Explore your nocturnal side this spring with Steep Rock Association and Washington Park & Recreation for a hike through Macricostas Preserve under a full moon.

On Tuesday, April 7^th we will be graced by the Pink Moon, named after the emerging phlox. Join this night hike through an illuminated landscape from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, a special time as the trails are typically closed.  We will meet at the main Macricostas Preserve parking lot (124 Christian Street, New Preston, CT) before proceeding over boardwalk, around hayfield, and into forest with the Lookout as a destination.  This rocky outcropping will provide the perfect platform for viewing the moonrise and letting out a howl or hoot into the night.

There is something very exciting about getting out of your comfort zone.  Not most of us hike at night unless you owl prowl, observe bats, or get tired of sitting around the campfire, but it is well worth the adventure.  Your ears awaken and pupils dilate.  Much more wildlife moves about, but fear not, as we will enjoy this unique experience as a group.

Participants should wear appropriate clothing/footwear for a challenging hike over uneven terrain, bring water for the summit, and have a flashlight or headlamp on hand.

Registration is helpful, but not required and donations are gratefully accepted.  Please register or call the office at (860) 868-9131 Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

PROGRAM LEADERS:  SRA’s Conservation and Program Leader Rory Larson will be leading the way with assistance from Sally Cornell, SRA Trustee and Outreach Committee Member.

Enjoy the outdoors? Have some time to share? Become a volunteer Trail Manager for Steep Rock Association (SRA) and help care for some of their 40 miles of hiking, walking, and horseback riding trails. Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2020 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at 116 Christian Street, New Preston, CT for a training session for both new and veteran trail managers.

Enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie of the group while giving back to a local nonprofit by participating in this unique volunteer opportunity. Trail Managers help steward a designated trail over a one-year period, regularly scouting the trail for environmental concerns and safety hazards as well as performing light trail maintenance duties. As one Trail Manager noted, “It’s a fun way to explore the preserves while also volunteering for SRA.”

To kick off the Trail Manager program for the season, SRA’s volunteer training session begins with a one hour, indoor introductory gathering and training. After lacing up their boots, volunteers venture outdoors together to the adjoining trails for a 1.5-mile, relatively flat hike and hands-on training of trail maintenance techniques.

Wear or bring hiking/outdoor boots (trails can be muddy or frozen), seasonally appropriate attire, and a reusable water bottle; tools will be provided. Families with teens and older children are welcome, but an adult must accompany and participate with children under 18 years of age.  Registration is not required, but helpful. You can register here or call the office at (860) 868-9131 Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Scheduling changes due to inclement weather will be posted to the Steep Rock Association Facebook page and website.

PROGRAM LEADER: Mike Giapponi, SRA’s Trails and Preserve Coordinator, will lead the program. Mike leads volunteers in various conservation projects, including the maintenance of SRA’s 40-mile trail network.

Have you ever wondered how trail workers build stone steps through remote forested hillsides or boardwalks that meander through swamps? Participants in SRA’s monthly trail work party will learn by doing, tackling new and exciting projects every month, ranging from backcountry trail construction to water and vegetation management. Whether you participate for one workday or for the entire season, you are sure to enjoy the camaraderie of the group while leaving a lasting, positive impact on the trails you love.

The work party meets the third Saturday of every month from April through October from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Tools and equipment provided. Wear/bring close-toed shoes, long pants, seasonally appropriate clothing, and a re-usable water bottle. Some hiking to the varying worksites will be necessary.  Each monthly work party project will be posted here on our website, so keep a look out for the latest project.

Families with teens and older children are welcome, but an adult must accompany and participate with children under 18 years of age. Registration is helpful, but not required. Please register here or call the office at 860-868-9131  Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.