Please join me for a walking excursion through Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in Groton, CT. Bluff Point is the last remaining significant piece of undeveloped land along the Connecticut coastline. Jutting out into waters of Long Island Sound this wooded peninsula, measuring one and one-half miles long by one mile wide, encompasses over 800 acres. State holdings include a north-south strip of the mainland, a portion of the headland bluff fronting the Sound, and the tombolo or sandspit forming a beach of nearly one mile in length. The beach terminates in a small, rocky island called Bushy Point. After exploring the reserve and coastline, we'll have lunch in the picnic area. For those who are up for more, we'll hike over to Haley Farms State Park via the pedestrian cross-bridge. The park contains the remnants of several old family farms and is noted for its bird-watching. We'll meet in the parking area for Bluff Point at 10:30AM. There is no entry fee for either park. Please bring: sun protection, your lunch, tick repellant, and binoculars for bird-watching. Swimming and fishing are also permitted from the beach. The coastline is often cooler and windier than inland CT, so I recommend bringing a jacket or sweatshirt and long pants. For more information on the parks, please visit the CT State Park website at http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325086&deepNav_GID=1650. Rain will cancel this trip, but I will contact participants 48 hours in advance based on weather forecasts.

Coming from I-95 North: Take exit 88. Turn right onto SR 117 South. Turn right at the end onto Route 1 South. Take a left at the first light onto Depot Road. Park entrance is at the end of the road. Coming from I-95 South: Take exit 88. Turn left onto SR 117 South. Turn right at the end onto Route 1 South. Take a left at the first light onto Depot Road. Park entrance is at the end of the road.