Celebrate West Rock Ridge State Park's 50th On Hike, SCSU Symposium On Public Policy, Conservation, Education

NEW HAVEN, CT — Southern Connecticut State University is hosting a public symposium exploring the intersection of public policy, conservation, and education. The event celebrates the 50th anniversary of West Rock Ridge State Park and honors the life and legacy of the late Dr. Stephen Collins.

Funded by a CTHumanities grant, the West Rock Ridge State Park event will highlight how ecology and public engagement contribute to the public good.

Set for Sunday from 9:15 a.m. to noon, at Southern Connecticut State University School of Business – Room 102, 501 Crescent St. in New Haven, the symposium will include a panel discussion and question and answer session.

The event is free and open to the public.

The keynote speaker for the symposium is state Rep. Mary Mushinsky, with panelists, Dr. Miriah Kelly, Professor, Environment, Geography, and Marine Sciences, SCSU, Dr. Danica Doroski, Urban Forestry Coordinator, state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Dr. Joseph P. Milone, Professor, Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management, SCSU; At Large Member, West Rock Ridge State Park Advisory Board.

Following the discussion, attendees are invited to join a hike at West Rock Ridge State Park, weather permitting.

Transportation from the SCSU campus to the park and back will be provided. Attendees should bring their own lunch.

About West Rock Ridge State Park

From CT Parks: From the many impressive vantage points along the ridge, take in up to 200 square miles of views, from New Haven Harbor to Long Island Sound to Sleeping Giant to Lakes Dawson and Watrous. Rising from 400 feet of elevation at the South Summit in New Haven to 715 feet of elevation at High Rock in Bethany on the Hamden border, the park’s six-mile long ridge is a non-stop series of jawdropping vistas.

Whether you decide to drive to the South Overlook, hike along the seven-mile long Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail, which connects to the Quinnipiac Trail at High Rock, or go for a ride along 11 miles of the some of the state’s top mountain biking terrain, you choose how you want to explore the park.

West Rock Ridge has one of the highest concentration of rare and endangered species of any park in the state.

About Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a leading institution committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and social justice. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, SCSU has a rich history dating back to 1893 and fosters a supportive learning environment that empowers students to become responsible global citizens.