Events & Programs
march 2024
Event Details
Speaker Series - Bountiful Backyard Harvests: Mastering Sustainable and Organic Vegetable Gardening, Thursday, March 28th, 2024 at 6:00PM-7:00PM (Virtual Presentation) This inspiring and educational presentation is tailored specifically for homeowners
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This inspiring and educational presentation is tailored specifically for homeowners looking to cultivate their piece of Earth in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner while controlling the variety and quality of the food they eat. Discover the secrets of sustainable vegetable gardening in your own backyard, learning directly from Patrick Horan, a local organic farmer and passionate advocate for the continuance & preservation of local agriculture.
Patrick brings over 30 years of experience in practicing and promoting sustainable agriculture right in the heart of Connecticut. This engaging session will cover a wide range of topics, including soil health, composting, natural pest control, water conservation, as well as suggestions on the best crops to grow here in the northeast corner. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, you'll gain valuable knowledge to make your garden a sustainable and nutritional oasis. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your backyard into a vibrant, eco-friendly space that nurtures both you and the environment. Register now and take the first step towards a greener, healthier future!
About the Speaker: Patrick, along with his brother Quincy, owns and manages Waldingfield Farm, a certified organic vegetable operation in Washington, that specializes in heirloom varieties and cultivates between 25 and 30 acres of land each year. Waldingfield Farm employs a farmers market & CSA model, as well as some wholesale (Heirloom tomatoes, Winter squash) to supermarkets in the tri-state area. The farm enters its 35th season in 2024.
Steep Rock Association gratefully acknowledges National Iron Bank as the primary sponsor for this conservation education program.
Time
(Thursday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Register Hereapril 2024
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Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need. Help us get our 16th season off to a good start by getting the
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Time
(Saturday) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Judea Garden
124 Christian St
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Join us for a fun, family activity at Macricostas Preserve, spending a spring night marveling at the eccentric woodcock (also called the timberdoodle). We'll watch these chunky birds erupt into
Event Details
Time
(Friday) 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Macricostas Preserve
124 Christian Street
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Volunteer Trail Manager Training, Sat., April 13, 2024, 116 Christian St, New Preston Enjoy the outdoors? Have some time to share? Become a volunteer Trail Manager for Steep Rock Association (SRA)
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Volunteer Trail Manager Training, Sat., April 13, 2024, 116 Christian St, New Preston
Enjoy the outdoors? Have some time to share? Become a volunteer Trail Manager for Steep Rock Association (SRA) and help care for some of our nearly 50 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Join us on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a training session for both new and veteran trail managers. Trail Managers help steward a designated trail over a one-year period, regularly scouting the trail for environmental concerns and safety hazards as well as performing light trail maintenance duties. As one Trail Manager noted, “It’s a fun way to explore the preserves while also volunteering for SRA.” To kick off the Trail Manager program for the season, SRA staff will hold a 1-hour indoor training, which will be held both in person as well as streamed live online through the meeting platform Zoom. During the training, volunteers will learn how to assess trail conditions, perform light trail maintenance techniques, and use a GPS mobile app to track their positions and report their findings. After the indoor trainings, in-person participants will be invited to join SRA staff for a hike, where the lessons and maintenance techniques overviewed during the indoor training will be further demonstrated in the field. If attending in person, wear/bring hiking boots, appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. Families with teens and older children are welcome, but an adult must participate with children under 16 years of age. If you are a new volunteer with us, please fill out our Volunteer Registration Form here.Time
(Saturday) 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Steep Rock House
116 Christian St.
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Speaker Series - Establish Pollinator Pathways in Your Backyard, Thu., April 18, 2024 John Markelon, President of the Litchfield Land Trust, will share how to “Establish Pollinator Pathways in Your
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John Markelon, President of the Litchfield Land Trust, will share how to “Establish Pollinator Pathways in Your Backyard.” Each presentation is free and open to the public and will be presented over Zoom. Registration is required.
https://www.ironbank.com/
Time
(Thursday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get
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Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Early Spring Planting Day at Judea Garden, Sun., April 21, 2024, 1:00PM-4:00PM, 124 Christian St, New Preston Plant those cool weather plants and get a jump start on the season
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Early Spring Planting Day at Judea Garden, Sun., April 21, 2024, 1:00PM-4:00PM, 124 Christian St, New Preston
Plant those cool weather plants and get a jump start on the season and harvesting.
Time
(Sunday) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Judea Garden
124 Christian St
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Show your love of nature by supporting Steep Rock during Give Local, a 36 hour online fundraiser hosted by Connecticut Community Foundation. More details to come
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Time
24 (Wednesday) 7:00 am - 25 (Thursday) 7:00 pm
may 2024
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Come explore the thawed trails in Hidden Valley Preserve with SRA Naturalists Peary and BK Stafford and discover the magnificently rich community of spring ephemerals adorning the forest floor. Participants should
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Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Hidden Valley Preserve-Main Lot
198 Bee Brook Rd
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Start the miracle of a season of growing and giving. Help us sow the garden with seeds and plants.
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Time
(Saturday) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Thursday, May 16 we will explore the trails at Steep Rock Preserve.
Event Details
Time
(Thursday) 5:30 pm
Location
Steep Rock Preserve
2 Tunnel Rd
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Mindfulness Hike at Macricostas Preserve, Saturday, May 18, 2024 @ 9AM MINDFUL HIKING - Join us for this approx. 90 minute, moderate hike (steep in some areas, flat in others, beautiful
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Mindfulness Hike at Macricostas Preserve, Saturday, May 18, 2024 @ 9AM
MINDFUL HIKING - Join us for this approx. 90 minute, moderate hike (steep in some areas, flat in others, beautiful views!)
Mindfulness boosts memory and focus, promotes empathy, and reduces stress. Hiking helps build stronger muscles and bones, improves sense of balance, supports heart health and improves quality of sleep. A mindfulness hike will help you will 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.Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Macricostas Preserve
124 Christian Street
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Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
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You’re invited to Steep Rock Association’s 2024 Rossiter Run 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, May 19th at 9:00am in Steep Rock Preserve! The racecourse follows a scenic route
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You’re invited to Steep Rock Association’s 2024 Rossiter Run 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, May 19th at 9:00am in Steep Rock Preserve!
The racecourse follows a scenic route with a gradual incline along the Shepaug River in the stunning Steep Rock Preserve, gifted by our founder, Ehrick Rossiter, in 1925.
Eligibility & Prizes: This race is open to all levels of runners, with awards given to the top male and female finishers in each age division and the overall male and female winners. Registration: Online registration ends Saturday, May 18 at 11:59 pm. Day of race registration starts at 7:30 am and will be cash or check only. Early registration fee for adults is $25 online and will increase to $35 on race day. Registration fee for Youth racers is $10. Please note, registration is non-refundable. There is no registration fee to participate in the untimed Fun Run/Walk. Go Green: To show your love of the environment, please bring your own water bottles; we will have water to refill them.
Time
(Sunday) 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
Location
Steep Rock Preserve
2 Tunnel Rd
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Experience the beauty of nature and connect with like-minded women on a hosted moonlit hike from Macricostas Preserve's main parking area to the enchanting Waramaug's Rock. Ages 13+. Meeting Point: Macricostas
Event Details
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Water bottle/snacks
- Jacket or layers for cooler evening temperatures
- Flashlight or headlamp
Time
(Thursday) 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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Calling gardening volunteers - help us get those warmer weather plants in the ground on planting day as we kick off our 16th growing season. It's a fantastic opportunity to
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Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Register Herejune 2024
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Weed & Wine at Judea Garden, Thursdays, June 6 through August 22, 2024 Stop by Thursdays, June 6 through August 26, 5:30-7:00 PM and weed the vegetable beds at
Event Details
Stop by Thursdays, June 6 through August 26, 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. 124 Christian St, New Preston.
No registration required, please email us with any questions.
Time
June 6 (Thursday) 5:30 pm - August 22 (Thursday) 7:00 pm
Location
Judea Garden
124 Christian St
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
june 13, 2024 5:30 pmjune 20, 2024 5:30 pmjune 27, 2024 5:30 pmjuly 4, 2024 5:30 pmjuly 11, 2024 5:30 pmjuly 18, 2024 5:30 pmjuly 25, 2024 5:30 pmaugust 1, 2024 5:30 pmaugust 8, 2024 5:30 pmaugust 15, 2024 5:30 pmaugust 22, 2024 5:30 pmaugust 29, 2024 5:30 pm
Event Details
Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Tuesday, June 11, we will walk the trails at Hidden Valley Preserve.
Event Details
Time
(Tuesday) 5:30 pm
Location
Hidden Valley Preserve-Main Lot
198 Bee Brook Rd
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Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Register Here
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Summer Solstice Firepit Celebration, Thurs., June 20, 2024 The Firepit @ Steep Rock House, 116 Christian St., New Preston The summer solstice is the moment in the year when the sun reaches
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Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Register Herejuly 2024
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Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of causal walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Tuesday, July 18 we will explore Macricostas Preserve.
Event Details
Time
(Monday) 5:30 pm
Location
Macricostas Preserve
124 Christian Street
Register Here
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Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Register Here
Register Hereaugust 2024
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Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock's Preserves. Wed., August 14 we will visit the Bronson Field Pollinator Meadow on Sabbaday Lane at
Event Details
Time
(Wednesday) 5:30 pm
Location
Hidden Valley Preserve Seasonal Parking
287 Sabbaday Lane
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Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Register Here
Register Hereseptember 2024
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Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock’s Preserves. Tue., Sept. 17 we will explore Hillside Farm, 397 Nettleton Hollow Road. Acquired in 2021, this
Event Details
Time
(Tuesday) 5:30 pm
Location
Hillside Farm
397 Nettleton Hollow Rd.
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Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Register Here
Register Hereoctober 2024
Event Details
Join our monthly trail work party! The work party meets at 10:00am the third Saturday of every month from April through November. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Register Here
Register HereSteep Rock Preserves
(860) 868-9131
available M-F | 8:00am - 4:00pm
Address:
PO. Box 279
Washington Depot,
Connecticut 06794
116 Christian Street
New Preston, CT 06777