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)
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
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
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