With the warm weather and abundant sunshine, it’s the perfect time of year for residents to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. In an effort to help locals do just that, the Essex Land Trust is happy to once again host the annual combined kayak/canoe trip and summer concert/picnic to be held on Sunday, June 12 at Essex’s Main Street Park.

Canoeists/kayakers are asked to meet at 2:30 p.m. for a planned departure by 3 p.m. to explore Essex’s Middle and South coves (participants should arrive in time to register and sign waivers. A safety boat will accompany).

“This is something we all look forward to each year and it is a great time,” said Essex Land Trust President Jim Denham.

The kayak/canoe trip will be guided by naturalist and State Representative Phil Miller, who will talk about the history of the Connecticut River as well as pointing out and helping those on the trip identify wildlife, birds, and plants.

“It is such a wonderful addition to be able to have Phil on this trip with us,” said Denham. “He is so knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, everyone learns so much. Where we live really is such a very special place for wildlife and people and this is one way for us all to enjoy it and learn more about it.”

In the past, the trip has had 50-plus people on it, paddling alongside one another down the Connecticut River. Dedham is keeping his fingers crossed that the weather cooperates for the day’s event.

After getting in a good, on-the-water workout, kayakers/canoeists and others are invited to come together and gather at 5:30 p.m. for a BYO picnic and concert by the Essex Corinthian Jazz Band. It’s a time to enjoy the company of friends and family, unwind, and have some fun, so bring chairs, blankets, and get comfortable. The event is free and parking is available on Main Street and behind the Essex Post Office.

The Essex Land Trust has an event for hikers, too. On Saturday, June 25 at 9 a.m. at Comstock Park in Ivoryton, the trust will host a Pond Meadow Preserve hike.

Denham calls the 18 acres that make up the preserve some of the most unique property there is in Essex.

“Pond Meadow Preserve is a very special property that up until recently was not accessible to the public, but now that it is I would encourage everyone to come out and see how unique it is,” he said. “It’s almost like walking through a rainforest, right here in Essex.”

This land, acquired by the land trust in 2014, has a large variety of very old trees, which, when they are “leafed out” create a double canopy, not unlike a rainforest environment, Denham said. In addition, this swampy property now has an extensive 450-foot elevated walkway/bog-walk, which was built by a number of land trust volunteers including Chief Steward Geoff Furtney and Steward John Cosenza. The work was completed over the winter and spring months with donations for the materials, which came from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.

The preserve is also home to a bridge, built by Eagle Scout Dan Ryan and his Boy Scout Troop 12, that crosses over a stream that flows into the Falls River.

“This will be a fun hike for everyone and a new experience,” said Denham.

Bad weather cancels both events. For more information, visit www.essexlandtrust.org.