Learn how to take a hike

#MiddleburyCT #MiddleburyLandTrust #Hiking

Tom Cunningham, left, and Kent Sullivan-Wiley stand atop the bridge they helped a student build for a Pomperaug High School community service project. It enables safe crossing of a stream in the Tuttle Preserve on a trail that will be used in “Hiking for Beginners,” a Middlebury Land Trust program on May 18. (Janine Sullivan–Wiley photo)

By JANINE SULLIVAN–WILEY

May is a beautiful month. The blitz of flowering that began in April continues, and the woods are filled with that special shade of green seen in the profusion of new leaves. It is, quite simply, a great month to get outdoors. So much has been written about “forest bathing,” but really it just means to get outside in nature and savor what is all around you. The more often you can do this, the more you are supporting your own physical and mental health.

One very easy way to do this is to take a hike in the woods. The Middlebury Land Trust (MLT), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving open space, has trails on several of its over 60 parcels. Those trails are maintained through the devoted work of many volunteers and by regular use. Yes, using trails helps keep them clear.

Some folks are MLT trail “regulars,” but recognizing this is a new experience for some, the MLT will be hosting a guided “Hiking for Beginners” on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Tuttle Preserve. To ensure a good experience for all, the group is limited to 15 people, and will include materials sent beforehand to advise on what to wear and bring. Because of this, pre-registration is required. There is no charge to participate. Register at mlt@middleburylandtrust.org.

After an on-site orientation, the hike will take about an hour. It will be of moderate difficulty, including some hills and rocky areas, with beautiful views as it goes through pine forest and along a stream. Hikers will learn about the different purposes for hiking, what preparation and equipment makes for a safe and comfortable time in the woods, how to read trail signs, identifying the various trails in this preserve and how to enjoy them.

The previous Saturday – May 11 – will be the MLT spring Trails Work Day. This is perfect for those interested and willing to get their hands dirty and enjoy some outdoors work while making the world a better place. All are welcome to be part of keeping trails cleared and removing invasive plants. No prior experience is required. Participants should wear gloves, long sleeve shirts, and sturdy shoes. Bug repellant is always a good idea. If you have your own tools, those are welcome; the MLT has some that can be shared. Use the same registration link, mlt@middleburylandtrust.org, to sign up.

Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be the annual Foote Path hike for Connecticut Trails Day. Registration for that is also through mlt@middleburylandtrust.org. More details will be posted on the Middlebury Land Trust website and Facebook page.

If you’d rather just set out on your own, the trails that are used the most are at Lake Elise (a simple and not very long loop around the lake), Clark Preserve (connects with Flanders’ Hetzel Preserve and has large tracts of mountain laurel), Crest Preserve (shorter trails, good even for younger children but can be boggy), Nichols Road Preserve (aka Water Company on the website, with the longest system of trails that link with Army Corps of Engineer trails, Naugatuck trails and the Larkin Bridle Trail), and the Sperry Preserve (with multiple trails of varying difficulty). All have trail maps on the Middlebury Land Trust website, www.middleburylandtrust.org/holdings/trial_maps.shtml.

Contact this writer at jswspotlight@gmail.com. You can visit the Middlebury Land Trust on Facebook or the website at middleburylandtrust.org. Happy hiking!