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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T160000
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UID:10000107-1758816000-1758823200@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Community Invasive Species Cleanup - A New Hope
DESCRIPTION:Community Invasive Species Cleanup: A New Hope\nIn every community\, there are quiet battles happening right under our feet. Along sidewalks\, in parking lots\, tucked behind fences\, and even in our parks\, invasive plant species creep in and slowly begin to take over. They grow fast\, spread wide\, and leave little space for the plants and animals that belong here. It might not look like much at first glance\, but if left unchecked\, invasives can reshape entire ecosystems. \nThis first event in our invasive species cleanup series\, A New Hope\, is about recognizing the problem and showing how much of a difference we can make when we work together. We’ll meet downtown\, right in the center of our shared spaces\, and take a closer look at the plants that have taken hold in the heart of town. Along the way\, we’ll learn how to identify some of the most common invasive plants in Connecticut and talk about why knowing about these species matter. More importantly\, we’ll get our hands dirty and practice removing them in ways that make space for healthier growth. \nWhy this matters\nInvasive species aren’t just weeds. They compete with native plants for sunlight\, soil\, and water. They can crowd out flowers and grasses that support pollinators\, reduce food sources for birds and wildlife\, and make it harder for native trees and shrubs to grow. When invasives take hold\, they don’t just change how an area looks\, they change how it works. That means fewer butterflies\, fewer bees\, fewer birds\, and fewer opportunities for people to connect with a thriving natural space. \nWhen we come together to learn and act\, we push back against that trend. Removing invasives may not seem like a big step\, but it creates real openings for healthier plants to return. Over time\, those changes ripple out\, creating stronger ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and people. \nWhat you’ll do\nThis session combines education and action. We’ll begin with a short walk and talk to introduce some of the most common invasive plants in our community. You’ll learn how to recognize their leaves\, flowers\, and growth patterns\, so you’ll be able to spot them not only downtown but also in your own backyard. From there\, we’ll move into hands-on abatement work. Together\, we’ll target key areas of downtown\, removing invasive growth and making the space more welcoming for both people and native plants. \nNo experience is needed\, and all are welcome. We’ll provide the know-how and guidance. What you bring is your energy\, your curiosity\, and your willingness to work side by side with neighbors. \nBuilding momentum\nA New Hope is the beginning of a three-part series. After this first event downtown\, we’ll return in October for The Mugwort Strikes Back\, where we’ll take on one of the most stubborn invasives in town. Then in November we’ll close out the series at the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve with Return of the Trail Crew\, focusing on rewilding and long-term stewardship. Each event builds on the last\, so if you enjoy this session\, mark your calendar for the next two. \nWhat you’ll take away\nBy joining this event\, you’ll leave with: \n\nThe ability to recognize invasive species in your daily life.\nA deeper understanding of how these plants impact ecosystems.\nThe satisfaction of seeing an immediate difference in the downtown landscape.\nA connection to others who care about our town and its future.\n\nWhy it is important for all of us\nOur community spaces reflect who we are. When invasives take over\, they make it harder for the natural beauty of our town to shine through. When we act together\, we reclaim those spaces\, creating healthier\, more welcoming places for everyone. This isn’t just about pulling weeds. It’s about showing that small steps\, taken together\, can lead to meaningful change.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/community-invasive-species-cleanup-a-new-hope/
LOCATION:Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios\, 54 North Street\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Community-Invasive-Species-Cleanup-A-New-Hope-Feature.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T120000
DTSTAMP:20260526T203039
CREATED:20250904T201914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T232535Z
UID:10000108-1758963600-1758974400@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Birding on Bicycles
DESCRIPTION:Birding on Bicycles\nSpend a morning exploring our local trails by bike while learning to notice the birds that share these spaces with us. We will start from Base Camp and roll east on the Airline State Park Trail toward North Windham\, with a stop to view the bog near the Natchaug and time to appreciate the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve. The ride blends easy-going cycling with simple birding techniques so you can enjoy both movement and observation. \nWhat this ride is about\nThis is not a race. It is a relaxed\, social ride that makes room for curiosity. We will keep a conversational pace\, pause at natural viewing points\, and practice how to look and listen while on the move. You will learn simple ways to identify birds by shape\, size\, behavior\, and habitat\, rather than memorizing long lists. The goal is to come away with a few new skills and a fresh way of seeing the trail you may already know well. \nRoute and rhythm\nWe will follow the Airline State Park Trail east from Base Camp\, a mostly flat\, packed-surface route that is friendly for a wide range of riders. Our turn-around point will be near North Windham. Along the way we will visit wetland edges and open stretches where birds are easier to spot. Expect short stops to scan the bog and nearby tree lines\, and gentle regrouping after each stop so no one feels rushed. Cycling skills are essential for comfort and safety on shared paths. \nWhat you might see\nEarly fall in our area often brings active wetlands plenty of active environments for this experience. Keep an eye out for familiar residents like red-winged blackbirds\, swallows working over open spaces\, and hawks circling high. At the water you may catch sight of herons hunting the shallows or ducks resting in quiet coves. In the trees and shrubs\, small songbirds flit from branch to branch. We will focus on patterns that help you notice these birds in real time\, even if they are on the move. \nHow we will learn\nWe will lead simple\, practical exercises at a few stops along the route. We will practice scanning from near to far\, using landmarks to relocate a bird\, and picking one field mark to remember rather than trying to note everything at once. You will hear tips on how light\, distance\, and background affect what you see\, and how to use behavior and habitat to make a good first guess. The goal is to help you feel more confident noticing birds on any future ride or walk. \nWhat to bring\n\nA bike that is in good working order (if you need one see note below).\nA properly fitted helmet. Helmets are required for all riders.\nWater and a small snack.\nLayers suitable for morning temperatures and light wind.\nIf you have binoculars\, bring them. A lightweight strap helps while riding.\n\nA limited number of bikes may be available upon request. If you need one\, please reach out when you register so we can confirm availability in advance. \nSafety and trail etiquette\nWe will ride single file when needed and give audible signals when passing other trail users. At viewing stops\, we will pull fully off the path to leave room for walkers and riders to pass. Please check your brakes and tire pressure before arriving. If anything feels off during the ride\, let the group know so we can pause and assist. \nWho should join\nThis ride is a good fit for people who are comfortable riding a bike on multiuse trails and who want a gentle introduction to birding in motion. You do not need prior birding experience. Curiosity and a willingness to slow down at stops are all you need. Families with teens who ride confidently are welcome. \nWhat you will take away\n\nA simple framework for noticing and identifying birds while you ride.\nPractice using habitat and behavior as quick clues.\nA fresh appreciation for the wetlands and preserves along our local trail.\nA relaxed morning outdoors with people who enjoy learning together.\n\nJoin us for a ride that blends fresh air\, gentle movement\, and attention to the living world around us. You will head home with a few new skills\, a calmer mind\, and a better sense of how to fold nature observation into everyday time on the trail.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/birding-on-bicycles/
LOCATION:Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios\, 54 North Street\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Special Events,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Birding-on-Bicycles.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
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