Earth Day Hike

The Middletown Conservation Commission is sponsoring a hike at Guida Farm Conservation Area on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2018. The hike will begin at 1:00 pm at the parking lot across from the T-intersection of Round Hill Road and Coleman Road. We expect the hike to last about 1 1/2 hours.

Leaders will be Mike Thomas and Elisabeth Holder, members of the Middletown Commission on Conservation and Agriculture. There are abundant opportunities to observe wildlife and see notable natural features on this property, formerly part of Guida Farm. On our walk last spring, we saw frog eggs, a wood frog, an owl pellet, a sputnik-shaped fungus called cedar-apple rust, and several bird species. We also viewed the unique and dramatic rock formations on the property. Because some of the former hay fields have reverted to woodland, this site presents many opportunities to see how this process takes place. There is also evidence of invasive, non-native species at the property, such as Japanese barberry, oriental bittersweet, and multiflora rose, which crowd out native plants that provide food and habitat for native wildlife, and reduce local diversity.

We will hike the trails, show maps where a proposed water tower will be built, and discuss our management efforts, including work to address invasive species on the site.

This relatively easy, flat hike will be suitable for all ages, from school-aged children on up. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, long pants, warm jackets, and be sure to bring a water bottle. Copies of the updated Middletown Trail Guide will be available for purchase at a cost of $10 before and after the walk.

For more about the Conservation Commission information visit: www.conservect.org/ctrivercoas...

Article From: Kim O’Rourke, Middletown Recycling Coordinator