RETHINKING TRAIL DESIGN

The fall colors offered a spectacular show in our preserves this month. I hope you were able to get outside, hike our trails, or complete our 3 Peaks in 3 Weeks Challenge. With nearly 50 miles of trails in our preserves, we’re proud to have some of the most popular hiking spots in Connecticut. Do you have any idea what it takes to build and maintain our trail system? Impacts from unprecedented public use over the past few years coupled with significant trail damage from increasingly volatile storms have led us to incorporate sustainable design techniques in all our trail projects. On November 19, join us for the official opening of our “Boulders Trail” an intentionally designed mile of trail in Macricostas Preserve that extends into some of our more recent acquisitions and features several sets of stone staircases and a locally sourced log bridge. Using sustainable design, we can create trails that provide safe, environmentally conscious paths that reduce erosion, withstand increased foot traffic, and have minimal long-term maintenance requirements. Come see for yourself! See you on our trails…

Brian Hagenbuch, Ph.D.
Executive Director

 

Featured Highlights

Volunteer Spotlight 

Meet Natalie Dyer, a long-standing member of the Steep Rock Association family. We invite you to get to know Natalie and our other volunteers, and learn the positive impact volunteering with us can have on Washington, your life, and others!  >meet Natalie

 

 

Boulders Trail Grand Opening

Come celebrate with Steep Rock! We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new 1-mile “Boulders Trail” as part of our Macricostas Trails Expansion Project.

Join us for a ribbon-cutting celebration on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Camp House at Macricostas Preserve, followed by a moderate to hilly 3-4 hour hike exploring the new trail, which traverses woodlands, glacial erratics, waterfalls, and vernal pools. >more

 

"Bear" In Mind it's Fall Foraging Season

If you missed our First Selectman’s recent update, please be wary of black bears searching for fatty foods in residential areas this time of year. There are simple measures landowners can practice to avoid conflicts and prevent bears from obtaining detrimental habits. >more 

 

 

3 Peaks in 3 Weeks - It's a Wrap!

We had over 90 participants in this year's 3 Peaks in 3 Weeks Challenge, and raised nearly $1,000 in donations! We are so grateful for your generous donations and your willingness to challenge yourself to reach this goal. Thank you for being a friend of Steep Rock Association! Check out this year's highlights >more

 

Tunnel Road Closing

Please note that as of November 15th, the gate on Tunnel Road in Steep Rock Preserve will be closing for the season. The gate will reopen on approximately April 15, 2023.

 

 

Judea Garden - Successful 14th Season!

And just like that, the season is ending and Bob is walking away with his flying pig! We are forever grateful to our dedicated, hardworking volunteers and our supporters - because of you, we were able to donate over 3,400 lbs of organic fruits, vegetables, and health to our neighbors in need in Washington and neighboring areas. 

THANK YOU for a successful 14th season at Judea Garden!

 

 

Upcoming Events

Nature Preserve Monitoring Blitz
Nov. 12 & 13, 8:30am - 12:30pm

Do you love exploring? Did you know that Steep Rock Association has nearly 30 preserves scattered throughout town? The one thing they all have in common is that SRA must walk their boundaries annually, monitoring the preserves for ecosystem health, signs of trespass, and presence of wildlife. We need your help - come join our Nature Preserve Monitoring BLITZ. Explore, learn something new, and have lunch on us! Info and registration >more

 

Book Talk & Signing with Douglas Brinkley
Nov. 19, 3:00pm

Join us as we hear from Douglas Brinkley, about his latest book, Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening. Brinkley is the history commentator for CNN, Presidential Historian for the New York Historical Society. Co-sponsored by Steep Rock, Kent Memorial LibraryCornwall Conservation TrustHousatonic Valley AssociationKent Land TrustNorthwest CT Land Conservancy, and Warren Land Trust. >more

 
 

Honor or remember someone special by making a gift in their name. 

Steep Rock Association
PO Box 279, Washington Depot, Connecticut 06794
860-868-9131  •   info@steeprockassoc.org

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