Mr. Bill’s Woodland Ramble

Mr. Bill’s Woodland Ramble returns Saturday, May 30, at Coogan Farm, bringing trail running, guided nature walks, and outdoor community atmosphere to the wooded trails of Mystic. Hosted at Coogan Farm from 8:30 a.m. to noon, the annual event invites participants to either compete in a timed trail race or take part in a more relaxed guided ramble through the property’s natural landscape. The morning combines fitness, environmental education, and family-friendly outdoor recreation as spring transitions toward summer across SE Connecticut.

Participants looking for a slower-paced experience can join a guided walk led by native plant expert Jim Natale, who will discuss native and invasive plant species encountered along the trail route. Meanwhile, runners will tackle the timed trail race beginning at 9:30 a.m. through the wooded terrain surrounding Coogan Farm. The event also welcomes leashed and well-behaved dogs for the ramble portion, adding to the relaxed and community-centered atmosphere that has become part of the tradition each year.

Following the trail race and guided ramble, attendees can enjoy an awards ceremony, light food and drinks, and opportunities to meet Nature Center animal ambassadors. Early registrants before May 9 receive a commemorative Ramble T-shirt, while registration pricing varies by age and sign-up date. Rain or shine, Mr. Bill’s Woodland Ramble continues to offer one of the region’s more distinctive outdoor spring events for runners, walkers, nature lovers, and families alike.