Discover the Power of Forest Stewardship with Woodland Academy

 The Great Mountain Forest (GMF) Woodland Academy is continuing its commitment to forest education with a robust lineup of workshops this July, August, and September. Tailored for forest owners and stewards—including individuals, nonprofit organizations, and municipal leaders—these sessions aim to deepen participants’ understanding of forest management and promote sustainable land use practices. In addition to supporting professional continuing education, the Academy also fosters meaningful connections and collaboration within the regional forest community. All workshops are held at the historic Yale Camp in the heart of GMF, in Falls Village, Connecticut.

On July 21, GMF will host a workshop on Managing Forests for Birds, in partnership with Audubon Connecticut. This one-day session, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., offers insights into the habitat needs of our region’s diverse bird populations, including migratory species. Participants will gain practical insights on how forest management choices can enhance bird habitats and support biodiversity. The workshop will also review Audubon’s Bird-Friendly Maple program and share resources for adopting bird-conscious forestry practices. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

On August 8, forest professionals Star Childs, Founding Trustee of GMF, and David Beers from CT DEEP Forestry Division, will lead a full-day workshop on Land Navigation and Mapping. Attendees will receive hands-on instruction in both traditional map and compass methods as well as modern digital navigation tools. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this course is ideal for those looking to build confidence in navigating and thinking about the management of their land. Registration is $25. Click here to register.

For those seeking an in-depth experience, GMF’s three-day intensive Forest Management Workshop Series—held on August 1, August 15, and September 12 offers a good starting foundation in forest stewardship. Held in the heart of the 6,300-acre Great Mountain Forest, this series combines classroom instruction with immersive fieldwork guided by seasoned forestry professionals. Participants will gain vital skills in tree and shrub identification, explore forest ecology, learn how to align management practices with various landowner goals, and get an introduction to financial and technical assistance programs. Whether you're managing a family woodland, stewarding a community forest, are a student, or are interested in better understanding forests, these workshops will help you make informed, sustainable decisions about the land. The three-day intensive series is available for $75. To register, click here.

These workshops provide an invaluable opportunity to gain foundational skills and connect with a network of fellow forest stewards. Whether you manage land for timber, wildlife, recreation, or conservation, there is a program to help you meet your stewardship goals. Ultimately, the goal of Woodland Academy is to help stewards care for more forests, enhance biodiversity, and bring more forest benefits to the communities around them

About Great Mountain Forest

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

Why Nature is the Best Medicine — Experience it at Great Mountain Forest

 In today's fast-paced, screen-saturated world, it's easy to forget how healing nature can be. Yet for centuries, humans have found peace and rejuvenation in forest environments, drawn by the quiet atmosphere, fresh air, and the simple beauty of trees swaying in the breeze. Few places embody this restorative experience better than Great Mountain Forest, a 6,000-acre gem spanning Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Here, the ancient practice of forest immersion—also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing—can be truly embraced. This isn't about hiking or physical exertion; it's about slowing down, engaging all five senses, and reconnecting with the natural world in a meaningful, mindful way.

Scientific research has consistently shown that spending time in forest environments can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and enhance cardiovascular health. At Great Mountain Forest, these benefits are just a walk away. 

With 13 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging, Great Mountain Forest offers something for everyone. More than 16 trails weave through diverse ecosystems, where there are a multitude of sensory experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're listening to the whispers of rustling leaves, looking for wildlife, catching the earthy scent of moss and pine, or watching sunlight flicker through the canopy, each step brings you closer to nature—and to yourself.

Whether you're a beginner enjoying the peaceful Tamarack Interpretive Trail around a dragonfly-dotted pond or an adventurer exploring the historic Charcoal Pit Trail, where remnants of 19th-century industry meet modern conservation, there's a path for everyone. More adventurous explorers can venture into the Tobey Bog Trail, a unique ecosystem rich with pitcher plants and black spruce trees, or stand in awe among 400-year-old hemlocks on the North Forty Trail. Each trail offers a distinct sensory experience designed to help you slow down and truly be present.

More than just a place to walk, Great Mountain Forest is a living classroom. With year-round guided walking tours, tours, educational programs, and hands-on workshops in sustainable forest management, visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of the natural world and their place within it. As Michael Zarfos, Executive Director of GMF, puts it: "In an age dominated by artificial surroundings and constant noise, forest immersion is a simple, powerful return to our roots." At Great Mountain Forest, that return is always just a walk away.

For event information and to download maps, visit greatmountainforest.org. To sign up for the Woodland Academy, visit greatmountainforest.org/woodlandacademy.

 

About Great Mountain Forest

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

Photo credit: Tom Blagden

Great Mountain Forest Launches Outdoor Learning Programs with Community Foundation Grant

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is proud to announce the launch of a new series of outdoor learning programs, made possible through a generous grant from the Northwest CT Community Foundation’s Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund. This pivotal funding supports the development and implementation of hands-on, inquiry-based K–12 science modules aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These programs are specifically designed to provide equitable access to high-quality environmental education for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in forestry-based learning. 

 "The grant has significantly accelerated our ability to offer these engaging, NGSS-aligned programs,” said Mike Zarfos, Ph.D., Executive Director of GMF. “Without this support, it would have taken much longer to bring this level of immersive science education to our region’s schools. Our goal is to foster a meaningful connection between students and the natural world, empowering them to become thoughtful, informed environmental stewards." 

 What sets these offerings apart is not only the content, but the setting. Using GMF’s diverse natural resources as a living classroom, the multi-age science education modules will help students build essential skills in ecology, conservation, and sustainability. These field-based programs emphasize practices such as Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) and include innovative offerings like "Sap to Syrup: The Sweet Science of Maple Magic!" and "Wildlife Explorers: Discovering Adaptations and Biodiversity in GMF!" Three additional modules will soon be available for selection by local schools in the Northwest Corner. 

This initiative not only supports science education but also promotes the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of students through outdoor engagement. With a longstanding commitment to sustainable forestry and deep ties to Yale University, GMF is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional environmental education experiences that inspire curiosity and conservation. 

 About Great Mountain Forest 

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

Celebrate 100 Years of History at The Glebe House Gala

Nestled in the historic heart of Woodbury, Connecticut, The Glebe House stands as one of the nation's earliest house museums—an enduring symbol of early American architecture and preservation. Nearly lost to demolition a century ago, this treasured landmark was saved in 1922 by the Seabury Society and restored under the visionary leadership of Henry Watson Kent, founder of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since opening its doors to the public in 1925, The Glebe House has remained a beacon of early American history, education, and community engagement.

 

To commemorate its remarkable legacy, The Glebe House is hosting a dazzling celebration — “Cheers to 100 Years” —a Gatsby-style gala to be held on June 27th at Aria Wedding and Banquet Facility in Prospect, Connecticut. Guests will be transported back to the Roaring Twenties with a night inspired by flappers, gangsters, and silent film stars. The event promises an evening of elegance and entertainment, including a signature cocktail, gourmet food stations, live music by the Harold Zinno Orchestra, and both live and silent auctions.

 

 “We are so proud of all the Glebe House has accomplished in the last 100 years,” says Board President Melinda Belcher, who hopes the gala will draw both longtime supporters and new friends to continue the museum’s mission of preservation and education for the next century.” The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners, including Ron and Adrienne Artale, Guy Gabrielson, Dr. Duncan J. and Melinda Belcher, Bennett Sullivan Associates, William T. Drakeley Swimming Pool Company, Carter and Sally Booth, Marc and Susan Joy Minker, J. Andrew Ward, Norbert E. Mitchell Co., New Morning Market, the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, O&G Industries, and Ace Hardware of Woodbury among many others.

 

Tickets are $150 per person, with decorated VIP table options available for $2,000 for ten guests. The RSVP deadline is June 6th, and tickets can be purchased online at www.glebehousemuseum.org. Can’t attend? Donations are gratefully accepted to help preserve this national treasure for generations to come. For more information, please contact: office@glebehousemuseum.org.

About The Glebe House

 Built about 1750, the Glebe House was saved by a committee that eventually became known as the Seabury Society for the Preservation of the Glebe House and was restored in 1923 under the direction of Henry Watson Kent, founder of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It opened to the public as a Historic House Museum in June of 1925. 

 

The Glebe House was the farm homestead of Woodbury’s first Anglican Minister, Rev. John Rutgers Marshall, his wife Sarah, their nine children, and three enslaved persons.  It is historically significant because it is where the first Bishop of the American Episcopal Church, Reverend Dr. Samuel Seabury, was elected in 1783. 

 

At the time, this was a momentous decision because it assumed the separation of church and state and religious tolerance in the new nation. This significant historic house museum is beautifully appointed with period furniture, some of it locally made, and it is surrounded by the only extant garden in the United States designed by Gertrude Jekyll, one of Great Britain’s most famous 20th-century garden designers. The garden includes a classic English-style mixed border in Jekyll’s signature drifts of color, foundation plantings, and a planted stone quadrant. 

 

Celebrate Spring with Art, Deals, and Sustainable Creations at Whiting Mills!

Spring is the season of renewal—and what better way to welcome it than by refreshing your space with unique, handmade treasures? Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 31, starting at 11 a.m., when Whiting Mills in Winsted hosts its Artists and Makers Spring Cleaning Sale. It’s the perfect opportunity to browse one-of-a-kind creations, meet local artists, and score some incredible deals!

One artist you won't want to miss is Tina Puckett of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art. Known for her stunning woven creations, Tina is offering deep discounts—25% to 50% off select pieces during the event. But her work is more than just beautiful—it's meaningful. Tina transforms invasive vines like Oriental Bittersweet, which threatens Connecticut’s forests, into handcrafted baskets, bowls, wall hangings, and sculptures. "Each piece I create is not just an object—it’s a solution," Tina says. So when you bring home one of her creations, you're not only adding a unique, eco-friendly treasure to your space, but you're also helping to support sustainable practices.

With over 30 artists and makers participating, there’s something for every taste and budget. Whether you're in the mood to redecorate, find a unique gift, or simply enjoy a day filled with creativity and community, Whiting Mills is the place to be this spring.

Visit and Connect

Tina's Baskets and Woven Art Studio is located in Room 305 at Whiting Mills, 100 Whiting Street, Winsted. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the studio welcomes visitors eager to experience Tina's weaving prowess firsthand. For special appointments or inquiries about custom work, you can text 860-309-6934 or email tina@tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina Puckett

Tina Puckett, a nationally acclaimed weaver of baskets and woven art, owns Tina’s Baskets at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Since 1981, she has been weaving her artistic magic using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet, and various objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased in galleries across the United States, and she often can be found weaving at her gallery/studio on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Custom orders are warmly welcomed, and appointments can be made by texting 860-309-6934.

 

The Eternal Debate: Hot Buttered vs. Chilled with Mayo – The Lobster Roll Dilemma

 In New England, few foods spark as much passion—and friendly rivalry—as the lobster roll. Whether you're a purist or just visiting, the choice between a hot, buttery Connecticut-style roll and a cool, mayo-kissed Maine version is a decision that defines your lobster-loving identity. This iconic sandwich, often enjoyed seaside from a humble food truck, beachside restaurant, or clam shack, is more than just a regional delicacy—it's a bite-sized piece of history.

At the peak of a New England summer—when the coast turns postcard-perfect and everyone’s chasing the ultimate lobster roll—I found myself beneath the watchful eye of Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, facing a delicious dilemma: cold with mayo or warm with butter?

What I didn’t realize was that this choice isn’t just a preference—it’s a full-blown culinary rivalry, hotly debated from backyard barbecues to seaside shacks. I chose the warm buttery version, and it’s been my go-to ever since.

The roll was a thing of beauty: a toasted, golden bun stuffed with generous chunks of sweet claw and knuckle meat, soaked in rich, melted butter. It shimmered in the sunlight like treasure pulled straight from the sea. The aroma alone felt like a pause button on time. This, I thought, is what summer tastes like. Every bite was pure indulgence—no lettuce, no celery, no mayo, no distractions. Just lobster, butter, and bread in perfect harmony. It left me wondering: how did such a simple sandwich spark such a delicious divide?

The lobster roll’s roots run deep, starting as a humble food of necessity in colonial times. Back then, lobster was so plentiful it was fed to prisoners and servants, often used in sauces or stews. It wasn’t until the 19th century that cold lobster salad made its debut, with Lydia Maria Child’s 1829 cookbook introducing a recipe that mixed lobster meat with dressing and fine-cut lettuce. This pivotal moment helped set the stage for the modern lobster roll. As outdoor gatherings and clambakes became a beloved pastime, lobster salad sandwiches gained popularity — easy to prepare, portable, and perfect for seaside picnics.

By the early 20th century, lobster rolls were on the move — literally. The advent of railway travel and the rise of tourism brought more visitors to coastal New England, where walk-up food stands served quick and satisfying eats like the lobster roll. Inspired by the hot dog buns made popular at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, someone had the genius idea to stuff lobster salad into a soft roll. And just like that, a new tradition was born.

Whether you’re strolling the rocky coast near Portland Head Light, dining al fresco by Connecticut's Sheffield Island Lighthouse, or enjoying a lazy summer afternoon on Cape Cod, the lobster roll is a delicious symbol of New England’s culinary spirit. So, what’s better: Maine’s chilled lobster roll with mayo or Connecticut’s hot buttery version? Honestly, there’s no wrong answer. 

As I stood at that tiny food truck in Maine, basking in the sun and the sea air, I realized that every lobster roll is a good lobster roll — rich in flavor and even richer in tradition. At the end of the day... in New England, whether you take your roll hot and buttery or cold and creamy, you're never more than one bite away from bliss.

CHRIS ROWLANDS RETURNS TO CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO FOR A WILD MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND OF MUSIC AND FUN

 Get ready to sing, dance, and roar along as Chris Rowlands, the beloved musical performer and environmental educator, returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo this Memorial Day Weekend (May 24th-26th)! With three performances daily at 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm, guests will be treated to an unforgettable blend of music, puppetry, and conservation education – all free with Zoo admission.

Chris will bring animals to life through catchy original songs, colorful puppets, and interactive storytelling that gets the whole family involved. Children are invited to wear fun animal hats and join him on stage, singing along to tunes that both wildly entertain and educate.

Rowlands has even composed exclusive songs just for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! The songs feature beloved zoo animal ambassadors, with special nods to this year’s newest arrivals, and the Zoo’s continued commitment to animal enrichment and conservation.

Attending any one of Chris Rowlands Shows is free with admission, for more information and tickets visit https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/tickets.html.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Andean bear, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, American Red Wolves, Red Panda, and a new prairie dog exhibit. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased at the Zoo’s website.

Discover Treasures at the Glebe House Attic Sale

Get ready to step back in time and uncover vintage gems at the Attic Sale hosted by the historic Glebe House Museum in charming Woodbury, Connecticut! Join the fun on Saturday, May 18, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, where antique lovers, collectors, and curious shoppers alike can browse a curated selection of unique finds. From antique furniture and elegant home décor to garden treasures, fine china, artwork, and exquisite glassware, this sale offers something for every style and taste.

This year’s sale is extra special as the Glebe House Museum is celebrating a remarkable milestone - 100 years as a house museum, preserving the rich tapestry of early American life. Don't miss the centerpiece of the centennial celebration—a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed gala on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at Aria in Prospect. Enjoy an evening of live music, gourmet food and drinks, signature cocktails, and thrilling silent and live auctions. It’s the perfect excuse to dress your best and raise a glass to a century of history, story telling, preservation, and Connecticut spirit. Tickets to this gala event, Cheers to 100 Years are now available online at www.glebehousemuseum.org Built around 1750 and lovingly restored in 1923 under the vision of Henry Watson Kent—the mastermind behind the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art—the Glebe House stands as a living tribute to colonial heritage. Every dollar spent at the Attic Sale goes directly to supporting its restoration and educational programs, including the stunning Gertrude Jekyll Garden.

So, whether you’re a seasoned antique hunter or just love a good find, come shop for a cause and take home a piece of history. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted, but please—no early birds! Let the treasure hunt begin! Whether you're a dedicated collector or a casual browser, this event promises plenty of exciting finds—and every purchase helps support the ongoing restoration and educational programs of the Glebe House Museum and The Gertrude Jekyll Garden. Located at 49 Hollow Road, the museum is a local gem with deep colonial roots, lovingly restored thanks to the vision of Henry Watson Kent. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted—but no early birds, please!

Parmalee, Voyage, Jimmy Kenny & More at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

 The Norwalk Seaport Association has just released the headliners for the 47th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7. Headlining this year’s festival is Parmalee, named the most-played group on Country Radio in both 2022 and 2023. With five #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and over a billion on-demand streams, Parmalee is bringing their Carolina swagger and chart-topping hits to the Optimum Main Stage on Saturday night, September 6.

Parmalee comes to the Norwalk Oyster Festival 

Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee continues to redefine what country music can be—infusing their sound with a variety of influences that set them apart in the genre. When they hit the Optimum Main Stage, expect nothing less than a toe tapping, hit-packed set featuring fan-favorite anthems like “Close Your Eyes,” “Carolina,” “Already Callin’ You Mine,” “Musta Had a Good Time,” “Girl in Mine,” and their latest release, “Cowgirl,” from the April, 2025 album Fell in Love with a Cowgirl. With a commanding stage presence, Parmalee doesn’t just perform. They have fun onstage while connecting with fans. As Matt Thomas says, “We just hope people can sing along, smile and ride the roller coaster of emotions with us.”

 

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival—all included with admission to the festival of just $15. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

 

“Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk resident’s backyards,” said Colin Mulhern, Event Manager, Mohegan Sun Online Casino.

Jimmy Kenny... it's 5 o'clock somewhere

 

The music doesn't stop there! Friday night kicks off with Rock Country Nights, delivering a high-energy hit list from country, rock, and southern legends. And at 8:30 p.m., the crowd will be whisked away to paradise with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band.

 

Capping off the weekend on Sunday at 4 p.m., VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey will take over the Optimum Main Stage. Known for their spot-on recreations of Journey’s iconic sound, VOYAGE delivers a powerhouse performance of classic hits like “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways.” With pitch-perfect vocals, blistering guitar solos, and all the stadium rock vibes folks love, VOYAGE will have fans singing along to classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Their electrifying stage presence and attention to detail make them the world’s premier Journey tribute band.

Voyage... yeah start believin!

 

With Mohegan Sun Online Casino as the Presenting Sponsor and Optimum powering the Main Stage, this year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever—a three-day celebration of music, family entertainment, rides, arts and crafts, food, and unforgettable memories by the sea. *For further information and tickets visit seaport.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

 

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 47^th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

 

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino

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