Walks offered in July

Kent Land Trust and Kent Historical Society
jointly sponsor two walks in July 

There will be two walks offered in conjunction with this year’s exhibit, “Camps of Kent: Memories of Summer,” and both are co-sponsored with the Kent Land Trust.

The first walk will be held Saturday July 25 at 2 p.m. at the former Camp Francis property, now known as the East Kent Hamlet Nature Preserve, at 39 Kent Hollow Road. All Camp Francis alumnae are invited to attend as well as members of the public. The walk is designed for all ages. This event is part of the reunion festivities planned for Camp Francis alumnae and staff.

The second walk will be when the moon is full. The Avian Preserve will be ready for walking when the Kent Land Trust and the Kent Historical Society jointly sponsor a walk on Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m.

The walk is designed for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of foul weather, the walk will be cancelled (with a notice posted on both groups’ Facebook pages and web sites).

The Kent Land Trust began offering seasonal full-moon hikes in 2014. The Historical Society’s exhibit this year celebrates summer with an in-depth look at camping and the outdoors, “Camps of Kent: Memories of Summer,” so the organizations decided to combine their efforts for this mid-summer walk.

“Many people have fond memories of camping and hiking in Kent, and all camps had weekly campfires including guitars and singing.   We are excited to offer a program to rekindle those memories,” said KHS Trustee,  Melissa Cherniske.

There are many things associated with camping and enjoying the great outdoors. Hiking is one of them and the Kent Land Trust has been making an effort in recent years to make their properties more accessible with publicity of organized hikes/walks, and new trail maps have recently been published for three preserves.

“Eight Kent Land Trust preserves have walking trails, and we encourage passive recreation and enjoyment of the outdoors in this beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. The trails at the Avian Preserve are improved and under expansion and it is a magnificent place to experience all that nature has to offer,” said Connie Manes, KLT Executive Director.

As the full moon rises over the Avian Preserve, participants will be encouraged to explore new landscapes and practice using all their senses while walking the trail at twilight.  The walk will end with a campfire and s’mores.  South Kent resident John Baker, who has been collecting and performing folk songs for many years, will lead the group in camp songs.

Participants attending both walks are asked to wear sturdy shoes and long pants, bring a water bottle, bug spray and a flashlight.

The Avian Preserve is located off Route 7 on North Kent Road.  

Both walks are free, but registration is requested by calling  860-488-9185 or emailing connie.manes@kentlandtrust.org.

The Kent Land Trust is Northwest Connecticut’s leading local land trust and has protected more than 2,500 acres along the Southern Gateway, in Kent Hollow, on Skiff Mountain and throughout Kent.

The Kent Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the rich history of Kent as well as to provide educational and research material to enrich the public understanding of Kent’s artistic and cultural heritage.