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Outdoor Farmers & Specialty Food Markets Grow in Litchfield

Where once there were none, and then one, now there are three – seasonal outdoor farmers markets/special food markets, that is.

The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, held indoors at Litchfield Community Center in the off season and outdoors at the Center School parking lot through late October, launched in 2007 and brought a European market town vibe to Saturday mornings.

On June 2, the Bantam Community Farmers Market made its debut at the Alain White Field on Route 209 (the lake road) and continues every Friday through October from 4-7 p.m.

Also on Fridays, Chabad Litchfield holds a Shabbat Market from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 69 West St. in Litchfield center.

The growth in access and emphasis on fresh and local foods creates an opportunity to stock the pantry each week with everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, poultry, and meats, maple syrup, honey, locally-roasted specialty coffee, granola, artisan cheeses, handcrafted soaps, breads and baked goods, local beer – and so much more.

Several vendors participate in both the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market and Bantam Community Farmers Market, creating two opportunities to stock the pantry with all things fresh, local, and delicious – Friday afternoon/evening or Saturday morning/early afternoon.

Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market

Launched in 2007 with 15 local vendors, the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market is a program of Sustainable Healthy Communities, which promotes healthy eating and active lifestyles in Northwest Connecticut.

The market takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in a Center School parking lot on Woodruff Lane, just below Litchfield center and the Green, from mid-June through late October. After that, it moves to its off-season indoor location at Litchfield Community Center, also on Saturday from 10-1. Summer vendors are shown in the graphic here.

Farmers markets Litchfield CT

Bantam Community Farmers Market

Vendors at the new farmers market in Bantam include An Average Jill granola, Why Not Farm, Krafted Brew Lab, Fork You Farms, Vibrant Farm CT, Norbrook Farm Brewery, Hathor Hill Farm, Farm Faraway Homestead, Botanical Bros., Lakeside Farm, Chanticleer Acres, The Healing Herb Garden, and Deerdana Provisions – as well as artisans and a weekly musical performance. “Excited to have Hungry Reaper Farm with us this week,” the Market posted on Facebook Wednesday (7/19).

Shabbat Market

Farmers Market: Shabbat Market Litchfield On Fridays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Chabad Litchfield holds a Shabbat Market outside its location at 69 West St., just below the Green, offering Fresh Brooklyn Challah, Bubbe’s Matzah Ball Soup, and Hemish Potato Kugel.

“There nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked challah,” Chabad says. “Our Brooklyn Fresh Challah is made with the finest ingredients and baked to perfection. With its soft, fluffy texture and deliciously sweet taste, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.”

Chabad is also participating in the Bantam Community Farmers Market.

Litchfield Farms

To connect with Litchfield’s farms, many of which have farm stands, see the Visit Litchfield CT farms page, where, in addition to listings and links, you’ll find a link to an interactive map.

Fourth of July Weekend events, Litchfield CT

Celebrating Fourth of July as a 5-Day Weekend in Litchfield!

Fourth of July weekend fireworks, Litchfield CT Litchfield’s terrific Fourth of July fireworks take place Friday, May 30, and the festivities stretch all the way to Independence Day on Tuesday, creating a rare opportunity for a 5-day holiday weekend.

Litchfield delivers with lots of great things to do, patriotic and otherwise, culminating with the Litchfield Historical Society’s fan-favorite 4^th of July Pet Parade in the Tapping Reeve Meadow on South Street.

Here’s a lineup to help you celebrate and don’t forget to stock the pantry for the long weekend at the new Bantam Community Farmers Market (4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Alain White Field on Route 209), and the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Center School parking lot).

Friday, June 30 – Fireworks

The Town of Litchfield and Litchfield Park & Recreation present a terrific Fourth of July fireworks show each year at Litchfield High School and this year it’s taking place on Friday, June 30, with a rain date of Sunday, July 9.

Anyone can walk to the high school and enjoy the show – or you can register online to secure a parking space at the school for $20 and bring a carload of guests. Register for a space here. As of Wednesday, there were roughly 80 spots still available. Lots open at 7 p.m. and the show begins around 9 p.m.

Note that no parking will be allowed on Constitution Way.

Dim Lights Thick Smoke Concert at Litchfield Community Center

The Litchfield Community Center is featuring the live music of Dim Lights Thick Smoke on June 30 as part of its Summer Concert Series. The concert is free, though donations are welcome.

Grounds open at 6 for the BYOB & lawn Chairs event and the music starts at 7. Guests can enjoy a fresh wood fire pizza from Bill’s Mobile Pizza, and if it rains the performance will be moved inside. Those planning to attend are asked to pre-register online.

Saturday, July 1 – Weekly Walking Tour of Litchfield History

Fourth of July weekend events, Litchfield CT Litchfield Historical Society’s weekly walking tour is the perfect way to discover Litchfield’s vibrant history and explore the town’s celebrated Historic District. Each tour provides visitors with an overview of Litchfield’s history – from the stories behind famous landmarks to anecdotes about past residents to appreciation of prominent buildings.

Tours leave at 1 p.m. from the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street) and last approximately an hour. They are free from members and $10 for non-members. Register here.

A Stroll through Slab Meadow with Gerri Griswold

Join Director of Administration and Development Gerri Griswold for a walk exploring a parcel acquired by the White Memorial Foundation in 2015. It’s peppered with vernal pools and features a beautiful overlook onto a marsh. Have your eyes and ears at the ready for frogs including green frogs, gray tree frogs, and bull frogs. The oak stands promise to produce an abundance of bird life like Red-eyed Vireos. Meet at 10 a.m. in front of the A. B. Ceder Room at the White Memorial Conservation Center to caravan over to the trailhead. It’s free but donations are accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses. More info here.

Sunday, July 2 – Walking Tour – Heroes of the Revolution

Celebrate Independence Day with a walking tour through Litchfield’s Revolutionary history and discover the many ways people in town contributed during the Revolutionary War. The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately an hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. It’s free for members and $10 for non-members. Register online here.

Tuesday, July 4^th – Fourth of July Ceremonies + the Pet Parade

The Sons, Daughters, and Children of the American Revolution organizations (SAR, DAR, CAR) will gather at East Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. to recall the remarkable contributions made by Litchfield’s Revolutionary War heroes Oliver Wolcott Jr. and Benjamin Tallmadge, as well as their friends and families – and the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment will be on hand kick off Independence Day with a bang (cannon and musket fire). A second ceremony (also with a bang) will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the All Wars Memorial on Route 202 in Bantam.

25th Annual 4th of July Pet Parade

The Litchfield’s Historical Society’s Annual July 4th Pet Parade and Turn-of-the-Century Fest returns on Tuesday, July 4th from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Tapping Reeve Meadow.

All pets – dogs, cats, snails, or stuffed animals – are invited to the Tapping Reeve Meadow to celebrate Independence Day. Bring your pet to the judge’s booth before joining the parade. Everyone can enjoy old-fashioned amusements, including sack races, tug-of-war contests, photo booth, and an ice cream social!

Pets must be on a leash or in a cage, and if applicable, must be up to date with immunizations. Parade registration begins at 2:15. See the historical society website for details.

10 Free Summer Concerts in Litchfield Starting 6/21

It’s summer concert season in Litchfield and you can enjoy 10 free performances from now into September – and those are just the ones we know about!

The music starts June 21 with a double bill of sorts – a lunchtime show at the new Litchfield Land Trust HQ, and the first concert in the Litchfield Park & Rec Wednesday evening series on the Green.

The summer fun wraps up with the CT Grateful Dead All Stars Band at Litchfield Community Center Sept. 8.

Summer Concerts on the Green

Join Litchfield Park & Rec to kick off the summer concerts with a local favorite, Potter’s Field, on Wednesday, June 21, from 7 to 9 p.m., and come back every week through July 26 for a show.

June 28, Steve Dunn Band (POSTPONED TO AUG. 2)

July 5, West Side Groove

July 12, The Jerry Gerst Trio

July 19, Cover to Cover

July 26, Wires & Wood

Bring lawn chairs and a blanket and stay tuned for each concert’s featured business and grab-and-go dining specials to enjoy during the show.

For the June 21 performance, order dinner ahead from DiFranco’s Restaurant with 20% off takeout orders (Wed. 6/21) by calling 860-361-6861.

Watch the Park & Rec Facebook page for weekly business/dining specials accompanying each concert:

The concert series is hosted by @litchfieldparkandrec and sponsored by @lawrencejeffreyestatejewelers

Please note the rules for enjoyment of the Green by all: No alcohol or cannabis; no frisbees or balls; no dogs; no open flames, and no climbing on trees or poles, per Borough of Litchfield rules. In addition to the parking on West Street, guests may park in municipal parking lots behind stores on West Street or in the town hall parking lot diagonally across from the Green.

Litchfield Land Trust Summer Solstice Station Porch Concert

The Station at 28 Russell St. is the new home of the Litchfield Land Trust, which is presenting a Summer Solstice Station Porch Concert at noon on June 21 featuring local musicians celebrating the long summer days and the conservation work of the Litchfield Land Trust.

The event is part of Make Music NWCT, a free region-wide celebration of music open to the public. Watch the land trust’s Facebook page for any updates.

Litchfield Community Center Summer Concert Series

The Litchfield Community Center is featuring the live music of Dim Lights Thick Smoke on June 30 as part of its Summer Concert Series. The concert is free, though donations are welcome.

The other remaining free shows are:

Ivan Polyanskiy Jazz Quintet, Aug. 11

CT Grateful Dead All Stars Band, Sept. 8

Space Whale, Litchfield Hills Rowing Club

‘Space Whale’ Now the ‘Face’ of Litchfield Hills Rowing Club

The Litchfield Hills Rowing Club is sporting stylish new branding that ripples with “lake monster” intrigue as it embodies the message that the successful and growing club is still all about community, camaraderie, and having fun.

The new face of the club based on Bantam Lake is the “Space Whale,” affectionately named Hilly.

If having a whale as the mascot for a club that rows in a freshwater lake seems a bit puzzling, Hilly’s origin story sets it all straight. This Space Whale is part of lake lore inspired by a strange and fascinating occurrence in the middle of the night on April 10, 2012.

It was then, at 2 a.m., that a glowing green object the size of a whale descended from the sky and fell into Bantam Lake.

That’s gospel truth … or at least what witnesses observed and reported, though these observers weren’t on the lake and didn’t see the phenomenon up close. They were either elsewhere in Litchfield or a bit farther away but understood from local geography that the falling object would have been over the lake.

In the aftermath of the mysterious visitation, the Republican-American newspaper reported that someone driving in Litchfield reported the falling object – and there’s another account that gave the whole thing a certain gravity.

A Connecticut State Police trooper who was about 10 miles away in Warren called dispatchers at the same time to report a glowing green object falling out of the sky in the area of Bantam Lake. The story rippled out across the country and even made news internationally.

Learn to Row Day is Sat. June 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details and registration are on the club’s website

A legend was born, and the lore of the Space Whale became most cherished, perhaps, by the rowing club. After all, apart from kayakers and canoeists, by virtue of proximity to the surface of the water, and the volume of boats and rowers on the lake, its members had the greatest chance of a Space Whale encounter.

Gail Zaharek, who rowed varsity at Ithaca College, joined the club in 2015, and has been president of the board for about four years, recalls that a former coach used to tease younger student rowers by saying, “Don’t fall out of the boat, the Space Whale will get you.”

The legend of the Space Whale, now formally known as Hilly, became so integrated into rowing club culture that there’s even a Space Whale Race with a bejeweled oar blade as the prize.

Fast forward to 2023, when the club – first formed back in 1967 when Litchfield High School students started rowing on the lake – decided it was time to rebrand to differentiate itself at regattas. Infusing fun, inclusiveness, and high energy into the brand was another key goal.

In a stroke of serendipity, the club counts a master of luxury branding among its parents, and he offered to guide the process pro bono, in part because the club has been transformative for his sons, who are 12 and 14.

Enter Alexander Duckworth, the principal of Point One Percent, a strategically focused branding and marketing creative consultancy whose clients include Cadillac, Rolex, Tiffany & Co., Hudson Yards, and others of similar status. (Duckworth is also a Partner of Pop Capital, which invests in luxury market brands that target high net-worth individuals.)

With the Space Whale emerging as the right choice for a distinctive mascot, Duckworth guided the rebranding process, beginning with a position statement that stressed the club is welcoming, not elitist. Next came the look of color palette, and then typography. The drawing of Hilly was done by Tokyo-based illustrator Luis Mendo, thanks to Duckworth’s connections.

“Supporters and fans at the regattas now cheer on any Litchfield boat by chanting ‘Hilly!’,” Duckworth said, noting that as part of rebranding the club’s profile will be boosted in other ways, too, including some Hilly merch being made available to the public ( a k a non-members).

The website summarizes the appeal of Hilly this way:

Hilly represents the friendly, accessible, and open nature of the Litchfield Hills Rowing Club. Hilly is a moment of levity, and a unique source of pride for our focused and passionate athletes.

The number of athletes has been increasing, with approximately 20 eighth-graders, 40-plus high school students, and 30 adults as members currently. Success is on the rise, too. A girls double boat won its division at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in 2021, the club is sending 24 students to Nationals this year, and 13 graduating high school seniors will be rowing in college.

Zaharek gives credit to Head Coach and Director Drew Combs and the team of coaches, saying, “Drew has a great sense of camaraderie and has redefined the meaning of ‘team’ to include all members, who are close-knit and supportive.”

To learn more and get involved, see the club’s website.

White Memorial Guided Hikes So Popular They Get Bespoke Page

Walking in the woods on the 40 miles of trails spanning the 4,000 acres of White Memorial preserves in Litchfield and Morris ranks as one of the best outdoor experiences in Connecticut.

Know what’s even better?

The FREE guided hikes that explore White Memorial’s special trails and places offered on a regular basis and most often led by the Gerri Griswold, White Memorial’s Director of Administration and Development.

She leads groups through Cat Swamp – her favorite place – up Apple Hill to the viewing platform overlooking Bantam Lake – another favorite place – along the Lake Trail and Ice House Ruins Trail near the main conservation center, throughout the Five Ponds area, along the “hidden” trails near Haight-Brown Vineyard, around the Little Pond Boardwalk … and basically everywhere.

The hikes are so popular, and people message and call White Memorial so often inquiring about what’s coming up, that Griswold and her colleagues decided to create a webpage dedicated solely to the guided hikes.

You can click directly into the page to get the roster and the details, as well as registering to participate in a hike, and there’s also a link on the White Memorial homepage leading to the guided hikes page; it’s in the menu bar on the far left. Here’s what’s coming up:

May 20: Hitting White Memorials Peaks. It’s not as difficult a feat as it may sound! Today we’ll hike up Windmill Hill, Wheeler Hill, Apple Hill, Laurel Hill, and Schermerhorn Hill.
June 1: Amphibian Amble: For All Ages! Join Pam Velez on a jaunt to find those sleek and slimy creatures we call amphibians.
July 1: Exploring Slab Meadow with Gerri Griswold. This beautiful parcel, acquired by the White Memorial Foundation in 2015, is peppered with vernal pools and features a beautiful overlook onto a marsh.
July 13: Tree Identification Walk with Mike Berry and Jody Bronson. White Memorial Foundation Forest Manager, Mike Berry and Legendary Forester, Jody Bronson take you on a walk to help you properly identify some of the tree species that call our 4000-acre Sanctuary their home.
July 29: Family Friendly Hike with Kelly Orr. Join Kelly on an easy hike along the trails of our main campus listening for the birds, insects, and amphibians that make such sweet summer sounds!
September 2: Loving Haight with Gerri Griswold Pack a snack and some water! Explore this beautiful piece of property that is laced with babbling brooks, towering trees, a bevy of birds, and a view of the vineyard.

While the hikes are free, donations are happily accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses – and now those who experience and appreciate the wonders of White Memorial can donate quickly and easily online when they sign up for a guided hike.

As wonderful as it is to be outdoors in nature and simply enjoy the beauty and serenity of the gift left by White Memorial founders Alain and May White, magical things can happen on the guided hikes.

Griswold recalled the early days of her guided hikes stewardship when she invited friends from her former realm – broadcasting – to join her to help lead a hike.

Rachel Lutzker, currently a host on The River 105.9 FM, came out with her husband, Dave, for a hike in the Five Ponds area off Route 63, south of Litchfield center. The group heard a barred owl calling and Griswold started calling back. Suddenly the owl came swooping in and landed in a tree very close by.

Last year, Griswold was leading a group of people on an early morning walk to look for beavers and brought the group to a lodge on one edge of Ongley Pond that had been ruined by an invader, perhaps a bear. The demise of the lodge presented an opportunity for participants to look inside and admire this architectural feat. When the group arrived, though, there was a beaver hard at work at the edge of the pond. As they group approached the lodge, they could hear that the beaver had moved his work inside. It turned out that he had completely repaired the home.

Beavers have a special place at White Memorial – one is featured on the White Memorial Foundation plaque at the main entrance – and maybe they know this is their turf? Griswold recalls leading a full-moon paddle tour on the Bantam River and despite the “armada” of boats there were beavers everywhere in the river. Taking the lead and navigating with the help of a headlamp, Griswold thought she bumped her boat into a log, but it turned out to be a beaver – and she thinks it bumped her, perhaps to let her know who was in charge.

“It’s so wonderful to be able to share this wonderful bounty with everybody,” Griswold said.

Guests who enjoy White Memorial and come for the guided walks and other popular events are encouraged to learn about the legacy left by the Whites, visit the nature museum and its gift shop, support the work being done at the sanctuary – and to be respectful and treat this natural treasure as if it were your own.

To learn more, call White Memorial at (860) 567-0857 or see the website.

This Weekend in Litchfield (May 5-7) Is Jam-Packed with Fun

This weekend in Litchfield: Spectacled Eiders at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy — Spectacled Eiders at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in a photo by Tim Laman.

It’s not just the Laurel Ridge Daffodils, the tulips in Cobble Court, and the flowering trees at Topsmead State Forest that show Spring has really sprung in Litchfield – it’s the calendar of events, too.

The Litchfield Historical Society recently opened for its new season, and this weekend is overflowing with great things to do. Here’s the scoop on a handful of them.

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy Opens for the Season

The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is opening again for weekend public visits beginning Friday (May 5) and will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November. Founded by S. Dillon Ripley, former Secretary of the Smithsonian, and his wife, Mary Livingston Ripley, the conservancy is home to more 80 species of birds from around the world. It’s a breeding facility focused on maintaining genetic diversity of rare and endangered species, an education center for conservationists, and a great experience for families and visitors of all types.

55 Duck Pond Rd. | (860) 567-2062 | ripleyconservancy.org |
Admission: Adult (15+), $10; Child (5-14) $5

Alofft Gallery Exhibit Opening

Alofft Gallery on West Street in Litchfield Center is holding an opening reception Saturday, May 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. for an exhibit of new work by artist Kate Tortland entitled “Foundations of the Earth.” The exhibit runs from May 6 to the 28.

“Traditionally, I work mainly with oil landscapes, selling in high-end galleries across New England,” the artist says on her website. “Over the past few years, I have expanded my work into large-scale abstraction, textile design, watercolor sketches, as well as modern frescos. I refuse to limit myself to one way of creating, and constantly test out new ideas, and concepts. My vision is to constantly create beauty in the world, in whatever form that may take.”

41 West St. | (860) 361-6389 | alofft.com | FREE

Sunday Guided Museum Tour at White Memorial

Guided tours of the White Memorial Conservation Center’s Nature Museum are offered at 2 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month, which means May 7 and 21 this month. Museum Docent Tom Saunders tells guests the story of Alain and May White and their generous gift, as well as presenting the wonderful displays and exhibits in the museum, which include hand-painted and photographic murals, dioramas, a Children’s Corner, live animals, a working honeybee hive, a digital microscope, unique exhibits such as “The Art of Taxidermy,” a fluorescent rock cave and more.

80 Whitehall Rd. | (860) 567-0857 | whitememorialcc.org
Admission: Free for members, $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 12 – 6; free for children under the age of 6.

Girls Just Wanna Run 5K

This popular run takes place Sunday, May 7, from noon to 2 p.m., is a fundraising event hosted by the Junior Women’s Club of Litchfield Hills that focuses on promoting health and wellness in girls and women. Participants meet on North Shore Road and run or walk along Bantam Lake. It’s billed as a great way to spend an afternoon with your girlfriends, your mom, your sisters, your daughters … and others.

This is a USATF certified 5k course (code CT12014JHP) for women and girls. It’s mostly flat and girls and women of all ages are invited to run, walk, and enjoy the exercise and friendly competition.

Start and finish behind Litchfield Hills Fitness (LHF) 599 Bantam Rd. Parking available behind Bantam River Corporate Park on Route 202. See the website for all the details and registration.

Ian Campbell Concert at the First Congregational Church

Former State Troubadour lan Campbell will be giving a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the First Congregational Church of Litchfield. Campbell grew up in a large musical family and found his inner songwriter while spending years traveling the country after five years in the military. He’s a singer/songwriter who wears his heart on his sleeve and walks the line between spirituality and humanity. The FCC Facebook post didn’t specify if the concert is free or if there’s a fee; we’ll update the post when we find out.

21 Torrington Rd. | (860) 567-8705 | fcclitchfield.com

Also this weekend, World Labyrinth Day will be celebrated at Wisdom House, and the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society is celebrating Spring with events at the Boyd Woods Sanctuary. Details about both and other May events can be found in our blog post, 10 Great Things to Do in Litchfield in May.

10 Great Things to Do in Litchfield in May

May is one of the nicest months of the year and Litchfield reciprocates with a roster of events to entertain, inform, and delight. Without further ado, here are 10 great things to do in Litchfield in May … with a tasty bonus event.

Visit the Laurel Ridge Daffodils

Litchfield’s signature Laurel Ridge Daffodils are in prime time right now.

The fields of daffodils, which draw visitors from across Connecticut and beyond, are spread over 15 acres alongside Wigwam Road in the Northfield section of town, about 1.3 miles south of the intersection with Route 254 and roughly 10 minutes from the center of Litchfield or Thomaston.

The daffodils display is open to the public throughout April and into May for as long as the blooms linger. Once the blossoms are gone, so is access to the property until the next season. Visitors are encouraged to wander through the fields of daffodils, but dogs and picnics aren’t allowed.

Watch for updates on the Laurel Ridge Facebook page and check this Instagram feed to see photos posted by visitors.

Art Opening, Oliver Wolcott Library

Oliver Wolcott Library on South Street in Litchfield center presents a new exhibit of mixed media works by artist Sara Conklin, entitled “Family Ghosts,” from May 1 through June 29.

An opening reception to which the public is welcome takes place Thursday, May 4, from 5 to 7 p.m.

“In her new painting and works on paper series, ‘Family Ghosts,’ Sara Conklin explores the complexities of memory and the past,” the artist’s statement explains. “Working from old photos and layering over existing paintings, Conklin creates a transparent multidimensional effect that reflects the influence of nostalgia and truth on our personal histories. The works on paper in this series challenge the viewer to question what we can truly trust in our memories and investigate the ways in which our recollections of the past are impacted by emotion, time, and experience. Through this exhibit she invites viewers to reflect on their own memories and the ghosts that may linger in their own history.”

See the library’s website to learn more.

Catch the ‘Ungardening’ Bug

The Litchfield Hills Audubon Society’s annual meeting May 1 at Litchfield Community Center begins at 6:45 with refreshments and features a presentation entitled “Intro to ‘Ungardening’” by Cornell-educated botanist and ecologist Aubree Keurajian.

Ungardening is restorative home land care guided by natural ecological processes. Keurajian will discuss the concept, what a weed really is, invasive species and how to deal with them, and suggest plant identification resources.

She has worked as a botanist in Connecticut for the past four years, protecting native plants, while founding Ungardening Native Plants to educate people about native plants and ecological living.

See the event listing.

Art Opening, Alofft Gallery

Alofft Gallery on West Street in Litchfield Center is holding an opening reception Saturday, May 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. for an exhibit of new work by artist Kate Tortland entitled “Foundations of the Earth.” The exhibit runs from May 6 to the 28^th.

Learn more on the gallery’s website.

World Labyrinth Day, Wisdom House

Join Twylla Alexander, author of Labyrinth Journeys ~ 50 States, 51 Stories and a Veriditas-certified Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator for a day of peaceful reflection centered around the labyrinth on Saturday, May 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Twylla will share information about the labyrinth, lead a labyrinth walk, and facilitate opportunities for participants to explore their own journeys. At the conclusion of this retreat there will be a book signing.

The cost is $40 and lunch is included. Click here to see additional details.

Celebrate Spring at Boyd Woods Sanctuary

Join the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society Nature Explorers, led by Ann Orsillo and Josh Szwed, for a hike at Boyd Woods Sanctuary to enjoy all that spring has to offer on Sunday, May 7, at 11 a.m.

The sanctuary, with its mix of conifers, shrubland, open fields, and forest habitat is a great place to see and hear migrating birds, such as warblers, vireos, orioles, towhees, and others. The ponds and the bordering brook on the property will offer a glimpse of all the critters and plants coming to life. Listen for toad and frog calls. Maybe spot a Jack-in-the-Pulpit or a lovely Trillium. Come ready to get your hands dirty. Wear waterproof footwear for pond exploration.

The event is appropriate for kids and adults. Meet at Boyd Woods parking lot on Route 254 in Litchfield. Pre-registration is appreciated at [email protected]. For questions, call Vickie Dauphinais at 860-361- 9051. Cancelled in the case of heavy rain.

Girls Just Wanna Run 5K

This popular run takes place Sunday, May 7, from noon to 2 p.m., is a fundraising event hosted by the Junior Women’s Club of Litchfield Hills that focuses on promoting health and wellness in girls and women. Participants meet on North Shore Road and run or walk along Bantam Lake. It’s billed as a great way to spend an afternoon with your girlfriends, your mom, your sisters, your daughters … and others.

See the website for all the details.

Concert With State Troubadour Kala Farnham

Join Litchfield Community Center for an evening of musical storytelling with Kala Farnham, the Connecticut State Troubadour, on Friday, May 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The concert is free, and donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is required and may be done here.

The performance will be coffeehouse-style and refreshments will be provided. Guests are invited to BYOB and are welcome to bring food.

Armed with a voice and an entourage of instruments, songstress Kala Farnham set out into the world with one vision: To inspire through the transformative power of musical storytelling. Farnham has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including serving as the current Connecticut State Troubadour, 2020 Falcon Ridge Festival Emerging Artist, 2020 Great American Song Contest Finalist, and 2019 Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner. Farnham’s 2020 album, “Your Spirit Is a Work of Art,” is composed of thirteen musical vignettes exploring the imperfect beauty of the human condition; it has been described by Nick Noble of The Folk Revival as “a work of poetic insight… worth listening to again and again.” Drawing from a classical education and professional career in musical theater, Kala presents a hallmark reinvention of the folk tradition: her lush musical arrangements, compelling vulnerability, and vivid storytelling draws her audience into imaginative vantagescapes of the familiar world.

Bobbing for Bobolinks at Apple Hill and Topsmead with Gerri Griswold

Spend a couple of hours with White Memorial Director of Director of Administration and Development Gerri Griswold in search of this bubbly grassland bird on May 13 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

It’s Bobolink breeding season and the boys should be out in full force putting on a show. The excursion begins with hiking to the top of Apple Hill where numerous sightings have occurred. Then it’s a drive over to Topsmead State Forest to meander the sweeping fields and forests around the state park. Bring a snack and some water. Meet at the Apple Hill trailhead off East Shore Road at 8 a.m. Participation is imited to 15. The program is free, but guests must pre-register by calling 860-567-0857 or going online. Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

Mozzarella Making Class at The Litchfield Inn

The Litchfield Inn is presenting two mozzarella-making classes led by Chef Dan Kardos (@chefdankardos) on Saturday, May 13. One runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and the other from 4 to 6 p.m.

“This is your chance to learn from a true expert in the art of cheese-making. Indulge in some delicious drinks and appetizers while you’re here,” the event listing says.

The cost of the class is $55 per person, and it will cover the entire process of making fresh mozzarella. And you’ll get to sample your own creations!

Those who want to participate are asked to direct message @chefdankardos on Instagram and indicate a session/time preference.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, presented by Susan B. Anthony Project

The Susan B. Anthony Project presents its 6th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, where men and boys lead the way to end domestic and sexual violence by walking a literal mile in women’s high-heeled shoes. The event takes place May 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., in Litchfield center.

All ages, genders, and abilities are invited to join in (the shoes are optional!), and walk together as allies, advocates, and survivors. Enjoy live music, post-Walk foot massages, and other festivities, followed by an afterparty steps away at the Litchfield Historical Society Meadows. Register now or support the event online. Click here for both.

All proceeds benefit Susan B. Anthony Project’s free, confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional living program, one on one and group counseling, legal advocacy, and more.

Litchfield Historical Society Shines in the Spring Spotlight

Litchfield Historical Society (LHS) Executive Director Catherine Fields was honored with both a Connecticut General Assembly citation and an Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations Tuesday evening at Central Connecticut State University.

The Awards of Merit recognize institutions and individuals who demonstrate the highest professional standards and who enhance and further the understanding of history in Connecticut.

Fields is retiring from the position after 35 years at the helm, and Jessica Jenkins will return to the LHS as Executive Director after previously working on special projects and then serving as Curator of Collections through 2015. Jenkins is currently the Vice President of Collections and Storytelling at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie, Indiana.

The honors for Catherine Fields and the announcement that Jenkins is rejoining the LHS coincide with the buzz around the seasonal reopening of the Litchfield History Museum with a new exhibit, an opening cocktail party, a Family Day, a new opportunity to see the terrific Painting Litchfield exhibit, other special events, and the new season for the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School.

The new exhibit, To Come to a Land of Milk and Honey: Litchfield and the Connecticut Western Reserve, explores the Connecticut Western Reserve (now in present day Ohio) through the voices of those affected by westward migration.

Imagine taking Connecticut’s northern and southern borders and extending them west to the Pacific Ocean. This is what Connecticut would have looked like in 1662 under the colony’s royal charter (in theory, at least). After the Revolution, Connecticut gave most of these claimed lands over to the new American government, but it “reserved” land in the northeast of present-day Ohio for its continued use and settlement. This became the Connecticut Western Reserve, also known as “New Connecticut.”

The public is invited to the opening of the exhibit on Friday, April 21, at 6 p.m. at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South St.). Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Those planning to attend should RSVP by emailing at [email protected] or calling 860-567-4501.

To celebrate the opening of To Come to a Land of Milk and Honey, visitors of all ages are invited to a Family Day on Saturday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring guided gallery tours, surveying challenges, quill writing, and more hands-on crafts and activities. Tours of the exhibit will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission is free.

Those who want to dig deeper can attend a related program Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m. or join in online. The Litchfield History Museum will welcome historian and author Dr. Timothy G. Anderson for a program entitled “Litchfield and the Connecticut Western Reserve: A Genealogical Geography.”

Anderson will use genealogical records to reconstruct regional migrations and explore the roles played by a number of families with ties to Litchfield in the settlement of Ohio’s Western Reserve, according to the LHS.

This lecture, in person or on Zoom, is free and open to the public. Register online here.

When you visit the LHS this Spring, make sure to see the Painting Litchfield exhibit.

While Litchfield was never home to the kind of formal art colony found in other parts of Connecticut, the town has a rich and lasting connection with the visual arts. Painting Litchfield showcases paintings inspired by Litchfield scenes and landscapes from the 19th century to the present.

The exhibit chronicles one of the earliest artist groups exhibiting in Connecticut, explores the career of a painter who served in the Monuments Men, and showcases works by artists living in Litchfield today.

Painting Litchfield will be on display from April 21 to July 16, 2023

And starting April 21, the Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School—the first law school in the nation—will be open with new hours: Wed – Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

If you go, make sure to explore the wonderful Tapping Reeve Meadow behind the law school.

The Litchfield History Museum is located at 7 South St. across from the Green in Litchfield center. The Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School are a short walk away at 82 South St.

Visit www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

Arethusa Farm Is Going to Wamogo, Litchfield Schools

The future of Litchfield’s landmark Arethusa Farm, a source of speculation since the death of co-owner George Malkemus, became clear with the news that a major part of the farm south of Route 63 will be donated to a foundation that will make it permanently available to the Region 6 and Litchfield public schools, which are unifying as the Region 20 school district.

The farm is the centerpiece of an agricultural empire that includes a dairy operation, a world-class cheesemaking operation, ice cream shops in Bantam, West Hartford and New Haven, and two restaurants.

Below are more details from a News release posted to the Region 6 schools website:

A group of local area residents has been meeting with Tony Yurgaitis, the owner of Arethusa Farm, over the past couple of months with the goal of finding a way to guarantee his wishes that the farm operations on Webster Road continue, rather than having the land be sold, developed and all the agricultural activities abandoned.

Mr. Yurgaitis and Mr. Malkemus bought the farm in 1999 and operated an extremely successful dairy and breeding operation there (as well as on the former Keefe Stables property on South Plains), later branching out into the ice cream, cheese and restaurant businesses that are currently thriving in Bantam in their beautifully renovated properties.

Since Mr. Malkemus’ death in 2021, Mr. Yurgaitis has been seriously deliberating about the future of the farm, and the recent discussions with the working group that shared his goals and vision have helped Mr. Yurgaitis decide what to do with the farm.

The result is the formation of the Arethusa Farm Foundation, Inc. as a nonprofit to be located in Litchfield.

Mr. Yurgaitis decided that as his lasting legacy to the Litchfield area community, and more particularly to the high school age students in Litchfield, Region 6, the new Region 20, and Northwest Connecticut , he will donate the Arethusa Farm property on the south side of Webster Road, consisting of two farmhouses and multiple barns and outbuildings on over 125 acres, to the foundation.

The purpose of the foundation will be to make the farm permanently available to the Region 6 school district for its Agriscience programs, and the Litchfield Public Schools, which as of 2024-2025 will be the new Region 20.

The foundation will also make educational programs related to agriculture, animal welfare and sustainability available to area students and residents, possibly in collaboration with other existing organizations that similarly promote local agricultural, environmental, and scientific endeavors.

The new foundation, which plans to raise its own separate endowment, is in the process of preparing its application to the IRS for recognition of its tax exempt status, which, when received, will enable Mr. Yurgaitis to complete his gift of the farm.

In the meantime, Mr. Yurgaitis has granted Region 6 use of the fields and barns on the farm so that it can commence using the farm as part of its Agriscience program.

Christopher Leone, the school district’s Superintendent, and the agriscience staff are hoping to start using the farm immediately in connection with Wamogo’s existing animal husbandry, horticulture, aquaculture and other Agriscience programs that supplement current classroom instruction.

This donation by Mr. Yurgaitis will ensure the permanent preservation of the Arethusa Farm on Webster Road, which started as a dairy farm in 1868, while at the same time making it available as a hands-on, outdoor classroom to the agriscience program students in the area, an opportunity that will be unique to such a high school program.

“On behalf of three boards of education, our current and future students, along with our families, I extend our thanks to Mr. Yurgaitis and Mr. Malkemus for what has been created and what is now possible in education,” Mr. Leone said. “Arethusa has created a national and international standard of excellence. It is that same standard to which we aspire in education. It will be our goal, through this partnership, to ensure a legacy for generations.”

The volunteer working group consists of Tom Breakell, Tony Yurgaitis, Christopher Leone, Bonnie Burr, Eliot Wadsworth, John Morosani and Mike Reardon. The officers and directors of the new foundation have not yet been named.

Litchfield’s Laurel Ridge Daffodils May Peak Early This Year

The annual spring display of tens of thousands of daffodils and narcissus at Laurel Ridge along Wigwam Road in the Northfield section of Litchfield is expected to peak a bit earlier this year after the mild winter.

Last spring, the Laurel Ridge Daffodils Facebook page posted “probably peak daffodils today, April 30, 2022,” and that peak display extended into early May.

“I think the warmer winter has accelerated where they would normally be at the end of March. I’d guesstimate that they’re 1 week to 10 days early; so peak closer to April 24 vs May 5,” John Morosani said in an email this week.

His parents, prominent Litchfield residents Remy and Virginia Morosani, first planted 10,000 daffodil bulbs in the early 1940s, and plantings have continued and expanded over the years.

The Morosani family established The Laurel Ridge Foundation to oversee and manage the display that welcomes the public, though visitors are advised to be respectful, follow the rules, and take care to honor protocols for parking along the narrow country road.

“No parking” signs on the east side of the road are meant to ensure there’s a clear lane for emergency vehicles to get through.

The fields of daffodils, which draw visitors from across Connecticut and beyond, are spread over 15 acres alongside Wigwam Road, about 1.3 miles south of the intersection with Route 254 and roughly 10 minutes from the center of Litchfield or Thomaston.

The Laurel Ridge daffodils are open throughout April and into May for as long as the blooms linger. Once the blossoms are gone, so is access to the property until the next season.

Visitors are encouraged to wander through the fields of daffodils, but dogs and picnics aren’t allowed.

Watch for updates on the progress of the annual display on the Laurel Ridge Facebook page and check this Instagram feed to see photos posted by visitors.