FALPS events help people connect with nature. Events posted on this page are free and open to the public. Whether you’re a long-time friend of our forests or a first-time visitor, we’d love for you to join us!
Upcoming Events
🗓️ 2026 Events
October 2026
Visit FALPS at the Riverton Fair!
October 9, 10, & 11, 2026
View the Fair Schedule including hours
LOCATION: Riverton Fairgrounds – View map of fairgrounds, directions, and parking information
Come visit FALPS at our booth at the Riverton Fair, Friday, October 9th through Sunday, October 11th. Learn about the projects we’ve completed throughout the past year and those to come. Find out about the different wildlife and the trees that abound in our forests. FALPS apparel will be available for purchase.
Summit Adaptive Sports at Peoples State Forest
Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 1 PM EDT
LOCATION: Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, 106 East River Road, Barkhamsted, CT 06063
Come try out adaptive sports equipment for hiking and biking and enjoy Matthies Grove and the North Meadows in Peoples State Forest!
Summit Adaptive Sports’ goal is to “foster a healthy lifestyle through outdoor sports for individuals with disabilities in a fun, accessible and inclusive environment. Adaptive sports open the door to limitless possibilities, shaped by each individual’s strengths and goals. Come try out our adaptive equipment for hiking and biking. Summit Adaptive Sports’ programs are crafted to empower and inspire, ensuring every participant can fully engage and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Come enjoy our beautiful State Forest. All are welcome!
RSVP Required: Please RSVP to FALPS e-mail at ctfalps@gmail.com
Charles Pack Trail Extension Dedication and Inaugural Hike
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 1 PM EDT
LOCATION: Meet in the North Parking lot at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest, near the kiosk.
106 East River Road, Barkhamsted, CT 06063
A ceremony to dedicate the trail will take place at 1 PM at the kiosk, then FALPS’ President Erik Landgraf and other FALPS’ Board members will lead a 3-mile hike up the new section of the trail back to Squire’s Tavern at 100 East River Road, just across from the Pavilion in Matthies Grove.
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November 2026
An American Original: The Wild Turkey
Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST
LOCATION: Squires Tavern, Peoples State Forest, 100 East River Road, Barkhamsted, CT, 06063
Come hear Ginny Apple, a FALPS board member and a Master Wildlife Conservationist with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection talk about the Eastern Wild Turkey, a native species to North America and a most interesting bird. The Wild Turkey numbered in the millions when the colonists first came to our shores but their numbers dwindled rapidly so that reintroduction was necessary in many states, including Connecticut. Ginny will discuss Wild Turkeys, their role in early America, their habitats and eating habits, mating rituals and offspring. She will also explain and dispel the rumor that Ben Franklin insisted our National Symbol be the Wild Turkey.
Pre-Thanksgiving Day Hike
Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 1-3 PM EST
LOCATION: Meet at parking area across from Greenwoods Road at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest, 106 East River Road, Barkhamsted, CT 06063
Join the Barkhamsted Recreation Department, the Farmington River Steward and FALPS for the 13th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Day Hike at Peoples State Forest. We hope you and your family will enjoy this tradition.
Come with us on an approximately 3.9-mile hike with route options for all levels. Explore the Beaver Brook Marsh Boardwalk Trail, surrounded by the Wild & Scenic Farmington River watershed, It’s the perfect way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday—with family, friends, fresh air and stunning views! We’ll share pot luck snacks, so please bring your favorite and water for your hike. We’ll have apple cider, hot chocolate, cookies and snacks waiting for you at the Boardwalk and at the end of the hike. Please dress for the weather and bring proper hiking gear, the hike is moderately strenuous, but absolutely worth it. This event will be held in rain or shine.
RSVP: Please register on the Town website at www.barkhamsted.us by Monday, November 16th.
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December 2026
Holiday Crafting
Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 10 AM to 12 PM (Noon) EST
LOCATION: Barkhamsted Senior/Community Center, 109 West River Road, Pleasant Valley, CT 06063
‘Tis the season to frolic in our forests, look for nature’s treasures to help us make beautiful holiday crafts. Join FALPS member Helen Ann Landgraf—the creator of our summer Fairy House event extraordinaire—and make your own handmade items for decorating or for gifts—no matter what holiday you celebrate! It’s a fun, hands-on experience with yummy treats to eat and hot chocolate. Free and open to all.
Want to spend even more time learning about our forests and community? FALPS members are invited to special members-only events!
Questions about an upcoming event? Please email ctfalps@gmail.com and let us know how we can help.
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