Summer Hill Ramble:
Beavers, Bridges and How Not to Get Lost
Saturday, February 22
9:00 a.m.
Join us for a roughly two-hour exploration of the Summer Hill Preserve where we’ll use Avenza to keep us on track and through old maps, discover some interesting historical places. The Madison Land Conservation Trust has all their trail maps on Avenza, and there’s also an old map from 1893 that’s available. We will meet at the parking lot on Summer Hill Road just north of Route 80, and from there hike to one of the most amazing beaver dams (a triple decker!) around. From there, depending on conditions, we’ll head down to the old Ninevah Falls where the modern Route 80 bridge spans the Hammonasset River. Heading back, we’ll walk up the remnants of old Abner Road. All along the way, we’ll send a few folks into the woods to “get lost” and then the rest of us will try to find them. It's basic search-and-rescue 101. Waterproof footwear is recommended. Meet at the parking lot at 530 Summer Hill Road. https://madisonlandtrust.org/trails/summer-hill-preserve/
Animal Tracking Hike
Jefferson Park Trail
Sunday, March 30
1:00 p.m.
Search for animal tracks and signs with local naturalist, teacher and coach Erik Becker. We'll look for signs of white-tailed deer, coyotes, rabbits, grey squirrels, flying squirrels, red foxes, owls, bobcats and more. This adventure is open to all ages. No dogs, please. Please wear waterproof footwear and meet at the cul-de-sac on Jefferson Park Road. https://madisonlandtrust.org/trails/jefferson-park-trail/
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