Canton Land Conservation Trust’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

The Canton Land Conservation Trust welcomes everyone to join in celebrating the Trust’s 40th Anniversary with day and evening events on Saturday, Sept. 29.

“No matter your age or whether you are a Land Trust member or even a Canton resident, we invite you to explore and enjoy the natural world around us, and share in celebrating the tremendous achievement of many years of dedicated volunteers,” said Canton Land Conservation Trust President Barry Deutsch

“The Canton Land Trust has come a long way in 40 years. Since its first donation of one little, 1.3-acre parcel, the Trust has now preserved nearly 2,000 acres,” said Mr. Deutsch. “This land really belongs to everyone – all 55 parcels and all 16 trails. This is why everyone is invited to the party.”

The celebration will begin with a free Family Festival for all ages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – rain or shine – at the Mary Conklin Sanctuary on Indian Hill Road. See www.cantonlandtrust.org for a list of full events, which include:

• Expert-led hikes exploring the Mary Conklin Sanctuary’s geological history;  nature hikes, and mushroom-identifying hikes;
• Reptile demonstrations;
• Raptor performances;
• Bluebird house construction;
• Fairy house creation;
• Nature-exploring activities including a discovery box, scavenger hunts and more, and
• Pizza, donut holes and cider provided by Land Trust friends Flatbread Pizza, Whole Donut and Hickory Ledges Farm.

The entrance to the Mary Conklin Sanctuary is at 144 Indian Hill Rd., 1.25 mi. north of Rt. 44.

The party will continue in the evening with a Harvest Moon Celebration, a casual dinner dance at Ski Sundown, 126 Ratlum Rd., New Hartford from 6:30 to 10 p.m. featuring a barbecue by The Meat House; farm-fresh side dishes and homemade desserts made by local foodies; the music of the Hot Cat Jazz Band, specializing in swing, big band, jazz and classic rock; a wine and beer cash bar; and, if weather permits, a 10 p.m. hike under a full Harvest Moon to the top of Sundown.

Tickets are $25 per person in advance and $30 after Sept. 25. For Dinner Dance reservations, make your tax-deductible check payable to: “Canton Land Conservation Trust/Memo: Dinner Dance.” Mail to: Canton Land Conservation Trust - Dinner Dance, P.O. Box 41, Canton Center, CT 06020.

See www.cantonlandtrust.org for more information.

Submitted release