Hike, Explore, and Volunteer on National Trails Day

June 1 and June 2 is National Trails Day (It’s such an enjoyable health activity it takes two days to celebrate). This year, LISS is teaming up with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Norwalk Seaport Association, CT DEEP, and CT Sea Grant to sponsor walks and volunteer opportunities at three Long Island Sound Stewardship areas.

On June 1, take a FREE ferry ride from Norwalk Harbor to Sheffield Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, to help clean up damage from Superstorm Sandy, pull invasive plants, and maintain a nature trail. In return for your help, the Refuge will provide everyone with a tour of the historic lighthouse, a guided nature walk, tour of the Norwalk Harbor, and plenty of  time to enjoy the natural island environment through exploration. For more information, including how to register, read the Sheffield Island Trails Day Flyer. The event is co-sponsored by the Norwalk Seaport Association, which operates the ferry. It also owns the lighthouse, and maintains a museum in the building.

Also on June 1, take an educational walk from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bluff Point State Park in Groton with Retired State Geologist Ralph Lewis and CT Sea Grant Coastal Ecologist Juliana Barrett .They will discuss the park’s ecology and relate its geologic history to landscape and habitat development. Heavy rain postpones to Sunday, June 2, at 1:00 p.m. Pre-registration is not necessary. Contact Lewis at ralph.s.lewis@uconn.edu for more information.

On June 2, take another educational walk, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington with Retired State Coastal Ecologist. Ron Rozsa and Profess Emeritus Scott Warren of Connecticut College). They will lead a 2.5-mile tour through this outstanding tidal wetland of regional significance. Heavy rain cancels. Pre-registration is not necessary Contact David Kozak at david.kozak@ct.gov. for more information.

The LISS walks are part of the 259 events in 152 towns on over 560 miles that were organized by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association to celebrate National Trails Day. Visit  CT Trails Day Weekend for information on all of the hikes taking place in Connecticut on June 1 and June 2. .