Celebrating Community and Conservation: WLT’s 3rd Annual Ride for Open Space

On October 5th, the Wyndham Land Trust held its 3rd Annual Ride for Open Space fundraiser at our Cabbage Hill Preserve in Woodstock. It was a beautiful day filled with sunshine and community spirit. Riders enjoyed more than nine miles of scenic trails winding through Nightingale Forest, a network that connects conserved lands and private properties.

We’re deeply grateful to the generous landowners who opened their fields and trails for this event, allowing us to showcase the beauty of our shared landscape. This year’s ride was our largest yet — and extra special as we celebrated WLT’s 50th anniversary!

Our dedicated committee — Sue Jackson (Co-Chair), Penny Foisey (Co-Chair), Penny Gladstone-Kaiser (Marketing), and Nina Kneeland (Fundraising) — worked tirelessly to make it a memorable day for all.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our community sponsors whose support makes these events possible:

Presenting Sponsors: bankHometown, Bay State Trail Riders, New England Plasma, Pomfret Horse and Trail Association, The Inn at Woodstock Hill, Weiss, Hale & Zahansky.
Trail Sponsors: Green Valley Hospitality, Linemaster, Mackey’s, Triple Crown.
Preserve Sponsors: Advanced Back & Wellness, Jewett City Savings Bank, Rocco’s Lawn Care, Spirol, Stargazer Farm.

Thanks to their generosity, every rider received a commemorative sweatshirt, and 100% of registration fees went directly to support WLT’s conservation mission. Lunch was provided by The Rolling Tomato, whose brick-oven pizza is always a hit, and We-Li-Kit Ice Cream generously donated a delicious dessert.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top October events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to concerts across the state — and grab this season’s hottest Connecticut merch!

We-Li-Kit has long supported our fundraising efforts, including the popular Ice Cream Ride — now in its second year — which takes riders from Legendary Farm to the We-Li-Kit shop. It’s hard to beat a trail ride that ends with an ice cream cone!

Nightingale Forest spans over 1,300 acres and features a well-established multiuse trail network originally created by Harry Townshend for bird dog trials. His family’s enduring appreciation for land stewardship lives on through this forest, now a cornerstone of our conserved lands.

In preparation for this year’s ride, WLT volunteers came together to replace a failing bridge — a significant project completed in just two days. The new bridge is safer, sturdier, and a testament to what can be accomplished when our community joins hands for conservation. We invite everyone to visit Nightingale Forest and experience its tranquility, wildlife, and natural beauty.

Founded in 1975 by Virginia (Jimmie) Booth, Phil James, George Jackson, John Bigelow, Ben Williams III, Lois Orswell, and Dick Booth, the Wyndham Land Trust has spent five decades safeguarding the rural character and natural spaces of northeastern Connecticut.

As board member Jeff Stefanik wisely notes, “If WLT is successful, the road views and landscape do not change — so it’s easy not to notice how much has been accomplished.”

Our mission remains steadfast: to conserve land not only for wildlife and habitat, but for the enjoyment, health, and well-being of our community. Every acre protected and every trail maintained represents an investment in the shared future of our residents — where open space, clean air, and natural beauty remain part of everyday life.

Don’t miss

• Ghosts of Ridgefield Tours Return to Keeler Tavern Museum Oct. 24–26
• Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering & Events
• Luckypawlooza 2025 returns to Stamford with two days of dogs, fun, and community spirit

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

October events at Fairfield Theatre Company

October is packed with live entertainment at Fairfield Theatre Company and beyond, bringing a mix of music, theater, and seasonal celebrations. From legendary performers and fresh new voices to fundraisers, family shows, and Halloween favorites, there’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re catching an intimate concert, rocking out with a high-energy band, or getting into the spooky spirit, these upcoming events showcase some of the best performances and community gatherings of the season.

October 2025 calendar of events
October 17 – Black Rock Theatre Presents The Addams Family
October 18 – Black Rock Theatre Presents The Addams Family
October 18 – Monster Mash
October 19 – Black Rock Theatre Presents The Addams Family
October 21 – Pokey Lafarge
October 22 – Clay Street Unit
October 23 – Sam Grisman Project
October 24 – Sicard Hallow
October 24 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary
October 25 – Ashes & Arrows
October 30 – Thriller Thursday

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering

AMG Catering and Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is offering a fall series of cooking classes designed to celebrate seasonal flavors and global cuisine. Each class combines hands-on instruction with perfectly paired beverages, from wine and beer to creative cocktails, as participants learn to prepare a variety of savory and sweet dishes. From autumn-inspired comfort foods to festive holiday treats, these classes provide an interactive, fun experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Join AMG this fall to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new flavors, and enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant, social setting. Click here for more information.

October events at PeoplesBank Arena

10/17 – Wilkes-Barre Penguins vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/18 – UCONN Ice Hockey vs Ohio State, click here to purchase tickets
10/22 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/24 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/25 – Stevie Nicks, click here to purchase tickets
10/26 – UCONN Women’s Basketball vs Southern Connecticut State
10/28 -UCONN Men Basketball vs Michigan State
10/29 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/31 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Celebrate Connecticut nostalgia with our Vintage Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway collection! Honoring the classic exit numbers, these designs pay tribute to the iconic parkways that connect communities across the state. Explore a variety of items including T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, mugs, tote bags, decorative pillows, and blankets, all with free shipping. Perfect for Connecticut residents, collectors, and road trip lovers who want to showcase their state pride. Each piece captures a timeless piece of local history while adding style to your wardrobe or home.

Vintage Merritt Parkway Exits
Exit 27 • Exit 28 • Exit 29 • Exit 31 • Exit 33 • Exit 34 • Exit 35 • Exit 36 • Exit 37 • Exit 38 • Exit 39 • Exit 40 • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • Exit 44 • Exit 46 • Exit 47 • Exit 48 • Exit 49 • Exit 50 • Exit 51 • Exit 52 • Exit 53 • Exit 54

Vintage Wilbur Cross Parkway
Exit 55 • Exit 55B • Exit 56 • Exit 57 • Exit 58 • Exit 59 • Exit 60 • Exit 61 • Exit 62 • Exit 63 • Exit 64 • Exit 65 • Exit 66• Exit 67 • Exit 68N-E • Exit 68W

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Celebrating Community and Conservation: WLT’s 3rd Annual Ride for Open Space