Join us in May and June as NRWA leads an exploration of the waters and landscapes of the “Spectacular Squannacook”. The Squannacook River runs southeast through Townsend, Shirley, and Groton before it enters the Nashua River. It has extensive protected greenways with trails for hiking, stretches of river for exploration by canoe and kayak, and a rich biodiverse population of turtles, riverine mammals, birds, and dragonflies. You’re invited to explore these areas with Gaynor Bigelbach, NRWA educator and naturalist, at these free public programs which are intended for ages 16 and up:
WALKS
Saturday, May 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Nature Walk at Howard Park in Townsend
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the trails of Howard Park, following the Squannacook River closely as it meanders its way through mixed evergreen and deciduous forest. The trails are picturesque, lined with spring ephemerals (those lovely plants with brief life cycles that come and go in early spring), mountain laurel, high and low bush blueberry, swamp azalea and red twig dogwood. Nesting activity will be underway and we’ll keep a keen eye out for warblers on their northward migration. The trail is easy for walking.
Space is limited; registration required. Register online today. Directions to parking and trailhead will be provided upon registration.
Saturday, June 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Nature Walk at Bertozzi Conservation Area
We’ll take a stroll on the trails through the Peter E. Bertozzi Conservation Area and learn how to record your sightings with the iNaturalist App. iNaturalist is an online network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn more about nature, and help scientists gather data about different species of plants and animals. This is a woodland walk that will take us along the edge of the beautiful Squannacook River. As well as taking time to observe plant and animal species, Gaynor will demonstrate how to use iNaturalist as a self-education and “citizen scientist” tool while recommending “best practices” to ensure the safety of the species being recorded. This trail is easy for walking.
Space is limited; registration required. Register online today. Directions to parking and trailhead will be provided upon registration.
PADDLES
Wednesday, May 28 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm OR Wednesday, June 4 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Evening Paddle on the Squannacook River in West Groton
Enjoy a revitalizing evening paddle as we explore the Squannacook River and its environs. Participants will be led on a one and a half hour scenic paddle along the main channel and backwaters of the river. We’ll observe how bird and animal activity goes through a cycle of change from late afternoon to dusk, as birdsong becomes more muted, and dragonfly activity makes way for moths, and the occasional early bat. These paddles are designed to promote restorative physical activity after the school or work day. Canoes, paddles and pfds are provided free of charge to participants. We are not able to accommodate the use of personal equipment.
These paddles are for ages 16 and up; with a limit of 20 participants per paddle (no large group enrollments). To register, email Gaynor Bigelbach with your name, group size, choice of dates (5/28 or 6/4), and best email/phone number for follow-up details.
This free “Spectacular Squannacook” series of outdoor explorations is made possible by a grant from the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation.
In addition, the May 28th “Evening Paddle on the Squannacook River” is offered in partnership with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area during the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History. Learn more at freedomsway.org.