Explore on your Own - Barndoor Hill Loop, Granby, CT

After a long hiatus we're back with the first event for CT Valley Naturalists for 2020. I am also kicking off a long-term project to explore, map and learn about the incredible biodiversity of our region. I've set up an iNaturalist project to track our observations and interact called CT Valley Atlas of Life modeled after the very successful Vermont Atlas of Life. Sightings made within Hartford County, CT or Hampden County, MA will be automatically added. I created another iNaturalist site for CT Field Naturalists that will capture member sightings so we can keep track of all the observations we see on our outings. I look forward to when we can explore together in person. - Jonathan

Explore on your Own - East Barndoor Hill Loop, Granby, CT
August 11 to August 18
This five mile loop can be easily modified to suit your taste. I am planning to visit 3 times during this period to maximize nature observations that we can share. The trail passes through forest dominated by Oak and White Pine then passes a smaller pond with a very large stand of Cardinal Flowers now in bloom. Further along the trail are cool Hemlock woods and the traprock ridge of East Barndoor Hill. Though the birds are not as vocal as in the early summer I did see Wood Thrush, Ovenbirds, and a Brown Creeper working its way up a pine tree. My wife and I also watched a group of 3 pileated woodpeckers tearing up a rotting log. Some of the birds are still singing such as Eastern Wood Pewee, Scarlet Tanager and Red-eyed Vireo. You may also hear the croaking of a Common Raven as they fly over the area. The edge of Spring Pond is teaming with many species of dragonflies.

I encourage participants to take their time and enjoy observing and documenting all forms of life from insects to birds, flowers to trees. I will post photos here and on inaturalist where I've set up a project site where observations can be shared. I will try to ID any fungi, plants or animals that can't be identified.

Directions: Park at the intersection of Simsbury and Barndoor Hills Road in the small parking lot. As of August 10 Barndoor Hills Road was closed because of downed trees. Approach from Simsbury Road.

Alltrails Map = https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/barndoor-hill-loop

iNaturalist Connecticut Valley Atlas of Life Project Site - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/connecticut-valley-atlas-of-life -all observations in Hartford County, CT and Hampden County, MA

iNaturalist Connecticut Valley Field Naturalist member observations
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/ct-field-naturalists?tab=stats