Oak Hills Park ‘National Trails Day’ event

NORWALK, Conn. —  Here’s a roundup of contemporary Norwalk happenings:

• Oak Hills Nature Trail walk today
• SoNo Collection construction jobs open house
• P2P car seat drive

National Trails Day at Oak Hills

Oak Hills Park, best known for its public golf course, is marking National Trails Day today, Saturday June 3, with a free event from 3 to 5 p.m.

“Residents of all ages are invited to walk the recently renovated woodland nature trails, led by volunteers from the Oak Hills Park Nature Advisory Committee,” a press release said.

The weather forecast is good but if it does happen to rain heavily the event will be postponed to 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The press release from Oak Hills Park Nature Advisory Committee Chairwoman Elsa Peterson Obuchowski said:

“The green ‘Nature Trail’ sign at the eastern edge of the Oak Hills Restaurant parking lot marks the main trail head, leading to a three-branch set of woodland trails which are modestly challenging (gently rising terrain with occasional obstacles) and extend for about half a mile. The trails were renovated this spring by more than 30 Boy Scouts in a service project under the leadership of Eagle Scout candidate Sean Notley.

“The June 3 event will feature Laurel Peterson, Norwalk’s poet laureate, reading ‘The Peace of Wild Things’ by naturalist Wendell Berry; a nature sighting checklist for kids of all ages; rock cairn building to demarcate trail intersections; and bird-watching opportunities. Trail walkers are advised to wear long sleeves, light-colored fabrics, and insect repellent. Bring binoculars, as well as smartphones to download the LeafSnap leaf-identifying app and to post photos on Instagram at #OakHillsParkTrail.

“Oak Hills Park Nature Advisory Committee members have identified more than 10 species of trees and more than 20 species of birds in the woodlands area. We are especially excited to have spotted a Wood Thrush this spring. The Wood Thrush, whose song is among the most beautiful of all birds, is listed as a Most Important bird species on CT’s Wildlife Action Plan. Its presence in Oak Hills Park is a testament to the health of our natural environment and the dedication of Oak Hills Park Authority in its stewardship of the park.

“Exploring the woodlands right here in our backyard is a wonderful opportunity and the community is welcomed to this special free event to experience the peaceful beauty of this natural area. Can’t make it on June 3? The Oak Hills Park woodland trails are open to the public every day of the year. Oak Hills Park is located at 165 Fillow Street, Norwalk, CT 06850.”

P2P Is raising money to purchase new car seats

Each year, P2P, also known as Person to Person, provides 150 new car seats to mothers from low-income households in Fairfield County to “ensure safe, secure transport for their newborns from the hospital and throughout the first year,” a press release said..

Car seats costs about $60, an expense that families, who are living in poverty, can scarcely afford, the release said, seeking donations for the “essential” program.

Click here to find out more about this program and how you can help P2P meet its  fundraising goal. All donations are tax deductible.

Construction jobs open house

GGP, developer of The SoNo Collection, is planning its second construction jobs open house for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, located at 19 Academy St. This will focus on site work, concrete and steel.

If you’d like additional information, email [email protected]