Recreation Department

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
 OCTOBER 2022
 

October days are getting shorter and the colors are coming into full display. It is a great month to get out and wonder, explore, and appreciate your natural surroundings. We have some fall opportunities for you to get to know the forest so check out what we have planned below for the next couple of months.

Safety: 

Pollinator Garden:

The pollinator garden is putting on its last display of color. Birds such as goldfinches in their bright yellow plumage are enjoying the seeds. Check it out. It is located right next to the entrance to Matthies Grove. 

Work Update:
Trees were cleared from the Charles Pack and Jessie Gerard trails. If you enjoy getting out and doing trail work or other outdoor projects, please let us know by emailing us at ctfalps@gmail.com.

Remember. No matter what ails you, there is no better prescription or more effective therapy than a walk in the woods!
   

October, 2022

Capturing Nature with Your Cell Phone with Artist/ Photographer Extraordinaire, Richard Cohen:
Sunday October 2nd , 10 a.m. rain or shine. Peoples State forest Nature Museum, Greenwoods Road, Barkhamsted. Richard will discuss what people want out of pictures of nature, what to expect from your cell phone, and how to improve what you capture. Beginner level session led by avid experienced nature photographer. Bring a cell phone that has a camera. Free and open to all.

FALPS Booth at the Riverton Fair:
Friday, October 9th, Saturday, October 10th and Sunday October 11th. Come check out FALPS's collection of animal pelts and learn about nature and the State Forests that are right here in Barkhamsted.
 
 Finding your way with Mat Jobin:
 Saturday, October 29th, 2pm. Meet at the Nature Museum Greenwoods Road, Peoples State Forest. Come join outdoors expert Mat Jobin of Reach your Summitand learn how to orienteer using maps and compass. Cell phones are only good when you have a signal! Learn how to find your way with just a map and compass. Mat will also advise participants on the best GPS units and signal locators out there. Bring a compass in you have one.
 
FALPS News:
We had our annual meeting on Sunday, September 18th. During the meeting we had a change of presidency. Ralph Scarpino, who has been the president since the founding of FALPS, is stepping down. He has done an amazing job at organizing the friends group. His dedication to see projects through to the end goes beyond words. He will be missed as the president, yet he still will continue on as a board member. I (Erik Landgraf) who have had the great pleasure of working with Ralph over the years, will be taking on the job of president. Even though this is a change at the top, we will still strive to continue our dedication to the community and surrounding forest. Dave Lewis will also be joining the board. He brings along a great knowledge native plants and community involvement.
   

Quote of the Month:
 “A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye."
 - Unknown

  
 I hope to see you in the woods!
 Erik Landgraf
 FALPS President