| MAY 26, 2011 -- On the weekend of June 4th and 5th, Connecticut will host the largest Trails Day celebration in the nation with 190 events scheduled in over 112 towns on over 500 miles of trails throughout the state. This is the 19th year of Trails Day activities being hosted by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), the first private, non-profit conservation organization established in Connecticut.
There will be events for everyone—including hiking, biking, trail maintenance, kayaking, educational walks, bird watching, geocaching, and more. These events are guided by knowledgeable volunteers from local hiking clubs, parks and recreation departments, state agencies, conservation organizations, historic groups, naturalists, educators, and land trusts. 25 of this year’s events will take place on the New England Trail—the most recently designated National Scenic Trail in the U.S. (more info at www.newenglandtrail.org).
Every year, Trails Day inspires thousands of Nutmeggers to participate in activities that emphasize the importance of nature, promote healthy living and mental well-being, and protect and instill excitement for the outdoors. The success of Connecticut Trails Day would not be possible without strong participation by organizations like the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its Great Park Pursuit program, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Connecticut Library Consortium, Connecticut State Library, land trusts, town agencies, outdoors-oriented businesses, volunteers, CFPA, and many dedicated financial sponsors—including DEP in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, Connecticut Light & Power, and Stanley Black & Decker.
Connecticut Trails Day is part of National Trails Day, a nationwide hiking initiative established by the American Hiking Society in 1993. Trails Day encourages the public and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails while participating in numerous events held in each state. A full listing of the Connecticut events is published by CFPA in its Connecticut Trails Day booklet. Booklets will be available, while supplies last, at Connecticut public libraries beginning in mid-May as well as online at www.ctwoodlands.org/CT-TrailsDay2011. |
