OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
Spring 2026 Outdoor Recreation Programs
Check out the Parks and Preserves section of our seasonal brochure to register for educational programs and walks.
Spring Registration Opening Soon!
Birch Mountain Garnet
Did you know CT is the garnet state? Come for a short but scenic hike on Birch Mountain right on the Bolton/ Glastonbury line. You can not only check out the lovely views from and learn about the geology of the mountainside, we will also show you where to find loose raspberry garnets!
Walk Leader: Mara Upenieks
Location: Birch Mountain
Date: Sat., May 9
Time: 12-2 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Activity # 411013-A
Wild Plants at Bicentennial Pond
Would you like to know more about the various plants we see every day in the woods and fields of CT? Come for a short but informative hike around Bicentennial Pond. As we stroll along the beautiful trail around the water, we will stop and discuss various native plants and their nutritional/ healing properties as we go!
Walk Leader: Mara Upenieks
Location: Bicentennial Pond
Heading south from UConn on Rt. 195, turn right on Clover Mill Rd. Look for entrance to Bicentennial Pond, 1 mile up on the right.
Date: Sat., June 6
Time: 12-1 p.m.
Fee: FREE
Activity # 411014-A
Mansfield Community Gardens
Enjoy fresh air and fresh produce through gardening. 20' x 30' plots, located on Route 195 north of Mansfield Supply. Planting begins mid to late May. Returning gardeners will be notified by mail about pre-registration and will receive first priority. A few over-winter plots may be available. Once you have registered, you will receive a letter about the location of your garden plot and the recommended gardening practices. Gardeners are required to remove all large weeds, rocks, weed barrier from their plot by the end of the season.
Location: Rt. 195, North of Mansfield Supply
Fee: $35/plot for residents, $45/plot for non-residents
Activity#: 411004-A (Seasonal)
411004-B (Overwinter)
Mansfield 100 Mile Challenge
Explore Mansfield one step at a time! From scenic trails and peaceful parks to neighborhood sidewalks, Mansfield is a pedestrian paradise. Take on the challenge to walk, hike, or run 100 miles right here in town.
Pick up a 100-Mile Challenge form at the Mansfield Community Center front desk or download one on the Mansfield Parks and Rec website. Log your miles as you go. Once you reach 100, return your completed form to the Community Center and receive a special prize for your accomplishment!
Keep moving, stay motivated, and discover the beauty of Mansfield mile by mile!
Location: Mansfield
Starts: 1/1/2026
Dates: ongoing
Fee: FREE
100 Mile Tracker Sheet: HERE
Spring Plein Air Painting in the Parks
Looking for additional opportunities to paint with your peers and get outdoors? Come enjoy some scenery and experience the many beautiful parks that Mansfield is fortunate to have. Participated before? How have the views changed? View the location schedule below; meeting time is 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Bring your own supplies, easels, chairs/stools, and paint (or draw, or sketch, whatever your fancy!). No instruction or supervision provided. Inclement weather cancels. All skill levels welcome. Please visit mansfieldct.gov/1698/Trail-Guides for directions and parking information. Begins at 10:00 am
- April 18 – Whetten Woods
- May 16 – Eagleville Preserve
- June 13 - Hanks Corner Preserve