Derby Public Library to host talk Saturday about Old Woodbury Path

 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Housatonic River

Turnback Tuesday looks at the Housatonic River (or Ousatonic in its original spelling.) Named by the Paugussett Tribe as Potatuck which means “River with Falls” or “great river," the Housatonic starts near Pittsfield, Mass. and runs for 148 miles to the Long Island Sound.

In the early 1800s, factories were built along the river in Birmingham that harnessed the water to power their turbines and water wheels. 

A covered bridge was built in 1839 to connect Shelton to Derby, and the Ousatonic Dam was dedicated in 1870. Dikes were installed along parts of the river after the flood of 1955.

Not all use of the river was for commercial purposes. Recreational boating and fishing were very common. The Yale University boat crews used the river to practice and race. 

This postcard is a recent donation to the Library.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

From the photo archives: September 2014 memory

I was taking part in a walk to benefit the Center for Disability Rights in West Haven when I spied this little bloom popping out of Savin Rock.

Hard to believe that was a decade ago!
 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Housatonic River

Turnback Tuesday looks at the Housatonic River or "Ousatonic" in its original spelling. Named by the Paugussett Tribe as "Potatuck" which means “river with falls” or “great river," the Housatonic starts near Pittsfield, Mass. and runs for 148 miles to Long Island Sound.

In the early 1800s, factories were built along the river in Birmingham and they harnessed the water to power their turbines and water wheels.

A covered bridge was built in 1839 to connect Shelton to Derby and the Ousatonic Dam was dedicated in 1870. Dikes were installed along parts of the river after the Flood of 1955.

Not all use of the river was for commercial purposes. Recreational boating was very common. The Yale University crew team even used the river to practice and race.

This picture was taken in 1904 from the Derby/Shelton Bridge.

You can see the dam in the background and Oak Cliff Cemetery to the right on the hill.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Recuperation journey: Summertime in April

Strolling at Silver Sands State Park in Milford on a rather warm Friday morning.

Recuperation journey: Sharing today's FB memory

 Are you lookin' at me?

Recuperation journey: A trip to Milford

A view of L.I. Sound and Charles Island on a sunny afternoon.

The folks in the boat are definitely practicing social distancing. 

Artfish 42 is a cool art gallery at 42 Naugatuck Ave., at Walnut Beach in Milford. 
I highly recommend you check it out when the quarantine is finally over!

Tomorrow is Ralph's birthday but since we can't go anywhere to celebrate we took a "ride" around the region today, socially distancing of course. 
It's supposed to rain around here tomorrow so we took advantage of some sunshine. He said he enjoyed his present. 

Recuperation journey: April in January

 Saturday afternoon at Silver Sands State Park in Milford.

Hunt for fireflies, learn to ID trees, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of fun activities in July.

CREATURES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND – July 13, noon

This is a great weekday family program to learn all about the creatures of Long Island Sound. We will explore the Nature Center’s salt water tank and learn how to identify and hold common critters you will find at New England’s local beaches this summer. FREE.

FIREFLY HUNT – July 16, 7:30 p.m.

Follow the Nature Center’s ranger along our wooded paths looking for glowworms in the leaf litter under the light of the moon. We’ll end the hike with a show by beetles in the Lampyridae family, better known as lightning bugs and fireflies. FEE: $3 per person. 
Wear shoes for hiking.

TREE ID HIKE –  July 21, 1 p.m.

Join Ranger Jess to learn how to identify trees by their bark, branches, and leaves along the Donna Lindgren Tree Identification Trail. Hear stories of how people have used wood over the years for many different things. Discover 45 trees along the trail, which transverses a variety of habitats including abandoned agricultural fields and pastures, deciduous forest, wetland, and pine plantation. FREE; wear appropriate hiking shoes.

NATURE AS MENTOR – July 31, 1–2:30 p.m. 

Join Marlow Shami, a nature-based teacher, artist, healer and writer, who will conduct the Nature As Mentor program for adults. 
Learn the magnificent language of nature in this powerful workshop. Discover your unique niche as part of our planet’s restoration plan. The wisdom of elder/earth-based cultures as well as recent empirical research in the fields of eco-psychology and environmental psychology, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and energy medicine, provide the foundation of this program. Attendees acquire simple tools to access the guidance they seek and restoration needed for negotiating the challenges of daily life. 
Discover how to actively engage in caring for our shared home. Adults only. Please call to register. FEE: $20 per person.

AUGUST

CHRIS ROWLANDS: Puppeteer and Singer – Aug. 2, 7 p.m.

Chris Rowlands is an award-winning singer and songwriter who offers an interactive kid-friendly presentation for those who love music and nature. He creatively blends music, comedy, and education in a fast paced show that teaches and inspires. Chris brings animals to life through song, dance, puppets, and colorful props, to teach children about animals and their habitats. 
The Environment Magazine has honored Chris with its first E Award for his environmental education programs. Don’t miss this FREE musical program! 

***ONGOING PROGRAMS***  

Creature Features – Saturdays, noon  

Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.

Sunday Guided Hikes – Sundays, 1 p.m.

Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Family Organic Garden Program – Tuesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24; 3:30–5 p.m.

ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. 
Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh produce!

This is a press release from the Nature Center.