Be A Volunteer

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.  

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.

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!

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.  

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.

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.