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Simsbury Land Trust Trail Guidelines for COVID-19

Due to the current health crisis, more people are turning to nature and land trust trails as a means of exercise and a way to safely spend time outside.

Some of our trails are showing signs of distress. We need your help keeping them open and in good condition for future hikes by following these guidelines.

1. Practice social distancing while hiking at all times.

Even outdoors it is important to stay six feet apart at all times. When approaching another group pass in single file or step to the side to avoid passing too closely. Keep your mask handy for passing in narrow areas. If the trail is crowded consider going to another trail.

2. Observe all posted trail rules, including temporary closure signs.

To make hiking our trails safe and more enjoyable, please respect fellow hikers and follow the rules. Temporary closings of trails and parking areas are done reluctantly and after careful consideration. Keep off of all closed trails and parking areas.

3. Choose a safe parking location for all trail use.

Many of our trails are located in residential areas, and some on busy roadways. Traffic awareness and parking safety are your responsibility—watch for cars on the roadway as well as passing runners, walkers and cyclists at all times. We ask that you be courteous and consider all neighbors when parking or entering any parking area.

4. Please leash your dog at all times.

We love all types of animals, but unleashed dogs might approach other hikers. While we always request that your dog is under control, we are temporarily requiring dogs on leash at all times during the COVID-19 health crisis.

5. Pack out your trash, including any gloves or masks, pet waste and snack wrappers and peels.

Please pick up all pet waste, do not leave the bags and other trash on the trail. Everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

6. Please don’t venture off the trails.

Our properties are beautiful, and contain many special features. We carefully selected where our trails are located so please hike only on marked trails. That beautiful area just off the trail may look like a great photo opportunity, but it may also be home to newly nested birds or endangered plants and animals.

Nature can be healing and restorative to all of us in these stressful times. Following the rules will allow us to keep the trails open for your enjoyment.

Thank you.

Simsbury Walkbook Now Available for Download!

In response to the restrictions resulting from current public health issues, the Simsbury Land Trust invites everyone to enjoy our trails! To make that easier for everyone we are making the Simsbury Walkbook available online to the public. Looking for some new trails to explore in Simsbury? You can print the pages to bring with you on one of the many hikes we have right here in our backyard.

Download a copy of the Simsbury Walkbook.

Interested in a hard copy of the book? We usually reserve these books for members only, but we have 200 copies we have available to Simsbury residents only while supplies last. If you are interested in receiving a copy send your name and Simsbury mailing address to amyzeiner@aol.com and we will send you a copy. Offer available only while supplies last.

Dirty Boots Kids Club Trail Maps and Activity Guide Now Available for Download!

Nature Projects and Puzzles • Coloring Book Pages • Animal Tracks and Facts

Download a copy of the Trail Maps and Activity Guide

RENEW or Join now to get your free copy of the Simsbury Land Trust Walkbook!

Available only to members, the newly revised Walkbook contains maps and color photos for 27 hikes and walks in Simsbury. Get yours in time for fall hiking — join or renew online today!!

Welcome!

Simsbury Land Trust is a non-profit conservation organization that protects the rich natural diversity of Simsbury through the ownership of land and conservation easements.

It is 750 Simsbury households that, year after year, support its operations through their annual membership donations.
It is the three dozen families who have chosen the SLT as the vehicle through which to permanently preserve their beloved land for the enjoyment of future generations.
It is the hundreds of families who have not had the land to donate but who have provided over $2.3 million over the past 15 years to help in the acquisition of specific tracts of land.
It is the dozens of volunteers who give of their time, skills and effort and who serve as trustees, committee members, stewards, teachers, speakers and guides.
It is local businesses and professionals who have donated countless products and services.
It is an executive director and a finance and membership director who have spent the last 15 years establishing a level of structure and professionalism without which the organization would not have succeeded.

Because of the Simsbury Land Trust, Rosedale Farms, Tulmeadow Farm and the George Hall Farm are now permanently protected farmland, the Western Ridge and much of the wetlands at its base are protected wildlife corridors, and bobolinks and woodcock are now nesting in the meadows east of the river.

We urge you to visit the trails we maintain on many of our properties and to watch for activities, events and publications that we sponsor. We know you will enjoy the chance to get outdoors, to learn more about the exceptional natural environment here in Simsbury and to meet other people who share your interests. Visit our website often to learn of these and other opportunities. As you get to know us, we hope you will want to become a member and to support the Simsbury Land Trust with an annual membership, an occasional acquisition or stewardship gift, or with a contribution of your time.

learn more about SLT >>