February 2023

Bushwhacking Forest Wander

Sunday, February 12th, 1 p.m. Meet at the intersection of Greenwoods and Park Roads, Barkhamsted.

Come join FALPS’ Board member Ralph Scarpino and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) biologist Pete Picone for an on the trail again, off the trail again ramble through the woods looking for deer and moose sign and other wildlife and plant signs in Peoples State Forest. Hike is weather dependent. Look for updates on FALPS’ Facebook and web pages.

History of Peoples State Forest

Saturday, February 25th, 1:30 p.m., Barkhamsted Senior Center, 109 West River Road,, Barkhamsted.

Come join FALPS’ Board member and Barkhamsted Historical Society Historian, Paul Hart, for a fascinating talk on the history of the founding and growth of Peoples State Forest.

March 2023

The Mighty Fine Roberts Pines

Sunday, March 5th, 1:30 p.m. (bad weather date, March 12th, 1:30 p.m.), meet at Whittemore Grove, East River Road, Barkhamsted.

Come join State Forester Gerald Milne and learn about the history of the Roberts Pines, the blue ribbon plot and harvesting. Visit an old campground that was moved after the 1955 flood and see the results of a selected harvest across the road.

Vernal Pools Are Cool!

Saturday, March 25th, 10 a.m., meet at Whittemore Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Salamanders, frogs and invertebrates that migrate to vernal pools in the Spring are important links in our ecosystems. Join FALPS’ President Erik Landgraf and learn about these creatures and other organisms that live and lay eggs in these pools. Field walk/discussion.

April 2023

Forest Bathing/Spring Edition

Sunday, April 16th, 10 a.m., meet at Matthies Grove parking area just right of the entrance booth off East River Road in Peoples State Forest.
Experience a peaceful, relaxing reset of your body. Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life to take a peaceful ramble through the woods. The forest will “bathe” you in sights, sounds, smells and feelings. We will have frequent stops along the way, to let you immerse yourself in the rhythms and world of the Forest.

Wildflower Walk/Hike on the Henry Buck Trail

Saturday, April 29th, 10 a.m., southern trailhead for the Henry Buck Trail in American Legion State Forest, West River Road, Barkhamsted. With the arrival of Spring, Erik and Helen Landgraf are eager to point out the wildflowers that grow in our forests. From the magnificent trillium to trout lilies, the woods are resplendent with blossoms. This is normally peak viewing time, so they will identify may kinds of wildflowers along the way. Those interested can continue on the entire loop (about 2 miles of moderate to difficult hiking) and should return about 1 p.m. (earlier if you do not choose to hike the loop).

Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival

Sunday, April 30th, 12:30-5 p.m., Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS and the Town of Barkhamsted for the Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival. Get your Nature on and enjoy talks, displays and everything natural at this event. Free food and music and a Birds of Prey show. Open to all.

May 2023

Barkhamsted “Lighthouse” Hike

Saturday, May 6th, 9 a.m., Falls Cut-Off Trailhead, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come hike the historical Barkhamsted “Lighthouse” Trail to the site of a Native American community with Dr. Ken Feder, Professor of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University. Ken will discuss the Native Americans and their presence in the forest, pointing out burial sites and other archaeological artifacts and signs. Free and open to all.

Birding 101 and Then Some!!

Saturday, May 20th, 7-10 a.m., site in Peoples State Forest to be announced. Registration required. Please e-mail ctfalps@gmail.com. Join expert birder John Weeks and get tips on how to spot birds using your senses such as hearing to recognize birdsong, sight to gain familiarity with flight patterns and habitat. Binoculars are strongly suggested as well as a willingness to watch and listen.