Events & Programs

3 Peaks in 3 Weeks: Sun., Sept. 29 through Sun., Oct. 20, 2024

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An annual event each October, this challenge invites participants to hike all three Steep Rock peaks (Steep Rock Preserve, Macricostas Preserve, and Hidden Valley Preserve) in three weeks and register to win prizes for participating. All ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join in this friendly adventure.

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Registration coming soon!

Full Moon Hike at Macricostas Preserve

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Join us for an evening under the October Hunter's moon at the beautiful Macricostas Preserve Lookout. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, meet new friends, and enjoy a peaceful hike under the glow of the moon. This hike is for both fast and leisurely-paced hikers who can hike 3 miles with some steep inclines. We will be returning in the dark. Ages 13+.

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Meet at 5:30PM, boots on the trail promptly at 5:45PM.

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Items to consider: appropriate footwear, insect repellant, headlamp/flashlight, water and snacks (or a full charcuterie spread to enjoy while watching the moonrise!)

Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands dirty and have fun. Ages 16+.

  Join NCLC, Bent of the River Audubon Center, Bethlehem Land Trust, Bridgewater Land Trust, Brookfield Council, Newtown Forest Association, Pomperaug River Watershed Alliance, Roxbury Land Trust, and Steep Rock Association at Woodbury Brewing Company on Thursday, October 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. This casual event is free, open to the public, and an excellent opportunity to get to know others working or volunteering in the conservation field. Date: Thursday, October 24 Time: 5 PM to 7 PM Location: Woodbury Brewing Company, 738 Main St. South, Woodbury, CT 06798 More Details: Attendees purchase their own drinks. Light refreshments will be provided. About Meet Your Greens Meet Your Greens is Litchfield County’s Green Drinks happy-hour network providing opportunities to make connections and exchange news about environmental issues, conservation initiatives, local farming, land use, and more. Based on the popular Green Drinks in CT and nationwide, this informal gathering offers time for a broad group of participants to brainstorm ideas and plant seeds for collaboration. All are welcome and no reservations or RSVP necessary.

Judea Garden Fall Clean Up

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124 Christian St, New Preston Sat., October 26, & Sunday, October 27, 12PM-3PM BOTH DAYS

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Clean away plant debris, prep beds, and plant seeds to greet us early next spring. Join us for one or both days! All ages.

Preserve monitors walk the boundaries of a Steep Rock Association nature preserve in 2019.  Photo credit: Katie at m3mediapro.com

Nature Preserve Monitoring Blitz, Nov. 2 & Nov. 3, 2024 @ 9AM Wrap up & complimentary lunch at 11:30-12PM Steep Rock Association, 116 Christian St., New Preston

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  Did you know that SRA has nearly 30 preserves scattered throughout town? These preserves range from wetlands to mixed hardwood forest; some are old apple orchards while old growth forests and glacial boulder fields dominate others. The one thing they all have in common is that SRA must walk their boundaries annually, monitoring the preserves for ecosystem health, signs of trespass, and presence of wildlife. This fall, we ask for your help. We will start each day at 9:00AM with coffee and light refreshments during a training, which will take place at the Steep Rock House (116 Christian St. New Preston, CT). Learn how to use your smartphone as a GPS, what to look for as you walk the preserves, and how to mark and record your findings.  Bring a friend or we will match you with a partner, and then drive out to your assigned preserve to begin the outdoor monitoring. After walking the boundaries and recording any findings, meet back at the site of the training to share your experiences and enjoy a complimentary lunch as a thank you for your time and efforts. Participants are welcome to join for one or both days of the program. Terrain and hiking difficulty vary widely. Participants will have the option to register for easy, intermediate, or difficult routes. Easier routes consist of hikes totaling approximately 45 minutes or less through flatter terrain while more difficult routes demand hiking over 2 hours through steeper areas. Please note that in all of the preserves, some degree of bushwhacking will be necessary. Participants should wear/bring sturdy waterproof boots, thick pants, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and cell phone if you have one. An adult must accompany children under 16.  Registration is required.

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Seniors in Steep Rock - Steeped in Steep Rock Coffee Hour and Program Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, 11:00AM Macricostas Preserve, 124 Christian St., New Preston

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Join us for coffee, tea, and a coffee-hour style lunch and get an inside look at Steep Rock Association's conservation efforts.

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Seniors in Steep Rock is a collaborative program with the Washington Senior Center and is generously supported by a grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation’s “Pathways for Older Adults” program.

Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands dirty and have fun. Ages 16+.

Join us for Washington’s Annual Holiday in the Depot on Friday, December 9th!

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The evening will begin with the lighting of our tree followed by Santa arriving by horse and wagon. Christmas carols will be performed on the steps of the Bryan Memorial Town Hall by our local school choirs. Visit the shops in the Depot for holiday shopping and enjoy a glass of cider and holiday treats. Additionally, be sure to check out other events going on around the depot, too, including Santa’s arrival on a horse-drawn wagon and the town Christmas tree lighting at 6 pm! Stop by the Steep Rock Association table for a special treat!

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Festivities begin at 5:45pm, Santa arrives at 6:00pm.

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At Judy Black Park: We invite you to join us at the Park from 6:00pm to 8:30pm to participate in the festivities.

Christmas Bird Count 

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Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 from 10:00AM – 12:00PM

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Macricostas Preserve (124 Christian Street, New Preston, CT) Join Steep Rock Association on a 1 ½-mile winter birding excursion through the diverse habitats of Macricostas Preserve. Your eyes, ears, and enthusiasm are needed to collect data for the nation’s longest-running community science bird project, Audubon’s 125th Christmas Bird Count. Everyone from seasoned ornithologists to first-time birders, individuals to families with children are welcome to participate in this special holiday activity.

Winter Solstice Firepit Event, Thu., Dec. 19, 2024

Join us as we welcome the winter season! The winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. What better way to celebrate than with food, friends, and a firepit?