Category Archives: Outdoors

Old Lyme Planning Commission Announces Photo Contest for Town Residents

Posted on by
1

OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Planning Commission has announced a new photo contest for Old Lyme residents for the upcoming edition of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The Planning Commission is in the process of rewriting the POCD for 2020, which is revised every 10 years.

The 10 most representative photos of the town will be chosen for inclusion in the 2020 POCD. Various categories include, but are not limited to, Town Hall, nature/waterfront, farmland, open space, historic sites, municipal structures, houses of worship, etc.

Digitized photo entries should be submitted by email to kgroves@oldlyme-ct.gov by Aug. 31, 2020.

The winners will be announced on the Town website and their photo submissions will be included in the 2020 POCD with their name credited below the picture.

The Planning Commission asks readers to note that by submitting their photography, they are also agreeing to allow the Town of Old Lyme to share their image(s), with appropriate credit on the Town of Old Lyme’s website and Facebook page.

Lyme Land Trust Names Bob Cope 2020 Volunteer of the Year

Posted on by
Reply

Bob Cope proudly displays the plaque awarded to him by the Lyme Land Trust after he was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Photo by Sue Cope.

LYME — Bob Cope has been named the 2020 Lyme Land Trust Volunteer of the Year, an award presented this year during a virtual Annual Meeting. The Land Trust celebrates, appreciates and depends upon all of the many wonderful volunteers and members who contribute to the success of the organization.

This year, Bob Cope stood out for his eagerness to help, dependability, and resourcefulness. He has been an invaluable volunteer for all the Trust’s activities: from building bridges, benches, kiosks, and gates, to mowing and clearing trees in the preserves; in addition to helping with the Tour de Lyme and other events.

Mal Karwoski, Stewardship Chair of the Trust, who presented the honor, stated,  “It’s Bob’s nature to be helpful, and he shares this not just with the Lyme Land Trust. Bob is invested in our community in many other ways and is passionate about giving back.” 

In addition to Bob’s volunteer work with the Trust, he serves on the Town of Lyme Open Space Commission and the Lyme Recreation Commission, assists the Friends of Whalebone Cove, Hadlyme Public Hall, Lyme Youth Services Bureau and the Center For The Blind in New London. 

Swim Advisory Lifted at Sound View, Re-Sample Test Results are Below Bacterial Action Levels,

Posted on by
Reply

OLD LYME — UPDATED 7/17 at 10 a.m. — Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) has now confirmed to LymeLine.com that this result means that the Swimming Advisory noted below is lifted with immediate effect. Danielle Holmes, Sanitarian II at LLHD, told us by email Friday morning, “Sound View Beach is open and cleared for swimming!”

UPDATED 7/16 at 4:33 p.m.: Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) posted the following statement on their Facebook page shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon: “The areas with elevated bacterial counts [which include Sound View] were re-sampled Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Results of the re-samples were below bacterial action levels.”

7/15 — Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) found elevated bacteria levels in the most recent water sampling at Sound View. As such, swimming or wading in these waters is discouraged until further notice.

Ledge Light resampled the water yesterday, Wednesday, July 15, and the results will be reported in the next two days.

This swim advisory is for Sound View Beach only — no other Old Lyme beaches have been issued a swim advisory.

According to their website, LLHD conducts weekly bathing water sampling from Memorial Day through Labor Day for the Towns and Cities of Old Lyme along with East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, New London, Stonington, and Waterford. The 2020 sampling season began on May 20, 2020.

Beach or bathing water quality is measured by the presence of enterococcal organisms, which are a group of organisms that may indicate the presence of potentially harmful bacteria.

The State of Connecticut has issued guidelines for bathing water quality, which are used to determine if a bathing area needs to be resampled or posted with an advisory. A concentration of enterococcal organisms exceeding 104 colonies per 100 ml of marine water and 235 colonies per 100 ml of freshwater is considered unsatisfactory for bathing.

At least once a week from mid-May to mid-September, LLHD Sanitarians collect water samples from different bathing areas throughout the District. The water samples are then sent to the State laboratory for analysis.

If any of the samples exceed the State guidelines, the water is resampled to verify the result. If the second test confirms the level, a bathing advisory is posted at that location.

Ledge Light Health District will continue to monitor the site and remove the posting as soon as the levels are safe.

Old Lyme’s Whippoorwill Rd. Parking Lot Closed Resulting in Changes to Open Space Access

Posted on by
Reply

OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Open Space Commission has announced in a statement that the parking lot on Whippoorwill Rd. used by visitors to the Ames Open Space and McCulloch Family Open Space properties was closed July 1, 2020.

The owner of the parking lot has graciously allowed the town use his private property for many years for parking, but recently rescinded permission in anticipation of a possible land sale.

In response, the Old Lyme Open Space Commission is actively exploring the feasibility of a new parking area on town land along the pentway (driveway) leading to the McCulloch property, adjacent to the former parking area.  As this may involve an archaeological assessment, survey and engineering work, land clearing and lot construction, it will likely become a future property amenity.

In the meantime, the Open Space Commission has announced the following access changes to trails:

Ames Open Space

  • The Whippoorwill Rd. access to the Ames Open Space will be closed until further notice.  This trail connector has been periodically flooded, rendering it unusable for periods of time in the past. Closure will resolve this issue and also allow beavers to occupy open space property without disturbance.
  • Ames Open Space trails may be accessed from the existing Evergreen Rd. entrance.

McCulloch Family Open Space

  • The yellow trailhead in the McCulloch Family Open Space will be accessible only by pedestrian and bicycle access.  Vehicle parking on the pentway leading to this trailhead is prohibited.
  • The yellow trail remains fully accessible for visitors and hikers, but without a parking area. This trail may also be accessed via either the property’s Tree in the Gap or Flat Rock Hill Rd. entrances, both of which remain fully open.
  • Maps showing the alternate open space entrances are available on the town website.

Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center Offers Small Group Eco-adventures in Lyme, Old Lyme for Ages 10-15

Posted on by
Reply

“Ponding” with RTPEC instructors is always an educational and fun experience. Photo from RTPEC.

LYME-OLD LYME — What lies beneath the water? How can you find your way in the woods? Can you use cabbage to create art?

The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (RTPEC) is offering small group, in-person programming to explore these questions and more beginning July 13 and following all current COVID-19 safety procedures. The RTPEC building on Halls Rd. will, however, remain closed.

Join in hands-on activities while discovering local biodiversity, using scientific tools, and creating beautiful natural art pieces. Morgan Allen, a RTPEC teacher-naturalist, will lead participants in outdoor, experiential field programs focusing on different daily topics in different locations.

Pond Exploration at Jewett Preserve in Lyme 
Monday, July 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Tuesday, July 21, 3 – 5 p.m.
Join Allen in exploring what plants and animals may live in the pond using nets, solar microscopes, and more. Discover the chemical characteristics of the pond by learning how to take temperature and pH samples. Test the water quality using our Creek Critter app to identify macroinvertebrates and learn how to become a citizen scientist. Bring close-toed water shoes, a towel, and wear clothing that can get wet.

Hiking Adventures at Beckett Hill State Park in Lyme
Wednesday, July 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Thursday, July, 23, 3 – 5 p.m. 
Take an adventure into the woods. Learn how to use binoculars, solar scopes, and field guides to identify plants and animals. Use a soil sieve to discover what’s hiding in the soil.  Not sure which way you are traveling? Learn how to use a compass to navigate your way. Wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Art in Nature at Ferry Landing State Park in Old Lyme
Friday, July 17, 10 a.m – 12 p.m. and Saturday, July 25, 3 – 5 pm 
Release the artist within! Over these two hours, Allen will teach participants how to create a variety of natural art pieces including designing a seascape with sand and shells, clay pressings using natural materials, and making your own natural tie-dye. Wear clothing that can get messy and something to tie-dye.

To register and for more information, visit https://www.ctaudubon.org/rtp-programs-events/
Register for one, two, or three days. There is a 10-person maximum for each day.
The price is $30 RTPEC member/day, $35 non-member/day; $75 RTPEC member/three days, $90 non-member/three days.

Each child should bring a water bottle daily.

Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.