Interested in hosting an educational event? Reach out today, email us at DeepRiverLandTrust.org!
Deep River Land Trust Trail Tuesdays
Its Back! Beginning May 2023 and will run weekly through the summer and into the fall until we’re limited by dusk. Weather related cancellations will be posted on DRLT social media
This season our focus will be the completion of the trail between the DRLT’s Rattling Valley Ridge Sanctuary on Essex St and our Florence Bidwell Sanctuary on Rattling Valley Rd. Work last year focused on clearing the trail corridor with a bit of tread work, this year we’ll be reversing that and focusing on tread work.
This event is open to all, although minors must be accompanied by a guardian. No experience is necessary for this moderately strenuous work. DRLT will provide on the job training and tools. You’ll need to bring water, snack, weather appropriate clothing, gloves and insect repellent. Not sure if this is for you or not? Come out and give it a try and find out for sure!
Where: Meet at the Nature Conservancy canoe launch at Pratt Cove on Essex St in Deep River
When: 6:00 pm on Tuesdays
What: Moderately strenuous trail construction
Who: You!
Robert Butterworth, DRLT Chief Trail Steward
Past Events from 2022, Sorry we missed you!
Smyth Sanctuary Plaque Dedication and Ridge Trail Opening
Sunday November 6 at 2:00 – Join us at the parking area on Essex Street by Pratt Cove. We will hold a plaque dedication at our Smyth Sanctuary on the Cove followed by the grand opening and guided walk of our new “Ridge Trail”. The walk is about a mile out and back along a ridge and valley system. You will enjoy beautiful views of Pratt Cove, the CT River and fall foliage.
We are excited about the addition of the Ridge Trail because it offers visitors an option to confidently walk between our Rattling Valley Ridge (RV) and Florence Bidwell Preserves (FB). As shown on the map below, visitors can also cross Essex Street and continue to our Smyth Sanctuary (SS) extending their walk or to enjoy a spectacular view of Pratt Cove and the CT River. The DRLT continues to work to connect more of the
open (green) properties shown with a goal to create a local trail ‘loop’.
Meet our Board of Directors and share any questions or learn of volunteer opportunities.
Snacks and beverages will be provided. We hope you will join us!
We will be working on a trail connecting two DRLT properties projects will include stonework and bench work
Come prepared with water and snacks and be ready to work in the woods with nature enthusiasts
Tools and saftey gear will be provided
Deep River Land Trust Trail Work Events
Fall of 2022 we will be having trail events on Saturdays. Weather related cancellations will be posted on DRLT social media
This season our focus will be the completion of the trail between the DRLT’s Rattling Valley Ridge Sanctuary on Essex St and our Florence Bidwell Sanctuary on Rattling Valley Rd. Work last year focused on clearing the trail corridor with a bit of tread work, this year we’ll be reversing that and focusing on treadwork.
This event is open to all, although minors must be accompanied by a guardian. No experience is necessary for this moderately strenuous work. DRLT will provide on the job training and tools. You’ll need to bring water, snack, weather appropriate clothing, gloves and insect repellent. Not sure if this is for you or not? Come out and give it a try and find out for sure!
Where: Meet at the Nature Conservancy canoe launch at Pratt Cove on Essex St in Deep River
When: 9am-1pm Saturdays 10/8 – Until further notice
What: Moderately strenuous trail construction
Who: You!
Robert Butterworth, DRLT Chief Trail Steward
Deep River Family Day Saturday, September 17
Featured Events include, 75th anniversary parade (of the towns name change in 1947), Raffles, Fireworks, Hot dogs and other food items at a Book and Bake Sale! Contests, Games, and Giveaways 5k run to the River and a Pet Parade!
Add an Event and Please Register by September 1st with Kate at the Spot (thespotdr.com, 860 322 4078, 159 Main St. Deep River.
Deep River Farmer’s Market Saturday, July 9
We will have a tent set up to introduce folks to our land trust, answer questions and just say “hello” to any of our members who stop by. Hope to see you from 10am-2pm.
Hike and Hang Out! Saturday, June 18
Hike! with us at our Union Street Preserve. The walk will begin at 1:00. The hike is relatively easy and about 0.4 mile round trip. Bring water, bug spray, face mask and wear suitable footwear. Rain or shine. Limited parking is available in the driveway next to the trail head sign.
Hang Out! Join us on after the hike at DRLT Board of Director Patrick Liddle’s pollinator garden. He will offer a tour and answer any questions you may have.
CT Trails Day – Saturday June 4 from 9am-11am at Canfield Woods.
We are teaming up with Deep River’s Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission! Come explore Deep River’s section of our town’s largest conservation area. Space is limited, so please register soon. Here are the details:
https://trailsday.org/events/canfield-woods-geology-and-wetlands/
Annual Meeting – Friday, May 27 from 5:00-8pm at the Deep River Historical Society’s Carriage House
Start your weekend off right! Join us for light snacks and beverages. Our own Janet R. Stone, U.S. Geological Survey, Emeritus will present a compelling talk about Deep River’s exciting geology.
Earth Day Clean-Up and Site Restoration
Volunteer with DRLT to celebrate earth day working as a community to better the Smythe Sanctuary. Invasives need to be removed, new plants need room to grow, litter needs to be removed. Supplies will be provided by the land trust but feel free to bring your own from home. Educational information will be accessible on the surrounding habitat!
April 23, 2022 at 1:00pm
Parking lot adjacent Pratt Cove Kayak launch/ Essex St. bridge
THIS IS A FREE EVENT – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Welcome Back Ospreys
DRLT invites you to welcome back the Pratt Cove Ospreys. Every year, these fish-eating raptors return to our area in mid to late March. We hope they will utilize our newly erected nesting Platform located at the Smythe Sanctuary. Board member and bird expert John Cunningham will highlight the natural history of this unique bird of prey and point out other birds in the area as well. Be prepared to walk short distances on fairly level but possibly wet trails. Binoculars and spotting scopes recommended (a limited number of binos will be made available on a first come first serve basis)
Saturday, April 2, 9-11 am
Parking lot adjacent Pratt Cove Kayak launch/ Essex St. bridge
THIS IS A FREE EVENT – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Waterfowl Walk
DRLT invites you to join board member and expert birder John Cunningham for a “waterfowl watch” at our Smythe Sanctuary. The freshwater tidelands of Pratt Cove offer excellent stop- over habitat for many species wintering and migrating ducks, geese and swans. We scan for other avian wetland species as well. Be prepared to walk short distances on fairly level but possibly wet trails. Binoculars and spotting scopes recommended (a limited number of binos will be made available on a first come first serve basis)
Saturday, March 5 9-11 am
Parking lot adjacent Pratt Cove Kayak launch/ Essex St. bridge
THIS IS A FREE EVENT – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Deep River Land Trust 