New Canaan Land Trust is having a Winter Hiking Challenge

New Canaan Land Trust winter hiking challenge, new canaan, connecticut
Image via New Canaan Land Trust

The New Canaan Land Trust is thrilled to invite the community to participate in a unique winter hiking challenge. We challenge you to explore the beauty of our local preserves by visiting seven New Canaan Land Trust sites, along with the newly acquired Bristow Bird Sanctuary in Mead Park, to complete eight magnificent hikes this winter season.

Our preserves offer an abundance of year-round natural wonders. This challenge is an excellent opportunity to breathe in the fresh winter air, observe local wildlife, and get a healthy start to the New Year. Participants can visit and walk the trails at any or all of the designated preserves.

Here’s how to participate in the challenge: First, visit one of the eight properties on the Challenge Circuit. These trails are Bristow Bird Sanctuary, Browne Preserve, Colhoun Preserve, Firefly Sanctuary, GreenLink Trail from Irwin/Nature Center, Livingston-Higley Preserve, Still Pond Preserve, and Watson-Symington Preserve. Then, find the Selfie Spot at each of these trails. Snap a selfie in front of the sign and submit all your photos in a Google Form available on the Land Trust website. This form should only be submitted upon the preferred level of participation. 

We’re also calling on hikers to share their adventures on social media using the hashtag #NCLTwinterhike2024 and tagging us @nc_land_trust. Not only is this a fun way to document your journey, but it also helps spread the word about the beauty and accessibility of our preserves.

Entries for the challenge are due by 5 pm on February 29, 2024. All participants, regardless of membership status, are eligible for exciting prizes. Those who visit four properties will receive New Canaan Land Trust swag. Those who visit all eight properties will receive swag, a certificate of completion, and an entry into a raffle to win a $250 gift card to Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton.

We kindly remind participants to respect the preserves by adhering to the rules outlined on our website. Preserves are open from dawn to dusk. Please be mindful of leash rules, which vary from preserve to preserve, and clean up after dogs. Wear sturdy shoes, and report any hazards encountered on the trails to the New Canaan Land Trust so they can be addressed promptly. We also encourage participants to check out the kiosks at each trailhead for more information about the preserve.

Join us in this exciting challenge and help spread the word by inviting friends and family to participate in this wonderful winter adventure. Let’s hit the trails and make this winter one to remember!

Click here for more information on the preserves and the challenge rules.

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