This past Saturday, Redding Neighbors & Newcomers explored the 1 mile Saugatuck Trail located right here in Redding on Route 53 across from John Read middle school. The guided trail walk was given by Tony Coccoli, of Deacon Abbott Lane South who is a High School Environmental Science Teacher. The guided trail walk was a day to remember as Mr. Coccoli discussed many interesting topics about nature along the way. He informed the group that an oak tree at one of the Saugatuck Trail heads is estimated to be 300 years old. If the tree could talk imagine the stories it would tell about life during the Revolutionary War! The children that participated in the hike were thrilled to learn that beavers had begun to build a dam. The beavers left evidence of their busy work on some of the partially chewed trees. The hike wound its way through the trails as Mr. Coccoli stopped to speak about points of interest. The children and parents were amazed when they came across a tree on which deer had delicately eaten moss without damaging the bark. One of the highlights of the hike; the stunning, fast running, noisy Saugatuck River Falls which participants did not even know existed in Redding. The hike concluded with hot chocolate, cider and donuts in addition to great enthusiasm and appreciation of our wonderful town of Redding. For more information on Redding Neighbors & Newcomers children’s events, please contact Charlene Coccoli at childrensprograms@reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org.
Redding Neighbors & Newcomers is a social organization open to all Redding residents both new and old. Our members consist of residents who just moved in and some who have been here for almost 20 years. Yearly dues are $35 per household and include monthly newsletter and membership directory. New members can join right on the website (www.reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org/join). For further information, contact Lisa Pompeo, Vice President of Membership, at 938-7997, or via email, membership@reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org
