Guilford Land Conservation Trust Maps Out 2026 Season of Hikes and Events
The Guilford Land Conservation Trust has released its 2026 schedule of guided hikes and outdoor events, offering Guilford residents eight opportunities between March and July to explore the town's conserved lands with knowledgeable local leaders.
The season kicked off with a Full Worm Moon Hike on March 3, led by GLCT directors Bernadette Bober and Jodie Lang. The remaining events span the spring and summer, ranging from family-friendly wildflower walks and a riverside picnic to a competitive trail run and a late-night moth observation.
Upcoming Guilford Events
April 11 — Timberlands Hike GLCT President Janet Ainsworth will lead an easy walk of up to four miles through the Town's Timberland Preserve. The hike begins at 9 a.m. at the Route 80 trailhead near Maple Hill Road and is suitable for families. Text 203-530-7826 with questions.
April 26 — Westwoods Trail Run Bober and Lang will lead a 5-mile trail run at a social pace through Westwoods, one of Guilford's most popular conservation properties. The group meets at 8 a.m. at the Dunk Rock Road trailhead. Dogs are not permitted for this event. Text 203-508-2064 for details.
May 9 — Westwoods Nature Trail in Spring Landscape architect Crystal Gaudio and board member Kathleen White will guide a morning walk beginning at 10 a.m. at the Dunk Rock Road kiosk, focusing on spring wildflowers and fungi visible before the tree canopy fills in. The walk is suitable for families. Text 203-214-5136.
May 17 — The Olmsted Outing The trust will hold an outdoor celebration of the ongoing riverside restoration at Olmsted Outlook, with a picnic and live music beginning at 5 p.m. Parking is limited; attendees are encouraged to use nearby streets. Rain date is May 24.
May 23 — Paul Trail Walk An easy 1.5-mile afternoon walk beginning at 1 p.m. will offer views of Great Harbor Marsh and Long Island Sound. The group meets at the Sachem's Head Road entrance. Rain date is June 13. Text 203-892-0767.
June 6 — Nut Plains Woods Hike on National Trails Day Janet Ainsworth will lead an exploration of GLCT's Nut Plains Woods at 10 a.m. on National Trails Day. The hike begins at Sullivan Drive at the East River Preserve (55 Sullivan Drive). Note: the trail includes steep portions, and hiking boots are recommended. The hike is not suitable for young children. Text 203-530-7826.
July 24 — Celebrate National Moth Week A nighttime insect observation event at Jared Eliot Preserve will begin at 8:30 p.m. and be led by photographer Abby Sesselberg and GLCT Director Steve Mayo. Participants will search for insects and learn to use the iNaturalist app, which allows users to identify and record wildlife observations. Meet at the end of Mulberry Farms Road. Text 203-772-9842.