Fall Hikes with the Land Trust
Late Summer Birds and Insects at Rettich Preserve
Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m.
Former state entomologist Carol Lemmon and wildlife artist Mike DiGiorgio will lead a nature walk at Rettich Preserve, pointing out insects and birds along the way. Be prepared for walking in fields and meadows, and along a woodland trail. No dogs please. Meet by the parking area at 274 River Road. Please remember to bring a mask.
Tree Identification Walk at Rettich Preserve
Saturday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.
Join former Madison Tree Warden Bob Kuchta for an autumn foliage tree i.d. walk at Rettich Preserve. Bob has identified 42 species of trees and shrubs at Rettich Preserve, a 12-acre property at the former Rettich farm along the Hammonasset River. The land was donated to the Land Trust in 2014 by Fred and Rosa Rettich. Meet by the parking lot at 274 River Road. Please remember to bring a mask.
Autumn Moonlight Walk
Sunday, October 17, 7:00 p.m.
Bring a flashlight and join us for an evening stroll on the Garvan Trail at the Surf Club. A bagpiper will lead the way. After the walk, members of the Astronomical Society of New Haven will set up telescopes for viewing the moon, planets and stars in the night-time sky. Please remember to bring a mask.
Annual Meeting
Tuesday, November 9, 7:00 p.m. Location TBA
Mushroom Hunting and Amateur Mycology: We Hunt Mushrooms, We Study Fungi with Bill Yule.
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