WalkCT Family Ramble Tomorrow

Saturday, 9/24/11

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Flat Stanley's CT Outdoor Adventure #7

Giuffrida Park, Meriden

Help find Flat Stanley! Flat Stanley has gone missing on the Connecticut portion of the New England Trail (NET) and we need your help to find him. Join us for a fun adventure as we embark on a scavenger hunt and search for clues to find the hidden CT Flat Stanley letterbox. Find Flat Stanley as we hike the NET and have your picture taken with him to be entered into a random drawing for a CT Walk Book. Fun for families with school-aged children. Bring your own letterbox and journal if you have one or borrow one of ours. Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes; bring your camera (optional), and plenty of water.

Based on the character, stories, and adventures of Flat Stanley created by the late Jeff Brown of Stonington, CT. FLAT STANLEY® is a registered trademark of the Trust u/w/o Richard C. Brown f/b/o Duncan Brown.

Rain/inclement weather date: Sunday, 9/25/11, 10:00 a.m.

For directions, please visit www.walkct.org. RSVPs to CFPA are requested before the event date. CFPA: www.ctwoodlands.org

Four Walks Tomorrow

Looking for a hike tomorrow? There are four choices thanks to the WalkCT organization and CT Forest and Parks Association.

Secrets of a Forest Where: Bethany When: Saturday, July 30, 2011; 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Who: Families with school-aged children What is the land's story? Was it always covered in trees? What hints is the forest trying to share with us? Join us for this easy walk around the 27-acre parcel conserved by the Bethany Land Trust. Discover the hidden secrets the forest has left behind that tell how the land was once used and how the forest is changing today. If we train our eyes right, we might even find the gnome houses hidden in these woods. Heavy rain/chance of lighting cancels. For directions, please visit www.walkct.org. Tales and Trails Where: Menunkatuck Trail, Guilford When: Saturday, July 30, 2011; 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Who: Families with children ages 3-6 years of age Enjoy a shaded trail in mid-summer, with nature stories and fun poems. Little ones and their caregivers can enjoy this walk along a level section of the Menunkatuck Trail north of Route 80. Little feet will set our pace as we explore along the trail, read stories and poems, and discover the beauty of nature. Rain cancels. For directions, please visit www.walkct.org. Flat Stanley's CT Outdoor Adventure #5 Where: Wilcox Woods Conservation Area, Footit Drive, Middletown When: Saturday, July 30; 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Who: Families with school-aged children Help find Flat Stanley! Flat Stanley has gone missing on the NET and CFPA needs your help to find him. Join us for a fun adventure as we embark on a scavenger hunt and follow clues to the hidden letterbox. Have your picture taken with Flat Stanley to be entered into a random drawing for a Connecticut WalkBook. Bring your own stamp & journal if you have one or borrow one of ours. Rain postpones to Sunday July 31; same time. For directions and meeting area, please visit www.walkct.org. Highland Park Where: Highland Park, Manchester When: Saturday, July 30, 2011; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Who: Families with school-aged children Explore the historic Case Brothers District through a 3-mile hike to the summit of Case Mountain in the Highland Park section in Manchester. Enjoy a waterfall, stonewalls, carriage paths and the Case Mansion, as well as the forest and ponds. Wear sturdy shoes and sneakers and expect some steep climbs and bumpy terrain. Release some energy in this moderately strenuous, narrated hike as we learn basic hiking skills and, depending on the weather, view the Hartford skyline from the summit of Case Mountain. Fun summer learning at its best! There is no rain date so bring umbrella/raincoat if light rain. Heavy rain cancels. For directions, please visit www.walkct.org. Please phone family guide Susan Barlow if unsure of the starting point at 860-643-9776.

The Next Adventure with Flat Stanley

Flat Stanley's CT Outdoor Adventure #5

Saturday, July 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
at Wilcox Woods Conservation Area in Middletown

Help find Flat Stanley! Flat Stanley has gone missing on the Connecticut portion of the New England Trail (NET) and we need your help to find him. Join us for a fun adventure as we embark on a scavenger hunt and search for clues to find the hidden Connecticut Flat Stanley letterbox. Find Flat Stanley as we hike the NET and have your picture taken with him to be entered into a random drawing for a Connecticut Walk Book. Fun for all ages. Bring your own stamp and journal if you have one or borrow one of ours. Wear waterproof/ comfortable shoes and bring your camera (optional). Click here for more information.

WalkCT Family Rambles take place the last weekend of every month.

For more ramble listings for July and beyond, visit www.walkct.org/rambles

More Chances to Hike

from WalkCT

Flat Stanley's CT Outdoor Adventure

Saturday, May 28, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Middletown
Help find Flat Stanley on the Mattabesett Trail. Flat Stanley has gone missing on the Connecticut portion of the New England Trail (NET) and CFPA needs your help to find him. Join us for a fun adventure as we embark on a scavenger hunt and search for clues to find the hidden CT Flat Stanley letterbox. Find Flat Stanley as we hike the NET and have your picture taken with him to be entered into a random drawing for a Connecticut Walk Book. Fun for families with school-aged children. Bring your own stamp and journal if you have one or borrow one of ours. Wear waterproof, comfortable shoes; bring your camera (optional). Rain postpones the fun to Sunday, May 29th, same time.

Pre-registration is recommended due to limited roadside parking; contact CFPA at

info@ctwoodlands.org or (860) 346-2372 before 4:00 p.m. this Friday.

For directions, please visit www.walkct.org

Connecticut Trails Day

Celebration

June 4-5, 2011

Middletown has 7 hikes to offer on Trails Day, second only to Guilford for most active town in the state!

Hike, Paddle, Run, Ride 190 Events Statewide

Middletown | Bike ● Saturday, June 4. 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Westlake Area Bike Path. Enjoy an introduction to the Mattabesset River

and Westlake Area Bike Paths. We will take a 10-mile family bike ride, and explore the proposed extension of the River Trail on foot, if time allows. We will begin with the ABC quick bike and a helmet check, followed by a discussion of trail etiquette and safety. Bring your bike and helmet, and meet at the bike path on Tuttle Road. Sponsored by Jonah Center for Earth and Environmental Art (thejonahcenter.org). Heavy rain cancels. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Questions, rain plan, and to register: contact leader, Beth Emery, (860) 346-7387, ctladycyclist@gmail.com.

Middletown | Hike ■ Saturday, June 4. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CVH Reservoirs/ Mattabeset Trail. This stretch of the Mattabeset Trail, just 10

minutes from downtown Middletown and part of the New England Trail, will take us through a fascinating section of wild that that surrounds the

Connecticut Valley Hospital Reservoirs. We will enjoy great vistas and incredible geology as we hike for 5 to 6 miles over varied terrain (not suited for kids). Park and meet in the upper most parking lot at Middlesex Community College off of Training Hill Road. Sponsored by Middlesex YMCA (midymca.org). Heavy rain cancels. Pre-registration is RECOMMENDED. Questions and to register: contact leader, Bob Spencer, (860) 759-4466, bspencer@midymca.org.

Middletown | Hike ■ Saturday, June 4. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Scovill Rock Loop Trail. This 2.5-mile hike will introduce folks to the natural

beauty of the Maromas area of Middletown, where CFPA holds a conservation restriction on a portion of this wonderfully wooded and diverse NU property that sits on the Connecticut River in the vicinity of Scovill Rock. Come enjoy a walk on the newly created trail, take a rest on the property’s river beach, and have lunch with friends on this great piece of open space. Meet Clare Cain and Jeff Borne at the parking area on River Road (turn south off of Aircraft Road onto River Road and proceed for 0.25 miles to the parking area on the right-hand). Sponsored by Northeast Utilities (nu.com) and Connecticut Forest & Park Association (ctwoodlands.org). Rain or shine. Pre-registration is RECOMMENDED. Questions and to register: contact Clare Cain, (860) 346-2372, ccain@ctwoodlands.org.

Middletown | Hike ■ Saturday, June 4. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wilcox Woods Conservation Area. Join us for a 3-mile guided hike

through Middletown’s largest, and underutilized, conservation areas. What once was a golf course, then tree farm, is now a network of wooded trails with numerous hiking opportunities. The hike will wind its way up to Lamentation Mountain via the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System and part of the New England Trail. Bring your own lunch. Meet at Footit Road off of Atkins Street (follow the Conservation Area signs). Sponsored by NEAT Hiking Group. Heavy rain cancels. Pre-registration is NOT NECESSARY. Questions: contact Matt Dodge, matt.dodge@cityofmiddletown.com.

Middletown | Hike ■ Sunday, June 5. 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mattabesett Trail. Explore the easternmost section of the Mattabesett Trail

(between River Road and Brooks Road), which is also part of the New England Trail. The 4.7-mile route features rolling terrain with some rock scrambles and views of the Connecticut River and twin

reservoirs. Rides back to the starting point will be available. Time includes a break for lunch on the trail; bring water

and lunch/snack. Meet at the new kiosk by the parking lot opposite the power station on River Road. Sponsored by Connecticut Forest & Park Association

(ctwoodlands.org). Rain or shine. Pre-registration is RECOMMENDED. Questions and to register: contact leader, Chris Woodside, (860) 526-

9099; on day of hike, (860) 575-1024.

Middletown | Hike ● Sunday, June 5. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wadsworth Falls State Park. Join Everyone Outside naturalist, Lucy Meigs

for a fun 1.5- to 2-mile family hike followed by light refreshments provided by the Rockfall Foundation. We will look for interesting plants, animal homes, frogs, tadpoles, and other creatures on our route through these beautiful woods. Meet by the map kiosk near the parking lot of the Wadsworth Falls State Park’s main entrance on Route 157. Sponsored by Rockfall Foundation (RockfallFoundation. org) and Everyone Outside (EveryoneOutside.org). Heavy rain postpones to June 12, 1:00 p.m. Pre-registration is RECOMMENDED. Questions and to register: contact the Rockfall Foundation, (860) 347-0340, info@rockfallfoundation.org; weekend of hike contact Lucy Meigs, lucy@everyoneoutside.org, (860) 395-7771.

Middletown – Middlefield | Hike ◆ Saturday, June 4. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mattabesett Trail/ Higby Mountain. This 5-mile hike traverses the Blue-Blazed

Mattabesett Trail (part of the New England Trail). We will follow along the scenic traprock ridge, up to 892 feet in elevation. Great views, wildflowers, and birds will be observed—something for everyone. Some steep, rocky sections will be encountered; wear appropriate footwear, and bring a snack and water. Meet at Tynan Park (Higby Road). Rain or shine. Pre-registration is NOT NECESSARY. Questions: contact leader, Bob Hardy, (203) 630-2130.

Complete book with all state-wide listings for Trails Day available here:

http://www.ctwoodlands.org/CT-TrailsDay2011

Click on the link for "Click here to view an electronic version of the booklet."

Upcoming Local Family Rambles

Spring is here! Discover the fun of one of our upcoming WalkCT Family Rambles. Let's get outside for our mental and physical health and share some quality family time with the children in our lives. Join us for one of our end-of-the-month family rambles, or celebrate Mother's Day with a special outing. For more details, outing guidelines, and other upcoming WalkCT Family Rambles, visit www.walkct.org/rambles. See you on the path to health & happiness, Lori Lori Paradis Brant Education Director

April WalkCT Family Rambles Frog Friday Field Forest, Durham Friday, April 29, 2011 2:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. OR 4:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Join us for the magic of spring! Observe the amazing transformations that occur in vernal pools. Our ears will guide us in the direction of frogs "peeping" loudly looking for a mate. We will keep our eyes open to search for frog and salamander eggs, tadpoles, salamanders, insect larvae, and other hidden gems of nature. We will walk approximately 0.3 miles on a dirt trail to the vernal pool. Folks interested in the beauty of spring and who can walk the trail are welcome to attend. Sponsored by Everyone Outside. Advanced registration is REQUIRED. Email info@everyoneoutside.org with date/time of Frog Friday, # of people attending, and ages of children (if any). Directions will be sent via email upon registration. Flat Stanley's CT Outdoor Adventure #2 Giuffrida Park, Meriden Saturday, April 30, 2011 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Help find Flat Stanley! Flat Stanley has gone missing on the Connecticut portion of the New England Trail (NET) and we need your help to find him. Join us for a fun adventure as we embark on a scavenger hunt and search for clues to find the hidden CT Flat Stanley letterbox. Find Flat Stanley as we hike the NET and have your picture taken with him to be entered into a random drawing for a CT Walk Book. Fun for all ages. Bring your own stamp and journal if you have one or borrow one of ours. Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes; bring your camera (optional). Inclement weather postpones to Sunday, May 1, same time. Join any of CFPA's Flat Stanley's CT Outdoor Adventures through August. Visit www.walkct.org/rambles for info.

Mother's Day WalkCT Family Rambles Celebrate Mother's Day Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown Saturday, May 7, 2011 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bring your mother or your daughter (or someone like a mother or daughter to you) and explore the beautiful woods and grounds of Wadsworth Mansion. We will walk 1 to 2 miles on trails and look for signs of spring, visit the vernal pool, and perhaps even find a letterbox with a hand carved stamp. It is a great time of year to be in the woods. Bring a lunch and join us for a picnic on the mansion grounds after the walk. Celebrate mothers, daughters, and the outdoors together. Pre-registrations are welcome, but not required, by contacting info@everyoneoutside.org. Moms & Mama Birds Air Line State Park Trail, Hebron Sunday, May 8, 2011 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. "Con-quer-eeee!!!!" "Drink-your-teeeeee!!!!!" Is this how baby birds sing "Happy Mother's Day"? Find out as we search for nesting families, and signs of beaver, turtles, reptiles, and amphibians during a leisurely 1- to 1.5-mile walk through the Raymond Brook Marsh on the Air Line State Park Trail in Hebron. Bring your Mom, Grandma, Dad, and Grandpa, too! Remember binoculars and bird field guides if you have them, or share ours. Also bring your whispers and quiet feet. Because mama mosquitoes have also found the marsh to be a great place for their children, long-sleeve shirts, long pants, comfortable shoes and socks, and insect repellant (please read directions on repellant) are recommended. Heavy rain cancels. Pre-registration appreciated, but not required, by contacting CFPA at (860) 346-2372 or info@ctwoodlands.org. Wheelchairs, strollers, and babies in secured backpacks are welcome. Click here for directions. Dragonfly rests

Walk CT to be featured in Westfield

A new state-wide program to promote walking for both recreation and transportation is getting off the ground this year in Connecticut, and Middletown is a pilot program. Walk CT is a program being developed by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, whose headquarters are in Middletown, on Washington Street. Jennifer Benner, who is working for CFPA to coordinate the Walk CT program, told me it consists of three primary elements:

1. A web-based guide to the walking routes in Connecticut. This web site is under construction now, the goal is to have in a single, easy-to-find location all of the paths and trails for walking (two example walking routes)
   
2. Family Rambles are family-friendly hikes on the last weekend of every month. One hike is to be offered in every county. Family Rambles are listed on the CFPA web site.
3. Walking as an integral part of a city. The goal of this program is to bring together all of the elements of the city, including municipal governance, schools, civic organizations, etc, to foster walking for pleasure and transportation. Middletown is the pilot city for this program!
   

Benner said that WalkCT organizers are holding meetings with city officials about fostering walking in our city. Besides the obvious benefits for health and the environment, Benner pointed to the commerce that can result from walking as a tourist attraction. With many Connecticut families staying close to home for vacation (staycation), she said that such events as garden walks and history walks could attract a lot of visitors to Middletown.

Tonight at the Westfield Residents Association quarterly meeting, Walk CT Director Leslie Lewis will give a presentation on all aspects of the program, focusing in particular on the efforts to promote walking in Middletown. Everybody is welcome to attend the WRA meetings.

WRA Quarterly Meeting
Monday, April 27,
3rd Congregational Church, Miner Street
7:00 PM (WRA business)
7:30 PM (Public Meeting)
Leslie Lewis, WalkCT Director