Engaging Older Adults in Conservation and Recreation
We are thrilled to have been joined by about 75 older adults who participated in our “Seniors in Steep Rock” programs this year. This initiative seeks to promote and sustain a vibrant, engaged, and healthy aging population in Washington CT and the Litchfield Hills. Our goal is to bring older adults to our preserves to acquaint them with our trails and conservation efforts. Steep Rock’s low-impact recreational trails serve as a vital connection for everyone to get outdoors, learn about nature, and connect with friends and neighbors.
This year, Seniors in Steep Rock events included a bird walk around Johnson Farm in May, where we were able to spot about 12 bird species including the elusive bobolink. In July, we hosted a tour of the Steep Rock Tunnel as well as a picnic lunch in the Riding Ring, and in September, Steve Solley joined us for a talk about the history of the Isaac Camp House (ca 1757) and a tour of Judea Garden. We capped off the programs with a delightful and engaging coffee hour in Steep Rock’s new office, the former Camp-Lemmon House (ca 1806).
We are grateful for the partnership of the Washington Senior Center on this initiative as well as funding from the Pathways for Older Adults program from Connecticut Community Foundation and contributions from our donors. We look forward to creating additional engagement opportunities for our seniors in the coming years. In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy this video highlighting this year’s activities.
