CLCC is proud to partner with the Bethany Land Trust to host a special field trip for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven. Youth will spend the morning exploring Mendell’s Folly, the 125-acre “crown jewel” of the Bethany Land Trust, known for its heavily wooded hills, rocky outcrops, and wetlands.

Participants will be introduced to the joys of hiking and birdwatching on conserved lands. During the hike, youth can expect to see birds during their Spring migration, a wildflower meadow, and a beaver lodge. To ensure everyone can participate fully, adult and child-sized binoculars will be provided by the CLCC and the New Haven Bird Club.

The hike will be co-led by experienced nature enthusiasts:

• Cristin Arnini and Bob Harrison, volunteers with the Bethany Land Trust
• Ade Ben Salahudin, a birder with the Black Wing Coalition

This program is offered by CLCC to enhance access to nature for youth by removing hurdles like transportation. By bringing students directly from their clubhouse to Mendell’s Folly, the event aims to reduce barriers to the outdoors, foster a deeper appreciation for land conservation, and build a lasting relationship between the Boys and Girls Club and the Bethany Land Trust

Note: This event is exclusively for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven and is not open to the general public.