After a real winter, it is undeniable that spring beckons us to come out and play. The Northwest corner of Connecticut offers a richness of opportunities to do so, some well-known, others more a well-kept secret. Maria Grace, Executive Director of the Sharon Land Trust will provide a key to unlock some of those secrets on Tuesday, April 27 at 7 pm, with her presentation, Take A Hike! A Guide to the Preserves and Trails of the Sharon Land Trust.

Since 1982 the Sharon Land Trust has been a steward of the rural heritage of Sharon, CT, on a mission to preserve and protect lands of “special scenic ecological, or agricultural value in order to maintain the rural character of the Town of Sharon.” The Trust owns over 1400 acres and holds conservation easements over an additional 1800, much of which is still in agriculture. They have created 9 preserves, with the express purpose of inviting the public to enjoy the landscape, with over 15 miles of trails that have been blazed through beautiful fields, forests, and along unique and sometimes rare habitats. Some trails will take you through several of the SLT’s holdings, showing the variety of lands within an easy walk.

Sharon Land Trust’s public preserves and their trail systems provide a meaningful benefit to the community. Maria Grace states, “by offering natural spaces to recreate, the Trust provides space to relax and reconnect with the natural world, a proven method of reducing stress and improving our health and well-being. Additionally, protecting key pieces of land helps to protect wildlife corridors and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Trust is committed to protecting these places, forever.”

The evening will be moderated by Hotchkiss Library’s Development and Event Coordinator, Holly Nelson, who has enjoyed some of the SLT trails and is looking forward to learning more about them. “Enjoying our lovely piece of the world has offered some solace during this last year. We’re pleased to be able to help the Library audience learn more about how easy it is to enjoy this landscape.”

Attendance at the Virtual Community events are free but registration is required. To register please visit: bit.ly/LTGetOutside.