Not sure if this is the same place:

https://www.firstlightpower.com/recreation/

The area is open for summer hiking, picnicking,and fishing from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 1/2 mile Shepaug Interpretive Trail on the shore of Lake Lillinonah describes the diverse roles trees play from shade, to wood products, to food for both people and wildlife. Shepaug Recreation Area also boasts two canoe portages both upstream and downstream of the power station along with two vegetative buffer garden demonstration areas showcasing native plants.

New Haven sits “between two rocks.” West Rock and East Rock are both state parks and have great hiking. I don’t think you can go in there and start digging and hammering away with a pick axe, but if you pick up a few loose pieces and put them in your backpack you should be fine. Also, Sleeping Giant state park in Hamden is great.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Rock_Ridge

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Rock

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Giant_(Connecticut)

Edit: East Rock is a city park, not a state park.

You might be able to register your family for something at CT Foodshare in Wallingford.

https://ctfoodshare.org/

Merry Christmas! Watch out for those golden retrievers.

https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Recycling-and-Disposal-of-Scrap-Tires

According to the DEEP there’s a few places that take tires for recycling. Closest to you is in Southington. Don’t know if there’s a fee. I’d call first.

Rare albino mountain lion.