The days are getting cooler, trees are changing color and the leaves are beginning to drop; yes, it’s the Fall season and also the time for another local tradition, The Last Green Valley’s annual Walktober events. There are six events scheduled in Hampton that span interests including heritage crafts, biking, photography, wild edibles and local history. Please note that several of the events listed below require registration and one requires a fee. For additional information on the entire Walktober series of events, please go to their website at thelastgreenvalley.org.
The Rural Heritage Arts School, located at 170 Estabrooks Road, will be open 9 AM to 5PM Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, as well as Columbus Day. The school will feature heritage arts and crafts including hand crafts, jewelry and homemade jams and jellies. For additional information please call Renee Cuprak at 860-917-9354.
Mountain Bike Ride on Saturday, October 13, from 9AM to 12PM at Goodwin State Forest, located at 23 Potter Road. The New England Mountain Bike Association will be leading rides on the forest’s many trails. All are welcome; groups will be established based on riders’ levels of experience. Helmets and bikes are required.
Photowalk on Saturday, October 13, from 10AM to 12PM at Goodwin State Forest. A 3 mile walk for ages 12 and above will be led by photographer Geoff Bolte through the forest, highlighting its many beautiful landscapes and hopefully some of its residents. Participants should bring a camera capable of photographing in “Manual” mode. A tripod is recommended, but keep in mind that you will be hiking. For a personal touch and ample time, this opportunity is offered to a maximum of 15 participants. Registration is required at www.clarusstudios.com. Sponsored by Clarus Studios.
Rad Ostby Memorial Forest Walk on Monday, October 15, from 10AM to 12PM. The forest is located on Old Route 6 East. The one mile walk is sponsored by the Hampton Antiquarian and Historical Society and will be led by Dr. Nick Bellantoni, Emeritus State Archaeologist and the Eastern Connecticut Forest Landowners Association. Some areas may be wet. Participants must be able to cross stepping stones and walk along a steep rocky slope. Please contact jeanwierzbinski@gmail.com with questions.
Autumn Wild Plants and Fungi Foraging on Saturday, October 20, from 10AM to 12:30PM at Goodwin State Forest. Autumn is a time of bounty and harvest: nuts are falling to the forest floor, fruits are ripening, roots and tubers are thickening up in anticipation of sustaining the plants through the tough winter, and edible fungi can be found in astounding amounts. Learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare the wild foods of autumn on this walk with the 3 Foragers as they teach you the edibles of autumn. Fee is $5 dollars for Friends of Goodwin or CFPA members; $10 dollars for non-members. Sponsored by The Friends of Goodwin Forest. www.friendsofgoodwinforest.org
Hampton Village: A Walk Back in Time on Sunday, October 21, from 1PM to 2:30PM. Starting at the Post Office, Hampton’s municipal historian, Bob Burgoyne, will lead an architectural walk down Main Street in the Hampton Hill Historic District. First settled in 1709, Hampton retains its small-town, rural feel with many buildings dating to the 18th century. In addition to discussing the architecture, Bob will relate the history behind the homes, businesses and other buildings in what was originally Hampton Village, the Second Society of Windham. Sponsored by Hampton Antiquarian & Historical Society. A rain date for this event is Sunday, October 28, from 1 PM to 2:30 PM.