Signs of spring, tree planting, and the return of recreation season with Bird Walk at Lake Chamberlain
Regional Water Authority opens trails, lakes, and seasonal programs to the public
As spring settles across Woodbridge and the West River watershed, the Regional Water Authority’s Claire C. Bennett Recreation Program is once again opening trails, lakes, and seasonal programs to the public — including a special upcoming bird walk at Lake Chamberlain and a new volunteer effort aimed at expanding tree planting across the region.
New Haven Bird Club walk planned for Tuesday, May 20
Birders, walkers, and nature lovers are invited to join the upcoming “New Haven Bird Club – Lake Chamberlain” spring bird walk on Tuesday, May 20, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lake Chamberlain along the West River corridor.
According to the Recreation Program announcement, the walk will focus on observing nesting species and migratory birds, with “special emphasis on the bluebird/tree swallow trail of bird houses.” Organizers note that bluebirds, swallows, and spring migrants are typically plentiful this time of year.
The walk is described as non-strenuous and will take place on well-maintained trails. Participants are asked to meet at the Lake Chamberlain parking lot.
Lake Chamberlain and the surrounding watershed lands remain one of the area's quieter natural treasures — a place where residents can experience both active recreation and conservation landscapes just minutes from town roads and neighborhoods.
RWA seeks volunteer tree planters
The mailing also includes a “Call for Volunteer Tree Planters,” highlighting the Regional Water Authority’s ongoing forestry and conservation work. According to the announcement, the RWA plants more than a thousand trees each year and is seeking volunteers interested in learning about the organization’s tree-planting program and assisting with future planting efforts.
The notice states that Recreation Permit holders who wish to volunteer can email RWAForestry@rwater.com with the subject line “Volunteer Tree Planter” to receive future announcements about planting opportunities.
The effort reflects the broader role the watershed lands play not only in recreation, but also in long-term environmental stewardship — including forest management, habitat restoration, and water protection throughout the region.
Recreation permits now available
The Claire C. Bennett Recreation Program also reminded residents that seasonal recreation access is underway across RWA properties, including hiking, fishing, boating, and nature programs.
Information about recreation permits and season passes is available through the Regional Water Authority recreation website: Regional Water Authority Recreation Program. The site includes permit information, recreation maps, seasonal rules, event schedules, and updates on trail and lake access throughout the watershed system.
For many local residents, the return of spring recreation season marks one of the quiet traditions of life in Woodbridge — a reminder that some of the community’s most valued public spaces are the forests, trails, lakes, and wildlife habitats that surround it.
