Autumn is officially upon us, and we’ve got a full calendar of events to keep you busy with activities — from rowing and hiking to forums and lectures — well into October.
Head of the Riverfront Regatta
Sunday, October 2, 2016
The Row for the River fundraiser is happening now! You can support cleaner, healthier, more vibrant water in the Connecticut River by contributing today, or sponsoring one of the Trinity rowing teams competing in the Head of the Riverfront Regatta on October 2 at Riverside Park in Hartford. Cheer on the Trinity rowers from the Connecticut riverbank this weekend! Learn more.
Stamford 2030 Change Maker Awards
Wednesday, October 5, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
The annual Change Maker Awards reception recognizes guest awardees and members of the Stamford 2030 District for their accomplishments in efficiency and resiliency. This year’s event will take place at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Learn more.
Long Island Sound Report Card Launch
Thursday, October 6, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join elected representatives, natural resource managers, Save the Sound, and partners for a press event celebrating the release of the 2016 Long Island Sound Report Card. Learn about the health of Long Island Sound and current plans to protect and restore it. Events will be held simultaneously in New York and New Haven. Learn more.
Special Presentation: Survey of the History of Plum Island
Thursday, October 6, 7:00 p.m.
Presentation hosted by Amy Folk, Collections Manager of the Southold Historical Society and co-author of the book, “A World Unto Itself, The Remarkable History of Plum Island, New York.” Event to be held at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church in Old Lyme.
Head for the Hills! Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve Fall Open House
Saturday, October 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Experience the Oswegatchie Hills 457-acre nature preserve on guided tours led by Friends of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve (FOHNP) stewards starting at 10:00 am. The accompanying information fair is organized by Save Oswegatchie Hills Coalition, FOHNP, Save the River-Save the Hills and Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Hikes start at OHNP main entrance kiosk, ample parking atVeterans Memorial Park, East Lyme. Learn more.
Presentation: “Life on Mystery Island”
East Hampton, NY — Saturday, October 15, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
In the late 1950s at the age of 12, Ed Faszczewski moved with his family to Plum Island, where his father was a lab supervisor at the animal disease research center. They were among the first civilian families to live on the government-owned island, located east of Orient Point, NY. Come hear Ed Faszczewski tell his first-hand account of life on Plum Island. This presentation is part of the East Hampton Library’s Tom Twomey Lecture Series in local history. Learn more & RSVP.
NY Congressional District 1 Environmental Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 18, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Save the Sound is co-hosting a nonpartisan candidate forum featuring New York Congressmember Lee Zeldin and his challenger Anna Throne-Holst. Candidates will discuss their environmental priorities at the Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center in Riverhead, NY. Learn more.
Presentation: The Plants and Animals of Plum Island, NY
Greenport, NY — Thursday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.
This is a must see presentation for all coalition members and Plum Island advocates on Long Island. With the first-ever four-season biological inventory of Plum Island now complete, Chief Zoologist Matthew D. Schlesinger, PhD, of the NY Natural Heritage Program, will present on the very interesting new findings and discoveries. Southold Supervisor Scott Russell and Randy Parsons, Land Conservation Specialist with The Nature Conservancy on Long Island, are co-sponsoring the event. For details and directions visit The Nature Conservancy website.
Pequonnock River Apron Planting
Saturday, October 22, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Join Save the Sound’s Green Projects team for a planting and cleanup to improve habitat along the Pequonnock River in Bridgeport’s Glenwood Park. RSVP to restoration@savethesound.org and stay tuned for more information.
Plum Island’s Place in the Geological History of Southern New England
Thursday, October 27, 2016, 7:00 p.m.
Presentation on the history of Plum Island hosted by Ralph Lewis, Connecticut State Geologist Emeritus and a professor in residence in the Marine Studies Department at the University of Connecticut Avery Point. Event to be held at the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.
Presentation: “Preserving Plum Island for Future Generations”
Westbrook, CT — November 8, 7:00 p.m.
Cold Spring Harbor, NY — November 9, 7:00 p.m.
Chris Cryder, Outreach Coordinator for the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, will be giving two presentations in early November, where he will take attendees on a “virtual tour” of Plum Island, highlighting its amazing natural and cultural resources, including unique habitats, birds, plants, and wildlife, which are at risk of being lost due to potential development. He will also discuss the current activities of the Coalition to prevent the federal sale of Plum Island to the highest bidder.
The Westbrook Conservation Land Trust is hosting the first event on November 8, 7:00 p.m. at the Westbrook Town Hall. Please visit the Land Trust’s Facebook event page for details.
The Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society is sponsoring the second presentation on November 9, 7:00 p.m. at the Cold Spring Harbor Library. Please go to the HOBAS website for details or download the flyer
Plum Island’s Biodiversity, Birds, Bats, Bugs, and Basking Seals
Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m.
Presentation on Plum Island’s Biodiversity led by Matthew D. Schlesinger, PhD, and Chief Zoologist of the New York Natural Heritage Program. Visit the library’s website to register and see details, and be sure to read this great article recently published by the Harbor News: “How Art, Storytelling Are Being Used to Save Plum Island.” Presentation at Saint Ann’s Church in Old Lyme.
Stay up-to-date on these and all of our upcoming events by visiting our events calendar.
Featured image by Brandon Patel.