Intro to hiking program slated at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center

Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. Want to start hiking but not sure where to begin? Learn basic skills, gear tips, trail etiquette, and how to choose a safe route.  A gentle intro to build confidence for springtime adventures. FREE

Register for Step into Hiking

Learn to hike with confidence at Ansonia Nature Center program

ANSONIA - Not sure if you’re ready for a hike? Being prepared leads to a better, more worry-free enjoyable hike. 

Learn the tried and true methods at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Ansonia Nature Center to ensure you are prepared for a day in the woods. 

In this program, we will use the Ten Essentials and Leave No Trace principles to plan and map our hike. 

Bring a small backpack, 2 liters or 32 oz water, nonperishable snacks, a hat, bug repellent, and hiking or trail running shoes with synthetic or wool socks (not cotton). 

FREE, for ages 12 to adults. Register at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org

The Nature Center is at 10 Deerfield Lane.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.

Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge to host Family Fun NIght

WOODBRIDGE - Come and join us Friday for a free family fun night here at Massaro Community Farm! Doors open at 6. 

Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn. Hike our nature trial, visit our goats, and make a craft! Finish the night with a viewing of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

The farm is at 41 Ford Road.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Learn about Trees of Connecticut at Ansonia Nature Center program

 

Massaro Farm in Woodbridge, BringtheHoopla to team up for kids' program

WOODBRIDGE - Massaro Community Farm and BringtheHoopla are teaming up for a fun-packed afternoon from 12:30-2:30 p.m. May 8 at the farm, 41 Ford Road. 

Children ages 6-11 will take an adventurous hike through the Massaro Nature Trail discovering all the farm has to offer in spring. 

They'll take a break for a delicious farm-based snack, and conclude their session learning or perfecting some hula hoop skills and games from BringtheHoopla. 

No hula hoop experience necessary! 

Hoops provided but you can also bring your own. Includes snack.

We strive to make farm workshops accessible to everyone by offering scaled pricing. You choose the price point that's right for you, knowing that you may be 'paying it forward', making it possible for someone else to attend. 

If you do not see an affordable option, please contact education director, Corey Thomas at education@massarofarm.org and we will work with you to arrange for an affordable option.

City starts improvements at Abe Stone Park in Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti posts trail markers at Abe Stone Park./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Things got under way at Abe Stone Park last weekend with a ceremonial first hiking trail marker placement by Mayor David S. Cassetti. 

The marker signifies the beginning of many upcoming recreational improvements at the park planned by the Mayor for this summer.

Volunteers continued hanging markers along the estimated mile-plus long hiking trail with expectations of finishing mapping of the remaining trail route this week. 

“My goal is to make Abe Stone Park and Colony Pond a recreational attraction once again for our residents,” Cassetti said. “It has been long neglected and needs refining. I can’t wait to see this completed.”

The trail will also outline the Colony Pond perimeter and proceed into the hillside woods an additional mile, looping back to the pond. An estimated 200 feet of boardwalk will be added over marsh areas and the pond-feeding brook with funding provided by Home Depot and construction by Emmett O’Brien Technical High School carpentry students. 

In the coming weeks, volunteers will clear the trails of any litter while pruning branches along the hiking route.

Also on tap for this summer is repairing of the basketball court and kids playground, adding volleyball, picnic tables, cooking grills, opening of the Colony Snack Shack, and adding a boat dock to allow canoes, kayaks, and rowboats on the pond.

In April, the DEEP will once again stock the pond with trout and catfish for public fishing. 
A long-term plan by Cassetti is to make a small area of the pond suitable for swimming once again.


This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall.

Railroad history topic of talk at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

SHELTON - A presentation, Rails to Back Trails, will be held at 7 p.m. March 19 at Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.

The free program will recount the then-and-now of local railroad history starting in 1836 when railroad was king. 

It will cover the events and industry that surrounded the railroad, including how many  rail lines have become some of Connecticut’s best recreational trails used for biking, hiking, and running. 

The program is open to the public. Registration is required; call 203-924-1580 or go to:

http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm…

*Information shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Osbornedale State Park in Derby to hold First Day Hike

All 50 state park systems offer free guided treks Jan. 1

Kellogg Environmental Center / Photo from DEEP website

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins America's State Parks and all 50 state park systems for free, guided First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2016.  

This year DEEP offers the following guided First Day Hikes: 

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, 1 p.m., moderate, 2.5-mile hike of Osbornedale State Park.  Sponsored by CT State Parks & Public Outreach.  
Contact:  Diane Joy, diane.joy@ct.gov, 203-734-2513.  Awards ceremony at 3 p.m. for winners of the 2015 “Sky’s the Limit” Hiking Challenge.  

Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, 1 p.m., easy, one hour hike, meet at Meigs Point Nature Center. Sponsored by Friends of the Office of State Archaeology and Friends of Hammonasset.  
Contact:  Don Rankin, 203-245-9192

Mansfield Hollow State Park, Bassett’s Bridge Rd., Mansfield, CT, 11 a.m. (arrive by 10:45 a.m.), moderate, 2 hikes - 4.5 mile and 2.2 mile, meet in the Mansfield Hollow Recreation Area parking lot. Sponsored by Friends of Mansfield Hollow.  
Contact: Ron Manizza, 860-428-3667, pedlinron@gmail.com  

Scantic River State Park, Melrose Road, East Windsor, 1 p.m., moderate, 2.5 mile hike, two hours, meet in parking lot at end of Melrose Road off Broad Brook Road. Sponsored by East Windsor American Heritage River Commission.  Contact:  ahriver@sbcglobal.net 

Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden, 1:30 p.m. (arrive by 1:15 p.m.), strenuous, 1 ½ hr. and 2 ½ hr. hikes, meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk. Sponsored by Sleeping Giant Park Association.  
Contact:  hike_the_giant@yahoo.com 

State park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park.  
For details on hikes in all 50 states visit America’s State Parks website, http://www.naspd.org/first-day-hikes-in-americas-state-parks-offer-invigorating-start-to-new-year/        

“With seasonably cold and dry weather predicted for New Year’s Day - taking a hike with your family and friends is a great way to begin the New Year,” said Robert Klee, DEEP Commissioner.  

“Whether you join DEEP for a guided hike or venture out on your own, you will not be disappointed in the variety of hiking trails that Connecticut has to offer. Our state has hundreds of miles of trails ready for you as you celebrate the first day of 2016.” 

“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” said Lewis Ledford, NASPD’s Executive Director.   
“We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.” 

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1, 2016 at a state park.  
First Day Hikes provide a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. 

“Last year, we hosted 41,000 people who hiked 79,442 miles in our state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).  “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”    

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass.  
The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks.  Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

CT DEEP joins America's State Parks in their commitment to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children.  
Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.  

This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

DEEP offers safety tips for outdoor recreation

With the July 4th holiday weekend upon us, the 2015 summer outdoor recreation season is in full swing and Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection urges residents and visitors to enjoy Connecticut’s outdoors – but to do so safely.

“Our 109 state parks and 32 state forests are ready for summer visitors and opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors. We also have 118 state boat launches to get you onto your favorite waterbody.” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. 
“No matter what your favorite activity – hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking or simply soaking in some peace and quiet – Connecticut offers many convenient, safe, and attractive places to visit. We encourage families to visit our parks, forests, and waterways as often as they can this summer and to observe all the rules that are posted as well as all common sense safety precautions. We want everyone to have a positive experience in the outdoors.”

Safe Boating
When it comes to boating, Connecticut offers it all - streams, rivers, lakes and Long Island Sound, which offer a wide variety of opportunities for boaters. DEEP offers the following safety tips for those going out on the water. Visit: www.ct.gov/deep/boating
Take a boatin or canoe/kayak safety class – a boating certificate is required to operate a registered boat.

Double check the condition of all water and fuel hoses and their connections as part of your pre-safety boat check. Also be sure to file a float plan. You can find apps for that! It allows you to send a float plan to a friend or family member.

Obtain a free Vessel Safety Check – contact the DEEP Boating Division or your local USCG Auxiliary and US Power Squadron. If you use a state boat launch, look for our Boating Education Assistants who will perform a free safety check.

Wear Your Life Jacket - Statistics show that more than three-quarters of the people that died in boating accidents between 2010 and 2014 drowned. Of those, 90% were not wearing a life jacket. Life jackets are more comfortable and lightweight than ever. Putting one on before heading out could save your life, so “Wear It Connecticut!”

In our cooler Northeast waters, someone that falls in the water can lose their ability to perform necessary life-saving functions quite quickly. Falling into colder waters also invokes an involuntary gasp reflex – a number one cause of drowning.

When waterskiing/tubing shut the engine off when putting someone in the water, switching out equipment or retrieving the person. Always approach person in the water from driver’s side. Make sure there is a spotter who understands the importance of their job to watch the skier/tuber at all times and communicate immediately to the operator if the person falls off or signals they want to stop.

Drink responsibly – alcohol was a contributing factor for 47% of the victims that died in Connecticut boating accidents between 2008 and 2012. Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion are all considered "stressors" common to the boating environment. They intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications by causing fatigue, which greatly reduces a boat operator's coordination, judgment, and reaction time. The use of alcohol also makes the body more susceptible to the effects of cold water.

Follow us on Facebook at BoatingInConnecticut.

Follow us on Twitter @CTBoatngInfo or DEEP Boating. We will be tweeting timely information on boat ramp status (temporary closures when at capacity, etc.), pumpout facility information and upcoming boating classes.

Safe Swimming
DEEP offers 23 designated state park swim areas – four on Long Island Sound and 19 inland lakes and ponds. www.ct.gov/deep/beachstatu.
There are also many municipal swim areas throughout the state

The following safety tips should be observed by those headed to the beach:

Swim in designated areas - Connecticut State Parks offer many swimming opportunities, from small swimming holes amid hiking trails, to expansive open water swimming in Long Island Sound. Designated swimming areas offer certain layers of protection: from ensuring water quality, to identifying a five foot water depth, to protecting swimmers from boating traffic, and to oversight by highly trained lifeguards. Please swim in these areas whenever possible.

Be aware that underwater hazards exist and NEVER dive in head first - the natural beauty of these swimming areas extends under the water. Unlike the smooth level bottom of swimming pools, lakes/ponds and the Long Island Sound have uneven bottoms, with potential drop-offs, sand-bars, in-shore holes, and boulders. Be cautious when enjoying these natural areas.

Parents must watch their children - When children are playing in the water, the safest spot for a parent or guardian to be is within arm's reach of them. It only takes seconds for a child to drown, please take this easy preventive measure.

Alcohol and water don't mix -- alcohol has been a contributing factor in 13 of the 16 drowning deaths that lifeguards have responded to at state parks within the last decade. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to poor decision-making, poor coordination, and poor reaction time. Do not drink alcohol and swim.


Safe Hiking
Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System
Connecticut has a wide variety of hiking trails including the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System – with more than 825 miles marked with blue rectangular blazes. This trail system offers a great way to explore the woodlands, remote ridges, and wild places of Connecticut. The trails are open year-round to all forms of foot travel (unless otherwise posted).

Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests
This year, for the first time, Connecticut State Parks is sponsoring the “Sky’s the Limit” 2015, a Hiking Challenge, designed to promote hiking in Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests throughout 2015. Hikers will enjoy the opportunity to hike to 14 of Connecticut’s high peaks and receive prizes for their efforts as part of a new program.

Participants in this friendly competition have the opportunity to receive a medallion for hiking up 10 designated locations. On January 1, 2016 names will be drawn from all who completed the 14 designated hikes and fifty winners will receive a hand-carved hiking staff.

To learn more visit: www.ct.gov/deep/skysthelimit

Greenways
"Greenways" are corridors of open space that may protect natural resources, preserve scenic landscapes and historical resources or offer opportunities for recreation or non-motorized transportation and may connect existing protected areas and provide access to the outdoors. Visit: www.ct.gov/deep/greenways

Safe Hiking Tips
Although Connecticut State Parks can be limited in acreage in comparison to some of the larger National Parks across the country, they offer adventure and awe inspiring beauty. Parks still have some of the same hazards found in expansive wilderness areas. It’s important for visitors to plan ahead to prepare for a visit to the outdoors, have proper equipment and prepare for the inevitable. And most importantly know your limitations.

As the 2015 summer outdoor recreation kicks off DEEP officials offer the following hiking safety advice when visiting a park or forest.

ï Dress appropriately and be prepared for any sudden changes in the weather. Dress in layers and avoid cotton. Hikers can choose from a variety of fabrics that wick moisture. It’s a good idea to wear a lightweight shirt that wicks moisture and carry a fleece and lightweight rain jacket.

ï Invest in good hiking socks and sturdy hiking shoes or boots.

ï Avoid hiking alone. If you do hike alone pick a well-used trail and tell someone where you’ll be and when you plan to return.

ï Stay on the trail. Taking shortcuts and bush-whacking increases your chances of getting lost and increases erosion.

ï Never climb on waterfalls or attempt to cross streams above waterfalls. Injuries and death can occur.

ï Carry a small lightweight backpack

ï Always carry rain gear. To avoid hypothermia it’s important to remain warm and dry.

ï Carry plenty of drinking water and never assume stream water is safe to drink.

ï Carry food or energy bars

ï Don’t count on cell phones to work if you are lost. If they do work, be able to give details about your current location and remain there until rescuers arrive.

ï Carry a First Aid Kit and other personal care items such as medications.

ï Carry a small flashlight


Whatever you choose for your outdoor activity, plan ahead, have proper equipment and prepare for the unexpected. 
And most importantly, have a safe and healthy visit to Connecticut’s outdoors.

This is a press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.