VISITING the VERNAL POOLS

PHOTO: North Vernal Pool on Wildlife Sanctuary © Bruce Fellman

 WHERE: Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary
236 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington

 DATE & TIME: Saturday, March 29, 2025 – 10 am – Noon

RAIN DATE & TIME: Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 10 am - Noon

TERRAIN & PACE: Level Terrain, Leisurely Pace

PARKING: Plenty of Parking On the Wildlife Sanctuary

Join us as we wander into the woodland to visit the shallow, seasonal vernal pools, sometimes called temporary spring ponds. These small gems of water, hidden in the woods, play an important role in the ecology of the woodland. They serve as essential breeding habitat for specific species of wildlife, such as spotted salamanders and frogs that travel to the vernal pools to breed and lay their eggs.

Bruce Fellman, naturalist and teacher, will be our expert guide.
 

ALL AGES WELCOME!

Children Must Be Accompanied By An Adult.

BRING: Dip Net, if you have one, if not, we’ll have some available

NEEDED: Sturdy Waterproof Footgear, Tick / Mosquito Repellent - We’ll have some on hand as well.

THE FIELDS OF AUGUST and MORE

PHOTO: Field Habitat on Right of Trail, Barn in the Background - S. Simm

 WHERE: Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary
236 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington

 DATE & TIME: August 24, 2024 – 10 am – Noon

RAIN DATE & TIME: August 31, 2024 – 10 am - Noon

TERRAIN & PACE: Easy, Flat Terrain, Leisurely Pace

Enjoy the quiet beauty of the Wildlife Sanctuary as we stroll along easy, flat terrain suited for all ages. As we view wildflowers, glistening field grasses, dragonflies, monarchs and other butterflies, we’ll search for, among other things, summer birds and our resident box turtles that we may find along the edges of the fields. This 82-acre Wildlife Sanctuary is truly a sanctuary for the wildlife and all those who visit.
 

Sturdy footgear, sunscreen, tick / insect repellent are recommended.

You may wish to bring binoculars, if you have them.

ALL AGES WELCOME! 

Plenty of Parking on the Preserve.

 NO FEE

ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

PHOTO: Great Horned Owl - Niall Doherty

JUNE 18, 2024 @ 6:00 PM

WHERE: Stonington Vineyards, 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT

GUEST SPEAKER: Niall Doherty

Niall is a local photographer and an avid birder. He’s one of the property stewards on the Land Trust’s 82-acre Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary, where there are a range of different habitats – grassland, shrubland, deciduous forest, an evergreen grove and vernal pools. Significantly, each habitat has its own specific population of wildlife. 

Niall’s wildlife observations, over many years, are preserved by his photographs, which he’ll present to us. His photos will give an up-close view of many species that make their homes in the protected space provided by the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wine Bar Compliments of Stonington Vineyards

Elections to the Board of Directors will take place.

EXPLORING THE DAVIS FARM

PHOTO: Davis Farm Cove - S. Simm

 WHERE: The Davis Farm

 DATE & TIME: June 8, 2024 @ 10 AM

TERRAIN & PACE: Easy, Flat Terrain, Leisurely Pace

Come explore a section of the Davis Farm that abuts the Osbrook Preserve and has seen very little change since the early 1600’s. Kevin McBride, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Anthropology at UCONN, will be our guide.

We’ll view the location of historic sites and wind our way down to the shore of the Pawcatuck River. You may wish to bring binoculars, if you have them.  

We’ll meet on Osbrook Point Road at the Osbrook Preserve sign, which is approximately nine-tenths of a mile down Osbrook Point Road.

Sturdy footgear, sunscreen, tick / insect repellent are recommended.

ALL AGES WELCOME! 

PARKING: On Osbrook Point Road, at the Osbrook Preserve Sign

 NO FEE

CALLING ALL ‘EARLY BIRDS’

PHOTO: Common Yellowthroat - Niall Doherty

 WHERE: Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary, 236 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington, CT

 DATE & TIME: May 18, 2024 @ 7 AM
RAIN DATE: May 25, 2024 @ 7 AM

TERRAIN & PACE: Easy, Flat Terrain, Leisurely Pace

We invite you to join us for an early morning bird walk on our 82-acre Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 236 Taugwonk Road in Stonington, CT. Niall Doherty, an avid and knowledgeable birder, will lead this walk along easy, flat terrain.

We hope to see spring migrants like the Purple Martins and Ground-Nesting Bobolinks, as well as returning Kestrels, etc. Notably, in Mid-May last year, on one day alone, Niall noted 17 species of birds on the Wildlife Sanctuary!  

Sturdy footgear, sunscreen and tick / insect repellent are recommended. 

 You may wish to bring binoculars if you have them. 

 ALL AGES WELCOME!

 Plenty of Parking on the Preserve

TRAIL MAINTENANCE
ON MEADOW WOODS PRESERVE

PHOTO: Meadow Woods Trail Entrance - Eagle Scout, Alton Jones

 WHERE: Meadow Woods Preserve, End of Meadow Road in Pawcatuck

 DATE & TIME: December 2, 2023 – 10 am – Noon
RAIN DATE: December 9, 2023 – 10 am – Noon

 NEEDED: Sturdy Footgear, Work Gloves & Tick Repellent

PLEASE BRING: A Rake and Pruning Shears, if you have them

We invite you to join us at Meadow Woods Preserve on Saturday, December 2nd for a morning of trail maintenance. We’ll start at 10 am and work till Noon. This activity is best suited for ages 15 and up, younger than 15, if accompanied by an adult.

Feel free to join us for the entire duration or drop-by for a little while. Either way, we’ll appreciate your helping hands!

THANK YOU!

WILDFLOWERS, DRAGONFLIES, POLLINATORS & MORE

PHOTO: Monarch Butterfly Feeding - S. Simm

 WHERE: Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary, 236 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington, CT

 DATE & TIME: August 19, 2023; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(RAIN DATE: August 20, 2023; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 TERRAIN & PACE: Flat, Easy Terrain – Leisurely Pace

 NEEDED: Sturdy Footgear, Tick / Insect Repellent

Join us for a guided tour of the Land Trust’s much loved and peaceful Thomas Miner Nature Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy wildflowers, pollinators, wildlife, a beautiful array of grasses glistening in the sunshine...and so much more!

ALL AGES WELCOME! 

NO FEE

HISTORICAL EVIDENCE AT OLD MYSTIC RIDGE

PHOTO: Old Mystic Ridge Trail - Hugh McGee

 WHERE: Old Mystic Ridge Preserve, Benjamin Stanton Pentway, Old Mystic, CT

PARKING: In Front of the Preserve at the end of Benjamin Stanton Pentway.

 DATE & TIME: July 8, 2023; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
(RAIN DATE: July 15, 2023; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 TERRAIN & PACE: Flat & Hilly; Moderate to Steep; Leisurely Pace

 NEEDED: Sturdy Footgear, Tick / Insect Repellent

Discover the archaeological heritage of Old Mystic Ridge with archaeologist, Kevin McBride, PhD, who is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut. As Kevin guides us through this unique preserve with its spectacular iconic ledges, glacial erratics and beautiful stonewalls, we’ll discover signs of Native American activity.

This hike is best suited for ages 8 and up. 

Plenty of Roadside Parking in Front of the Preserve

NO FEE

ANNUAL MEETING INVITATION

JUNE 20, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

 WHERE: Stonington Vineyards, 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT

 “A SHORT HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT’S FORESTS”

 Guest Speaker:

Jeffrey S. Ward, PhD

Photo: Old Mystic Ridge - S. Simm

Dr. Ward is a recent retiree of the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, where he was the Chief Scientist of the Department of Forestry & Horticulture. Upon retirement, he was honored to receive the title of Chief Scientist Emeritus.

He’ll discuss the dynamic nature of Connecticut’s forests and what this means for the economic, ecological and aesthetic values of our forests in the future.

 Wine Bar Compliments of Stonington Vineyards

BARN ISLAND ~ A LOCAL TREASURE

CT Trails Day Event

PHOTO: Barn Island Tidal Marsh - Chris Elphick 

 WHERE: Barn Island, Palmer Neck Road, Pawcatuck section of Stonington, CT

MEETING PLACE: Palmer Neck Road, at the Entrance to the Main Trail, which is about 200-yards up from the boat launching parking lot.

 DATE & TIME: June 3, 2023; 8:00 am – 10:00 am.
(RAIN DATE: June 10th; 8:00 am – 10:00 am)

 TERRAIN & PACE: Flat, Leisurely Pace

 NEEDED: Sturdy, Water-Resistant Footgear AND Tick / Insect Repellent

We invite you to explore this unique, shoreline treasure with us. Chris Elphick, UCONN Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Biologist & Ornithologist, will be our guide. 

Chris is looking forward to sharing his knowledge of the salt marsh and the birds who thrive in it, in a way that you may not have seen before – through the eyes of a conservation biologist and ornithologist! 

 ALL AGES WELCOME
Children Must be Accompanied by an Adult

 No Fee

WILDFLOWER WALK

PHOTOS: S. Simm
1) Main Trailhead 2) Edge of the Field & Stone Wall

 WHERE: Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary, 236 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT

 DATE & TIME: August 20, 2022; 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

 TERRAIN & PACE: Flat, Easy Terrain – Leisurely Pace

 NEEDED: Sturdy Footgear & Tick / Insect Spray

Late August is peak season for summer wildflowers. On this photogenic tour, along with viewing the spectacular array of wildflowers, butterflies and dragonflies, we’ll be viewing summer birds, from warblers and kestrels to catbirds and bobolinks, as well as a variety of other wildlife.

 ALL AGES WELCOME!

Plenty of On-Site Parking

 No Fee

ANNUAL MEETING INVITATION

JUNE 14, 2022 @ 7:00 PM

 WHERE: Stonington Vineyards, 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT

 “STRAW BALE GARDENING”

 Presented By:

 Mark Creighton, CT Apiary Inspector, Department of Entomology, CT Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT

PHOTO: Joel Karsten

Straw bales provide raised garden beds for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers, and they need little maintenance. Mark will teach us how to garden using one straw bale or many.

Easily grow your own food, as well as flowers that feed the pollinators. Come learn this productive activity, suited for all ages and abilities.

 Wine Bar Compliments of Stonington Vineyards

 Elections to the Board of Directors will take place.

EXPLORING MYSTIC’S QUIET CORNER
CT Trails Day Event

PHOTOS: S. Simm

1) Hiking Old Mystic Ridge 2) Looking Up at Glacial Erratic 3) Glacial Erratic, Winter View 4) Footbridge Over the Rock-Lined Swale, Autumn View

WHERE: Old Mystic Ridge, At the End of Benjamin Stanton Pentway, Left-Hand Side of the Road

 DATE & TIME: June 5, 2022;  2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 TERRAIN & PACE: Flat, Hilly Terrain;  Leisurely Pace

 NEEDED: Sturdy Footgear & Tick / Insect Spray

We’ll be hitting the trails on Old Mystic Ridge, 26-acres of woods, tucked away in the quiet corner of Mystic – Old Mystic. Come get away from the hustle & bustle of downtown and visit this quiet oasis of natural history.

We’ll explore unusual & unexpected scenery: spectacular iconic ledges, historic stonewalls, glacial erratics, a small abandoned quarry and two footbridges, as well as seasonal streams rich with surrounding woodland birds, butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers, ferns and other plants.

Naturalist and environmental photographer, Bruce Fellman, will lead this one-mile-plus tour.

 
Plenty of Roadside Parking In Front of the Preserve

 No Fee

 ALL AGES WELCOME!

EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK

PHOTOS: (L) Orchard Oriole feeding on blooming fruit trees near the barn on the Wildlife Sanctuary - Niall Doherty (R) Bobolink in the Field on the Wildlife Sanctuary - Niall Doherty

 WHERE: Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary, 236 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT

 DATE & TIME: May 21, 2022 @ 7:45 AM

 TERRAIN & PACE: Flat, Easy Terrain – Leisurely Pace

 NEEDED: Sturdy Footgear & Tick / Insect Spray

Niall Doherty, an avid birder and a steward on the Wildlife Sanctuary, 236 Taugwonk Road, will be our guide. Among other things, we hope to see colorful Spring migrants & the breeding colony of bobolinks. Bring binoculars, if you have them.

Plenty of On-Site Parking

 No Fee

 ALL AGES WELCOME!

 Rain Date: May 22, @ 7:45 AM

FULL MOON - SUNSET HIKE

WHERE: Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary,
236 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington, CT

DATE & TIME: December 18, 2021 @ 3:45 PM

TERRAIN & PACE: Easy Terrain, Slow Pace

LEADER: Niall Doherty, Nature Enthusiast, Avid Birder

Come enjoy strolling through the various habitats within the Sanctuary by the light of the moon.

Dusk is the perfect time to search for owls within the Sanctuary, as they leave their daytime roosting sites in the towering forest trees.

As owls awaken, spread their wings and scan the forest floor for prey, we hope to catch glimpses of them as they take silent flight into the fading light.

A flashlight & sturdy footgear are recommended.

 Plenty of Parking on the Preserve.  No Fee.  Steady Rain Cancels.

 ALL AGES WELCOME

WINTER STROLL

photos left to right: Summer View Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary, Autumn View Thomas Miner Wildlife Sanctuary • photos © S. Simm

The cold brisk days of winter can be a great time to get outdoors.  Often times, the skies are clearer than at any other time of year and getting outdoors to enjoy nature and the beautiful sunshine can be invigorating. 

Niall Doherty, nature photographer, avid birder and nature enthusiast will be our guide.  To accommodate all ages, we'll be strolling at a leisurely pace across flat terrain.  Sturdy footgear is best.

All ages are welcome and encouraged to join us!   

A QUINTESSENTIAL NEW ENGLAND ACTIVITY

photos: S. Simm

WHERE: Thomas Miner Nature Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary
236 Taugwonk Road, Stonington – On-Site Parking Available

WHEN:  Saturday, October 26, 2019

TIME: 1 pm – 3 pm

Come enjoy the fall season with us!  Aboard the hay wagon, we'll ride through the Thomas Miner Nature Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoying brisk breezes, peak autumn color, beautiful shimmering fall grasses, historic stone walls, migrating birds and, of course, other wildlife.  Perhaps, we'll even catch some late fall wildflowers!

For best viewing, you may wish to bring binoculars.  Bruce Fellman, naturalist, teacher and photojournalist will be our guide.

The hay wagon has smooth painted metal bars and bi-level seating.  For those who may need or prefer it, assistance boarding the wagon will be provided.  

The skilled hay wagon operator, Kevin Blacker, from The 97 Farm and Bruce Fellman volunteer their time, each fall, for this quintessential New England activity.  Thank you Kevin and Bruce!

Refreshments will be generously contributed by the legendary Clyde's Cider Mill & Friends of the Land Trust.
  

Plenty of on-site parking!

ALL AGES WELCOME ~ NO FEE

DISCOVERY HIKE ON OLD MYSTIC RIDGE

photos left to right: Glacial Erratic, Trail on the East side, looking toward the top of the ledge, Atop the West facing ledge

photos courtesy of S. Simm

BOBOLINKS, MILKWEEDS & BUTTERFLIES

photos left to right: Monach Caterpillar on Milkweed, Male Spring-Plumage Bobolink, Native Milkweed in Bloom

Thomas Miner Preserve photos © Bruce Fellman

This event has been cancelled due to a Nor’easter.

You Are Invited!

Saturday, July 14, 2018 @ 1:00 pm

a walk through time

The Historical Significance of the 1654 Stanton-Davis Farm where Native American, African American and European American History Merge
 

Retired Connecticut State Archaeologist, and Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, at UCONN, Nicholas F. Bellantoni, PhD, will be our guide.

We’ll be exploring a section of the Davis Farm that has seen very little change since the 1600’s. The event will start on Stonington Land Trust’s Osbrook Preserve, which abuts the Davis Farm. Here, we’ll view a significant Native American site, shared by both properties. After that, we’ll follow the trail, which will lead us onto the Davis Farm.  Then, as we wind our way down to the Cove, on the Pawcatuck River, Nick will continue to teach us about the rich history of these treasured properties. 

Our round-trip exploration will be on flat terrain and will take about 1 ¼ hours. There is no fee.

Sturdy Footgear Recommended • Steady Rain Cancels
 

ALL AGES WELCOME   

We Look Forward to the Pleasure of Your Company!
 

DIRECTIONS

Take Greenhaven Road to Osbrook Point Road.  Travel approximately 1-mile to the Osbrook Preserve sign, on your left.  Plenty of parking is available.

Annual Meeting Invitation

All Aboard the Hay Wagon!

Autumn Sanctuary Hay Ride

WHEN: 
Saturday, October 21, 2017

TIME:
1 – 3 pm

WHERE:
Thomas Miner Nature Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary
236 Taugwonk Road, Stonington – On-Site Parking Available

HAY WAGON:
Skilled Operators from The 97 Farm

REFRESHMENTS:
Graciously Provided by Clyde’s Cider Mill
 

Welcome aboard our 4th Annual Hayride on Saturday, October 21st from 1 – 3 pm – near peak fall foliage is expected.  The hay wagon will travel along the 12-foot wide farm road.  From that vantage point, we’ll view the mature hay fields and  many varieties of fall wildflowers and flowering grasses.  As we keep an eye skyward, we hope to catch views of the plentiful migrating birds.

From aboard the hay wagon, naturalist, photojournalist, Bruce Fellman will interpret our findings in the fields, surrounding woodlands and in the sky.  As we travel through the fields, gates and beautiful historic stone walls, he’ll also talk about how the various plants and animals, including the New England Cottontail, use this sanctuary.   

Assistance boarding the hay wagon will be provided.  Once aboard, there is bi-level seating, a lower level and an upper level.  The lower level provides extra safety for young children and any other folks who prefer it. For best viewing, you may wish to bring binoculars. 
 

Bring the entire family, enjoy refreshments and celebrate the fall season with us!

Sturdy Footgear Recommended. Steady Rain Will Cancel. No Fee

ALL AGES WELCOME

Annual Meeting Invitation

Please Come Join Us!

WHEN: November 5, 2016
TIME: 1 pm – 3pm

WHERE: Thomas Miner Nature Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary, 236 Taugwonk Road, Stonington

HAY-WAGON: Skilled Operators - The 97 Farm

REFRESHMENTS: Graciously Provided by Clyde’s Cider Mill

Welcome aboard for our 3rd Annual Hay Ride Social, on Saturday, November 5th.  Bring the entire family, enjoy refreshments and celebrate the fall season!  Peak fall foliage is late this year, so we’re expecting to see brilliant color.  From aboard the hay-wagon, Bruce Fellman, naturalist and photojournalist, will interpret our flora and fauna findings in the surrounding woods, fields and sky.  For best viewing, as we travel through the gates, fields and along the historic stonewalls, you may wish to bring binoculars.  Bi-level seating, on the hay-wagon, provides extra safety for young children and any other folks who prefer it. 

Sturdy footgear is recommended.

ALL AGES WELCOME!

Assistance boarding the hay wagon will be provided.

DIRECTIONS:

FROM MYSTIC:  Travel North on Route 95. Take exit 91.  At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Taugwonk Road.  Travel North - just over 1-mile.  Sanctuary entrance is on your right.  

FROM WESTERLY: Route 1, West.  At the light, at the top of the hill, bear right onto Pequot Trail.  Travel West - until you come to a stop sign.  Turn right onto Taugwonk Rd. Travel North - just over 1-mile.  Sanctuary entrance is on your right.

ON-SITE PARKING IS AVAILABLE.

Join Us For a Guided Walk

WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 2016
TIME: 2PM – 4PM

WHERE: Thomas Miner Nature Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary, 236 Taugwonk Road

GUIDE: Naturalist, Photojournalist, Bruce Fellman

The Thomas Miner Nature Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary is perhaps best known for its remarkable birds - the nesting Bobolinks, in particular.  However, this land is also home to a matchless diversity of flowering plants and insects, including Monarch butterflies.   

Among other treasures, in late August, the Sanctuary is rich with blossoming Joe Pye Weed, various species of goldenrod, and New York Ironweed.  These flowers are magnets for migrating Monarch Butterflies and other travelers, along with the more stay-at-home lepidopterans, such as Tiger and Spicebush swallowtails.

Bruce Fellman, veteran naturalist and photojournalist, will lead us on a mile-long, slow-paced hike around the edge of the meadow and through the new loop trail.  With eyes wide and our binoculars focused, we’ll be on the look-out for the many and various flowering plants and the creatures that their blossoms attract – from butterflies and dragonflies to bees and beetles.  We welcome you to come visit us and enjoy the beauty of a summer afternoon on this peaceful 82-acre sanctuary.  If you’re not up for walking, please bring a lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds; a spotting scope will be provided.  Refreshments will be served.

Sturdy footgear, binoculars, camera and water are recommended.      

Steady rain will cancel.  No fee and open to the public.

All Ages Welcome!

ON SITE PARKING AVAILABLE

236 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington

Our Annual Meeting