Exploring Connecticut

Nature Initiative Director Mark Fowler has been exploring biodiversity in Connecticut with News 12’s Road Trip Close to Home. Watch the videos and learn about the incredible nature in our own backyard.

Enders State Forest

January 13, 2022

Mark Fowler and News 12 visit Enders State Forest in Granby, Connecticut, one of the 33 state forests that combines recreation and preservation.

First Day Hikes

December 30, 2021

As part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes, Mark Fowler joins News 12 in Litchfield to begin the new year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike.

Grace Farms

November 4, 2021

Mark Fowler and Sharon Prince, CEO and Founder, take News12 on a tour of Grace Farms' 80-acre preserve and the season's beautiful fall foliage.

Shetucket River Water Trail

August 5, 2021

Travel the Shetucket River Water Trail, a 22-mile scenic river that is part of a national heritage corridor, with Mark Fowler and News 12.

Farmington River

July 8, 2021

Mark Fowler joins News 12 to explore the slow-flowing Farmington River, with nice and calm water perfect for paddling on.

East Canaan

May 13, 2021

News 12 and Mark Fowler explore northwestern Connecticut's rich iron history, and how it changed the landscape over the years.

Saugatuck Universal Trail

March 18, 2021

Mark Fowler and Richard Wiese, host of "Born to Explore", join News 12 to travel the Saugatuck Universal Trail, which covers over 1,500 acres in Redding and Weston.

Biking in the Snow

February 11, 2021

Join Mark Fowler, News 12, and the Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Alliance for a visit Simsbury to go biking in the snow. Learn how this up-and-coming sport is encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors during the winter.

Waterfalls in Winter

January 28, 2020

Mark Fowler takes News 12 on a tour of some of Connecticut's most beautiful waterfalls. Learn how waterfalls are created and see the incredible ice crystals forming around the falls.

Enders State Forest

December 18, 2020

Mark Fowler and News 12 visit Enders State Forest, 2,000 acres of forest that was virtually cut down by the end of the 1800s, but has completely grown back for a combination of recreation and preservation.

Connecticut Farms

November 19, 2020

Mark Fowler and News 12 explore Sub Edge Farm in Farmington, Connecticut. "A farm in particular is a great reason to shop locally because you're getting the freshest possible food you can," Fowler says.

Fall Foliage

October 8, 2020

Mark Fowler joins News 12 to show nature seekers how they can view more fall foliage without leaving the state. "Whether you're going to the town green or driving down one of our scenic byways or back roads or going for a hike in nature, you can't beat the fall foliage," Fowler says.