New for 2026!: Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy Hiking Club
Anyone is welcome to join the brand new Traprock Ridge Hiking Club exploring trails in our local area. We will be hosting these hikes in partnership with the Simsbury Land Trust Hiking Club to share even more of our region’s protected lands with you!
The February hike will be held at Northwest Park and led by TRLC volunteer Dave Mogul. The planned hike is a circular one of about 3 miles, and will take 2-3 hours, depending on our group’s pace. This is expected to be an easy hike with a limited number of inclines and areas with uneven footing. Since there’s potential for snow and/or ice on the trail, please wear sturdy shoes or boots that have good traction, and bring poles if you like to use them.
In recognition of Valentine’s Day (and to celebrate our mutual love of the outdoors!), we will enjoy donuts and hot cocoa after the hike.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot that’s located right inside the park, across from the soccer fields.
Alternate date of February 21 if we need to reschedule.
Join us for the Speer Preserve annual outing led by TRLC member John Cappadona.
This short trail connects to more remote sections of MDC Reservoir 6 and Talcott Mountain State Park, which can feel very much like one is in the deep woods. The route is easy-to-moderate and will last 1.5 to 2 hours. Snowshoes or waterproof hiking boots and poles are recommended.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the cul-de-sac at the top of Juniper Road in Bloomfield. Check Facebook that morning for postings or cancellation.
Alternate date of February 22 if we need to reschedule.
By Zellene Sandler, DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist
May is the month when many birds arrive back to their nesting territories, some flying thousands of miles. We will learn about what causes birds to migrate in spring and fall, how latest technology is used to track them, and dangers to migrating birds. We will discuss the Bobolinks of Bloomfield and the issues they face here and will view a video on warblers, the little gems of the bird world.
Zellene, a past president of the Hartford Audubon Society, leads hikes and naturalist walks for the Appalachian Mountain Club. She is a dedicated birder and occasional wild plant and mushroom forager who writes occasional articles for local papers and environmental groups, and book reviews for the Horticultural Society and the Audubon.
Co-sponsored by: Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services