Stratford Recreation Department Lifetime Activities
All program registrations take place at the Recreation Office at Short Beach Park unless noted in the description. All Programs Subject To Change. Non-residents may take particular classes for an additional $5 fee.
Updated January 25, 2012
Adult Fitness Programs
The nation could save $20 billion per year in the US if every sedentary American walked an hour per day, according to a study at Brown University. – Hartford Advocate (1995)
Senior Citizen Discount is 50% off.
Yoga 525200 Section 33,35,45,46
Yoga relaxes as well as strengthens the body and develops concentration. Beginner Class meets on Tuesday from 6:00-7:30pm and the Intermediate Class meets 6-7:30pm on Thursday at the Baldwin Center. Session I will be the week of January 10 – March 13 or 15. Registration is through January 9. Session II will be the week of March 27 – May 29 or 31. Registration is March 12-26. Fee is $85 for each 10-week session.
Head to Toe Fitness 524180 Section 12, 14 Cancelled
This class is a 45 minute workout that targets all of the 3 important exercise components – cardio, strength and flexibility. It incorporates a low-impact cardio warm up, strength training and toning using hand weights and a stretching and cool-down segment. It is recommended for beginner to intermediate fitness levels. Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15-7:00pm at Flood School Aux Gym. Session I begins January 3 – March 8. Registration is December 15 – January 2. Session II is March 20 – June 5 with registration March 1– March 19. Fee is $85 per session.
Zumba 524180 Section 67,25,26,22 Postponed until January 17. Still registering NOW
Zumba class meets at the Baldwin Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 5:00 – 6:00pm, beginning January 4 – February 10. Registration is now through January 3 for the first session. Next session begins February 27 – April 2, registration will be February 13 - 26. The third session will be April 16 – May 21, with registration April 2 – 15. The fourth session will be May 23 – June 29, with registration May 7 – 22. This class will help you burn major calories & develop physical fitness while having fun and dancing to Latin music. The cost of the class is $85 for the sixteen classes.
Zumba Tone 524180 Section 01,69,23,21 Cancelled
This is a dance fitness class using light weights, on Wednesdays, at the Baldwin Center, immediately following Zumba, from 6:00 – 6:30p. The first session begins January 4 – February 8, registration December 22 – January 3. Session II begins February 29 – March 28, registration February 15-28. Session III begins April 18 – May 16, registration April 1-15. Session IV begins May 23 – June 20, registration May 10-22. Each session is $15 for 5 classes.
Karate 542580 Section 01-06, 41-44, 81-83, 85, 90
Karate Class will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at Franklin School, as well as on Saturdays at Flood Aux Gym January 4 – March 3. Registration is through January 4. Second session will begin March 5 – May 5 with registration Feb.21- March 5. Third session will be May 7 – June 30 (8 weeks) will be at Flood gym. Registration is April 23-May 7. For information and registration visit www.superiorkarate.net. Non-residents add $5. Signup for two consecutive 8-wk sessions and receive $10 off.
Classes are:
Beginner Karate Class (ages 7-adult)
Monday and Wednesday and Fridays is 6:30–7:20pm and Saturday mornings 10:40–11:30am
Fee is $84 for one class per week; $148 for two classes per week; $168 for three classes per week
Advanced Karate Class (ages 7-adult)
Monday and Wednesday and Friday 7:30–8:20pm and Saturdays 10:40–11:30am
Black Belt Class
Monday from 8:30-9:00 pm
Black Belt Club (Advanced Training for Green-Black Belts)
2 Saturday per month 11:40am-1:10 pm
Fee is $45 for 2-month session, $50 non-residents. Fee is $85 for 4-month session, $90 non-residents
Family Discounts for 2 times per week, 8 week session classes – 2nd family member and up $40 off
Summer Karate Classes 542580 Section 51-56 & 61-66
Classes are at Flood, July 2 – July 25 (4 weeks on Monday and Wednesday) and July 30 – August 15 (3 weeks) at Birdseye Complex. For ninjas the fee for 4 weeks is $34 for once per week and $59 for twice per week. For beg/adv adult the fee is $42 for once per week and $74 for twice per week. For ninjas 3 weeks for once per week is $26 and twice per week is $45. For beg/adv adult the fee is for once per week is $32 and twice per week is $56.
Beginner Class (ages 7-adult)
Monday and Wednesday 6:30-7:20pm
Advanced Class (ages 7-adult)
Mondays and Wednesdays 7:30-8:20pm
Black Belt Class
Mondays 8:30-9:00 pm
Family Discounts for 2 times per week, 4-week session classes – 2nd family member and up $20 off and for 3-week session classes - 2nd family member and up $15 off
ADULT ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
Open gym will be held at the Birdseye Complex Gym from 7:45–9:15pm on Tuesdays beginning January 3 through May 29. Open Gyms are for basketball. Open Gym is also at Wooster on Wednesday and Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 pm beginning January 6. Gym will be closed during school vacation.
Saturday there is an open gym at Wooster for Men from 10:30-12.
New Co-ed Adult Dodgeball League
The league will be held on Thursday nights at Flood Middle School from 6pm-9pm in the months of January thru March. Call the Recreation Office for further information.
Adult Men’s Basketball League
The league plays on Thursday nights at Flood School beginning in February. The league meeting will be January 25 at 6:30pm at the Baldwin Center. $100 deposit to hold a space in league due at the Recreation Office by February 3.
Beach Volleyball Leagues
The Department plans Beach Volleyball Leagues for men, women, and coed teams in June, July, and August at Short Beach. There will be an organizational meeting at the Baldwin Center on these dates:
Men - Monday, April 2 - 7:00pm
Ladies - Tuesday, April 3 - 7:00pm
Coed - Wednesday, April 4 - 7:00pm
Ladies Softball League
The league plays on Thursday nights at Short Beach. The league team meeting will be March 29 at 7:00pm at the Baldwin Center.
The league meeting of team representatives and individuals will be at the Baldwin Center on Monday, March 26 at 7:00pm. The league plays on Sunday afternoons at 5:00pm.
Men’s ASA Softball League
The league meeting of team representatives and individuals will be Monday, March 5, at 6:00pm at the Baldwin Center. All games will be played Mondays and Wednesdays.
Summer Adult Tennis Clinics 422360 Section 41, 42, 12, 13, 14
Adult lessons will be on Tuesdays June 19 – July 10 at the Flood Tennis Courts. They will meet from 6:00-7:00pm for beginner/advanced beginner and 7:00-8:00 pm for Low Intermediate/Intermediate. Fee is $79 for four weeks. Registration is April 2 – May 25 must have four registered for each class to be held. Session II is July 24 – August 14. Registration for this session will be June 12 - July 1.
The following is the 2012 tentative STA Calendar of Events:
1) Stratford Tennis Association New Member Sign Up Night. Thursday, May 10th from 7 to 8 P.M. at the Baldwin Center.
2) Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin. Saturday May 12th 1-4 P.M. at the Bunnell Tennis Courts.
3) Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin. Saturday June 9th 1-4 P.M. at the Bunnell Tennis Courts
4) 39th Annual Stratford Town Tennis Tournament. Saturday June 16th to Sunday June 24th at the Bunnell Tennis Courts.
5) Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin. Saturday July 7th 1-4 P.M. at the Longbrook Tennis Courts.
6) 28th Annual Stratford Clay Court Tennis Tournament. Saturday July 28th to Sunday August 5th at the Longbrook Tennis Courts.
7) Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin. Saturday August 11th 1-4 P.M. at the Bunnell Tennis Courts.
Information and forms are at the Recreation Office at Short Beach Park.
LIFETIME AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
“Play for grown people is recreation – the renewal of life, for children, it is growth – the gaining of life.” – Joseph Lee
DOG OBEDIENCE - Canine Manners Classes 549070
The Recreation Department has contracted with The Refined Canine, LLC to offer the following classes at Birdseye Municipal Complex. All classes (except Dogs and Storks™) are held once per week for 7 weeks at Birdseye Municipal Complex. For further information, please contact “the Refined Canine” at (203) 932-2364 (2DOG). The class fee is $92 for Stratford residents and $97 for non-residents. Please do not bring your dog to the first class.
Puppy Socialization Class 549070 Sections 34,23
For puppies 10 weeks to 5 months old as of start date. Includes introducing puppy to different people and dogs, forming a strong bond and a good family dog by setting clear house rules and setting your puppy up to form good habits. Topics related to raising a puppy and preventing behavior problems are a major aspect of this 7-week course. This class is largely off-leash, where the puppies get to interact with one another, and learn impulse control and bite inhibition, and teaching them to listen and obey cues off-leash, right from the start! Set your puppy off on the right paw! Class runs on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm.
Basic Manners Class 549070 Sections 51,50,25,26
For puppies and dogs 5 months and up. This is a beginner level course which strengthens the relationship between owners and dog by creating a common language while setting a foundation for future training. This 7 week course concentrates on the five basic life skills: Heel, Sit, Stay, Down and Come. We also cover good manners for the family pet, addressing common problems such as barking, chewing, jumping and stealing. Class runs on Tuesdays from 7:45-8:45pm OR Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm.
Intermediate Class 549070 Sections 37,24
This is for dogs that have already completed a basic manners class and know the five basic life skills. Distractions and proofing techniques are added slowly, introducing the dog/owner team to working off-leash. This class is structured to be fun for dogs and owners alike, with AKC Canine Good Citizen test items, as well as games and tricks to enhance the learning experience. Class is on Wednesdays from 7:45-8:45 pm.
First session begins January 10 and 11 with registration through January 6. The second session begins March 13 and 14 with registration February 21-March 9. The third session begins May 15 & 16 with registration April 23-May 11.
Dogs & Storks 549070 Sections 27
Presented by Michelle Douglas, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Pet Dog Trainer, the Dogs and Storks semi-private workshop is designed to help families prepare for life with kids and dogs. Siblings have classes; why not the dog? The class will cover canine behavior, and how your dog may respond to infant, toddler and preschooler’s behaviors and activities. The fee is $45 per couple. Class meets on Thursday April 12 from 6:30-8:30pm at Birdseye Complex. Registration is March 5 – April 5. Please do not bring the dog.
The Recreation Department will offer beginner golf lessons for adults at Short Beach Golf Course on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00pm. The session will begin May 2 – 30. Registration is April 16 - 30. Fee is $40 for 5 weeks.
Stratford Community Concert Band
The Stratford Community Concert Band was founded in 1961, providing area musicians of all ages and skill levels with a place to rehearse and perform together. Current members range in age from middle-schoolers to middle-agers, to seniors, and represent a wide variety of professions. The common bond has always been a love of music. The band performs annual gazebo concerts on Paradise Green, along with a Holiday concert, with occasional other engagements as they arise.
There are no auditions for membership and there are no fees for music or rehearsals. The only requirements for continuing membership are average performing ability on a standard band instrument and reasonable regularity in attending rehearsals. Band meets at Stratford High School from 7:30-9:30pm Tuesday evenings.
STRATFORD, NATURAL-LY,
NATURE WALKING PROGRAMS
Come join Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist, David Wright, for informative spring and summer discovery walks, “Exploring Natural Stratford – Forest to Shore”. Walk Stratford’s shore and trails and see them as you have never seen them before. Scott Kruitbosch, a Conservation Technician from Connecticut Audubon and a Stratford resident, will be joining us on many of our walks. At last, a real birder participating in our walks! You’re going to have a great experience with Scott along! This is the beginning of a number of collaborative efforts between Connecticut Audubon and the Town. Walks are free. Get in shape while enjoying the great outdoors. Advanced Registration requested.
449910
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Stratford, Natural-ly
Nature Walks & Hikes - Winter/Spring 2012
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Walk
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Date
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Location
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Time
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Section
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Winter Wonderland
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1/15
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Far Mill River
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9-11
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08
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|
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Inland Winter Forest Walk
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1/29
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James Farms Road Open Space - Cancelled
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3-5
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16
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Birds, Beans & Burgundy
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2/12
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Shepaug Dam/Vineyard
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9-1
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13
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Late Winter Marsh Walk
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3/11
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Great Meadows Marsh at Long Beach Blvd
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3-5
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19
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Early Migrant Birding Beach Walk
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3/25
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Long Beach
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8-11
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07
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Greenway Walk
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4/22
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Academy Hill/Birdseye Dock/Greenway
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8-11
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18
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International Migratory Bird Walk
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5/6
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Roosevelt Forest
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8-10
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09
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Pequonnock Valley State Park
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5/20
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Pequonnock Valley/Jones Vineyard
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1-5
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11
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International Trails Day Walk
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6/3
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Short Beach to Stratford Point
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8-10
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12
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Inland Town Park Walk
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6/17
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Wooster Park
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3-5
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01
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Housatonic Bridge Walk
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7/1
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Sikorsky Bridge
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8-10
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02
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Beginning Birding Walk
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7/15
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Town Hall/Union Cemetery
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8-10
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03
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Mid-summer Shore Bird Walk
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7/29
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Long Beach
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3-5
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04
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Summer Migrant Birding Marsh Walk
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8/12
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Great Meadows Marsh at Long Beach Blvd
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8-10
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10
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Lower Housatonic River Walk
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8/26
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Dock Parking Lot/Bonds Dock
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8-10
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05
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Birds, Beans and Burgundy 449910 Section 13
Come join us for a fun-filled winter romantic get away close to home and view America's symbol on the wing and in the air. On Sunday, February 12 meet us at the commuter parking lot across from Ryder's Landing at 9:00 am. We'll walk to the Sikorsky Bridge and try to catch a glimpse of any bald eagles in the area. Then, we'll board our bus to travel up the Housatonic River stopping at Lake Zoar to view eagles on the wing over the dam. From Lake Zoar we'll continue on to Southbury looking for eagles along the way and observing eagles hunting at the Shepaug Dam. We'll be able to locate and observe many other wintering water birds and songbirds on our to and from the eagle observation area at Shepaug. The staff from Horizon Wings will bring their hawks, falcons and owls to the dam so, even if the “eagling” is not up to par, at least there’ll be something of interest on hand at the dam
After our visit to the Shepaug Dam, we'll all need some warming so we'll travel to a local Vineyard. Once we're cozy and warm from some romantic red or white liquid cheer at the Vineyard, we'll reboard our bus for a return to Stratford around 2 pm. Fee is $12 food and drink not included. Registration is January 9-February 3. An adult must accompany children under 18.
For more information on the bald eagles of Shepaug Dam, please visit www.shepaugeagles.info.
Woods, Warblers and Wine 449910 Section 11
The Pequonnock Valley is one of the largest state parks in our area. “The Valley” is well known by biking and hiking enthusiasts throughout the tri-state area. The Pequonnock has a long history dating back to Stratford’s earliest days as a town. This “north Stratford” park, located in the center of Trumbull, was home to several mills, a reservoir, a passenger rail line, and a large amusement park. Today, “the Valley” is home to a wonderful variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, fish, trees and plants. In May, the Valley is alive with wildflower blossoms. Join us as we look and listen for warblers and discuss the Pequonnock Valley’s storied history including its recent preservation from development. Following the walk, we’ll travel to a local vineyard to recount our day’s findings from our walk and enjoy some of the area’s fine wines! The trip is Sunday May 20 leaving at 1:00 pm from the commuter parking lot across from Ryder’s Landing. Fee is $12 food and drink not included. Registration is April 23-May 11. An adult must accompany children under 18.
Come join Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist, David Wright, for informative discovery walks Exploring Natural Stratford – from Forest to Shore. Scott Kruitbosch, a Conservation Technician from Connecticut Audubon and a Stratford resident, will be joining us on many of our walks. At last, a real birder participating in our walks! You are going to have a great experience with Scott along! This is the beginning of a number of collaborative efforts between Connecticut Audubon and the Town.Walk Stratford’s shore and trails and see them as you have never seen them before. The walks are free but registration is required. Activity number 449910.
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Nature Walks & Hikes - Winter/Spring 2012
|
|
| Walk |
Date |
Location |
Time |
Section |
| Winter Wonderland |
1/15 |
Far Mill River |
9-11 |
08 |
| Inland Winter Forest Walk |
1/29 |
James Farms Road Open Space |
3-5 |
16 |
| Birds, Beans & Burgundy |
2/12 |
Shepaug Dam/Vineyard Fee $12 |
9-1 |
13 |
| Late Winter Marsh Walk |
3/11 |
Great Meadows Marsh at Long Beach Blvd |
3-5 |
19 |
| Early Migrant Birding Beach Walk |
3/25 |
Long Beach |
8-11 |
07 |
| Spring Wildflower/Earth Day Walk |
4/8 |
Veterans' Park/James Dillon Park |
3-5 |
06 |
| Greenway Walk |
4/22 |
Academy Hill/Birdseye Dock/Greenway |
8-11 |
18 |
| International Migratory Bird Walk |
5/6 |
Roosevelt Forest |
8-10 |
09 |
| Pequonnock Valley State Park |
5/20 |
PequonnockValley/Jones Vineyard Fee $12 |
1-5 |
11 |
| International Trails Day Walk |
6/3 |
Short Beach to Stratford Point |
8-10 |
12 |
| Inland Town Park Walk |
6/17 |
Wooster Park |
3-5 |
01 |
| Housatonic Bridge Walk |
7/1 |
Sikorsky Bridge |
8-10 |
02 |
| Beginning Birding Walk |
7/15 |
Town Hall/Union Cemetary |
8-10 |
03 |
| Mid-summer Shore Bird Walk |
7/29 |
Long Beach |
3-5 |
04 |
| Summer Migrant Birding Marsh Walk |
8/12 |
Great Meadows Marsh at Long Beach Blvd |
8-10 |
10 |
| Lower Housatonic River Walk |
8/26 |
Dock Parking Lot/Bonds Dock |
8-10 |
05 |
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