Land Trust Offers Two Nature Walks in June

The Orange and Woodbridge Conservation Commissions will celebrate “Connecticut Trails Day” by jointly hosting a hike in the Racebrook Tract, on Racebrook Road, (Rte. 114) just north of Derby Ave. (Rte. 34) in Orange, on Saturday, June 4, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

All are invited to enjoy this scenic hiking area via a free, guided walking tour.  Families and children are welcome, and comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.  There will be a Yale School of Forestry-guided walk leaving at 1:30 p.m. 

Bring your own water and refreshments, and all dogs must be leashed (make sure they have tick protection) Steady rain or lightning cancels, with Sunday June 5 as the rain date. 

For more information, contact:  Dan Lynch, Orange Park & Recreation at 203-891-4790.

The following week, the Orange Land Trust will host a guided walk at the Housatonic Overlook area on Saturday, June 11. Interested hikers should meet at the end of High Ridge Road (off of Derby-Milford Road) at 10 a.m.

This walk will include a view of the Housatonic River from Tucker’s Ridge and a walk through the easy to moderately difficult trails in that area. Many of the trails are lined by mountain laurel, Connecticut’s state flower. It is hoped these will be in bloom for the walk, which should last about two hours.

Due to the probability of ticks, long pants tucked into socks and bug repellent are strongly recommended.

All are welcome, and urged to bring a friend. For information, call Judy at 203-799-6321.

Recently the Orange Conservation Commission hosted a reception for Recognition and Appreciation of Volunteers.  Chairman Sharon Ewen wanted to thank all for their hard work and dedication of time and efforts in working together to care for open spaces.

Ed Tucker was honored for his leadership on the Conservation Commission since 1998 to 2010 and in recognition of all of his efforts on the commission.

Tucker was presented with an engraved hiking staff from the Conservation Commission.

Howard Treat and his Senior Leadership group took on the task of clearing trails at the Housatonic Overlook and hosting CT Trail Days at the same area. 

They were instrumental in bringing out almost 150 hikers who walked the trail that day. They also had a great team who did publicity not only for the newspaper but also with the schools to bring children and families out to the trails.