Events & Programs

The main entrance to Steep Rock Preserve may be closed and group events restricted, but the annual Rossiter Run 5K lives on! We are embracing this unique opportunity to offer runners, hikers, and walkers other 5K routes in our preserves in 2023. We are mapping out alternate routes and invite you to explore our other preserves in this friendly health and wellness event.

June 1-20, 2023 INFO and REGISTRATION: https://steeprockassoc.org/5K/  

Weed & Wine Wednesdays are back at Judea Garden! Stop by Wednesdays, June 7 through August 23, 5:30-7:00 PM and weed the vegetable beds at Judea Garden alongside fellow gardeners, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Please bring your own glass. No registration required, please email us with any questions.  

Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Thursday, June 15 we will walk the Hidden Valley Preserve Bridge loop, which will include the Henry David Thoreau Bridge and the Reich Memorial Bridge.

Mindfulness Hike at the Boulders Trail at Macricostas Preserve, Saturday, June 17 @ 8:30am.

MINDFUL HIKING ​Benefits: Mindfulness boosts memory and focus, promotes empathy, and reduces stress. Hiking helps to build stronger muscles and bones, improving sense of balance and heart health. In addition, you may notice improved sleep quality, feel happier, and enjoy other hiker’s company. ​​Instructors: Roxanne Kraft and Alan Arellano Roxanne is a long-time Washington resident who appreciates the beauty of the area. She enjoys hiking and backpacking wherever she travels; frequently hiking the trails in Steep Rock and throughout Connecticut, including the CT Appalachian Trail. Roxanne is an experienced Special Education Teacher currently working with 18-22 year old students at the Litchfield Hills Transition Center (LHTC) located in New Milford, CT. In addition she has her Mindfulness Teacher Certification and has been practicing Mindfulness for many years, incorporating the practice into her classroom as well as bringing it with her into the outdoors. Alan has held many positions throughout his career as a Bio-Medical Photographer in the New York City. Alan also serves as a Special Education Family Advocate and is currently working as substitute teacher in the Litchfield Hills Transition Center. He works for the May Flower Inn as an outdoor Adventure Guide and is certified in NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Alan is also a Veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He served in Search and Rescue Operations and Law Enforcement.  

Put your hands (and not just your boots) on the trails this hiking season by joining Steep Rock Association’s monthly trail work party. The work party meets at 10:00 a.m. the third Saturday of every month from April through November. Ages 16+ please.

The Firepit @ Steep Rock House, 116 Christian St., New Preston The summer solstice is the moment in the year when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky. Join us on the longest day of the year as we officially welcome summer. Each of our seasonal firepit events celebrate something special; this solstice event, we will celebrate our Rossiter Run Virtual 5K Walk/Run finishers, and announce the prize winners. Join us at 5:00PM if for a victory lap group run around the Macricostas Hayfield (approx. 1.5 miles). At 5:30PM, we will gather and celebrate with refreshments and friends around the fire!

Garden to Exercise, Exercise to Garden, Sat., June 24 @ 9:00AM

Judea Garden at Macricostas Preserve, 124 Christian St., New Preston

Gardening is a great way to stay fit and reduce stress. Like any exercise or sport, conditioning will help you perform better and reduce the risk of injury. Gain valuable insights from fitness trainer Dani Gelfand on the appropriate techniques that will make your gardening experience both fun and safe.

3 Peaks in 3 Hours

Hosted by Carla Mascaro & Steep Rock Association (ages 21 and up)

Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd., Washington Depot (Access via Spring Hill Rd.)

Saturday, July 15, 2023 @ 8:00AM

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure because Steep Rock has got a treat for you! Our 7-mile hike takes you up and over the three highest peaks in our preserves, with some of the most breathtaking views in Connecticut.

The hike begins with a gentle climb to the Steep Rock summit, where you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys and hillsides. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, because you never know what critter might be watching you from the trees. Next up is the second peak at Hidden Valley, which offers panoramic views of the valley and Washington’s Historic Districts.  You might even spot some soaring birds of prey or rare butterflies. Last but not least, the third peak is the cherry on top of this hiking sundae. A bit more of a challenge with a steeper ascent, the trail winds its way through a lush forest with amazing rock outcroppings, leading you to the pinnacle where you'll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of Lake Waramaug. Take a moment to soak it all in, snap some selfies, and revel in the fact that you just conquered Steep Rock’s three peaks in one epic hike with a group of new hiking buddies. So what are you waiting for? Grab some snacks and water, strap on your backpack, and let's hit the trail for an unforgettable adventure!  Pace: rigorous (about 3 mph). Add ½ hour ride time to drive between preserves. Carpooling encouraged.  A light casual lunch and celebratory beverages to follow at Steep Rock’s Campus.

Limit: 15 ppl

What odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) inhabit Washington, and what does their presence or absence mean for local and regional conservation? Steep Rock Association (SRA) aims to answer these questions and we need your help. Join our team of "dragon hunters" for an educational and scientific day of sampling odonates in SRA preserves. We'll start by overviewing odonate ecology, transition into capture technique training, and then begin the hunt for as many different species of dragonflies and damselflies at a given survey site. Location: To be determined. Forecasted inclement weather will advance the survey to Sunday, July 16.      

Put your hands (and not just your boots) on the trails this hiking season by joining Steep Rock Association’s monthly trail work party. The work party meets at 10:00 a.m. the third Saturday of every month from April through November. Ages 16+ please.

Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of causal walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Tuesday, July 18 we will explore the hayfield at Macricostas Preserve.

Round Table/Potluck: Does Food Insecurity Really Exist in Litchfield County?

The simple answer is yes.  Learn from professionals in the fields of food insecurity about the effects of hunger on our neighbors and what we can do to change it. Thursday, July 20 @ 6:00 pm Judea Garden at Macricostas Preserve, 124 Christian St., New Preston

Kids in Judea Garden

Saturday, July 29 @ 9:00am-12:00pm

Introduce kids to vegetable gardening in a fun new way. Unleash their excitement through an enjoyable blend of activities.  Vegetables will never look the same Judea Garden at Macricostas Preserve, 124 Christian St., New Preston

Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Monday, August 14 we will visit the Bronson Field Pollinator Meadow on Sabbaday Lane at Hidden Valley Preserve.

Put your hands (and not just your boots) on the trails this hiking season by joining Steep Rock Association’s monthly trail work party. The work party meets at 10:00 a.m. the third Saturday of every month from April through November. Ages 16+ please.

15^th Season Celebration and Open Garden,

Saturday, August 19 – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Judea Garden, 124 Christian St., New Preston Join us for a joyous celebration as we invite everyone to commemorate the incredible feat of Judea Garden's 15 seasons of growing and giving. Come and experience the beauty of our gardens, meet our dedicated interns, and raise a toast to all the volunteers—past, present, and future—who have been instrumental in making this project a resounding success. Let's come together, share in the jubilation, and create lasting memories as we celebrate this milestone in our journey.

Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Wednesday, Sept. 13 we will explore Hillside Farm.

Put your hands (and not just your boots) on the trails this hiking season by joining Steep Rock Association’s monthly trail work party. The work party meets at 10:00 a.m. the third Saturday of every month from April through November. Ages 16+ please.

Fall Saunters with SRA - Johnson Farm Preserve, 37 West Mountain Rd., Washington

Wednesday, October 11, 5:30PM Enjoy the spectacular fall colors at Johnson Farm Preserve. Join SRA’s Executive Director for a walk around Johnson Farm Preserve and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn across the landscape.

Put your hands (and not just your boots) on the trails this hiking season by joining Steep Rock Association’s monthly trail work party. The work party meets at 10:00 a.m. the third Saturday of every month from April through November. Ages 16+ please.

Put your hands (and not just your boots) on the trails this hiking season by joining Steep Rock Association’s monthly trail work party. The work party meets at 10:00 a.m. the third Saturday of every month from April through November. Ages 16+ please.