Join us on JUNETEENTH, for Friday in the Forest! Celebrating liberty, freedom and independence on the UConn Forest Ancient White Oak Heritage Trail.
A visit to ancient white oaks on UConn Forest is an ideal way to acknowledge the liberty and freedom we share on June 19 as well as in the lead-up to Independence Day 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. Because our nation has the Constitution it does thanks to a white oak tree, white oak and all the contributions of this species to the history, culture, environment and economy in CT is our theme this year at UConn Forest.
On Friday, June 19 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm members of the UConn Forest Crew will host a guided walk on the UConn Forest Ancient White Oak Heritage Trail, weather permitting and open to any interested members of the UConn Community and general public.
This somewhat gentle hike will lead into a small grove of white oak trees believed to be more than 250 years old. Participants will hear the legend of the Charter Oak and learn about the importance of white oak trees to the history, culture and environment of our state. Hikers will also have a chance to view active wildlife habitat enhancement activities, ancient tree preservation and forest stand restoration efforts.
The hike will begin at the Horsebarn Hill Road Red Trail head, by the picnic tables near the bend of Horsebarn Hill Road. 2:00 pm. Meeting place coordinates: 41.821144, -72.247944.
For more information, contact: Thomas Worthley at thomas.worthley@uconn.edu