Our mission is to acquire, preserve, and conserve significant open spaces in Harwinton to benefit the environment and the public.
******** 2025 Trail Work ********
Many Thanks to all our volunteers working to keep our trails in great shape to be enjoyable for all! Work parties take place throughout the year in response to needed improvements. Click the link at the top of this page to be notified when and where volunteers are appreciated.
This past November work was completed at Indian Meadow. One third of the meadow was cut back for weed control while two thirds was left for habitat. Also, invasives along the upper part of the trail were removed.
Also in November significant improvements were made to our Bull Pond trail. A wet area was bypassed via a walkway that will save many people from muddy shoes. The crew followed that with adding a railing to the lengthy boardwalk to make it easier to navigate. a section of the walkway. Thanks to our volunteers Bull Pond is a beautiful trail to hike.
In July, boys from BSA Troop 55 along with their leaders, Bull Pond stewards and land trust board members hauled gravel to improve the worn start of the trail at Bull Pond.
Thanks to all who joined us for our annual meeting and special presentation this past May in the Harwinton Public Library. And many thanks to Dr. Al Avitable, Professor Emeritus of Biology at UCONN and co-author of The Beekeeper’s Handbook for an engaging, informative presentation about honey bees.
The Harwinton Land Trust store is now open! Show your support for conserving Harwinton land by purchasing some Harwinton Land Trust gear. Your purchase will help support the important work of the Harwinton Land Trust. Use the link below:
Environmental Opportunities
Take Action with Invasives
This guide, published by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, Inc, was developed to help landowners identify, control and replace non-native invasive plants in their yards. Invasive plants thrive outside their natural range, threatening the health of our native plant and animal communities. By replacing invasive with natives our lands will be naturally beautiful and a place for you – and native wildlife – to enjoy year round. Download the guide here.
Invasives walk, talk and cut at the Harwinton Land Trust Meadowview Property in November
Our recent invasive plant walk, talk and cut proved to be a very informative experience focused on recognizing and controlling invasive plants such as bittersweet and Japanese knotweed. Many thanks to Rose Hiskes a volunteer with the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group, CIPWG.
Recent Work On Our Trails
November 16th Work Party at Indian Meadow
A work party at Indian Meadow made improvements in a variety of areas. 7 volunteers helped to fix the roof on the water collection structure, clear 1/3 of the field, and tackle some invasives. Many thanks to Bob, Eric, Everett, Frank, Mary, Josh and Karen.
August 10th Work Party at Forever Forest
A small but mighty work party added much needed gravel to previously wet sections of the trail and did some trimming of trail encroaching bushes. The view from the recently moved observation deck is beautiful, a great place to relax. Kudos to Bob O, Bob H, Steve, Kathi and Karen.
New Bench at Bull Pond
Our excellent steward, Steve, along with his grandsons added a new bench along the Bull Pond trail. Another great spot to rest, relax and enjoy nature.
Bull Pond Red Trail has a new bridge!
Changes to the trail including a new bridge were necessary following flooding. Many thanks to Steve C., EricR., Steve K. and Dan L.
Indian Meadows now has an active beehive!
Many thanks to Eric and Scott for erecting the solar powered electric fence to keep Winnie the Pooh and friends away from the bee hive and the bees that Rob added on May 4th. More essential pollinators added to the environment!
Saturday April 20th – Forever Forest Work Party
The observation deck was hauled out of the water and is now on dry land. A new trail section was added to avoid the water.
Bull Pond Boardwalk
The boardwalk has been completed! A fantastic job by just a few members. Thanks again to Steve, Eric, Dan and Steve for their hard work and dedication!
More progress on the boardwalk today (11/24/23)
Bull Pond has had some trail angels at work. (aka Steve C., Eric, Dan, Jake, Steve K.) From one week to the next, a new boardwalk is being built. The most bottom photo shows why there is a need – the water is almost flowing over the present boardwalk.
Indian Meadow
Thanks to an energetic group of volunteers we were able to clear the center meadow at our Indian Meadow property, weed the pollinator garden and trim the trails.
Thanks to all who volunteered!
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