The Lyme Land Conservation Trust plans to celebrate the start of Spring by sponsoring a public hike that will explore its new 100-acre Banningwood Preserve in Hadlyme on Saturday, March 22.
Land Trust Vice President Don Gerber will lead the walk through the preserve, which stretches along Rte. 82, just north and east of Hadlyme Four Corners.
Also leading the walk, Land Trust Environmental Director Lisa Niccolai will talk about the flora and fauna of the property, Connecticut State Geologist Emeritus Ralph Lewis will explain its geology, and Lyme Selectman Parker Lord will discuss its history.
State grants helped the Trust buy the Banningwood property last year and provided funds that enabled the town of East Haddam to acquire two nearby tracts along Roaring Brook. Taken together, the 437 acres of the three new preserves will protect almost 2.5 miles of stream frontage on Roaring Brook, which feeds into the Connecticut River through Whalebone Cove.
This walk is a preview to the more formal opening after trails are complete. The Land Trust plans to develop trails through the preserve when warmer weather permits.
This hike will be moderately difficult because there are no trails. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are suggested. Please do not bring pets.
The hike, which will start at 10 a.m., is open to the public. Members, non-members, Lyme residents and non-residents are invited.
Parking will be available along the driveway at 19 Town Street (Rte. 82) about 100 yards north of Hadlyme Four Corners and just north of the bridge over Roaring Brook.
In case of bad weather, consult the Land Trust’s Web Site: http://www.lymelandtrust.org for postponement and/or rescheduling.