Please join Larry Fischer and me in the open spaces of Trout Brook Valley this Saturday, April 24th.

The weather will be in the ‘60s, and the hawk migration is in progress. It is a special time.
Learn from Larry the importance of this particular open space to the traveling hawks. He will also tell us about the changes he has seen over the many years he has been recording local hawk migration patterns. He almost always catches a hawk or two for these walks and shares with us the banding process used to collect data for science. Children and grandchildren are welcome to attend. This is a unique opportunity for all ages.

We will gather on Freeborn Road and hike in. If hiking is challenging, please let me know. Social distancing will be respected per the CT Guidelines for outdoor events. Please have your masks on hand. We will be in an open field (blueberry patch) with plenty of space for all present. After Larry shares the banding process with us (he almost always has a hawk to band with him), he will walk with us to the Orchard. It is a short hike (.5 miles), and it is optional. He will talk about the hawks and why this particular area is vital to the migration of these birds.

Note: Parking will be on Freeborn Road. Please allow time to walk into the blueberry patch. The state prohibits us from allowing drive-in access at this time. Please let me know if hiking in will be a challenge for you.
Terrain: Easy-Moderate. The .5 mile walk into the blueberry patch is moderate. Once there, the terrain up to the Orchard is an easy uphill walk.

Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Note: this event is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM. Please arrive by 12:30 PM to allow time for the walk from the road to the event.

Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, camera, and bring a mask!

Dress: A mask, sturdy shoes, protection from deer ticks which are present at this time of year, sunscreen as necessary, and insect repellent are recommended. 

Directions:
From the intersection of the Merritt Parkway and Rte 58 (Hi Ho Motor Inn), go north on Rte 58. Pass-thru light at Rte 136, continuing on Rte 58. Pass Bluebird Gas Station and Restaurant on left. After the Bluebird take third left (Redding Rd and Norton Rd are 1st two) onto Freeborn Road (sign at end of road) which is a couple of miles from Bluebird. Go left onto Freeborn. There will be woods on the left and right. When the woods stop on left (first house lot) look to right, there will be a dirt road thru the woods. This is the access road to the Orchard. Please park on Freeborn Road and walk up the dirt road, pass thru an 8 ft farm gate into the orchard field. Follow the pathway about 300 yards, you will see a second farm gate on left. Go through this gate and you will be at the blueberry bushes where the group will meet. 

Parking Note and summary:
A short hike (.5 miles) to the blueberry patch will be required from Freeborn Road, and the hike to the Orchard will be about a 1-mile round trip. Bring your sturdy hiking shoes, binoculars, and a camera. Police are aware of this activity and ask that you ignore the "No Parking" signs during this event.

Additional information about Trout Brook Valley Preserve can be found HERE.