OLD LYME — Play Beach Blanket Bingo Wednesday evening, Aug. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at White Sand Beach.
This event is hosted by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB).
Bring your beach blanket, chairs and bug spray. No food will be served.
This event is open to all Lyme and Old Lyme families.
Check LymeLine.com or the LYSB website after 5 p.m. on the day of the event for possible weather postponement.
LYME — A very large patch of invasive European water chestnut was discovered last week in a remote location in Whalebone Cove in Lyme that can only be reached by canoe or kayak at high tide.
On Sunday, Aug. 15, the Friends of Whalebone Cove (FOWC) are organizing a ‘Paddle & Pull’ volunteer work party to remove the water chestnut starting at 3:30 p.m. Anyone who has a kayak, canoe or boat is welcome to join the work party. Bring a water bottle, life jacket/PFD and sun block.
The Paddle & Pull will last about two hours. Meet at the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry Boat Launch (east shore), Ferry Rd. (Rte. 148), Lyme, CT 06371.
In the past several years, FOWC has managed to control the spread of European water chestnut in Whalebone Cove and seeks to prevent it from becoming established, because if that should happen, it will change the Cove’s ecology and destroy its natural habitat eco-systems on which species that live in the area rely to survive.
This invasive creates a canopy on the water surface that crowds out native plants and destroys habitat for turtles, fish, birds and other animals. It decreases the oxygen in the water that fish need to survive. Its rosettes cover entire coves and ponds impeding fishing, hunting, swimming and boating, while also killing native plants that birds and marine wildlife need for survival.
Once established, European water chestnut is difficult to control. It can, however, be eradicated and prevented from spreading by removing plants before they have a chance to drop their seeds, which usually starts in late August.
This type of water chestnut has invaded and taken over many other locations in the Connecticut River.
There will be additional “paddle & pull” work parties scheduled later in the summer.
For more details, email fowchadlyme@gmail.com
OLD LYME — In March 2021, a group of interested residents of Lyme and Old Lyme met on Zoom to plan the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG), a garden dedicated to growing and donating all produce to local food pantries. As the end of summer draws near, the group is delighted to share their progress and invite readers to visit the site.
The LOLFSG will be holding two Open House/Work Sessions on two upcoming Saturdays, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the garden, which is located behind the field house and playground at Town Woods Park. All are welcome.
Jim Ward, who conceived the original idea for the garden and has been the driving force behind its development, explained, “Board members are anxious and excited to share the progress we have made in establishing the garden and look forward to answering any questions concerning our vision.”
In the months following the inaugural meeting, the LOLGSF participated in a crowdsourcing fundraiser sponsored by Sustainable CT in which 82 donors helped raise $8350. With $7500 of those funds being matched, the LOLFSG was able to purchase fencing materials and broke ground at Town Woods Park in June.
Ward commented enthusiastically, “Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, an eight-foot deer fence has been erected, the installation of an irrigation system is in progress, three raised beds have been built and additional in-ground beds have been prepared. We are on track to plant and harvest our first crops in Spring 2022!”
As the number of LOLFSG members increases, volunteers of all ages are invited to join the organization. Ward invites readers to consider volunteering, visiting the garden, or continuing to support the LOLFSG financially.
He notes, “Our next steps are to complete the installation of the irrigation system, install electricity, erect a storage shed and garden (plant, weed, water, harvest). Updates and additional photos are available through Facebook, Instagram or at the LOLFSG website.”
OLD LYME — This Clean-Up of White Sand Beach is part of International Coastal Cleanup Day, which is being celebrated worldwide Sept. 18. Volunteers are needed for this local effort, which is the fifth annual #DontTrashLISound day.
This year’s campaign, run by the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs with support from the Long Island Sound Study, will consist of cleanup events in both states, social media posts and giveaways of “Protect Our Wildlife” stickers for reusable water bottles and travel mugs
Volunteers tend the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden at Town Woods Park.
OLD LYME — In March 2021, a group of interested residents of Lyme and Old Lyme met on Zoom to plan the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG), a garden dedicated to growing and donating all produce to local food pantries. As the end of summer draws near, the group is delighted to share their progress and invite readers to visit the site.
The LOLFSG will be holding two Open House/Work Sessions on two upcoming Saturdays, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the garden, which is located behind the field house and playground at Town Woods Park. All are welcome.
Jim Ward, who conceived the original idea for the garden and has been the driving force behind its development, explained, “Board members are anxious and excited to share the progress we have made in establishing the garden and look forward to answering any questions concerning our vision.”
In the months following the inaugural meeting, the LOLGSF participated in a crowdsourcing fundraiser sponsored by Sustainable CT in which 82 donors helped raise $8350. With $7500 of those funds being matched, the LOLFSG was able to purchase fencing materials and broke ground at Town Woods Park in June.
A view of the Community Share Garden showing the three raised beds in the background.
Ward commented enthusiastically, “Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, an eight-foot deer fence has been erected, the installation of an irrigation system is in progress, three raised beds have been built and additional in-ground beds have been prepared. We are on track to plant and harvest our first crops in Spring 2022!”
As the number of LOLFSG members increases, volunteers of all ages are invited to join the organization. Ward invites readers to consider volunteering, visiting the garden, or continuing to support the LOLFSG financially.
He notes, “Our next steps are to complete the installation of the irrigation system, install electricity, erect a storage shed and garden (plant, weed, water, harvest). Updates and additional photos are available through Facebook, Instagram or at the LOLFSG website.”
Hikers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.
In the event of rain, meet at the Old Lyme Inn for Happy Hour instead of the trailhead.
OLD LYME — Learn to row Irish … remember, you don’t need to be Irish to row Irish!
Readers are invited to try out the ancient art of Irish Currach Rowing, Saturday, Oct. 16, at Hain’s Park, Rte. 1/Boston Post Rd. in Old Lyme from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
An Irish currach is a traditional vessel made of wood lathe and covered in canvas. Currachs date back several thousand years. They were used for trade among islands, between islands and mainland and along coastal mainland villages. The relatively light (for their size) fishing/trade boats, which could withstand high swells, have been streamlined in design for rowing competitions.
Veteran and newcomer rowers are all welcome. Pre-register before Oct. 15, and sign the waiver. Request the forms from row.currach.nl@gmail.com. Pre-register and also take an introductory lesson to receive a free team t-shirt.
The organizers suggest that attendees should bring gloves.
There is no obligation to join the group — simply come and try out currach rowing. Free coffee will be available to rowers and newcomers.
For more information, contact row.currach.nl@gmail.com
This event is sponsored by New London Currach Rowers with support from the Ancient Order of Hibernians of New London County and the Irish Coastal Club.
OLD LYME — Did you know Connecticut has a ‘Buried River’? It is the Hog River, which was buried under the City of Hartford in the 1940’s.
On Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., enjoy a conversation with Dick Shriver, publisher of the local Estuary magazine, and Elizabeth Normen, publisher of Connecticut Explored, and also the author of “My Ride Down the Hog River,” which is published in Estuary’s winter issue.
They will discuss stories about the environmental history of the state’s iconic “Great River,” and, in contrast, the little, buried Hog River.
Register here for a link to this virtual program. All are welcome and the program is free.
Stop by the library and pick-up free, complimentary winter issues of Connecticut Explored and/or Estuary magazine.
LYME — On Sunday, April 10, at 2 p.m., the Lyme Land Trust hosts a presentation about the Old Growth Forest Network with Professor Joan Maloof at Lyme Public Hall.
Professor Maloof, who is Professor Emeritus at Salisbury University, founded the Old Growth Forest Network in order to preserve, protect and promote the country’s few remaining stands of old-growth forests.
This program is of particular importance to regional residents as the Town of Lyme now plays an important role in the United States’ biospheric health as a holder of one of three such designated forests in the state of Connecticut. Lyme’s Johnston Preserve was designated a future Old Growth Forest in 2021.
Joan Maloof is the author of Treepedia: A Brief Compendium of Arboreal Lore, The Living Forest: A Visual Journey into the Heart of the Woods, Nature’s Temples: The Complex World of Old-Growth Forests, and Teaching the Trees: Lessons from the Forest and other publications.
Books will not be available for purchase at the talk, but if attendees bring your pre-purchased book(s), Joan Maloof will sign the book(s) after the talk. All books are available from the usual outlets, such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble or by ordering from your local bookstore.
To register for this event, email Education@lymelandtrust.org with subject: “Old Growth Forest.”
This program is made possible be a generous co-sponsoring project between estuary magazine, the Friends of the Lyme Public Library, and the Lyme Land Trust in collaboration with the Town of Lyme.
LYME — In celebration of Earth Day today, Lyme Land Trust is offering a live video screening tonight at 7 p.m. via Zoom of Spring Emergence: An Exploration of Wildflowers in Pleasant Valley and Jewett Preserves.
This new, 27-minute video is the third in a series of preserve explorations with charismatic naturalist Mike Zarfos.
Zarfos, the writer, and Sue Cope, the video editor, will be live for a brief introduction to the video and then, after the viewing, for a live Q & A.
All are welcome to join the presentation. Preregister by sending an email to sue.cope@lymelandtrust.org to obtain the Zoom link.
On Saturday, April 23, Lyme Land Trust offers an Earth Day Walk of the Johnston Preserve led by forest ecologist Anthony Irving. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last until around 11:30 a.m.
The Town of Lyme’s 250-acre Johnston Preserve was designated a future Old Growth Forest by the Old Growth Forest Network (OGFN) in 2021
This walk is co-sponsored by the Town of Lyme. Meet at the Johnston Preserve on Rte. 82 in Lyme.
There is no charge and all are welcome, but registration is required at openspace@townlyme.org.
The Rogers Lake Authority is holding a virtual meeting tonight, April 25, with a single agenda item of reviewing public comment concerning the controversial topic of No Wake Buoys.
To join the meeting, use the following meeting link: https://oldlymect.webex.com/oldlymect/j.php?MTID=m4be2068d5a47f0384c11fe3ab1950ae6
To join by phone, call: 1-408-418-9388 and enter Access Code: 2332 517 5949.
The Rogers Lake West Shores Association is holding a viewing party of the meeting at the Rogers Lake Clubhouse this evening at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Editor’s Note: Read a related Open Letter to the Lyme, Old Lyme Boards of Selectmen:- Actions of Rogers Lake Authority Spark Concern, Anger published April 21, on LymeLine.com.
LYME — The Hamburg Fair Association in cooperation with the Lyme Public Hall presents a spring music concert featuring “John Brown and the Backporch Pickers” band on Saturday evening, May 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the ring at the Fairgrounds.
John Brown
The band, known for its well-blended mix of traditional country, classic rock, and heartfelt originals that reflect the trials and tribulations of life is sure to entertain those of all ages.
Grab your folding chairs or blanket and pack your families and friends in your car, truck, or SUV to join us for a night of great music!
Admission is $30.00 per carload and proceeds benefit the 2022 Hamburg Fair.
Hotdogs, hamburgers, and soda/water will be available for sale onsite.
Don’t miss this fun-filled, fund-raising event at Hamburg Fair Grounds, 2 Sterling City Rd., Lyme, CT.