Wet Start for First Hiker’s Happy Hour of the Season in Old Lyme

The series launched with a rainy Champlain South hike and camaraderie at the Old Lyme Inn. The next hike will be June 3.

Hikers stand with their backs to the camera in front of a large rock outcropping and tall trees.
Hikers learned about metamorphic rock formations and vernal pools at Champlain South during the first Hiker’s Happy Hour of the year on May 6, 2026. Credit: Andrea Fenton/Old Lyme Open Space Commission.

OLD LYME, CT – The Old Lyme Open Space Commission, in conjunction with the Old Lyme Land Trust, kicked off this year’s Hiker’s Happy Hour series with a rain-soaked trek on Champlain South at the end of Library Lane.

Commission member Andrea Fenton said a hardy group of 14 participants joined former commission member and naturalist Mike Aurelia, who led the hike while explaining local metamorphic rock formations and vernal pool ecosystems.

Along the way, hikers learned about spotted salamanders, fairy shrimp and spring peepers, as well as seasonal flora including Jack-in-the-pulpit, mayflowers and skunk cabbage.

Open Space Commission member Fred Behringer (left), steward Jason Gagnon, Vice Chair Anne Redfield and hike leader Mike Aurelia. Credit: Andrea Fenton/Old Lyme Open Space Commission.

After the walk, participants gathered at the Old Lyme Inn for a signature “Trailblazer” beverage and appetizers.

The next Hikers Happy Hour at Boggy Hole Preserve is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at 4:15 p.m., led by the Old Lyme Land Trust.

Editor’s Note: This post was updated to correct Redfield’s title.

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