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 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.
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 Simsbury Land Trust land steward David Kozak as we explore the Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve (Bloomfield) and MDC Reservoir 6 (West Hartford) on a recently created trail connecting these properties through the 4-H Center at Auerfarm. 
We’ll spend 2 hours walking approximately 2.5 miles along mostly level terrain discussing the history of the protection of these properties and area geology. Expect the trails to be wet at this time of year, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
The hike will start at the parking area adjacent to the Auerfarm Scenic Reserve sign.
This hike is co-sponsored by Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy and Simsbury Land Trust.