, CT171 Tour Waste-to-Energy Plant

Mansfield/Storrs, CT7 Fall Family Fun,

Cedar Ledge Tree Farm51 Invasive Plants in Uncertain Times58 UCONN SAPTA 5K61 Autumn Artisan Show62 Over in (Merrow) Meadow78 Climbtober83 Stonewall Secrets85 Growing Food & Growing

Community99 Hike Spring Hill Tract of

UCONN Forest103 Mansfield Pup Crawl120 UCONN Horsebarn Hill & Animal

Barns Walk167 A Look at Water Life, Albert E.

Moss Sanctuary187 Trick-or-Treat in Storrs188 Halloween Party/Trick-a-Trunk197 Explore Schoolhouse Brook Park

North Stonington, CT81 Tri-Town Natural History Trek

Norwich/Taftville/Yantic, CT12 Walking in a Traitor’s Footsteps13 Shetucket River Powering

Norwich & Lifting Fish19 Benedict Arnold Returns20 Shetucket River Walking Tour24 Ellis Walter Ruley: Norwich Artist26 Bohemian Norwichtown46 History Day, Norwichtown Green49 A Grace Full Village53 Center for Hospice Care

Healing Garden55 The Golden Clock Tower57 Norwich First Friday68 Ye Antient Burial Grounds of

Norwich69 Norwich Founders Day71 Spaulding Pond Dam Flood76 Notables of Yantic Cemetery80 Norwich Millionaires’ Triangle82 Yantic Cemetery Civil War Tour91 Firearm Factories of Norwich105 Off-Kilter Tales of Norwichtown115 Aaron Dwight Stevens

Norwichtown Green Walk122 Behind the Scenes, Slater

Memorial Museum127 War Memorial Tour129 Maritime History of

Norwich Through Civil War143 Surprising History of

Christ Episcopal Church153 Legend of Uncas Leap155 Jaunt Along the Heritage

Trail161 Scarecrows & Cocoa162 Hike Around Mohegan Park178 Haunted History,

Leffingwell House Museum179 Antient Ghosts of Norwich183 Norwich in the 20th Century190 Two Bells Beckon: Taftville

& Ponemah Mill194 Old Reservoirs of Taftville203 Walking in the Footsteps of

the Blind

Oxford, MA25 Visit Huguenot Steamer No. 1

Fire Station Museum28 Full Moon Walk & Gate Tower

Tour50 Walk Through Oxford’s

Huguenot History60 French River Paddle

Plainfield, CT90 Gray Ledge Tree Farm Leaf Hunt123 How to Grow a Christmas Tree152 Stroll, Roll & Read201 TLGV Member Program, Gray

Ledge Tree Farm

Pomfret, CTHTLGV Member Hike to Wolf Den17 Positively Pomfret Day31 Root to Rise Yoga with Kayla65 Art & Artisans Works Show67 Lapsley Orchard Fall Harvest

Festival74 Stories in Stone Walls97 Bird Walk141 Tackle the Trail

Preston, CT2 Preston Nature Preserve

Putnam, CT14 Create a Clay Leaf Bowl56 Putnam First Friday 102 Behind the Scenes Gravel Walk121 Swim with Pumpkins148 Great Pumpkin Festival174 Putnam Trick-or-Treat Night

Scotland, CT21 Story of Faith Trumbull79 Scottish Highland Festival116 Colonial Homestead Landscape

Tour150 An Early New England Funeral159 Shetucket River Ramble185 Forming a Nation200 A Colonial CT Thanksgiving, 1786

Southbridge, MA16 AutumnFest30 Southbridge 100 Years Ago:

Franco-American Community52 Nature in Photography 112 Leaf Art136 Birds in 2018: An Homage 173 Impact of the 2011 Tornado

Sprague/Baltic, CT15 Ride the Shetucket

Sterling/Moosup, CT4 Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm Giant

Corn Maze70 Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm Harvest

Festival151 Turkey Talk & More on Ekonk Hill

Sturbridge, MA59 Explore Camp Robinson Crusoe

& Dam Removal 93 Heins Farm Photowalk96 Publick House’s Scarecrow

Contest111 Sturbridge Harvest Festival134 Leadmine Mountain Hike180 Hamant Brook Restoration Walk

Thompson/North Grosvenordale, CT3 Fort Hill Farms Corn Maze

Adventure40 Acorn Adventure: Geocaching 10172 Thompson Community Day94 Great Thompson Train Wreck158 Root to Rise Yoga160 Historic Ramsdell Farm Walk182 West Thompson Lake Dam Tour

Union, CT54 Breakneck Pond Loop Hike

Voluntown, CT125 Exploring Mt.

Misery199 A Peaceful Walk

Windham/Willimantic, CT6 Exhibition: Hauntings 18 Mills, Rails & The River35 Riverfest Community Paddle39 Willimantic Downtown Country

Fair45 Nightmare on Main: Hauntings92 Three Bridges, Downtown

Willimantic106 Andrychowski Family Forest Tour118 Old Willimantic Cemetery Walk

Woodstock, CT9 Devon Point Farm Cider Mill &

Pumpkin Patch Open House10 Celebrating Agriculture84 Family-Run Dairy Farming in

21st Century88 Kenyon Woods, Woodstock Valley

Woodstock, CT (cont)107 Wildlife & Woodland Resilience

Walk, Rocky Hill Refuge108 Roseland Cottage Fine Arts &

Crafts Festival117 Bull Hill Forest Preserve131 Pumpkins, Pastures & More138 Wildlife & Woodland Resilience

Walk, The Fen142 Sumner & Wilbur Family Forest

Tour146 Rapoport/Spalding Preserve

Walk166 Back in Time at Quasset School168 Hatchet Hill Hike172 Woodchip Bioreactor Tour,

Valleyside Farm175 Trick or Treat Street

Walktober is bigger and better!listed below are the walks, by town, along with a smaller reference map. please refer to the event/walk number description in this guide for specific locations.

Key

✪indicates location of the last green Valley office, 203b main st. (2nd floor), danielson, Ct. open monday-thursday 8 am - 4 pm 860-774-3300 • thelastgreenvalley.org

Difficulty of walk/paddle/bike:l Easy n Moderate u Difficult$ event Entry fee event (description has yellow background) S Rain date

(RegistrationR Restrooms nearby (outhouses to full bathrooms) Wheelchair accessibleC Especially for families with children

Dogs welcome on these walks A Dogs NOT welcome on these walks O Bring canoe or kayak and PFD

b Bring bike & helmet

2018please CoNtaCt WalK leaders direCtly for last miNute updates aNd CaNCellatioNs.

Walktober

4

Multi-day Walktobers

1All day, every day 24/7 event

Walktober updates from Heritage information radio

www.am1700.org 860-319-0671

Tune in to Heritage Information Radio online 24/7 to hear updates and information about Walktober and all things in The Last Green Valley. Radio Ranger Kevin knows what is going on! Listen to the online streaming info at www.am1700.org. Sponsored by Heritage Information Radio. www.am1700.org

2Daily from dawn to dusk l 0.5 m CWalk

preston Nature preserve – self-guided Hike and seek

Preston Nature Preserve, Krug Rd., Preston, CT. South side of Krug Rd., 0.6 miles west of Jewett City Rd. 860-884-3500

Embark on an adventure - one of your own making! Avalonia’s Hike and Seek program encourages exploration of their beautiful preserves by children, families and the public through a scavenger hunt format. Participants use technology in a simple, positive way to learn about the nature of each preserve. Try the Preston Nature Preserve Hike and Seek - two trails with varied land features and vegetation, including two hills, a valley, hardwood and cedar forest, brushland, meadows, pastures, swamps and ponds. Well-established trail system with bridge. Find clues at www.avalonialandconservancy.org/properties-and-clues/#preston. Sponsored by Avalonia Land Conservancy. www.avalonialandconservancy.org

3Mid-August to November 3 11 am - 9 pm R C A fee $ event

fort Hill farms Corn maze adventure – the american farmer

Fort HIll Farms, 260 Quaddick Rd., Thompson, CT. 860-923-3439

The Naturally New England Corn Maze Adventure at Fort Hill Farms is a fun way for families to experience local agriculture and learn about farming. The maze celebrates our farmers, and features fun puzzles and clues related to all things farmer! For a shorter challenge try the “Our Roots Run JEEP” Mini Maze, featuring an image of Fort Hill Farm’s special Jeep. The mini maze takes a 1/2 hour to navigate and is perfect for hot days or kids’ birthday parties. Open daily plus flashlight nights; call 860-923-3439 for details. Sponsored by Fort Hill Farms. www.TheFarmersCow.com/corn-maze

4Saturdays & Sundays in September & October R Cfee $ event

ekonk Hill turkey farm giaNt Corn maze

Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, 227 Ekonk Hill Rd., Moosup, CT. 860-564-0248

Explore the GIANT 8-acre corn maze. Hayride & barnyard are included in admission. Solve the maze puzzle. Pumpkin patch open for purchasing pumpkin(s) to take home. Saturday night flashlight mazes, too. Last tickets sold at 7 pm. Don’t forget to visit our Harvest Festival on Columbus Day weekend! See website for fees, hours and more. Sponsored by Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm. www.getlostinthemaze.com & www.ekonkhillturkeyfarm.com

5Saturday, September 22 plus Saturdays & Sundays & Columbus Day in October 9 am - 5 pm l R A event

rural Heritage arts school

170 Estabrooks Rd., Hampton, CT. Parking and walking are on uneven surfaces. 860-917-9354

Cuprak’s Cupboard jam and jelly, made with local produce, low sugar. Sterling Silver and natural stone jewelry. Elaine in The Sun bags, pillows, and up-cycled items. Embroidered jackets, hemp jewelry, bags - coin purse to beach bags and all sizes in between. Heritage art/craft classes all year. Sponsored by Renee Cuprak. fb.me/ruralheritageartsschool

6Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from Sept. 30 to Nov. 18 10 am - 4 pm R A Cfee $ event

exhibition: Hauntings – unearthly tales of Connecticut’s past

411 Main St., Willimantic, CT. 860-456-2178

The exhibition will educate and entertain visitors with stories told for generations of Connecticut’s haunted places. Discover what or who haunts a Franklin orchard, a New London lighthouse, the Windham Inn and many more. Daytime exhibit during regular museum hours is not as spooky as evening tours. $7 adults, $5 students and seniors. Sponsored by The MIll Museum. www.millmuseum.org

7Open daily October 1 - 31 R Cfee $ event

fall family fun at Cedar ledge tree farm

Cedar Ledge Tree Farm, 260 Coventry Rd., Mansfield, CT. 860-423-5690

We offer fall farm family fun! Pick a pumpkin, take a tractor ride at 4 pm Mon. – Fri., and all day on weekends. Enjoy mulch mountain sliding, pedal carts, playscape & sandpile! You might even glimpse the perfect Christmas tree to come back for! See website for fees, hours and more. Sponsored by Cedar Ledge Tree Farm. www.cedarledgetreefarm.com

8October weekdays after 3 pm & sunrise to sunset on weekends n R CWalk

griswold Haunted Nature trail

Griswold School Campus, 303 Slater Ave., Griswold, CT. Park in the Elementary School lot across from trailhead. 860-376-7640

The Nature Trail is opened to the public during school days (weekdays) after 3 pm, and on weekends from sunrise to sunset. We welcome you to the Haunted Nature Trail. Start at the information sign at the trailhead across from the elementary school. This is a self-guided hidden object game. Follow the Orange Blaze Trail around the Nature Trail. Look into the woods for hidden objects, but be sure to stay on the trail. You should be able to see lots from the trail - look on both sides - look up - look down! Don’t remove it from the trail! Please leave it for the next family to find. Sponsored by Town of Griswold. www.griswold-ct.org

9Saturdays & Sundays in October 9 am - 4 pm Cevent

devon point farm Cider mill & pumpkin patch open House

Devon Point Farm, 54 Joy Rd., Woodstock, CT. 860-974-9004

Tour Devon Point Farm, a hard-working & unique farm, taste our raw apple cider, learn about our antique 1898 apple cider press, and enjoy the fall foliage, the pumpkins, see our heritage breed Devon cattle, and enjoy the beauty of the farm. Sponsored by Devon Point Farm. www.devonpointfarm.com

RegulaR WalktobeRs • satuRday, septembeR 22

109 am - 3 pm R Cevent

Celebrating agriculture

Woodstock Fairgrounds, Rt. 169, Woodstock, CT. 860-412-5275

See the many faces of agriculture in The Last Green Valley at Celebrating Agriculture, a fun, free educational day showcasing the benefits agriculture provides to the region, as well as the challenges farms face today. Learn who your farm neighbors are, and how to support local agriculture to enrich and maintain the open space - the working landscape - of our area. See website for details including a wagon ride tour and hearty farmer’s breakfast. Coordinated by USDA Farm Service Agency. www.celebratingagriculture.org

119 am - 4 pm l R C A (event

laurelei’s letterboxing adventure

Camp Laurel, 175 Clubhouse Rd., Lebanon, CT. 860-886-8599

Come to Camp Laurel and enjoy a day of letterboxing with your family & friends, inspiring creativity and sleuthing skills. No experience required. Learn the basics of letterboxing, make your own letterboxing stamp, get the clue book and head out on the trails to find your treasure. Bring your lunch and enjoy a meet-and-greet time in the dining hall with other letterboxers, both Girl Scout and non-Girl Scout. You decide how long to stay at this great event & pick the trails you’d like to explore. Sponsored by The Girl Scouts of Connecticut. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough supplies for all! Online at www.atlasquest.com/events/ (scroll down for Laurelei’s Letterboxing Adventure).

129:30 - 11:30 am n 2 miles R CWalk

Walking in a traitor’s footsteps

Leffingwell House Museum, 348 Washington St., Norwich, CT. 860-886-1776

Join us as we explore Benedict Arnold’s tumultuous childhood in Norwich and learn about other significant colonial era figures from Norwich. Following the tour, join Leffingwell House Museum for the “Return of Benedict Arnold” and “leg presentation” by Flock Theater. Sponsored by The Norwich Historical Society. www.norwichhistoricalsociety.org

1310 - 11:30 am Repeats 9/26 @ 1 pm n 1 mile CWalk

shetucket river powering Norwich and lifting fish

7 8th Street, Norwich, CT. 860-823-4182

Slow, level walk past a working hydroelectric station to the historic dam on the Shetucket River. Observe the fish lift and view a video of the shad run. Sponsored by Norwich Public Utilities. www.norwichpublicutilities.com

H10 am - noon n 3 miles (Walk

tlgV member Walktober Kick-off Hike to Wolf denWalk

Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret, CT. 860-774-3300

TLGV Members and their guests are invited to join Chief Ranger Bill Reid on the cusp of the Autumnal Equinox for a special hike to the Wolf Den at Mashamoquet Brook State Park. The equinox isn’t official until 9:45 p.m., but we’ll get a jump on the change of seasons. We’ll visit the Wolf Den, where the infamous Israel Putnam killed the last known wolf that had been terrorizing local farm livestock. This year marks the 300th anniversary of Israel Putnam’s birth and we’ll discuss his life and role in the Revolutionary War. Some uphill hiking to the Wolf Den. Limited to 25 hikers. Registration required to [email protected] or 860-774-3300. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley. www.thelastgreenvalley.org

saTUrDay, sepTeMber 22 conTinUeD on nexT paGe

Difficulty of walk/paddle/bike:l Easy n Moderate u Difficult$ event Entry fee event (description has yellow background) S Rain date

(RegistrationR Restrooms nearby (outhouses to full bathrooms) Wheelchair accessibleC Especially for families with children

Dogs welcome on these walks A Dogs NOT welcome on these walks O Bring canoe or kayak and PFD

b Bring bike & helmet

2018please CoNtaCt WalK leaders direCtly for last miNute updates aNd CaNCellatioNs.

Walktober

4

Multi-day Walktobers

1All day, every day 24/7 event

Walktober updates from Heritage information radio

www.am1700.org 860-319-0671

Tune in to Heritage Information Radio online 24/7 to hear updates and information about Walktober and all things in The Last Green Valley. Radio Ranger Kevin knows what is going on! Listen to the online streaming info at www.am1700.org. Sponsored by Heritage Information Radio. www.am1700.org

2Daily from dawn to dusk l 0.5 m CWalk

preston Nature preserve – self-guided Hike and seek

Preston Nature Preserve, Krug Rd., Preston, CT. South side of Krug Rd., 0.6 miles west of Jewett City Rd. 860-884-3500

Embark on an adventure - one of your own making! Avalonia’s Hike and Seek program encourages exploration of their beautiful preserves by children, families and the public through a scavenger hunt format. Participants use technology in a simple, positive way to learn about the nature of each preserve. Try the Preston Nature Preserve Hike and Seek - two trails with varied land features and vegetation, including two hills, a valley, hardwood and cedar forest, brushland, meadows, pastures, swamps and ponds. Well-established trail system with bridge. Find clues at www.avalonialandconservancy.org/properties-and-clues/#preston. Sponsored by Avalonia Land Conservancy. www.avalonialandconservancy.org

3Mid-August to November 3 11 am - 9 pm R C A fee $ event

fort Hill farms Corn maze adventure – the american farmer

Fort HIll Farms, 260 Quaddick Rd., Thompson, CT. 860-923-3439

The Naturally New England Corn Maze Adventure at Fort Hill Farms is a fun way for families to experience local agriculture and learn about farming. The maze celebrates our farmers, and features fun puzzles and clues related to all things farmer! For a shorter challenge try the “Our Roots Run JEEP” Mini Maze, featuring an image of Fort Hill Farm’s special Jeep. The mini maze takes a 1/2 hour to navigate and is perfect for hot days or kids’ birthday parties. Open daily plus flashlight nights; call 860-923-3439 for details. Sponsored by Fort Hill Farms. www.TheFarmersCow.com/corn-maze

4Saturdays & Sundays in September & October R Cfee $ event

ekonk Hill turkey farm giaNt Corn maze

Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, 227 Ekonk Hill Rd., Moosup, CT. 860-564-0248

Explore the GIANT 8-acre corn maze. Hayride & barnyard are included in admission. Solve the maze puzzle. Pumpkin patch open for purchasing pumpkin(s) to take home. Saturday night flashlight mazes, too. Last tickets sold at 7 pm. Don’t forget to visit our Harvest Festival on Columbus Day weekend! See website for fees, hours and more. Sponsored by Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm. www.getlostinthemaze.com & www.ekonkhillturkeyfarm.com

5Saturday, September 22 plus Saturdays & Sundays & Columbus Day in October 9 am - 5 pm l R A event

rural Heritage arts school

170 Estabrooks Rd., Hampton, CT. Parking and walking are on uneven surfaces. 860-917-9354

Cuprak’s Cupboard jam and jelly, made with local produce, low sugar. Sterling Silver and natural stone jewelry. Elaine in The Sun bags, pillows, and up-cycled items. Embroidered jackets, hemp jewelry, bags - coin purse to beach bags and all sizes in between. Heritage art/craft classes all year. Sponsored by Renee Cuprak. fb.me/ruralheritageartsschool

6Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from Sept. 30 to Nov. 18 10 am - 4 pm R A Cfee $ event

exhibition: Hauntings – unearthly tales of Connecticut’s past

411 Main St., Willimantic, CT. 860-456-2178

The exhibition will educate and entertain visitors with stories told for generations of Connecticut’s haunted places. Discover what or who haunts a Franklin orchard, a New London lighthouse, the Windham Inn and many more. Daytime exhibit during regular museum hours is not as spooky as evening tours. $7 adults, $5 students and seniors. Sponsored by The MIll Museum. www.millmuseum.org

7Open daily October 1 - 31 R Cfee $ event

fall family fun at Cedar ledge tree farm

Cedar Ledge Tree Farm, 260 Coventry Rd., Mansfield, CT. 860-423-5690

We offer fall farm family fun! Pick a pumpkin, take a tractor ride at 4 pm Mon. – Fri., and all day on weekends. Enjoy mulch mountain sliding, pedal carts, playscape & sandpile! You might even glimpse the perfect Christmas tree to come back for! See website for fees, hours and more. Sponsored by Cedar Ledge Tree Farm. www.cedarledgetreefarm.com

8October weekdays after 3 pm & sunrise to sunset on weekends n R CWalk

griswold Haunted Nature trail

Griswold School Campus, 303 Slater Ave., Griswold, CT. Park in the Elementary School lot across from trailhead. 860-376-7640

The Nature Trail is opened to the public during school days (weekdays) after 3 pm, and on weekends from sunrise to sunset. We welcome you to the Haunted Nature Trail. Start at the information sign at the trailhead across from the elementary school. This is a self-guided hidden object game. Follow the Orange Blaze Trail around the Nature Trail. Look into the woods for hidden objects, but be sure to stay on the trail. You should be able to see lots from the trail - look on both sides - look up - look down! Don’t remove it from the trail! Please leave it for the next family to find. Sponsored by Town of Griswold. www.griswold-ct.org

9Saturdays & Sundays in October 9 am - 4 pm Cevent

devon point farm Cider mill & pumpkin patch open House

Devon Point Farm, 54 Joy Rd., Woodstock, CT. 860-974-9004

Tour Devon Point Farm, a hard-working & unique farm, taste our raw apple cider, learn about our antique 1898 apple cider press, and enjoy the fall foliage, the pumpkins, see our heritage breed Devon cattle, and enjoy the beauty of the farm. Sponsored by Devon Point Farm. www.devonpointfarm.com

RegulaR WalktobeRs • satuRday, septembeR 22

Celebrating agriculture

Woodstock Fairgrounds, Rt. 169, Woodstock, CT. 860-412-5275

See the many faces of agriculture in The Last Green Valley at Celebrating Agriculture, a fun, free educational day showcasing the benefits agriculture provides to the region, as well as the challenges farms face today. Learn who your farm neighbors are, and how to support local agriculture to enrich and maintain the open space - the working landscape - of our area. See website for details including a wagon ride tour and hearty farmer’s breakfast. Coordinated by USDA Farm Service Agency. www.celebratingagriculture.org

119 am - 4 pm l R C A (event

laurelei’s letterboxing adventure

Camp Laurel, 175 Clubhouse Rd., Lebanon, CT. 860-886-8599

Come to Camp Laurel and enjoy a day of letterboxing with your family & friends, inspiring creativity and sleuthing skills. No experience required. Learn the basics of letterboxing, make your own letterboxing stamp, get the clue book and head out on the trails to find your treasure. Bring your lunch and enjoy a meet-and-greet time in the dining hall with other letterboxers, both Girl Scout and non-Girl Scout. You decide how long to stay at this great event & pick the trails you’d like to explore. Sponsored by The Girl Scouts of Connecticut. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough supplies for all! Online at www.atlasquest.com/events/ (scroll down for Laurelei’s Letterboxing Adventure).

129:30 - 11:30 am n 2 miles R CWalk

Walking in a traitor’s footsteps

Join us as we explore Benedict Arnold’s tumultuous childhood in Norwich and learn about other significant colonial era figures from Norwich. Following the tour, join Leffingwell House Museum for the “Return of Benedict Arnold” and “leg presentation” by Flock Theater. Sponsored by The Norwich Historical Society. www.norwichhistoricalsociety.org

1310 - 11:30 am Repeats 9/26 @ 1 pm n 1 mile CWalk

7 8th Street, Norwich, CT. 860-823-4182

H10 am - noon n 3 miles (Walk

tlgV member Walktober Kick-off Hike to Wolf denWalk

Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret, CT. 860-774-3300

TLGV Members and their guests are invited to join Chief Ranger Bill Reid on the cusp of the Autumnal Equinox for a special hike to the Wolf Den at Mashamoquet Brook State Park. The equinox isn’t official until 9:45 p.m., but we’ll get a jump on the change of seasons. We’ll visit the Wolf Den, where the infamous Israel Putnam killed the last known wolf that had been terrorizing local farm livestock. This year marks the 300th anniversary of Israel Putnam’s birth and we’ll discuss his life and role in the Revolutionary War. Some uphill hiking to the Wolf Den. Limited to 25 hikers. Registration required to [email protected] or 860-774-3300. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley. www.thelastgreenvalley.org

saTUrDay, sepTeMber 22 conTinUeD

5

1410 am - noon l R A (fee $ event

Create a Clay leaf bowl

Sawmill Pottery, 112 Main Street, #14, Putnam, CT. Park at DMV lot on Kennedy Drive. 860-963-7807

Create a gorgeous clay “leaf” bowl using leaves gathered on trails in The Last Green Valley! Use ours or bring your own. You’ll work with slabs of clay, pressing the leaves into the clay and then attaching them together and molding them into a bowl. You’ll leave the bowl with us to get glazed and fired. It will be ready for you to pick up by the end of October. Registration required. Fee is $60 and includes all materials and firing. Email [email protected] or call to register. Sponsored by Sawmill Pottery. www.sawmillpottery.com

1510 am - noon Repeats 9/29 and 10/13 (night run) n 4 miles O event

ride the shetucket River Park, North Main St., Baltic (Sprague), CT. 860-822-3000

Enjoy early fall float trips on the Shetucket River. The Town of Sprague will provide a free shuttle between River Park and Scotland Dam. Participants can put in any time between 10 am and noon. You can ride the river as many times as time and the water levels allow. Since there are no longer water releases from the dam, there will only be transportation when the river is at a level that will naturally provide for easy travel. Check the town website prior to the event for any cancellation postings. Sponsored by Town of Sprague. www.ctsprague.org

autumnfest 1 Mechanic St., Southbridge, MA. Street parking available plus lot behind police station and Hotel & Conference Center. 508-764-6459

Come to the Southbridge Common for live music, food vendors, a beer garden, farmers market, games, face painting, crafts and more. People of all ages are welcome as we celebrate the beginning of Autumn in Southbridge. Sponsored by Southbridge Business Partnership and the Town of Southbridge. www.sbpartnership.org

positively pomfret day

Recreation Park, 576 Hampton Rd. (Rt. 97), Pomfret, CT. 860-974-1423

A day of old-fashioned fun and community activity! Takes place outdoors (weather permitting) at Recreation Park with family-friendly music, games, crafts, inflatables and lots of food. Sponsored by the Town of Pomfret. www.pomfretct.gov/recreation

1811 am - 12:30 pm Repeats 9/29 @ 10 am l 1.8 miles Walk

mills, rails and the river

55 Bridge St., WIllimantic, CT. Drive into Railroad Museum entrance about 0.5 miles until the trail parking lot and walk to greeter. 860-617-3308

Learn about the history of mills on the Willimantic River and the railroads that served them. At the end of the walk, a tour of the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum is available at a group rate. A train ride is possible. Sponsored by Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org

1911 am - 4 pm Rfee $ event

benedict arnold returns

Listen to Kevin Titus portraying both “coats” of Benedict in the Tavern Room. Experience colonial life recreated by the Lebanon Towne Militia. At 1 pm, Flock Theatre will deliver the “heroic” leg of Benedict to the Norwich Mayor. Also view memorabilia from Benedict’s youth in Norwich and his sword, on loan from the NLCHS. $5 fee. Sponsored by Leffingwell House Museum. www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org

2011:30 am - 1 pm n 1.5 miles CWalk

shetucket river Walking tour

10 Roosevelt Ave., Norwich, CT. Meet at lot on east end of 8th St. bridge. 860-886-1776

We will walk about 1.5-miles round trip along the eastern bank of the Shetucket River. It is a rocky, and at times a wet trail, so dress for hiking in the woods. We will be in the woods most of the time as it only opens up at the boat portage around Greeneville Dam. The walk will focus on the plant and animal life of the region, in the river, on the shore, and in the air above. Please bring your favorite ID books and an adventurous spirit. Recently, we have had sightings of salmon, bald eagles, and great blue herons along the Shetucket River. Come on out and enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer! This tour is lead by Zechariah Stover, Vice Chair of the Greeneville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committee. Sponsored by the Greeneville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committee.

211 pm Rfee $ event

the story of faith trumbull

Huntington Homestead, 36 Huntington Rd. (Rt. 14), Scotland, CT. 860-456-8381

Dr. Pamela Hall details the life of one of Governor Jonathan Trumbull’s daughters and sister to famous Revolutionary War artist, John Trumbull. Faith had extraordinary artistic talent in needlepoint. She married General Jedediah Huntington, but suffered from an undiagnosed depressive disorder which caused her demise. Hearth-popped corn and tours available, homestead opens at 11 am. $4 per person, members free. Sponsored by The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust/Huntington Homestead. www.huntingtonhomestead.org

223 - 4:30 pm Repeats 9/29 @ 2 pm l 2.5 miles CWalk

Chaplin’s air line trail

Chewink Rd., Chaplin, CT. Park in lot where Air Line Trail crosses road. 860-617-3308

Enjoy a beautiful walk along the Air Line Trail while learning about the “Ghost Train” and the role of railroads in eastern Connecticut. Sponsored by Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org

FARM STORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!Turkey Pies/CSA & More!

227 Ekonk Hill Rd. in Sterling, CT

2018 Maze Dates Saturdays & Sundays from September 1 – October 28

*Saturday Night Flashlight Maze! Last ticket sold at 7pm* Call to order & reserve your

FResH thanksgiving turkey today: 860-564-0248 Visit online at ekonkturkeyhillfarm.com

GIaNt CORN Maze•Havefunsolving

the puzzle! •Scenic Hay Rides •Visit Farm Animals•Flocks of Turkeys

HaRvest FestIval Columbus Day WeekendOct. 6-7-8•Kids’ Games•Moon Bounce•Hay Rides•Face Painting•Family Fun

$5 OFF CORN MazeForGroupsof4ormorewiththiscoupon

(valid thru 10/28/18)

5

1410 am - noon l R A (fee $ event

Create a Clay leaf bowl

Sawmill Pottery, 112 Main Street, #14, Putnam, CT. Park at DMV lot on Kennedy Drive. 860-963-7807

Create a gorgeous clay “leaf” bowl using leaves gathered on trails in The Last Green Valley! Use ours or bring your own. You’ll work with slabs of clay, pressing the leaves into the clay and then attaching them together and molding them into a bowl. You’ll leave the bowl with us to get glazed and fired. It will be ready for you to pick up by the end of October. Registration required. Fee is $60 and includes all materials and firing. Email [email protected] or call to register. Sponsored by Sawmill Pottery. www.sawmillpottery.com

1510 am - noon Repeats 9/29 and 10/13 (night run) n 4 miles O event

ride the shetucket River Park, North Main St., Baltic (Sprague), CT. 860-822-3000

Enjoy early fall float trips on the Shetucket River. The Town of Sprague will provide a free shuttle between River Park and Scotland Dam. Participants can put in any time between 10 am and noon. You can ride the river as many times as time and the water levels allow. Since there are no longer water releases from the dam, there will only be transportation when the river is at a level that will naturally provide for easy travel. Check the town website prior to the event for any cancellation postings. Sponsored by Town of Sprague. www.ctsprague.org

autumnfest 1 Mechanic St., Southbridge, MA. Street parking available plus lot behind police station and Hotel & Conference Center. 508-764-6459

Come to the Southbridge Common for live music, food vendors, a beer garden, farmers market, games, face painting, crafts and more. People of all ages are welcome as we celebrate the beginning of Autumn in Southbridge. Sponsored by Southbridge Business Partnership and the Town of Southbridge. www.sbpartnership.org

positively pomfret day

Recreation Park, 576 Hampton Rd. (Rt. 97), Pomfret, CT. 860-974-1423

A day of old-fashioned fun and community activity! Takes place outdoors (weather permitting) at Recreation Park with family-friendly music, games, crafts, inflatables and lots of food. Sponsored by the Town of Pomfret. www.pomfretct.gov/recreation

1811 am - 12:30 pm Repeats 9/29 @ 10 am l 1.8 miles Walk

mills, rails and the river

55 Bridge St., WIllimantic, CT. Drive into Railroad Museum entrance about 0.5 miles until the trail parking lot and walk to greeter. 860-617-3308

Learn about the history of mills on the Willimantic River and the railroads that served them. At the end of the walk, a tour of the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum is available at a group rate. A train ride is possible. Sponsored by Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. www.cteastrrmuseum.org

1911 am - 4 pm Rfee $ event

benedict arnold returns

Listen to Kevin Titus portraying both “coats” of Benedict in the Tavern Room. Experience colonial life recreated by the Lebanon Towne Militia. At 1 pm, Flock Theatre will deliver the “heroic” leg of Benedict to the Norwich Mayor. Also view memorabilia from Benedict’s youth in Norwich and his sword, on loan from the NLCHS. $5 fee. Sponsored by Leffingwell House Museum. www.leffingwellhousemuseum.org

2011:30 am - 1 pm n 1.5 miles CWalk

shetucket river Walking tour

10 Roosevelt Ave., Norwich, CT. Meet at lot on east end of 8th St. bridge. 860-886-1776

We will walk about 1.5-miles round trip along the eastern bank of the Shetucket River. It is a rocky, and at times a wet trail, so dress for hiking in the woods. We will be in the woods most of the time as it only opens up at the boat portage around Greeneville Dam. The walk will focus on the plant and animal life of the region, in the river, on the shore, and in the air above. Please bring your favorite ID books and an adventurous spirit. Recently, we have had sightings of salmon, bald eagles, and great blue herons along the Shetucket River. Come on out and enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer! This tour is lead by Zechariah Stover, Vice Chair of the Greeneville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committee. Sponsored by the Greeneville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committee.

211 pm Rfee $ event

the story of faith trumbull

Huntington Homestead, 36 Huntington Rd. (Rt. 14), Scotland, CT. 860-456-8381

Dr. Pamela Hall details the life of one of Governor Jonathan Trumbull’s daughters and sister to famous Revolutionary War artist, John Trumbull. Faith had extraordinary artistic talent in needlepoint. She married General Jedediah Huntington, but suffered from an undiagnosed depressive disorder which caused her demise. Hearth-popped corn and tours available, homestead opens at 11 am. $4 per person, members free. Sponsored by The Governor Samuel Huntington Trust/Huntington Homestead. www.huntingtonhomestead.org

223 - 4:30 pm Repeats 9/29 @ 2 pm l 2.5 miles CWalk

FARM STORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!Turkey Pies/CSA & More!

227 Ekonk Hill Rd. in Sterling, CT

2018 Maze Dates Saturdays & Sundays from September 1 – October 28

*Saturday Night Flashlight Maze! Last ticket sold at 7pm* Call to order & reserve your

FResH thanksgiving turkey today: 860-564-0248 Visit online at ekonkturkeyhillfarm.com

GIaNt CORN Maze•Havefunsolving

the puzzle! •Scenic Hay Rides •Visit Farm Animals•Flocks of Turkeys

HaRvest FestIval Columbus Day WeekendOct. 6-7-8•Kids’ Games•Moon Bounce•Hay Rides•Face Painting•Family Fun

$5 OFF CORN MazeForGroupsof4ormorewiththiscoupon

(valid thru 10/28/18)

6

sunday, septembeR 23

2310 - 11 am l R CWalk

Nathan Hale forest stroll

Nathan Hale Homestead Museum, 2299 South St., Coventry, CT. 860-774-3300

Chief Ranger Bill Reid will be leading a nature walk in the Nathan Hale State Forest at 10 am and the market opens at 11 am We’ll have our TLGV Information booth set up so you can pick up the new Explore Guide and information on all the great things to do in the region. The market is huge and don’t forget to take a tour of the Nathan Hale Homestead Museum too.

2410 - 11 am n 1 mile Walk

ellis Walter ruley: Norwich artist

28 Hammond Ave., Norwich, CT. Road is narrow, please be aware of oncoming traffic. 860-886-1776

Ellis Walter Ruley was a self-taught African American artist from Norwich. In 1933, he married a white woman named Wilhelmina Fox, and as Norwich’s first interracial couple, Ellis and Wilhelmina faced considerable unkindness from disapproving neighbors. The couple, along with extended family, lived in an old farmhouse off Hammond Ave. Slater Memorial Museum has an example of Ruley’s work and his paintings are housed in other collections across the country. Ruley died mysteriously in 1959 and is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich. Join members of the Ellis Ruley Committee and learn about this important figure in Norwich’s history. Sponsored by the Ellis Walter Ruley Committee. www.norwichct.org

2510 am - noon Repeats 10/14 & 10/28 Ctour

Visit the Huguenot steamer No. 1 fire station museum

655 Main St., N. Oxford, MA. Silsby Steamer, Jeffers Handtub, Colonel DeWitt, firetruck, collections and stories galore are to be discovered in this museum. Great for kids of all ages, ready for you to stop in and visit during Walktober. You will really want to grow up to be a fireman after taking this self-guided tour! Unassuming outside - AMAZING inside! Sponsored by Oxford Firefighters Association. www.huguenotsteamer.com

4011 am - 12:30 pm CWalk

acorn adventure: geocaching 101

Air Line Trail at the intersection of East Thompson Rd. and New Rd. in Thompson, CT. 860-774-3300

Become a high-tech detective of the outdoors as Ranger John Kochinskas teaches us how to geocache. Participants should create a free account at www.geocaching.com to get the clues and coordinates needed to find the geocaches (there is also a free smartphone app). A portable gps or a smartphone can be used to track the clues. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and Thompson Trails Committee. wwwthelastgreenvalley.org

2611 am - 12:30 pm l 1 mile R A Walk

bohemian Norwichtown

Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors’ Center, 69 East Town St., Norwich, CT. Parking at Norwichtown Green. 860-425-5563

Nestled in the heart of historic Norwichtown, beyond the urban sprawl, lies a vibrant enclave of artistic creativity. With the founding of the Norwich Art School in 1890, local Norwichians including Ozias and Hannah Dodge, Charlotte Fuller Eastman, Helen Newton and others left lasting artistic legacies in the classrooms at Norwich Free Academy and at their many salons, studios and social soirées. Step into the lives of Norwich’s Bohemian visionaries and learn how they inspired a sense of artistry and community. Sponsored by Slater Memorial Museum. www.slatermuseum.org

2711 am - 2 pm l C event

founders day at ayer farm

44 Ayer Rd., North Franklin, CT. Balloons will mark the parking area. 914-924-4784

Come celebrate Franklin’s 300th anniversary at Ayer Farm, one of Connecticut’s oldest family farms. There will be live music, food, historical and artistic presentations along with interesting artifacts. Fun for the whole family. Sponsored by Ayer Farm. www.ayerfarm.com

287 pm l CWalk

full moon Walk and gate tower tour

30 Howarth Rd., Oxford, MA. 508-248-5697

Bring the family down for a leisurely, late summer stroll under the moon. No registration required, just show up. Cancelled if very rainy. (Moon Rise 6:27 pm, Sunset 6:45 pm). Sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. www.nae.usace.army.mil

Wednesday, septembeR 26

131 pm n 1 mile CWalk

7 8th St., Norwich, CT. 860-823-4182

thuRsday, septembeR 27

295:30 - 7 pm Repeats Sun. 9/30, 1 - 2:30 pm n 1 mile loop Ages 10+ Walk

Williams preserve Walk

168 Cooper Lane, Coventry, CT. 860-930-7515

Join town staff and protected land stewards in an inaugural trail walk through Coventry’s latest land protection action. Hear the perspectives of land owner, town government, and regional land trust partners as we traverse through the 55-acre property from fields to woodlands, stream ravine to Eagleville Lake overlook. Repeat walk may be led by town protected land stewards without other partners. Sponsored by the Town of Coventry. www.coventryct.org

307:30 pm R A event

southbridge 100 years ago: exploring the franco-american Community

Jacob Edwards Library, 236 Main St., Southbridge, MA. 508-764-5426

Dr. Elizabeth Blood, of Salem State University, offers a glimpse of what life was like for French-Canadians in Southbridge one hundred years ago, highlighting the role that the French-Canadian community played in establishing many of the town’s institutions. Copies of her English translation of Felix Gatineau’s 1919 book will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Jacob Edwards Library. www.jacobedwardslibrary.org

FRiday, septembeR 28

315 - 6:15 pm fee $ event

root to rise yoga with Kayla

Lapsley Orchard, 403 Orchard Hill Rd., Pomfret Center, CT. 401-290-7938

Enjoy a grounding sunset yoga class surrounded by wild flowers and apple trees at Lapsley Orchard with Registered Yoga Instructor Kayla Baumlin. Bring a yoga mat and layers in case it gets chilly. $15 fee. Sponsored by Kayla Baumlin and Lapsley Orchard.

satuRday, septembeR 29

328 am - noon ( Cevent

National public lands day

Buffumville Park, 229 Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. 508-248-5697

We need you and your family, your youth group, your community or user group to help us improve your facilities. Come join us on the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States – National Public Lands Day. More than 180,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,200 sites across the country. You should be a part of it! Please register so that we know you are coming by calling 508-248-5697. Groups and families are most welcome. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. www.nae.usace.army.mil

339:30 am - 3 pm Cevent

Hampton fall festival

Hampton Town Hall & Green, 164 Main St. (Rt. 97), Hampton, CT. Free parking. 860-455-9132

Enjoy a day of fun and entertainment with live folk music and great food. Library book/bake sale, free hayrides, vendors/tag sales. Hampton Artists Showcase. Fire Dept. car rescue demo, pottery demos, and more. Agricultural activities including agricultural goods contests, kiddie tractor pull, pie eating contest, and more. Family country dance with caller Bob Livingston and band at 2 pm inside at the Community Center. Visit website for schedule of events or email [email protected]. Free entry and parking. Rain or shine. This event is a fundraiser for Fletcher Memorial Library. Always seeking vendors. Sponsored by Town of Hampton. www.hamptonct.org

3410 am n

6

2310 - 11 am l R CWalk

Nathan Hale forest stroll

Nathan Hale Homestead Museum, 2299 South St., Coventry, CT. 860-774-3300

Chief Ranger Bill Reid will be leading a nature walk in the Nathan Hale State Forest at 10 am and the market opens at 11 am We’ll have our TLGV Information booth set up so you can pick up the new Explore Guide and information on all the great things to do in the region. The market is huge and don’t forget to take a tour of the Nathan Hale Homestead Museum too.

2410 - 11 am n 1 mile Walk

ellis Walter ruley: Norwich artist

28 Hammond Ave., Norwich, CT. Road is narrow, please be aware of oncoming traffic. 860-886-1776

Ellis Walter Ruley was a self-taught African American artist from Norwich. In 1933, he married a white woman named Wilhelmina Fox, and as Norwich’s first interracial couple, Ellis and Wilhelmina faced considerable unkindness from disapproving neighbors. The couple, along with extended family, lived in an old farmhouse off Hammond Ave. Slater Memorial Museum has an example of Ruley’s work and his paintings are housed in other collections across the country. Ruley died mysteriously in 1959 and is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich. Join members of the Ellis Ruley Committee and learn about this important figure in Norwich’s history. Sponsored by the Ellis Walter Ruley Committee. www.norwichct.org

2510 am - noon Repeats 10/14 & 10/28 Ctour

Visit the Huguenot steamer No. 1 fire station museum

655 Main St., N. Oxford, MA. Silsby Steamer, Jeffers Handtub, Colonel DeWitt, firetruck, collections and stories galore are to be discovered in this museum. Great for kids of all ages, ready for you to stop in and visit during Walktober. You will really want to grow up to be a fireman after taking this self-guided tour! Unassuming outside - AMAZING inside! Sponsored by Oxford Firefighters Association. www.huguenotsteamer.com

4011 am - 12:30 pm CWalk

acorn adventure: geocaching 101

Air Line Trail at the intersection of East Thompson Rd. and New Rd. in Thompson, CT. 860-774-3300

Become a high-tech detective of the outdoors as Ranger John Kochinskas teaches us how to geocache. Participants should create a free account at www.geocaching.com to get the clues and coordinates needed to find the geocaches (there is also a free smartphone app). A portable gps or a smartphone can be used to track the clues. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and Thompson Trails Committee. wwwthelastgreenvalley.org

2611 am - 12:30 pm l 1 mile R A Walk

bohemian Norwichtown

Norwich Heritage & Regional Visitors’ Center, 69 East Town St., Norwich, CT. Parking at Norwichtown Green. 860-425-5563

Nestled in the heart of historic Norwichtown, beyond the urban sprawl, lies a vibrant enclave of artistic creativity. With the founding of the Norwich Art School in 1890, local Norwichians including Ozias and Hannah Dodge, Charlotte Fuller Eastman, Helen Newton and others left lasting artistic legacies in the classrooms at Norwich Free Academy and at their many salons, studios and social soirées. Step into the lives of Norwich’s Bohemian visionaries and learn how they inspired a sense of artistry and community. Sponsored by Slater Memorial Museum. www.slatermuseum.org

2711 am - 2 pm l C event

founders day at ayer farm

44 Ayer Rd., North Franklin, CT. Balloons will mark the parking area. 914-924-4784

Come celebrate Franklin’s 300th anniversary at Ayer Farm, one of Connecticut’s oldest family farms. There will be live music, food, historical and artistic presentations along with interesting artifacts. Fun for the whole family. Sponsored by Ayer Farm. www.ayerfarm.com

287 pm l CWalk

full moon Walk and gate tower tour

30 Howarth Rd., Oxford, MA. 508-248-5697

Bring the family down for a leisurely, late summer stroll under the moon. No registration required, just show up. Cancelled if very rainy. (Moon Rise 6:27 pm, Sunset 6:45 pm). Sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. www.nae.usace.army.mil

Wednesday, septembeR 26

131 pm n 1 mile CWalk

7 8th St., Norwich, CT. 860-823-4182

thuRsday, septembeR 27

295:30 - 7 pm Repeats Sun. 9/30, 1 - 2:30 pm n 1 mile loop Ages 10+ Walk

Williams preserve Walk

168 Cooper Lane, Coventry, CT. 860-930-7515

Join town staff and protected land stewards in an inaugural trail walk through Coventry’s latest land protection action. Hear the perspectives of land owner, town government, and regional land trust partners as we traverse through the 55-acre property from fields to woodlands, stream ravine to Eagleville Lake overlook. Repeat walk may be led by town protected land stewards without other partners. Sponsored by the Town of Coventry. www.coventryct.org

307:30 pm R A event

southbridge 100 years ago: exploring the franco-american Community

Jacob Edwards Library, 236 Main St., Southbridge, MA. 508-764-5426

Dr. Elizabeth Blood, of Salem State University, offers a glimpse of what life was like for French-Canadians in Southbridge one hundred years ago, highlighting the role that the French-Canadian community played in establishing many of the town’s institutions. Copies of her English translation of Felix Gatineau’s 1919 book will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Jacob Edwards Library. www.jacobedwardslibrary.org

FRiday, septembeR 28

315 - 6:15 pm fee $ event

root to rise yoga with Kayla

Lapsley Orchard, 403 Orchard Hill Rd., Pomfret Center, CT. 401-290-7938

Enjoy a grounding sunset yoga class surrounded by wild flowers and apple trees at Lapsley Orchard with Registered Yoga Instructor Kayla Baumlin. Bring a yoga mat and layers in case it gets chilly. $15 fee. Sponsored by Kayla Baumlin and Lapsley Orchard.

satuRday, septembeR 29

328 am - noon ( Cevent

National public lands day

Buffumville Park, 229 Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA. 508-248-5697

We need you and your family, your youth group, your community or user group to help us improve your facilities. Come join us on the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States – National Public Lands Day. More than 180,000 volunteers are expected at more than 2,200 sites across the country. You should be a part of it! Please register so that we know you are coming by calling 508-248-5697. Groups and families are most welcome. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. www.nae.usace.army.mil

339:30 am - 3 pm Cevent

Hampton fall festival

Hampton Town Hall & Green, 164 Main St. (Rt. 97), Hampton, CT. Free parking. 860-455-9132

Enjoy a day of fun and entertainment with live folk music and great food. Library book/bake sale, free hayrides, vendors/tag sales. Hampton Artists Showcase. Fire Dept. car rescue demo, pottery demos, and more. Agricultural activities including agricultural goods contests, kiddie tractor pull, pie eating contest, and more. Family country dance with caller Bob Livingston and band at 2 pm inside at the Community Center. Visit website for schedule of events or email [email protected]. Free entry and parking. Rain or shine. This event is a fundraiser for Fletcher Memorial Library. Always seeking vendors. Sponsored by Town of Hampton. www.hamptonct.org

3410 am n

7

3610 am - 1 pm levent

disc golf 101 at riverside park

Riverside Park, off Greenway Drive/Day St., Brooklyn, CT. 860-779-3411, Press “7”

Never tried disc golf or want to learn more about it so you can enjoy the many great disc golf courses in the area? Topics covered are discs and disc flight, throwing techniques, and how to play the sport. Instruction provided along with games and contests. Sponsored by the Brooklyn Conservation Commission and the Brooklyn Parks and Recreation Department. www.brooklynct.org

3710 am - 4 pm Cevent

brooklyn fall festival

Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn, CT (near the intersection of Rts. 6 and 169). 860-779-3411

Join the town as it celebrates the 300th Birthday of Revolutionary War Hero Israel Putnam with an apple pie contest, a scarecrow display on the lawn of bankHometown and more. Federated Church will be selling soup and bread. There will be a children’s play yard. A Revolutionary War Encampment will take place adjacent to the Israel Putnam statue; the reenactors will then march to the Federated Church with a birthday cake for Israel Putnam around 2:30 pm. The Sons of American Revolution will also be on hand for most of the day in the backyard behind the post office where Sheldon’s Horse, the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, the first commissioned Calvary, will be stationed. The U.S. Post Office will also offer a special cancellation that day at the post office in the center of town. Sponsored by Town of Brooklyn. www.brooklynct.org

3810 am - 4 pm l R Cevent

franklin life Celebrating 300 years

Ashbel Woodward House, 387 Rt. 32, Franklin CT. Take Plains Rd. to CT DEEP Franklin Swamp Mgmt. Area for parking. 860-917-0520

Join us for a for a day of family fun exploring the 300-year history of Franklin. This event is rain or shine. Be sure to take the Franklin Notables Walk at 1 pm, which meets at the Plains Rd. Cemetery. Sponsored by Ashbel Woodward House Museum. sites.google.com/site/ashbelwoodwardmuseum

3910 am - 4 pm Cevent

Willimantic downtown Country fair

Jillson Square, 533 Main St. (Rt. 66), Willimantic, CT. 860-456-3611

Everyone is invited to this free event, filled with music, food, craft vendors and community information. Meet the people who were offering “eating fresh & local” before anyone else in the area, the Willi Food Co-op! Sponsored by the Willimantic Food Co-Op. www.willimanticfood.coop

4111 am - 2 pm n 1.7 miles (Walk

griswold Nature trail: an introduction to the appalachian trail

Griswold Elementary School, 303 Slater Ave., Griswold, CT. Park in the Elementary School lot across from trailhead. 860-376-7640

Learn about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with four experienced hikers on a walk along our Nature Trail. Two are thru-hikers who hiked the entire trail in one year. Timothy Moore hiked the trail in 1987 and Paul Hanusch hiked the trail in 2009. Two are section hikers, David and Lori Crandall, who have been and still are hiking the trail since 2004. We will take you for a walk on a simulated A.T. along the Nature Trail and share our experience of the trail and show you our gear at a simulated A.T. shelter and a small sample of the meals we make while backpacking. At the campsite we will be also present a slide show of our experience on the A.T. Please send an e-mail to [email protected] with the number of your party so we know how much food to bring. Sponsored by Town of Griswold. www.griswold-ct.org

421 - 1:45 pm lWalk

franklin Notables Plains Rd. Cemetery, Franklin, CT. 860-917-0520

Take an easy walk around Plains Rd. Cemetery and hear its history as the final resting place of some of Franklin’s most notable citizens. Before or after the walk visit Ashbel Woodward House Museum for Franklin Life Celebrating 300 Years. Sponsored by Ashbel Woodward House Museum. sites.google.com/site/ashbelwoodwardmuseum

431 - 3 pm l R Walk

rolltober in the last green Valley

Goodwin State Forest, 23 Potter Rd., Hampton, CT. 860-774-3300; 860-383-6244

Have you ever wondered whether a trail will meet your individual ability or disability needs? Learn about our new trail assessment program using special equipment designed for the High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP). Stroll or roll along the trails of Goodwin State Forest as we demonstrate the equipment and discuss how mobility-challenged users including disabled, elderly and even parents pushing strollers can select trails that will meet their personal interests, skills, abilities and expectations. We will provide signage and information for trail segments already assessed so you can make your own informed decision about what trail to take to get outside and enjoy The Last Green Valley. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley and CT DEEP State Parks Trails & Greenways Program. www.thelastgreenvalley.org & www.ct.gov/deep

441:30 - 3:30 pm l R Ages 16+ event

the truth behind investigating the unknown

Killingly Public Library, 25 Wescott Rd., Danielson, CT. 860-779-5383

The Eastern Connecticut Paranormal Society will be here to do a presentation covering: who they are and what they do; the process of investigating the paranormal & how it should be done; the importance of professionalism and education in the field; and evidence review. Time to share your own paranormal stories and ask questions. Sponsored by Killingly Public Library. www.killinglypl.org

22 2 - 3:30 pm l 2.5 miles CWalk

457 - 9:30 pm Repeats 9/30, 10/5 & 10/6 Rfee $ event

Nightmare on main: Hauntings – unearthly tales of Connecticut’s past

The Mill Museum, 411 Main St., Willimantic, CT. 860-456-2178

Experience the chilling stories of the unexplained happenings at some of the state’s most mysterious sites. Discover who or what haunts Ledge Lighthouse, the Windham Inn, a Franklin apple orchard and many more. Arrive between 7 and 9:30 and travel through dramatic presentations and discover the strange and sometimes hidden truths. $10 fee. Sponsored by The Mill Museum. www.millmuseum.org

sUnDay, sepTeMber 30 conTinUeD on nexT paGe

History day on the Norwichtown green

Norwichtown Green, Elm Ave., Norwich, CT. Park around Norwichtown Green and designated lots. 860-886-1776

Enjoy a day celebrating Eastern Connecticut’s rich heritage and cultural assets. In addition, we will be honoring Samuel Huntington, No