2009 Educational Hikes

Sunday, March 29, 2:00PM. Andrew Kenneth Webster Reserve. Join NCLT hike leaders to explore the boundaries of the Andrew Kenneth Webster Preserve. This scenic open space property abuts Rails-to-Trails and Valley Falls Park in Vernon. Some bushwhacking and climbing with total distance of 3 miles. See vista of Railroad Valley, several large vernal pools, trail constructions and more. Meet at Valley Fall parking lot on Valley Falls Rd at 2 P.M. From exit 66 on I-84, take Tunnel Rd. south about 0.6 miles, turn left on Valley Falls Rd. for 1.2 miles, turn right into parking lot. Rain or shine, no dogs. L. George Arthur 860-871-0137, trailsarthur2@comcast.net. CL Joe King.

Saturday, June 6, 9:00AM. Trail Construction Walk. Sponsored by Vernon Parks and Recreation Department. Join CFPA Trail Managers on a scenic 3 mile walk along the Shenipsit Trail in Valley Falls Park and the adjoining CT DEP Belding WMA property. Enjoy the scenery, and see 18 trail constructions, including "silly stairway", made to "harden" popular trails. Meet at Valley Falls Park at 9:00 am. From I-84 Exit 66, go west on the connector road, turn left (south) for .5 mile on Tunnel Road, turn left (east) on Valley Falls Road for 1 mile to Park on right. Rain or shine. Children welcome, no dogs. For more info, contact George Arthur at trailsarthur2@comcast.net.

Saturday, June 7, 10:00AM. Shenipsit Lake Reservoir, Sponsored by Connecticut Water Company. Join CFPA Trail Manager George Arthur on a hike celebrating the newest section of the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail along the the old railroad bed at Shenipsit Lake Reservoir as part of a permitted recreation program. Learn about the unique historic and environmental features of this lakeside trail. Meet at 10:00 AM at the trail entrance, Route 74, Tolland, across from Rock-Vern Electric. Rain or Shine. For directions and details, contact Leader George Arthur, trailsarthur2@comcast.net, 860-871-0137

Friday, July 3, 10:00AM. Shenipsit Lake Reservoir, Sponsored by Connecticut Water Company. Join CFPA Trail Manager George Arthur on a hike celebrating the newest section of the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail along the the old railroad bed at Shenipsit Lake Reservoir as part of a permitted recreation program. Learn about the unique historic and environmental features of this lakeside trail. Meet at 10:00 AM at the trail entrance, Route 74, Tolland, across from Rock-Vern Electric. Rain or Shine. For directions and details, contact Leader George Arthur, trailsarthur2@comcast.net, 860-871-0137

Friday, July 31, 5:45PM. Risley Pond, Sponsored by The Manchester Land Conservation Trust. Join us after work for a one-hour walk around the pond. Children and families are especially welcome. The terrain is rocky, uneven, and sometimes wet, so hikers should wear sturdy shoes or boots.

Participants should park in the Lake Street lot across from Amy Drive. Questions may be directed to Malcolm Barlow, President of the Trust, 860-646-4081. No dogs, please. The Land Trust owns and protects 333 acres of open space in Manchester and nearby towns. Find out more about the Land Trust at www.manchesterlandtrust.org.