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Friends of Topsmead State Forest (FTSF) is a volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to work with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) to provide programs and activities to promote, preserve, protect, and maintain the history, heritage and environmental integrity of Topsmead, thereby supporting the wishes of Edith Morton Chase in her will, gifting Topsmead to the State of Connecticut in 1972.
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Upcoming Events9/21/19 Journaling and Sketching Workshop 9/28/19 Visit our booth at White Memorial 38th Annual Nature Day |
News & Events
Deepen Your Connection to Nature through Art and Words
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Enter the quiet beauty and deep peacefulness of Topsmead State Forest by drawing and writing in a nature journal. Through a short, guided meditation, simple drawing exercises and writing prompts, you will discover some tools to begin a reflective exploration of one of Connecticut’s most beautiful and special state forests. Artist and teacher Judith Bird (www.judithbirdart.com) will lead this 2-hour session with an introductory talk followed by time in the fields, walkways, and woodlands of Topsmead. Bring your own sketch book with good quality paper, drawing pencils (HB and a 2B), eraser and sharpener, and, if desired, colored pencils. Some watercolor and sketching tools will also be available to borrow. No previous art or writing experience necessary!
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Location: Topsmead State Forest, Buell Road, Litchfield, CT. Meet in the carriage shed next to the Chase House. We have limited space for this workshop (20 people), so please register early.
Cost: FTSF Member $25; Non-Member $35 Download the form below, and mail to: FTSF Workshop c/o Gould 116 Weingart Road Harwinton, CT 06791 Questions? Send us an email at: friendsoftopsmead@gmail.com 
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History of TopsmeadIn 1917, Edith Morton Chase received a gift from her father, 16 acres of pristine woods in the Litchfield hills. Today, Topsmead is a state forest with over 500 acres of diverse landscapes.
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VolunteerFind out how you can participate in preserving and promoting the rich heritage and natural beauty of Topsmead State Forest.
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To learn more visit and ‘like’ us on Facebook:
Topsmead State Forest FACEBOOK connection
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Visiting Topsmead State Forest
Buell Road, Litchfield, CT Topsmead offers 510 acres of forests and meadows, for year-round passive recreation including walking, picnicking, bird watching, sledding, and cross-country skiing. In addition, the Edith Chase Ecology Trail is mile walk with interpretive signs. Dogs on a leash are welcome. (Note: open fires & grills are not allowed). Free Guided Tours of Chase Cottage From June through October on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month from 12:00 PM-5:00 PM. Check our Facebook page for upcoming special programs and events. Hours: 8:00 AM – Sunset year-round Contact Information: Topsmead State Forest Phone: 860-567-5694 Directions From Route 8: Take Exit 42. Go west on Route 118 for 2.0 miles. Turn left onto Clark Road to the stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign then the first left onto Buell Road. The first right off Buell is the entrance to Topsmead. From Litchfield Center: Take Route 118 east for 1.5 miles. Take a right onto East Litchfield Road. Take the first right onto Buell Road. Topsmead will be the first road on the right. Handicapped Access: In an effort to improve access to the Topsmead State Forest cottage and grounds surrounding it, FTSF in conjunction with the Connecticut DEEP is offering access by handicapped tagged vehicles on specific dates. Please contact us to find out more.
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Download Topsmead Trail Map below:
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