Issues. People. Events.

Meriden Giuffrida Park - photo courtesy of Clare Cain

On June 2nd and 3rd, Connecticut will host the largest Trails Day celebration in the nation with 193 events scheduled in 121 towns on over 540 miles of trails throughout the state.  Time flies while you are having fun.  The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), the first private, non-profit conservation organization established in Connecticut, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of coordinating this fun-filled weekend.

There will be events for everyone—including hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, trail maintenance, kayaking, educational walks, bird watching, geocaching, and more.  These events are guided by knowledgeable volunteers from local hiking clubs, parks and recreation departments, state agencies, conservation organizations, historic groups, education programs, and land trusts.  54 of this year’s events will take place on CFPA’s Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System—the largest trail network in the state with over 825 miles of trails all maintained by volunteers (www.ctwoodlands.org/trails).

Every year, the Connecticut Trails Day Celebration inspires thousands of Nutmeggers to participate in activities that emphasize the importance of nature, promote healthy living and mental well-being, and instill excitement for the outdoors.  The success of Connecticut Trails Day would not be possible without strong participation by organizations like the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Connecticut Library Consortium, Connecticut State Library, land trusts, town agencies, outdoors-oriented businesses, volunteers, CFPA, and many dedicated financial sponsors—including DEEP in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, and Connecticut Light & Power.

The Connecticut Trails Day Celebration is part of National Trails Day, a nationwide hiking initiative established by the American Hiking Society in 1993. Trails Day encourages the public and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails while participating in numerous events held in each state.  A full listing of the Connecticut events is published by CFPA in its Connecticut Trails Day Celebration booklet.  Booklets are available, while supplies last, at Connecticut public libraries.  An electronic version of the booklet can be viewed at www.ctwoodlands.org/CT-TrailsDay2012.
 

Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), founded in 1895, is a non-profit organization serving Connecticut to protect forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces for future generations.  CFPA maintains the 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System, trains educators to utilize forests as a teaching tool, and is creating healthier communities through its WalkCT initiative.  Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for more information.