Essex Land Trust

Canoe/Kayak Paddle – Exploring Turtle Creek
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Essex Town Park, 12 Main Street, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Join the Essex Land Trust for a guided Kayak/Canoe paddle from Essex village to explore Turtle Creek, part of the Turtle Creek Preserve. Jeff Croyle an avid paddler and Essex Land Trust President will lead the paddle. Participants should check-in on site and sign a waiver prior to the paddle. Plan to arrive by at least 9:45 AM for a 10:00 AM launch with your own boat and equipment. Pull into the Essex Post Office parking lot and drive straight down to the water to the public access launch to drop off your boat. Parking behind the Post Office is limited and street parking is available.
A social will follow after the paddle at Essex’s Town Green. See next event for details. Participants are solely responsible for providing and use of their own equipment, including pfds. This event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are permitted at this event and must be secured on the water and on leash on land.

Picnic and Social
2025-08-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Essex Town Park, 12 Main Street, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Following the Turtle Creek paddle, join us for a picnic and social gathering at the Essex Main St. Park to continue the celebration. Festive music will be provided by the Corinthian Jazz Band. It’s a BYOP, so bring your picnic lunch, refreshments and a blanket or chairs. Information on our recent acquisitions will be on display and ELT Members will be on hand. The event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are permitted at both of these events but must be secured on the water and leashed on land.

What is Happening to my Beech Trees?
2025-09-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Connecticut Agricultural Scientist, Dr. Robert Marra, will present information on Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) including the response to the disease in Connecticut and the Northeast since its first appearance in 2019. Dr. Marra will also discuss how to diagnose BLD, the causes and treatment options for landscape beeches. A portion of the presentation will touch on Oak Wilt, which has not yet been detected in Connecticut, but in New York City and on Long Island. This program is a collaboration of the Essex Library and the Essex Land Trust. This program is FREE and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT.
Registration required: HERE

Hike and Happy Hour: Naturalist Led Hike at Toby Hill Ridge with Phil Miller
2025-09-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Toby Hill Ridge, 1271 Toby Hill Rd, Westbrook, Westbrook, CT, 06498, United States
Join us for our always popular hike and happy hour and enjoy an evening walk with your friends at the Land Trust. Naturalist Phil Miller will lead a 1 hour easy/moderate hike at Toby Hill Ridge, our most recent acquisition and will feature its history, flora, and fauna. Parking is limited at the preserve so we will meet at the L.C. Doane parking lot at 110 Pond Meadow Road and walk up Toby Hill Road to the preserve. Following the hike we will meet at a local venue for socializing. Join us for a little exercise and a lot of fun! This hike is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are ok and must be on leash at all times.

Source to Sea Cleanup
2025-09-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
We will be partnering with Sustainable Essex for the annual Ct River Conservancy Source to Sea Cleanup on September 27. Essex Land Trust members are invited to participate to help clean up our riverfront and community including our Great Meadow and Turtle Creek Preserves. Please register on the CRC Source to Sea Cleanup Website HERE joining the Essex Three Villages Group. We will gather at the CT River Museum at 9:00 AM and then will disburse to the various cleanup sites. Please bring gloves and “pick up tools” if you have them. Boots or waterproof shoes are recommended. We will collect and categorize debris to assist CRC in their advocacy efforts. We are expecting to finish by noon.
This is a rain or shine event, but severe weather could cancel. Updates, if any, will be posted on the Essex Land Trust Facebook page.

Naturalist Led Hike at Cross Lots with Phil Miller
2025-10-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Cross Lots, 40 West Avenue, ESSEX, CT, 06426, United States
Break up your morning routine and enjoy a nature hike with your friends at the land trust. Naturalist Phil Miller will lead the 1-hour easy hike featuring the history of Cross Lots as well as its flora and fauna, including our pollinator meadow and American chestnut orchard. Parking is limited at the preserve, so please park just a short walk away at Town Hall. Following the hike, we’ll meet at a local venue for coffee and socializing. This hike is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are ok and must be on leash at all times.

Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase
2025-10-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Ivoryton Green, Ivoryton Green, Ivoryton, CT, 06442, United States
Supported by the Essex Land Trust, this race benefits the Ivoryton Library and its programs. A portion of the run goes through our Falls River Preserve. Registration is online (https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Ivoryton/IvorytonPumpkinChase) and check-in is at the Ivoryton Village green starting at 7:30 am. Race starts at 8:30 am for children and at 9:00 for adults.

Full Moon Hike
2025-11-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Johnson Farm, Read Street, Ivoryton, CT, 06442, United States
Join us for our popular Full Moon Hike at Johnson Farm. The moon will rise before our start and we’re hoping for a crystal-clear night so the moon can light our way. The first part of the hike is moderate and goes over rocky terrain with lots of roots and a bit of elevation. The trail then opens to meadow and pastureland for an open view of the moon. Following the hike, we’ll head to a local venue for socializing. It’s November, so please dress warmly and have appropriate footwear as the first part of the trail is rocky and can be wet. Bring flashlights as well as binoculars or scopes for some stargazing. This hike is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are ok and must be on leash at all times.
Please register at: https://bit.ly/4n8HuU6

Morning Hike at Canfield Meadow Woods
2025-11-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Canfield Meadow Woods, Book Hill Woods Rd., Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Join us for a Thursday morning guided hike exploring the Canfield Meadow Woods Preserve which we are pleased to be co-sponsoring with the Valley Shore YMCA. The hike will be 1.5-2 hours over moderate terrain and will feature rock outcroppings, water courses, and some features unique to Canfield Meadow Woods like one of Connecticut’s oldest poplar trees and a platform for some great views. Please arrive by 9:45 AM for a timely start. This hike is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are ok and must be on leash at all times.

Volunteers Needed for Popup Invasives Clearing at James Glen
2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:00 | James Glen, Hudson Lane, Essex, CT, 06426
Essex Land Trust Invasives Steward Lois Stahlbush-Tolley is planning a pop-up invasive clearing event at the 4-acre James Glen Preserve. Two areas dominated by Japanese barberry will be the target for the occasion. Both of these areas are somewhat isolated so this effort will help prevent it from expanding farther. People should bring leather gloves, loppers, clippers, and shovels. Park either at the end of Hudson or Oxbow Lanes. The small wooded valley preserve, donated to the land trust by Essex physician Dr. James Glen, has steep slopes on its east side and dissected by brook that feeds the Connecticut River.

Preserve Cleanups - Cross Lots
2025-12-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Cross Lots, 40 West Avenue, ESSEX, CT, 06426, United States
Help us to prepare our properties for winter as we rake leaves and clear up any fallen debris. Families welcome. Dress warmly, bring rakes, tarps and blowers. Refreshments will be provided. Mark your calendar. Saturday December 6 – 9:00 AM – Cross Lots, 40 West Avenue, Essex

Preserve Cleanups - Cross Lots
2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Cross Lots, 40 West Avenue, ESSEX, CT, 06426, United States
Cross Lots needs volunteers to finish clean up
Help us to prepare three of our properties for winter as we rake leaves and clear up any fallen debris. Families welcome. Dress warmly, bring rakes, tarps and blowers. Refreshments will be provided. Mark your calendar. Saturday, December 13 – 9:00 AM – 30 West Avenue, Essex

Community Concert featuring Melaena
2026-01-10 08:00 - 17:00 | CT
Enjoy an evening at the Essex Main Street Park with Friends, Live Music, and views of Middle Cove. The Essex Land Trust is hosting the event featuring Melaena, a 6-piece cover band whose sole mission is to perform music that “makes you want to dance.” We’ll be grooving to songs from every decade, from Top 40 to Motown to classic rock to current hits. All are welcome at this family friendly event. Bring your family, friends, picnic baskets, blankets, beverages, and be prepared to sip, dance, and have some fun. Dogs on leash are OK. This event is weather dependent so please check our Facebook page for updates.

Who’s Been Walking in These Woods?
2026-01-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Falls River Preserve, Falls River Drive, Ivoryton, CT, 06442, United States
A Guided Family Hike with Naturalist Phil Miller
Have you ever come across mysterious animal tracks while wandering through the woods and wondered, “Who’s been walking in these woods?” Discover the answers on a special family-friendly hike led by Naturalist Phil Miller. During this one-hour hike over easy terrain, Phil Miller will guide participants through Falls River Preserve, teaching how to identify various animal tracks. The hike will also highlight the preserve’s diverse flora, fauna, and geological features. While the event is tailored for families and younger hikers, everyone is welcome to join. If there is a bit of snow on the ground, it will make spotting evidence of our furry and feathered friends even more exciting. Come out to enjoy some exercise and gain new knowledge about the natural world around you!
This event is co-sponsored with the Essex Library #essexlibrary and the Appalachian Mountain Club #appalachianmountainclub.
Please Register: HERE. Parking is limited, please carpool if possible. Rain cancels the event. For the latest updates, please check our Facebook page.

Pruning, It’s Easier than You Think
2026-03-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Pruning, It’s Easier than you Think is presented in collaboration with the Essex Garden Club. In this seminar, Kevin Wilcox will present pruning tips for the home gardener.

The Essex Land Trust Annual Meeting
2026-04-09 16:45 - 19:00 | Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Join us for an evening of camaraderie and celebration. The program will feature a review of the past accomplishments, plans for the upcoming year, and the election of board members. There will be a charge for the Social to cover costs, but attendance at the Annual Meeting is free. Smart attire suggested. Click here for Annual Meeting Registration

Vernal Pools and Emerging Life in The Preserve
2026-04-11 11:00 - 12:30 | The Preserve (East), 13 Ingham Hill Road, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Bob Russo, ecologist and Ivoryton resident, will lead a hike in The Preserve to help you search for salamanders, frogs and plants emerging from the long winter. He will describe the biological and geological features that make the vernal pool areas unique and bountiful. Meet at the first/East Preserve parking lot. Approximately 1½ hours duration (for the event; hike is 10-15 mins in/out) over easy to moderate terrain. Bring tall waterproof boots and nets if you have them. Open to all ages. Kid Friendly: recommended for Ages 6+. Parking is limited so please carpool if possible. This hike is weather dependent so please check our Facebook Page for updates. Dogs are not permitted at this event.

Earth Day 2026 - Nature Hike + Treasure Hunt at Windswept Ridge
2026-04-22 15:00 | Windswept Ridge, 176 Westbrook Road, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Hey there Earth lovers! Join Essex Land Trust’s Jeff Croyle and artist Jen Longworth for a special hike and nature activity celebrating Earth Day at Windswept Ridge. We’ll take a hike around the beautiful lowland creek area of this preserve while participating in a Sensory Treasure Hunt along the way! Our hike will end at the ongoing Four Season Art + Nature project Jen has created, where we’ll share the Treasure Hunt finds we’ve collected and add them to the art project. This is a family friendly event that will last approximately 90 minutes. Dress: Trails will likely be muddy. Please wear hiking shoes or boots as appropriate. This is a weather dependent hike. Please check our Facebook Page for weather related updates. Dogs are not permitted at this event. Parking is behind Essex Financial.

Invasives Seminar
2026-05-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Invasive plants are formidable foes and very difficult to control in our preserves and in your backyard. Join us for this seminar to learn more about invasive plants in Connecticut and control practices. Rose Hiskes of the CT Agricultural Station and Essex Land Trust’s Invasives Steward, Lois Stahlbush-Tolley will be our guides on identification and the land trust’s approach to management. Please register at: HERE

Thursday Morning Hike at Canfield Meadow Woods
2026-05-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Canfield Meadow Woods, Book Hill Woods Rd., Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Join us for a Thursday morning guided hike exploring the 384-acre Canfield Meadow Woods Preserve which we are pleased to be co-sponsoring with the Valley Shore YMCA. This hike will be 1.5-2 hours over moderate terrain and will feature rock outcroppings, water courses, and some features unique to Canfield Meadow Woods like one of Connecticut’s oldest poplar trees and a platform for some great views. Please arrive by 9:45 AM for a timely start. This hike is weather dependent so check our Facebook Page for updates. Dogs are ok but must be on leash at all times.

Invasives Removal: Boot the Barberry at Woodja Hill
2026-05-09 10:00 | Woodja Hill, Oxbow Lane, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Help us in our continuing efforts to remove invasive plants in our preserves and help to reestablish native habitat. This will be a continuation of our barberry removal efforts initiated last fall. There is still a lot to go. Bring gloves, loppers, pruners, mattocks and such. This event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are not permitted at this event.

Pond and Stream Probe: Naturalist Led Exploration at Heron Pond with Phil Miller
2026-05-16 10:00 | Heron Pond, Heron Pond Road, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Join us for an exploration of the pond and stream edges, looking for aquatic life. Please wear boots or shoes that you won’t mind getting wet. Parking is limited at the preserve so please carpool if possible. This event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are not permitted at this event.

Invasive Removal at Osage Trails
2026-06-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Osage Trails, Foxboro Road, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Help us in our continuing efforts to remove invasive plants in our preserves and help to reestablish native habitat. We will be working at Osage Trails removing burning bush and other invasives. Bring gloves, loppers, pruners, mattocks and such. This event is weather dependent and the rain date is June 3. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are not permitted at this event.

CT Trails Day Hike at Bushy Hill/Platt Preserve
2026-06-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Bushy Hill, Platt Preserves, Bushy Hill Road, Ivoryton, CT, United States
Bushy Hill and Platt Preserves are local gems. The preserve is fully wooded and hugs the Falls River in the southern part of the Platt Property. There are a lot of interesting features including a mountain laurel maze, foot bridges, and a cascade on the Falls River. This family friendly hike co-sponsored with the Essex Conservation Commission is part of the CT Trails Day celebration and will be approximately 3 miles long over easy to moderate terrain. Refreshments and socializing after the hike will be on site near the trailhead. Come out and enjoy the great outdoors. This event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook Page for updates. Dogs are ok and must be on leash at all times.

Ivoryton Walking History Tour
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:30 | The Millrace, Ivory Street, Ivoryton, CT, 06442
This popular event is co-sponsored with the Essex Historical Society. Essex Land Trust steward, Scott McCoid, will lead a walking tour of the Millrace Preserve covering Ivoryton’s history, the company that built it, and the flood that punctuated the end of an era. The conversation will continue through Ivoryton with EHS featuring historic buildings and sites that made up Ivoryton’s rich history. Parking on Ivory St. and Public Lot at Ivoryton Green. The event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook Page for updates. Unless your dog is a history buff, best to leave them at home.

Community Concert featuring Melaena
2026-06-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Essex Town Park, 12 Main Street, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Enjoy an evening at the Essex Main Street Park with Friends, Live Music, and views of Middle Cove. The Essex Land Trust is hosting the event featuring Melaena, a 6-piece cover band whose sole mission is to perform music that “makes you want to dance.” We’ll be grooving to songs from every decade, from Top 40 to Motown to classic rock to current hits. All are welcome at this family friendly event. Bring your family, friends, picnic baskets, blankets, beverages, and be prepared to sip, dance, and have some fun.Dogs on leash are OK. This event is weather dependent. so please check our Facebook Page for updates.

Ivoryton July 4 Parade
2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Ivoryton Green, Ivoryton Green, Ivoryton, CT, 06442, United States
The Essex Land Trust will participate in the Annual Ivoryton Fourth of July parade celebrating our Nation’s 250th! We will have a tractor and decorated trailer and will spread general good cheer! ELT volunteers, members, and families are encouraged to attend and wear your red, white, and blue! Marchers will gather at 9:30 AM at the intersection of Walnut St. and Main St. in Ivoryton. Parade begins at 10:00 am. Rain Date is July 5.

Family Paddle – Exploring Mill Pond
2026-07-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Falls River Park, Falls River Drive, Ivoryton, CT, 06442, United States
Join the Essex Land Trust for a guided Canoe/Kayak paddle around Mill Pond. Sue and Bob Cornell, Jean Island Stewards and avid paddlers will lead the armada. Please arrive early. Participants must check-in on site, sign a waiver, and launch their boats prior to the 10:00 am departure. Parking is onsite. Bring a lunch, refreshments and chairs to enjoy socializing at Falls River Park following the paddle. Participants are solely responsible for providing and use of their own equipment, including pfds. This event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are permitted at this event and must be secured on the water and on leash on land.

Geocache Adventure
2026-08-11 15:30 - 17:00 | The Millrace, Ivory Street, Ivoryton, CT, 06442
The Essex Library Summer Reading theme this year is “Plant a Seed, Read!” Each week, join Essex Library for a hands-on workshop where we’ll explore a different hobby, skill, or craft. The last session is all about Geocaching! In this session, families will join Essex Land Trust to explore The Millrace property and learn how to use the free Geocache app to join the world’s largest treasure hunt by using a GPS-enabled device or smartphone to search for hidden geocaches!
Program open to families with children ages 5+. Registration is required HERE

Patriotic Paddle, Picnic, and Concert
2026-08-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Join the Essex Land Trust and the CT River Museum for an intermediate guided Canoe/Kayak paddle from Essex village to explore Historic Falls River Cove. Jeff Croyle, Essex Land Trust Vice President will lead the paddle. Participants must check-in on site, sign a waiver, and launch their boats prior to the paddle. Please drive down to the ramp to drop off your boat and gear. ELT Volunteers will be there to help you unload. Parking is at the Lay House parking (upper) lot of the CT River Museum; please arrive early. Additional street parking is available.
A BYO (Bring your own) picnic on the CT River Museum lawn will follow the paddle at 1:00 PM. The Corinthian Jazz Band will perform a blend of American favorites and patriotic tunes, ending with a medley to honor our armed forces. Refreshments will be available for purchase. You may decorate your boat and wear red, white, and blue to celebrate the occasion. Please be sure that you and your boat are seaworthy! Participants are solely responsible for providing and use of their own equipment, including pfds.
This event is weather dependent. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are permitted at this event and must be secured on the water and on leash on land.
