Join us at the Speer Preserve annual outing. This short trail connects to more remote sections of MDC Reservoir 6 and Talcott Mountain State Park, which can feel very much like one is in the deep woods. The route is easy-to-moderate and will last 1.5 to 2 hours. Snowshoes are recommended if we have snow, or if not, waterproof hiking boots and poles.
Meet at the cul-de-sac at the top of Juniper Road in Bloomfield. Check Facebook or the website for postings or cancellation. (Photo by Paula Jones) 
Join us for a weekday hike with Margery Winters at McLean Game Refuge. We will hike the Esker trail to Spring Pond and then head on to Kettle Pond where we might hear the wood frogs quack their spring mating calls. The hike will include a stop at Julien’s Farm Store for refreshments/lunch. This moderate hike will be about 4 miles and includes a few small hills.
This hike is co-sponsored by Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy and Simsbury Land Trust.
Light Pollution and Its Effects on Birds, Wildlife, and Human Health
By Margery Winters, Assistant Director at Roaring Brook Nature Center
A growing body of research suggests that the glow of uncontrolled outdoor lighting is having profound ecological impacts on migrating birds and other nocturnal wildlife. It is also affecting our own health. Learn how you can reduce light pollution around your home and help provide migrating birds safe passage between their spring nesting and wintering grounds.
Margery is a long-time nature instructor at Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton where she is delighted to share her passion for earth sciences and nature with students of all ages. Margery currently serves as chair of the Simsbury Conservation Commission, is a member of the Simsbury Open Space Committee, and is president of the Simsbury Land Trust.
Co-sponsored by: Bloomfield Conservation Energy & Environmental Committee and Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
Join us for a Valentine’s Day weekday hike on the 2+/- mile trail at Simsbury Land Trust’s Tulmeadow Farm and Woodlot. 
There are some inclines during the first half of the hike. Boots with some grip or microspikes will be helpful if there is packed snow on the ground. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water.
Park at Town Forest Park and we will hike out and back. If you want a longer hike, Ethel Walker Woods can also be accessed from the parking area.
This hike is co-sponsored by Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy and Simsbury Land Trust.
Bloomfield’s Golf Course as a Public Asset
By Bradley Klein & Dennis Petruzzelli, CGCS
This PowerPoint presentation shows how the 200 acres of the town’s golf course are an ecologically sustainable natural asset in terms of open space, habitat and plant diversity. Widespread benefits accrue to all town residents, regardless of whether they play golf.
Bradley S. Klein is a longtime town resident and nationally recognized golf course journalist and consultant who has written a dozen books on golf design. He is also chair of the town’s Golf Committee.
Dennis Petruzzelli is a veteran golf superintendent and director of maintenance for Wintonbury Hills GC.
Co-sponsored by: Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
Join us for a weekday hike with Zoe Duesing. Zoe is a graduate student at CCSU in wildlife and conservation biology. She also has an intimate knowledge of Hawk Hill Farm since her family has farmed the property for the last 5 years.
We will start our hike at Hawk Hill Farm where Zoe will give us a brief introduction on the farm’s plans for the upcoming year. We will then head southeast to the 1834 Filley House at LaSalette Park, taking in the view of Hartford if it is a clear day. Next we will head northeast to complete the loop trail past the pond toward Anthony’s Way before heading back. This trail is approximately 3.5 miles with one short hill and some minor inclines and declines. 
Zoe will help point out wildlife habitat and tracks from local animals and talk about what you can see in other seasons on the property. Bring water and dress properly for the weather – hiking boots and a wind layer are suggested because we will walk through portions of open farmland.
This hike, and future weekday hikes, are co-sponsored by Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy and Simsbury Land Trust.
By Dr. Carole Cheah, Research Entomologist at CT Agricultural Experiment Station
Dr. Cheah will give an overview of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and Connecticut’s use of the biocontrol agent Sasajiscymnus tsugae to help manage HWA to preserve and protect our hemlocks.
Co-sponsored by: Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
Ring in the new year outdoors with friends and neighbors! Our fourth annual First Day hike at Wintonbury Hills Golf Course, co-sponsored with Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services, will explore the Town of Bloomfield’s picturesque golf course abutting the Land Conservancy’s Beacon Hill Preserve. Some of the property along Duncaster Road was once a part of A. C. Peterson Farms and nicely illustrates the rural character of western Bloomfield. As a result of continuing thoughtful management, it is certified as a Cooperative Bird Sanctuary by Audubon International.
This guided walk will follow approximately 2.5 miles of cart paths over the rolling hills. Leashed dogs are welcome. Please use the online RSVP form to help our volunteer event leaders plan ahead. Thank you!
Wintonbury Hills is closed for the season for golfers. During this hiatus, walkers are welcome to use the grounds as long as they stay on the cart paths. Snowshoeing also is allowed once there is snow. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore one of Bloomfield’s nicest walks and wonderful views. Once Spring arrives, it will belong again to the golfers!
(Photos: Paula Jones)
We will continue to clear around the foundation along the northwest corner of the field. Park at end of Stone Hill Road.
RSVP to our Conservation Chairs at conservation@trlandconservancy.org if you are interested in attending so that you can be contacted in case of changes or cancellations.
Join us to get hands-on experience clearing invasive plants. You will learn what plants are invasive to our area and how to treat them to hinder further growth.
We will be cutting and painting common buckthorn. Park along the road near 64 Orchard.
RSVP to our Conservation Chairs at conservation@trlandconservancy.org if you are interested in attending so that you can be contacted in case of changes or cancellations.
It’s a good idea to wear long pants, long sleeves, socks, sturdy shoes and work gloves. Bring loppers and water to drink.