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On Saturday, May 30th, Connecticut Land Conservation Council and Great Mountain Forest hosted a Bird & Hike event in partnership with the Norfolk Land Trust, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Norfolk United Church of Christ Green Team, and Sierra Club CT. This hike was part of the Faith Takes Flight series, which engages religious congregations in Bird & Hike events on land trust properties and other conserved spaces.

Twenty attendees gathered at Great Mountain Forest for a seasonal exploration of birds and their habitats. The highlight of the outing was the Scarlet Tanager, a striking, bright red bird that spends its summers in Connecticut. This elusive species is difficult to spot because it  typically feeds high in the tree canopy and it relies on large blocks of mature forest. Great Mountain Forest, spanning more than 6,000 acres of contiguous, permanently conserved woodland in Norfolk and Canaan, provides this ideal habitat. GMF has implemented sustainable forest practices that have allowed the ecosystem to regenerate, resulting in a healthy mix of oaks, beech, maple, pine, and hemlock trees—creating the perfect environment for Scarlet Tanagers and many other migratory bird species.

This event’s success demonstrates how stewardship to protect vital habitats can inspire community engagement. By partnering with local land trusts and conservation organizations, these Faith Takes Flight events offer congregations of all faiths the opportunity to connect with conserved lands and deepen their spiritual appreciation for nature. By making conserved lands more accessible to underserved communities, these gatherings nurture inclusive communities that honor both environmental protection and the spiritual well-being fostered by a close relationship with the natural world.