Neck River Trail
Opening Hill Road
LIDAR Hike
Saturday, February 21 (postponed from original date of 1/10)
10:00 a.m.
Join us on February 21 at 10 a.m. for a most unusual and some may say, “pointless” endeavor as we use modern technology to uncover clues from the past. The mapping tool LIDAR allows us to see through vegetation to reveal subsurface structures, remnants of civilization, and topographical detail.
The Neck River trail area was once an agricultural hotbed of charcoal making, an industry that was once one of Madison’s most widespread commercial undertakings. There is currently one charcoal mound display along the trail, but when we view the area using LIDAR, we see many more. On this hike, we’ll see how many of those we can locate.
Temper your expectations, we can’t guarantee what we’ll find. But we can guarantee fresh air and some educational fun!
We’ll meet at the trailhead on Opening Hill Road at 10 a.m. https://madisonlandtrust.org/trails/neck-river-trail/#neck-river
Bring clippers, as we’ll be going off-trail to uncover these mounds.
To explore the amazing world of Lidar on your own, visit the Connecticut LIDAR elevation viewer here:
Learn more about the history of the charcoal industry in Madison here:
Indian Rock Shelters
Groundhog Hike
Saturday, February 7
10:00 a.m.
Look for tracks and hiding places of groundhogs and other woodland creatures with MLCT director Bob Kuchta. See the modest beginnings of the Neck River, and explore rock ledge caves used for winter shelter by members of the Hammonasset Tribe. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Hikers are advised to wear sturdy boots, or snowshoes if appropriate. Please be aware that this trail features uphill and downhill climbs that may be challenging for some hikers.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a common bird in the Land Trust forests. Its name is somewhat odd since the pinkish color on the breast area is seldom visible, but the red cap is prominent. Look for zebra-stripes on the back and flashes of white on the wings when it’s in flight. The male has the red all the way to the bill, but females only have a red crown and brown before their beak. The call is a quick quirrrr, and a ch-ch-ch-chirrrrrrr! Thirty years ago the Red-bellied Woodpecker would have been a rarity in Connecticut, but today it’s one of our most common birds.
Painting © Michael DiGiorgio