Recreation Department

 

What to Bring:  Your Easter Basket to join in on the Easter Egg Hunt and a camera!  The children will be broken up into two separate age groups for a candy and toy filled Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Recreation Commission.  The event will be held rain, snow or shine!!)   Please register for the Easter Egg Hunt before Wed. April 5 through this link-https://forms.gle/mvmtnhHDRrVsbXL37

Barkhamsted Recreation Summer Camp Week

Save the Date!

July 17-21, 2023

Register at https://forms.gle/inTtpAXDMYQQyS2d7

The registration deadline is June 3, 2022 or when program is full.  Be sure to register early. Space is limited.

Applications are being accepted for Counselors, Junior Counselors and staff for Summer Camp.   Please complete the application from this link-  https://forms.gle/E65uMN2ZUHETPD9NA 

Click Here for detailed information about Stanclift Cove

Are you passionate about the Farmington River?  Do you enjoy being outdoors and making a difference in the community?  Consider offering a few hours of your time to help a great cause.  What can you do?

There is a new team of 'Assistant Stewards' for the summer. They will help spread the word about proper etiquette on the river and provide a presence during the busier times. This could be a great learning experience for students majoring in environmental studies/conservation, or just someone who enjoys interacting with others. If interested in learning more please contact - Stephan Bastrzycki - River Steward. The River Steward Team partners with the Recreation Department and other local groups to put on joint events throughout the year. The Steward team is also a part of the Recreation Department's Summer Camp.

Periodically there are river cleanups held on specific stretches of the river. A few people volunteering a couple hours of their time can make a big difference. Check our calendar of events on the home page of the Farmington River Steward website-http://farmingtonriversteward.org/  when the next cleanup become scheduled.

If you do not want to actually commit to any hours, be our eyes on the river. The next time you are out on the Farmington and see something that needs reporting, let us know via email.

Maybe it is a downed tree creating a hazard in the water or an area of trash that needs to be cleaned up.

Volunteer Opportunities and Fun Community Events! 

Would you like to help as a volunteer for the Recreation Department? There are many opportunities available such as serving on the Recreation Commission which meet the third Monday of each month from September-June at Town Hall at 7 p.m. and program volunteers. Or do you want to help keep the Farmington River Beautiful and a Fun and Safe Place to Recreate? Consider giving some time as a volunteer assistant River Steward or a volunteer for the Recreation Department. There are many opportunities to become invloved. We have several fun joint events throughout the year and are always looking for new volunteers! For more Recreation program info  please email-Donna Bastrzycki-Recreation Director    barkhamstedrec@barkhamsted.us

Free Educational Apps, Games and Websites link- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/free-educational-apps-games-and-websites

Help your family De-Stress with Fun Games and Apps -https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/help-your-family-de-stress-during-coronavirus-uncertainty

Ideas and Links for Movement/Games and Apps-  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/movement-apps-games-and-websites

Apps to help with behavioral health                https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/apps-to-help-with-mental-health

Tips from Autism Speaks-https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/what-should-autism-community-know-about-coronavirus-outbreak

 

Virtual Field trips- (Take a cool trip without leaving the house!)  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/mobilebasic

Boredom Busters-Some fun ideas for the family!   https://familyeguide.com/boredom-busters-110-fun-at-home-activities-for-families-kids-2/

Cool Craft ideas!   https://projectkid.com/best-quarantine-craft-ideas-for-kids/ 

Awesome Indoor Ideas including DYI Indoor Bowling!  https://www.hisawyer.com/blog/activities-to-do-at-home-as-a-family

 

Travel the globe without leaving the house-- check out Earth cam!  https://www.earthcam.com/

Explore Africa and cool animals with this live web cam- https://explore.org/livecams/african-wildlife/african-watering-hole-animal-camera

Check out the National Aquarium with its live broadcast!  https://www.aqua.org/Experience/live#btr

Watch adorable puppies on Explore.org live cam!    https://explore.org/livecams/currently-live/service-puppy-cam

 

 

How to calm the body- https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=AwrJ61wglIterMkApF1XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE0cTZhamZ0BGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQTA2MjJfMQRzZWMDcGl2cw--?p=best+exercise+videos+for+adults+and+children+with+disabilities+and+autism&fr2=piv-web&fr=uh_maglifestyle_web_gs#id=1&vid=7de8600943c928787291d4a2e1cf3e7b&action=view

 

 

 

 

Game for Autism & SPARK for Autism! continues its free tour across the state of Connecticut in appreciation of SPARK at Yale (https://SPARKforAutism.org/Yale). The event uses the Project CASY Mobile Inclusion Arcade and other cool games.  Please see Dr. Roger Jou's post from this link-https://www.facebook.com/165053420875425/posts/529316707782426/

I hope you find these resources helpful and will be putting up more resourceful links.

Donna Bastrzycki-Barkhamsted Recreation Director

Friends of American Legion and People's State Forest (FALPS)

Tee shirts are in. We have some of the original artwork shirts and a new style.  Hats are now in also!  They are avalable at the Riverton Store.  

Remember to regularly check our Facebook page. You do not have to be ‘on-Facebook’ to get onto the site. Simply type ‘Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests’ in the search box and it will bring up a link to our Facebook page. Events are FREE unless otherwise stated. Donations are always appreciated.

 FALPS NEWS AND ACTIVITY UPDATE February 2023
"I have never been for a walk in the woods and been disappointed.” - A quote by Walt Landgraf

Winter can be a beautiful time in the woods. The trail conditions can vary depending on elevation and exposure. Items to consider for your hike to be as enjoyable as possible: dressing in layers, a comfortable pair of micro spikes, walking stick, and extra food and water. Don’t forget the comfort of your dog as well.
Remember: The State of CT requires pets to be on a leash no longer than 7 feet.
 
****FALPS has created an account with Amazon to allow us to receive .5% of purchases for people who select FALPS as their charity when purchasing through Amazon. This is great way for FALPS to get some income and it does not cost users anything. If you would like to participate (and of course we want you to), it is very easy. You have to log on to: https://smile.amazon.com/ instead of the regular Amazon website. If you have already created an account in Amazon, your information will still be there. After you get into Amazon Smile, select FALPS as your non-profit of choice. I doubt it will appear in the dropdown menu, so you have to type in the non-profit. Type in: Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests. Then shop. There is no additional cost to you.

***** FALPS Events February, 2023 
Bushwhacking Forest Wander in Peoples State Forest Sunday, February 12th, 1 p.m. Meet at the intersection of Greenwoods and Park Roads, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS Board member Ralph Scarpino and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) biologist Pete Picone for an on-the-trail-again, off-the-trail-again ramble through the woods. We will look for signs of deer, moose, and other wildlife and plants. Hike is weather dependent. Look for updates on FALPS’ Facebook and web pages (see links below). 

History of Peoples State Forest Saturday, February 25th, 1:30 p.m. Barkhamsted Senior Center, 109 West River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS Board member and Barkhamsted Historical Society Historian, Paul Hart, for a fascinating talk on the history of the founding and growth of Peoples State Forest. 

March 2023 
The Mighty Fine Roberts Pines Sunday, March 5th, 1:30 p.m. (bad weather date, March 12th, 1:30 p.m.) Meet at Whittemore Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted (about 1.3 miles south of the Riverton Inn in Riverton, and about 4.1 miles north of the intersection of East River Road and Route 318). Come join State Forester Gerald Milne and learn about the history of the Roberts Pines, the blue-ribbon plot, and harvesting. Visit an old campground that was moved after the 1955 flood and see the results of a selected harvest across the road. 
Vernal Pools Are Cool! Saturday, March 25th , 10 a.m. Meet at Whittemore Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted (about 1.3 miles south of the Riverton Inn in Riverton, and about 4.1 miles north of the intersection of East River Road and Route 318). Salamanders, frogs and invertebrates that migrate to vernal pools in the spring are important links in our ecosystems. Join FALPS President Erik Landgraf and learn about these creatures and other organisms that live and lay eggs in these pools. Field walk/discussion. 

April 2023
Forest Bathing – Spring Edition Sunday, April 16th, 10 a.m. Meet at Matthies Grove parking area just to the right of the entrance booth off East River Road in Peoples State Forest. Experience a peaceful, relaxing reset of your body. Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life to take a peaceful ramble through the woods. The forest will “bathe” you in sights, sounds, smells and feelings. We will have frequent stops along the way to let you immerse yourself in the rhythms and world of the Forest. 

Wildflower Walk/Hike on the Henry Buck Trail Saturday, April 29th, 10 a.m. Meet at the southern trailhead for the Henry Buck Trail in American Legion State Forest, West River Road, Barkhamsted. With the arrival of spring, Erik and Helen Landgraf are eager to point out the wildflowers that grow in our forests. From the magnificent trillium to trout lilies, the woods are resplendent with blossoms. This is normally peak viewing time, so they will identify many kinds of wildflowers along the way. Those interested can continue on the entire loop (about 2 miles of moderate to difficult hiking) and should return about 1 p.m. (earlier if you do not choose to hike the loop). 

Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival Sunday, April 30th, 12:30-5 p.m. Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS and the Town of Barkhamsted for the Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival. Get your nature on and enjoy talks, displays and everything natural at this event. Free food and music and a Birds of Prey show. Open to all. 
 
Quote of the Month
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” -- John Muir
 
If you would like to become a member of FALPS and support our mission and activities, you will eligible for member benefits such as the monthly Better Nature Newsletter by FALPS Board Member Dave Lewis, as well as special events. Please visit https://falps.org/390-2/ for information about joining FALPS. FALPS Contact Information: • Website: https://falps.org/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctfalps/ • E-mail: ctfalps@gmail.com • Mail: FALPS, PO Box 323, Pleasant Valley, CT 06063