Join ecologist and Ivoryton resident Bob Russo on a hike in The Preserve on Saturday, May 6 at 9 a.m. in search for salamanders, frogs, and plants emerging from the long winter. Russo will guide participants to a few of The Preserve’s vernal pools and describe the biological and geological features that make these areas so unique and bountiful. Participants should meet in the East Preserve Parking Lot, Ingham Hill Road, Essex.

Russo is a soil scientist, wetland scientist, and ecologist who frequently played in swamps while growing up. He works for a small engineering company in eastern Connecticut and lives in Ivoryton. Russo is also the chair of Essex’s Park & Recreation Commission.

The hike is 1 ½ hours in duration. Expect easy to moderate terrain and bring boots. The event is open to all ages. Bad weather cancels. For more information, contact Jim Denham at 860-876-0306 or jgdenham@gmail.com.