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There is something profoundly comforting about turning the pages of a book that makes you look at the landscape around you with entirely new eyes. It is even more powerful when you can gather with your neighbors to talk about it.

On Monday, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) had the absolute pleasure of visiting the vibrant community built by the East Haddam Land Trust (EHLT) and the East Haddam Library System. We joined their monthly Words from the Woods Book Circle and left feeling deeply inspired by the unique space they have carved out—one where literature, ecology, and land conservation seamlessly intertwine.

Honoring a Transformative Partnership

Our visit wasn’t just to listen in on great conversation; it was to celebrate a remarkable achievement. CLCC was thrilled to officially present the East Haddam Land Trust and East Haddam Library System with this year’s Excellence in Community Engagement Award.

A massive, extra-special shout-out goes to Gaynell Meij of EHLT and Evelyn Morgen, Director of East Haddam Libraries, who co-founded this brilliant initiative in 2024.

What started as a creative idea to connect people to the value of preserving our natural world through shared reading quickly struck a chord. The program grew so rapidly it actually outgrew its original meeting space at the Rathbun Library! Today, the circle gathers directly across the street in a cozy meeting room at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where it continues to welcome newcomers, foster deep local friendships, and bridge the gap between library programs and land trust events.

The impact of their work even caught the attention of Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal heard about this wonderful local partnership and sent along an official Certificate of Special Recognition to honor the occasion.

Soaking in the Seen and Unseen “Wood-Web”

Each month, attendees gather to share a nature-themed poem and dive headfirst into the writings of natural scientists who expand our awareness of life’s complex ecologies. From studying soil biology to river protections and wildlife communication, this book circle explores it all.

As Evelyn Morgen beautifully notes:

“In this world of broken connections between people, it’s comforting to know that for millions of years trees and plants have been working together to keep the forests vibrant and healthy. We’re fortunate in East Haddam to have so much protected open space that helps protect that fungal network.”

The reading list over the past two years reads like a masterclass in ecological wonder, spanning transformative titles like Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry and Gathering Moss, Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, and Ed Yong’s An Immense World.

Reflecting on David George Haskell’s The Forest Unseen, EHLT Director Joene Hendry perfectly captured the spirit of the circle:

“This book highlighted aspects of nature that I did not know I should be curious about… There is so much to learn by watching, and by watching we must humbly accept that we will never know all. It is the mystery that is truly fascinating.”

That sentiment is echoed by members like Anne Simpkinson, who shared:

“What a delight it is to gather with kindred spirits who appreciate and respect our fellow non-human beings, whether they be trees, fungi, moss, and others too numerous to name!”

A Gorgeous Setting for Reflection

The award ceremony was a beautiful reflection of East Haddam’s historic and natural charm. Standing just up the hill behind St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, you get a stunning view of the Rathbun Free Memorial Library below.

The surrounding landscape itself felt like a living character in the book circle’s story. Just behind the church, near the historic Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, stand majestic, ancient oaks stretching their canopies wide. Walking past them toward the schoolhouse reveals a breathtaking view looking out toward the Connecticut River—a perfect reminder of exactly why we do this work. EHLT even pairs these indoor discussions with optional hikes on local preserves, bringing the pages of the text directly onto the land.

Spread the Word: Launch Your Own Circle!

The book circle will host its final session before the summer break on Monday, June 15, 2026, discussing Doug Tallamy’s The Nature of Oaks (highly appropriate given the majestic oaks on-site!), before resuming in September. All are welcome to join, and copies of the books can be borrowed straight through the East Haddam Library System. If you have any questions or want to join, you can reach out to Gaynell directly at gaynell@ehlt.org.

Want to bring this magic to your own town? 

Gaynell and Evelyn are incredibly passionate about this model and would LOVE to see this idea spread to other communities across Connecticut. If you are a land trust or library looking to launch a similar partnership, please reach out directly to EHLT—they are happy to share their wisdom, templates, and encouragement to help get you started.

To learn more about the book circle and view their full past reading history, visit ehlt.org/book-circle.

Thank you again, East Haddam, for showing us all what true community engagement looks like!