Tahmore Trek

Although the day started out overcast, the sun broke through in time for our guided hike on the Tahmore Trail. As in past years, the weather was almost perfect for one of our favorite Fall hikes. The Tahmore Trail is a figure eight configuration that bumps up against the Paugusset Trail (Blue Trail to some), where there is a nearby overlook of the Housatonic River, and is owned by the Shelton Land Trust.

Click on photos to enlargeThe previous day, Shelton Trail Committee members and volunteers prepared for the hike by leaf blowing and raking the trail. Lynn and Jim were among those working on one loop, while others worked on the other loop.

Some of the early arrivals await their marching orders.

Some repeaters, some new faces.

The Tahmore loop runs through a splendid wooded area, with some roller-coaster sections. Deer were seen fleeing the hikers and their dogs. Turkeys were spotted the previous day by the work party. And in the pasture beyond the Land Trust property, cows could be seen grazing peacefully.

Joe Welsh, President of the Shelton Land Conservation Trust, with his son. He usually joins us on this hike every year, possibly to make sure no one is left behind!

Participants take a break after scurrying up a challenging hill.


Everyone seemed to enjoy the hike. In fact, a few hearty souls repeated at least one loop of the hike. The views, the serenity made it worthwhile!

Dreams Really Do Come True

Back in 1994, the Rec Path was a pipe dream. Here's an article from the Huntington Herald covering Conservation's efforts to build support from Planning and Zoning for the Rec Path. At that time, the City did not own any land along the 4-mile route, and we assumed the properties would be subdivided. I was on the Conservation Commission at that time, and I remember the basic thinking was to simply preserve the route from development so that future generations would always have the possibility of building the Rec Path.

From 1994 Rec Path Article

Only after the City bought several hundred acres of water company land along the route in 1998, as well as some other properties in the Nells Rock area, did efforts begin to actually construct the Rec Path via series of small grants and volunteer efforts. - Teresa

Harriet's Bench Restored

Click on photos to enlarge

Harriet's Bench, named after the late Harriet Wilbur, a longtime member of the Conservation Commission and a respected Shelton citizen, has finally been returned after a prolonged absence to it's rightful place overlooking the pastoral setting of the Shelton Land Trust's meadow off Lane Street. Originally hand-built with loving care by her friends several years ago as a memorial to Harriet, the bench had to be removed due to extensive vandalism and graffiti. Over the summer it has been restored close to it's original condition in the hope that those that use it to rest and enjoy the serenity of the meadow also respect the sanctity of this memorial. Enjoy the shade and the view!

Far Mill Work Party Saturday

Join us Saturday 10/15/11 for a work party to clear up storm damage on the Far Mill Trail. Meet at the big retaining wall behind ASF Sports on River Road (Rt. 110), across from the Transfer Station.

There are a lot of blowdowns and erosion from the hurricane. Bring saws, gloves, rakes, lopers, shovels, garbage bags, and wheelbarrows. The more hands that we have the easier it will be. Come see one of the prettiest spots in So. Conn. along the Far Mill River.

And if you need some free mulch for your yard visit Shelton's newest attraction; Mt. Irene at the Transfer Station. Take home some mulch after the work party - FREE.

Nells Loop Trail Blowdowns

The Nells Loop Trail off the Abby Wright parking lot (on Nells Rock Road by L'Hermitage) took a big hit from Hurricane Irene. A couple of weeks ago Jim & Rich spent the better part of the day clearing blowdowns so the trail is now passable.

Some trees were so badly broken that they had to take the whole tree down just to clear the widowmakers that were hung up.

This big oak was across the trail near John Dominick Drive. It took a while but the guys were able to clear a path thru the end of this.

There is still some work to do but the trails are passable. Thanks for all the hard work guys.

We'll be working on the Far Mill Trail behind ASF Sports on River Road 10/15 at 8:30. There are a lot of blowdowns and washouts in there, so the more the merrier. Come out and help maintain your trails.

Sucessful Shelton Day 2011

It was a beautiful Sunday.

We had probably our best Shelton Day booth ever on October 2nd. The weather was nice, there was a great turnout, and we said hi to a lot of old and new friends. We handed out several hundred new maps, talked to a lot of people and had a lot of folks sign up for trail work parties.

My favorite was the mom who signed up her son so he could earn community service hours, and then signed up her husband when we suggested it would be a great father-son hobby. Hope they turn up at our work party on Sat 10/15 behind ASF Sports on River Road.

Once again, we had a great booth location between Danny O's and Dunkin Doughnuts thanks to Sheri. A lot of our key volunteers came out to man the booth throughout the day.

Thanks to everybody who bought a tee shirt (and special thanks to the gentleman who made a donation). The trails seem to be pretty popular & it's good to see all the people enjoying Shelton's open spaces. Hope to see you at the upcoming trail parties.