Farmington Land Trust

09/03/2026

The little library at FLT's headquarters at 119 Coppermine in Unionville has something for nearly everyone. Nature, fashion, sci-fi, thrillers and more... stop by anytime to take a book, leave a book! 📚😃

09/02/2026

Progress update on Polly's Pier, 9/2/26: Concrete is set, steel goes in next Tuesday! Thanks to Campaign Co-Chair Cate Grady-Benson for today's photo.

09/02/2026

We love our rivers and we know you do, too. Connecticut River Watershed Week is coming up and there are lots of ways to participate! Check out the calendar below or visit ctriverwatershed.org/watershed-week for a full list of events.

Connecticut River Watershed Week is coming up! Both the Farmington River Coordinating Committee and the Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Committee are sponsors as we celebrate the CT River Watershed from the border with Canada all the way to Long Island Sound. Join us ta our Farmington River Cleanup on September 19th!!

ctriverwatershed.org/watershed-week

08/29/2026

"The Lost Forests of New England" -- a one hour documentary, will be shown at the Simsbury Library on 9/17. "...The audience will be treated to a visual tour of woodlands that have endured for centuries, through compelling images that contrast the old growth sites with today’s highly altered landscape. The result is a side-by-side comparison between original and reshaped woodlands that makes a strong case for preserving the ancient remnants." Sounds super interesting!

📣 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: On September 17, the Simsbury Public Library will host The Lost Forests of New England, the first in a series of films that comprise its America 250 Forest Series 🌳.

What were New England’s woodlands like prior to 1600? What do the small old-growth remnants look like today and what special values, if any, do they hold? "The Lost Forests of New England", a one-hour documentary film by New England Forests, addresses these and other questions in an effort to bring clarity to a subject that is often lost in the mists of time. The film tells the story of central New England's pre-settlement primeval forests, factors that led to the nearly complete clearing of those forests, and the discovery of remnants of those wonderful woodlands.

The audience will be treated to a visual tour of woodlands that have endured for centuries, through compelling images that contrast the old growth sites with today’s highly altered landscape. The result is a side-by-side comparison between original and reshaped woodlands that makes a strong case for preserving the ancient remnants.

This film is intended for the general public, but will serve the needs of resource managers, conservationists, and environmental interpreters alike. Reception at 6pm with the film following shortly after at 6:30pm in the Program Room at Simsbury Public Library. The Granby Land Trust is proud to support the America 250 Forest Series.

👉To register, go to https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/grange-docuseries-86714

08/28/2026

What happens when we slow down enough to be WITH a place, not just in it?

Life is busy. It's easy to move through our days without really noticing the places that sustain us. This four-session gathering invites us to spend unhurried time with the land through the changing season.

We’ll begin with a guided walk inspired by forest bathing, a gentle practice of opening the senses, focusing our attention, and experiencing the calming, restorative qualities of nature. Then we’ll gather in the barn to share and reflect. Returning to the same place each month, we’ll notice what has changed on the land— and perhaps within ourselves.

Whether you already feel at home in nature or are simply curious to experience it in a new way, you are warmly invited.

Sundays: Sept. 13, Oct. 18, Nov. 15 & Dec. 13 from 1-4 p.m.
Ages 16 & up
Limit 10 participants
Registration fee: $75 for four sessions; includes journal and simple snacks
Register at https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/being-here-2026-09-13-13-00

08/27/2026

Progress on Polly's Pier, 8/27/26: Yesterday, piers were poured with a pump truck, today they were back filled. These pictures are of the pier nearest the river, which will support the structural steel of the cantilevered viewing platform. Thanks to Project Manager Steve Nelson for keeping us all updated!

08/27/2026

Just a few spots left in the Little Trailblazers Outdoor Nature Program!

Registration deadline: September 1

Designed for children ages 4 and 5 accompanied by a caregiver, this program includes nature walks, crafts, stories and outdoor games related to a new theme each week. Caregivers will play an active role in the activities.
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Details:
*Monthly classes will be Thursdays from 9:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m. Rain or shine!
*Registration fee is $100 for four classes ($25 per class)
*Deadline to register is September 1, 2026
*Space is limited
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​Session dates for the fall are:​ September 17, October 15, November 12 and December 10​​​​​​​​. Register at: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/flttrailblazers

08/25/2026

It's Monarch Season!

The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station (CAES) has published 5 simple ways we can all help the Monarchs survive and thrive. Here's a brief summary; read the details at the link below.

1. Plant native Milkweed
2. Protect Milkweed and Monarch habitat by mowing mid-summer
3. Support Monarchs in their natural habitat
4. Follow pesticide labels and regulations
5. Have a conversation/share knowledge about Monarch conservation

Details here: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/entomology/5thingsformonarchs_final.pdf?rev=f489ccf40ec645b2b68a405051f37746&hash=64AC25DCBE56524C191FA3C0A60B9E31

Video credit: Brian Hess

08/24/2026

Polly's Pier Progress Update, Aug. 24: Today, 13 cubic yards of concrete were poured for the footings that support the viewing platform. It's really happening! 😃

08/20/2026

'Twas a beautiful day for the groundbreaking of Polly's Pier! Hats off to campaign co-chair Cate Grady-Benson, leadership donors Dan and Sarah Hincks, and project manager Steve Nelson for getting shovels in the ground. Also on-site were campaign co-chair Evan Cowles and campaign committee member Bill Wadsworth. The excitement is just beginning and we look forward to keeping you posted on the construction progress over the next several weeks.

Polly's Pier will be a 70-foot, accessible boardwalk and viewing platform that extends out over the Farmington River at the Douglass-Mount parcel, just off the Rails to Trails in Unionville. It will be named in honor of Polly Hincks, a long-time Farmington resident and lifelong advocate for the independence of people with physical disabilities.