The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to conserving Connecticut’s land, trails, and natural resources, will host its 19th Annual Connecticut Trails Day Celebration on Saturday June 4th. Once again, Connecticut will hold the record for the largest Trails Day celebration in the nation with 190 events being scheduled in 112 towns throughout the state. Connecticut Trails Day is part of National Trails Day, a nationwide hiking initiative established by the American Hiking Society in 1993.
Anyone in or visiting the Shelton area is invited to participate at Jones Family Farms. The 400-acre farm will host a Farmer’s Heritage Hike from 10 am to 12 pm on June 4th. Participants will enjoy a farmer-led hike of Jones’ historic Homestead Farm. The hike will explore 150 years of New England farming stories at Jones Family Farms.
“We always consider ourselves fortunate to be part of the history of this area of Connecticut,” said Terry Jones, 5th generation farmer at Jones Family Farm. “Anytime we have the opportunity to share our story and our land with friends in the area, we consider ourselves lucky.”
Shannon Murray, Jones Farmer and Education Manager, stated: “Last year was our second time participating in the Connecticut Trails Day and the guests that joined me for the hike had a great time. It’s always fun to share this farm with people who may never get a chance to see real farmland like this. I am looking forward to doing it again this year.”
Back-dropped by the farm’s fields and Homestead buildings, hikers will explore signs of the farm’s evolution from a sheep operation, to dairy farm, to lumber mill, to the current uses as a harvest-your own farm and winery. Hikers will learn how Shelton has changed over the past several centuries, and how this 7th generation farm has evolved with it. Scenic views, rambling stonewalls, and local agricultural history will be enjoyed by all on this free hike.
The Farmer’s Heritage Hike at Jones’ is recommended for ages 12 and up with families welcome and everyone is encouraged to bring a water bottle and sturdy footwear (real farmland isn’t suitable for sandals or flip-flops). For more information, or to register, please visit the events page at JonesFamilyFarms.com
Jones Family Farms is located at 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road in Shelton, Connecticut. It is off Route 110 - 5 miles North of Shelton Center and 2 miles south of the junction of Route 110 and 111 in Monroe.