RI Outdoors: A Springtime Fest of Feathers and Wool
Rare Birds
If you are a birder, trips to foreign lands offer opportunities to cross exotic species off your bucket list. So will an afternoon at the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield. With more than 60 different rare breeds and 4,500 birds, these 16 acres are a haven for the endangered. “We like to tell our visitors that they will be able to see birds here that have been virtually wiped out in their native countries,” says Colleen Peters, manager of education at LRWC. As part of the Litchfield Tercentennial celebration, the Conservancy will open a week early (for one day only). Birders get a 1-1/2 hour guided tour free of charge and can learn about the nonprofit’s efforts to repopulate endangered species like the once threatened Hawaiian Goose. Bring your camera and binoculars and dress for the weather.
Spring Open House at the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy
Friday, April 26 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
55 Duck Pond Rd., Litchfield, CT
(860) 567-2062
Free. Donations accepted.
Shear Enjoyment
Robert R. Livingston, Jr. was Clermont, New York's most notable resident. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence, negotiated the Louisiana Purchase and worked with Robert Fulton in developing steamboat technology. What most people don’t know is that he imported the first four merino sheep to the United States in 1802. They were a game changer. Now taken for granted as the finest producer of wool, Livingston held annual get-togethers to promote his “rare breed” to other farmers. Continuing that tradition, on May 4, Clermont is presenting The Chancellor’s Sheep & Wool Showcase. More than 40 vendors will offer fiber-related products and great food. Two bands, one Irish and one traditional American, will provide background music. And Fred DePaul, known nationally for his Midas touch in manual sheep shearing, will be on hand for demonstrations. Five miles of trails and a spectacular, unobstructed view of the Hudson River and neighboring Catskills complete a perfect afternoon.
Chancellor’s Sheep & Wool Showcase
Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Clermont State Historic Site
1 Clermont Ave., Germantown, NY
(518) 537-4240
$10 per vehicle
More to do in the great outdoors:
April 20: Baby Animal Fest at Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, MA
April 20: Spring Wildflower Walks at Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield, MA
April 26: Opening Weekend at Hollister House Garden, Washington, CT
April 25–May 12: Daffodil Festival at Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA
May 8: Hike at Stockbridge Trails, Stockbridge, MA
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