October 14, 2021
The New Canaan YMCA and New Canaan Land Trust have partnered to provide community members with the opportunity to enjoy a mix of nature, nutrition, and fitness this fall. Launching on October 19, the community Trail Mix Series is free and open to any member of the community.
The Trail Mix Series will be held on the scenic trails of the Watson-Symington Preserve and will be held bi-weekly at 12:00 pm on October 19, November 2, November 16, and November 30.
Led by the Y’s Director of Group Exercise and Registered Dietician, Kristin Schnitzler, participants will enjoy a low-to-moderate-paced fitness walk through the Watson-Symington Preserve. Schnitzler will lead the group through some light stretching, a 30-40-minute guided walk along the trail, and will share nutrition tips along the way.
Participants will also receive recipes and samples of homemade trail mix. The Y’s Executive Director, Margaret Riley, shared, “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Land Trust on this new community offering, bringing the healthy living expertise of our staff out into the beautiful Watson-Symington Preserve. This unique series provides our community with an enjoyable and well-rounded wellness experience—engaging in physical activity, connecting with others, and strengthening knowledge about nutrition and healthy habits—all while enjoying the Land Trust’s extraordinary property.”
New Canaan Land Trust Executive Director, Aaron Lefland added, “Through this exciting new partnership with the New Canaan YMCA, we hope to introduce more people to the Land Trust’s trails and open spaces and showcase our preserves as a resource for the whole community.” The New Canaan Land Trust has established and continues to maintain the extensive walking trail at the Watson-Symington Preserve, a magnificent 46-acre property. The scenic trails meander around wetlands and through hardwood forests that change in composition and structure with the topography. Some of the largest naturally growing trees in New Canaan can be found on this property, with the largest Tulip Poplars having diameters of over 4 feet. The Watson-Symington Preserve is also home to a permanent land art installation, which was part of the 2020 New Canaan Sculpture Trail.
The trails at the Watson-Symington Preserve feature moderate difficulty with some uneven terrain, inclines, and declines. Hiking shoes or sneakers are strongly recommended and participants should bring a water bottle. Walks are free and open to all members of the community. Advance registration is required and can be completed online at www.newcanaanymca.org/trail-mix-series or by calling 203-966-4528.
About the New Canaan YMCA
Founded in 1954 by a group of community volunteers, the New Canaan YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich all people in spirit, mind, and body. As an inclusive community service organization, the YMCA turns away no one for reasons of race, religion, or economic background and each year awards approximately $285,000 in direct financial assistance. Serving the communities of New Canaan, Pound Ridge, and South Salem, the YMCA also strives to partner with a variety of outside organizations to further its role as a community service provider.
About the New Canaan Land Trust
For more than half a century, the New Canaan Land Trust has worked to build a healthier and greener New Canaan by protecting and caring for New Canaan’s natural resources. By engaging the community in programs, workshops, and other events, NCLT fosters a connection between people and their natural surroundings and instills a conservation ethic in the New Canaan community. For more information visit
newcanaanlandtrust.org.
