This Mother’s Day weekend, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary invites local residents and families to join for a nature walk and educational tour, at the future site of the animal sanctuary. Located in the heart of Newtown, the tour will wind through 34 acres of scenic meadows and woodlands.

The event is open to the public and will take place Saturday, May 9, at 10 am, starting at the end of Old Farm Road in Newtown (behind Reed Intermediate School and Newtown Park & Bark).

The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is the effort of The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, dedicated to the memory of Catherine Hubbard, who was killed on 12/14.

Heading the nature walk will be Andrew Mangold, a forest gardener and permaculture expert. A graduate of Hampshire College, Mr Mangold is a farmer and ecologist at heart, and has worked and studied on farms from Massachusetts to New Zealand.

“This time of year, there are so many exciting plants to explore in their natural environment,” said Mr Mangold. “Throughout the Sanctuary property, we’ll be able to identify trees and shrubs by their buds and bark, as well as learn about the medicinal and edible plants that are just revealing their heads. It’s always fun to learn to recognize wildflowers before they actually bloom. We’ll do some tracking and landscape reading and see all the treasures the property wants to reveal to us.”

While construction on the Animal Sanctuary will not begin until 2016, the Hubbard family looks forward to sharing the beauty of the property and educational services to residents now.

“Our goal is find ways to connect with the community even without a brick and mortar structure,” said Jenny Hubbard, Catherine’s mother. “By sharing the natural wonders of the property, we hope to come together and share a deep respect for nature and the environment while fostering compassion and promoting the interconnectedness of all life.”

The tour will meet promptly at 10 am at the base of the bridge leading to the Sanctuary property. Parking is available near the dog park. Wear appropriate footwear for trails, and tote a camera or notebook (and don’t forget to bring mom).

For additional information or questions, send e-mail to info@cvhfoundation.org or call 203-313-8391. To learn more about the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, visit cvhfoundation.org.