Trails Day Preview/Kickoff on Friday Afternoon

"Trails Day" seems to be an increasingly inaccurate name for this event. For years now, it's actually been TWO days, Saturday AND Sunday. Now the Connecticut Forest & Park Association is getting a jump on things Friday afternoon. How long before it becomes "Trails Weekend"?
Regardless of how long it lasts, it is still all about trails. And the CFPA is celebrating by opening up 3 miles of new hiking trails behind their headquarters out on Route 66 (just over the town line in Middlefield). Anyone in the Middletown area who likes to take a woodland stroll should check out the new Highlawn Forest Trail. It's a conveniently close get-away-from-it-all. Friday afternoon may be a good time to start getting acquainted with it. See below; for more info about Trails Day, check the CFPA website, www.CTwoodlands.org

CT Trails Day Kickoff, Open House, and Highlawn Forest Trail Dedication 

Friday, June 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CFPA Headquarters, Rockfall (Middlefield)

  

Join CFPA, the president of the American Hiking Society, the U.S. National Park Service, state legislators, REI, Eastern Mountain Sports, The Connecticut Woodcarvers Association, and the sponsors of Connecticut's Trails Day weekend for an afternoon of celebration as we dedicate our new 3-mile trail system in the Highlawn Forest behind the CFPA headquarters. Take a walk and explore the 280-acre forest, find out about CFPA and its programs, learn about safe hiking, learn more about Connecticut Trails Day events in your area, and check out the latest outdoor gear.

Trails Day this weekend

20th Annual Connecticut Trails Day Celebration  Saturday & Sunday, June 2 and 3    The big weekend is finally here! Come out to discover new places and experience the outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors. CFPA has served as the American Hiking Society's Connecticut state coordinator for National Trails Day since 1993, and each year just keeps getting better. This year's theme is "America's Largest TRAILgating Party." Invite a friend to join in the fun and take part in one of the 201 events. Visit www.ctwoodlands.org/CT-TrailsDay2012 for more information and to view the event booklet and online supplement.

Photo Contest

Connecticut Forest & Park Association 2012 Photo Contest The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is sponsoring an amateur digital photo contest open to members and the public. The contest is intended to provide a venue for amateur photographers to display their work and provide CFPA with new materials to use in our publications and communications. You are invited to submit up to three digital, high resolution, photos for consideration. Prizes First prize - Connecticut WalkBook Set (both West & East - $50 retail value) and CFPA Water Bottle will be awarded for each category. Second prize - CFPA Tee Shirt and hat ($30 retail value) will be awarded for each category. All Entrants will receive a copy of CFPA's newly revised "Trees of Connecticut" booklet when published. Categories Connecticut Trails - Trails, views from the trail, notable features on the trails, etc. People on trails in Connecticut - What more needs to be said? Connecticut Wildlands - Photos without man-made structures, special places off the beaten path, CT flora & fauna Requirements All images must be 2 MB minimum, in a jpg or tif format accompanied by the photographer's name and address, date the photo was taken, and description of the photograph (location and any story about the photo). How to enter - Email each photo separately to info@ctwoodlands.org (with "Photo Contest" on the subject line), or send a CD/DVD with the images to CFPA, 16 Meriden Rd., Rockfall, CT 06481. Eligibility - Amateur photographers over 18 years old are eligible. Professional photographers, CFPA staff and families, and CFPA Board Members and families are ineligible. Deadline - All entries must be received by March 15, 2012. Winners will be notified by April 15, 2012. Prizes will be awarded June 1, 2012 at CFPA in Rockfall. Exhibit and Publication - Winning photographs will be featured on the CFPA Website (www.ctwoodlands.org). Entrants grant permission to CFPA to publish their work, in whole or in part, for any CFPA purpose, including, but not limited to, CFPA publications, merchandise, and website with credit to the photographer but no further compensation.