2022 MID YEAR TRAIL UPDATES
Hello everyone, I’m back with a long overdue update on your trail happenings. In this update I will show you everything that might have been missed since the start of the year, and of course give you some photos along the way. Please take the time to read through and we would love to hear your feedback.
Winter activities.
Often times trails get forgotten over the winter months, but TriTownTrail was very active over this winter. The truth is Trails don’t go away they just change; the picture below will show what winter on the trail can be. So many things that can’t be seen any other times of the year are on display.
Speaking of things not often seen, the next article and photographs are supplied by our local hiker and photographer Brandon Peck.
Pictured is one of at least two barred owls residing within the
Tri-Town Trail. I searched for two weeks, looking for some of
their resting spots, and have seen them several times now
perching in the trees. This spot in particular is visible from
directly on the trail. I am unsure if the two of them are a
couple or if they have babies, but I have heard them calling
back and forth to each other on multiple occasions during the
day, so they are active right now regardless. Late winter into
early spring is when it’s easiest to spot them, so there is
still time if you want to go looking. Listen for their
distinctive call of 8-9 notes, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for
you all?”. If you know the call, it’s nearly impossible to miss.
Of course, always be respectful and give them distance. If they
start making noises at you, you’re probably too close!
Spring growth.
The spring was a short one this year the trail went from stark and open to lush and green in a mater of a few short weeks. But those of us who made it out during that time got to enjoy the wake up seen below.
Bluff Point Groton section.
The southern terminus is now officially part of the TriTownTrail utilizing trails that where already available for use but are now officially partnered with us. This section begins on the Poquonnock river board walk, under the train overpass then a quick left to the unmarked trail that takes you parallel to the driveway entrance to Bluff Point State Park. This takes you to the main fire road trail head that leads to the long Island sound and the TTT southern terminus.
The Connecticut Greenways Council approved the Tri Town Trail Greenway.
What does that mean you might ask? Well directly quoted from the Connecticut DEP website, here are the requirements for a greenway.
“The CT Greenways Council and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection have designated these greenways of State significance based upon established criteria. CT Public Act 95-335 defines a greenway as a "corridor of open space" that:
1. may protect natural resources, preserve scenic landscapes and historical resources or offer opportunities for recreation or non-motorized transportation;
2. may connect existing protected areas and provide access to the outdoors;
3. may be located along a defining natural feature, such as a waterway, along a man-made corridor, including an unused right of way, traditional trail routes or historic barge canals; or
4. may be a green space along a highway or around a village.”
This designation is also very beneficial in any future grant applications by letting everyone know the state agrees with the importance and our goals of providing the public free trail access.
How is the trail now?
The trail is in amazing shape. Now in full summer mode the air is warm, the fields are high, the trees are green, and the fern filled under growth is lush. All this adds up to a beautiful mix of almost any type of trail you could want all in one hike. Looking forward to seeing you all out here soon. Till then enjoy a few photos from this month.
