Interested in hosting an educational event? Reach out today, email us at DeepRiverLandTrust.org!
Trail Crew 2025
A message from Rob Butterworth on upcoming Trail Tuesday !!
Hi Folks,
We seem to have enough daylight in the afternoon now to get things accomplished. Let’s make a try for Tuesday (3/25).
We’ll be continuing our work from last year. I’d like to get the sidehilling done by Trails Day (1st weekend in June), which I think is pretty easily done (weather permitting). Then we can work on a couple of the rock structures we need to build.
We’ll meet at the DRLT Rattling Ridge parking area on Essex St. at 5:30 and then carpool over to DRLT Bidwell parking area.
Don’t forget water and bug juice. The ticks are already out in force. Work gloves and appropriate attire for working in the woods are a good idea too. Don’t forget your towel! ; )
Let us know if you plan on attending, so that I can bring enough tools. I’ll assess the weather as we get closer to the 25th.
Trail Tuesdays 2024 Season Kick Off!
Every Tuesday night at 5:30 beginning April 23, weather permitting. We’ll be working on building the DRLT’s Williams Woodlands Preserve trail system. Due to no parking being available for the Williams property we’ll be meeting at the Essex Land Trust’s Woodja Hill Preserve on Oxbow Lane in Essex. We’ll hike approximately ¾ mile, via the ELT Green/yellow blazed trails and then onto the DRLT yellow blazed trail, to the work site.
Everyone is welcome and on the job training is provided. We can also provide tools and gloves for those needing them.
If you can’t make it on time, but still want to attend, follow the green blazed trail from the Woodja Hill parking area. When it joins the ELT’s yellow blazed continue on the yellow and then stay on the yellow (2” x 6” rectangular blazes) in to the DRLT George C. Lyon Preserve. Follow the yellow trail until you see orange surveyor’s tape, then follow the tape to the work area.
Wearing long pants, long sleeved shirt, hat and footwear for off trail use is highly encouraged. Bring you’re favorite bug spray, water and perhaps a snack.
Date: April 23th then every Tuesday (weather permitting) 5:30pm
Location: Parking Lot on Oxbow Lane in Essex. The Essex Land Trust’s Woodja Preserve Parking Lot.
FUNDRAISER: Think globally, hike locally this spring and please choose to ”round up” for the Deep River Land Trust between the 21st of April and the 28th of April when you shop at the Adams for your usual grocery needs!
Once you round up check out our website and become a member today !
Date: April 21st-April 28
Location: Adams Hometown Market in Deep River CT.
Open House: The land trust has partnered again with Bushy Hill Nature Center to boil maple sap into syrup at the Bushy Hill Sugar Shack (253 Bushy Hill Road Deep River CT) Boils occur from 8-5.
Donations can be made for maple sugar bread ($20) and maple syrup ($40)
Date: February 24 & March 9th
Location: 253 Bushy Hill Road Deep River – Bushy Hill Sugar Shack
A Big THANK YOU! To all of our Trail Tuesday Volunteers. This past season, our volunteers completed the trail between the DRLT’s Rattling Valley Ridge Sanctuary on Essex St and our Florence Bidwell Sanctuary on Rattling Valley Rd.
Join Us on Sunday 9/24 Won’t You?
Agenda
Welcoming speech by DRLT President.
Trail accomplishments/Recognition of Volunteers DRLT Chief Trail Steward.
Special announcement!
Hike and Hang Out
Hike approx. 1-1/2 miles to Rattling Valley Rd and back.
Hang out and celebrate with us at High 9
Trail Opening & Celebration, We are thrilled to invite you to the dedication and official opening of the Rattling Ridge and Ridge Bypass Trails. Our Trail Tuesday Volunteers have been working hard all summer. Join us for a day of celebration as we officially open these trails to the public.
Date: Saturday Sept 23, 2023
Postponed due to weather forecast.
Rain Date: Sunday Sept 24, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Park at the Rattling Valley Ridge Preserve parking area on Essex St (just past the bridge over Pratt Cove). Ceremonies will be across the street at the Smyth Preserve.
Vernal Pool Educational Walk through the Myslik Preserve
Sunday May 7, 1-3 pm
Join Deep River Land Trust volunteers and guest speaker for a tour of the vernal pool on our Myslik Preserve.
Email Deepriverlandtrust@gmail.com with any questions
THIS IS A FREE EVENT – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Hike Three Preserves In One Day!
Saturday, June 3 from 9-11am
Laurie Giannotti, DRLT President and another Board Member will lead a hike from our Rattling Valley Ridge Preserve to our Bidewell Preserve and return to our Smyth Sanctuary on Pratt Cove. You will be treated to views of the CT River and Pratt Cove as well as beautiful forested areas and rock outcrops. At the end of the hike, relax at our Smyth Preserve with cookies and views of Pratt Cove and its tidal wetland habitat offering birding, unique ecology and possibly a view of the passing Valley Rail Road.
Laurie Giannotti (860) 543-2198
THIS IS A FREE EVENT – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
https://trailsday.org/events/hike-three-preserves-in-one-day
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 22 8am-10am
Parking lot adjacent Pratt Cove Kayak launch/ Essex St. bridge
THIS IS A FREE EVENT – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Deep River Earth Day
On Saturday, April 22nd the Sustainable Deep River Committee will host a series of events across town to celebrate Earth Day including: a Source to Sea River Cleanup, Electric Vehicle & More! Show, and, in conjunction with the Deep River Garden Club, a free Composting Class. “We are very excited to offer many opportunities for area residents to actively participate in Earth Day activities and learn new ways to care for our environment,” says Sara Conner, Chair of Sustainable Deep River.
Those interested in participating in the cleanup should register here: Source to Sea Registration
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScd6HGc_72lKrWizAohVO6B4IvHJWrucPaVS3HIHTBrkSvZug/viewform
For more information and updates about the Deep River Earth Day 2023: email sustainabledeepriver@gmail.com
Press Contact:
Sara Conner 978-273-3058 sara.conner1@icloud.com
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 