This #TrailsTuesday goes out to Rocky Hill, where ponds, early industrial artifacts, and even a waterfall are waiting to be explored at Dividend Pond Trails! This easy-to-moderate trail system is open to hikers and bikers and is full of natural and cultural features. Check out more details and recommended trail routes here: www.cttrailfinder.com/trails/trail/dividend-pond-trails

Photo (A. Baglia): Hikers descend trail stairs in a yellow fall forest at the top of a waterfall, as they wave to the photographer. Text reads, "Five miles of easy-moderate trails along Dividend Brook provide access to ten archaeological sites of early industrial activity - plus a waterfall!" ... See MoreSee Less

Say hi to Oxford High School’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), this week’s #FriendFriday stars and a very impressive trail work crew! The hard-working youth crew is led by Joe Lanier, Oxford High School science teacher and Oxford Conservation Commission member. The group has operated for almost two decades and built the trails of Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary (www.cttrailfinder.com/trails/trail/rockhouse-hill-sanctuary). Joe spoke to me about the background of YCC and sang the praises of the youth who make it possible.

Read more about this awesome crew on our blog (cttrails.uconn.edu/2025/12/05/shout-out-to-oxford-high-schools-youth-conservation-corps-ycc-part-1/) and stay tuned for Part 2 to hear from crew leaders who are now UConn students! ... See MoreSee Less