SEC-TV Episodes of Nautical Tales & Nature Trails: Recreation in Southeastern Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island
Community Storytelling & Regional Media
Nautical Tales and Nature Trails is a regional media project created to document the people, places, and institutions that define southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island. Through long-form interviews and town-by-town storytelling, the series highlights nonprofit organizations, historic sites, parks, waterways, and community resources that shape everyday life in the region.
Produced by Bridget Morrissey and hosted by Will Morrissey—both Realtors with deep ties to the area—the project grew from a shared commitment to promoting place through education, preservation, and civic awareness rather than marketing. Each episode centers local voices, allowing historians, librarians, parks and recreation leaders, and nonprofit stewards to share the stories behind their communities.
This work aligns naturally with America’s 250th anniversary, as towns across the region reflect on their history, public spaces, and shared identity. By documenting these stories town by town, Nautical Tales and Nature Trails serves as an ongoing archive of the region’s character, culture, and quality of life.
The videos below feature community leaders and organizations from towns throughout southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island, including locations highlighted as part of America 250.
Episode 1 — MWR Library & Naval Submarine Force Museum 08/24/2023
Groton CT – MWR Library & Naval Submarine Force Museum | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
MWR Library, Subase New London; and Naval Submarine Force Museum
This episode features the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Library at Subase New London and the Naval Submarine Force Museum, highlighting military heritage and local educational resources.
Guests: Marguerite Rauch, Supervisory Librarian, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Library, Naval Submarine Base New London; and Kevin Willy, Nuclear Machinist Mate, Director of Education: Naval Submarine Force Museum, Groton, CT.
Episode 2 — Project Oceanology
Groton CT – Project Oceanology | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights the work of Project Oceanology and its contributions to marine education and coastal engagement in southeastern Connecticut.
09/07/2023
Guest: Andrew Ely, Executive Director, Project Oceanology.
Episode 3 — Groton Open Space Association (GOSA)
Groton CT – Groton Open Space Association | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores land conservation with the Groton Open Space Association, focusing on community stewardship of open lands.
09/28/2023
Guest: Joan Smith, Vice President, Groton Open Space Association (GOSA)
Episode 4 — Mystic & Noank Library
Mystic CT – Mystic & Noank Library | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the Mystic & Noank Library and its role as a community landmark and cultural resource.
10/05/2023
Guest: Christine Bradley, Director – Mystic & Noank Library
Episode 5 — Troop 9 BSA Pawcatuck
Pawcatuck CT – Troop 9 BSA | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights Boy Scout Troop 9 and the role of youth leadership and outdoor learning in the community.
10/19/2023
Episode 6 — Avalonia Land Conservancy
Stonington CT – Avalonia Land Conservancy | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the Avalonia Land Conservancy and its work protecting trails, forests, and public lands in the region.
11/2/2024
Episode 7 — Misquamicut Beach
Misquamicut RI – Misquamicut Beach | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores the community and natural features of Misquamicut Beach and its role in coastal recreation.
11/16/2023
Episode 8 — Mystic Museum of Art
Mystic CT – Mystic Museum of Art | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Showcases the Mystic Museum of Art and local efforts to celebrate and sustain the arts.
11/30/2023
Episode 9 — Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
Mystic CT – Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to support local business and community development.
12/14/2023
Guest: Bruce Flax, President, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.
Episode 10 — Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Mystic/Ledyard CT – Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and its environmental education mission.
10 01/04/2024
Episode 11 — Connecticut Marine Trades Association Hartford Boat Show
Hartford CT – CT Marine Trades & Hartford Boat Show | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores the Connecticut Marine Trades Association and the Hartford Boat Show’s role in promoting maritime culture
01/11/2024
Episode 12 — Stonington Little League
Stonington CT – Stonington Little League | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights Stonington Little League and community youth engagement through sports.
01/25/2024
Guest: Tim Lebling, President, Stonington Little League
Episode 13 — Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed
Mystic CT – Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features efforts to protect and restore the Mystic River watershed.
02/08/2024
The Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed
Guest: Maggie Favretti, Co-founder, Director
Episode 14 — Fresh Connections
Mystic CT – Fresh Connections | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores Fresh Connections and its community impact.
02/22/2024
Episode 15 — Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve
Groton CT – CT National Estuarine Research Reserve | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights coastal conservation and research programming at the Estuarine Research Reserve.
03/07/2024
Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve
Episode 16 — Mystic Irish Parade
Mystic CT – Mystic Irish Parade | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Covers the Mystic Irish Parade and its significance to local culture.
03/21/2024
Guests: William Turner, Parade Grand Marshal; Leo Roche, President
Episode 17 — CT Audubon Society
Old Lyme – CT Audubon Society | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the Connecticut Audubon Society and environmental education in the region
04/04/2024
Guest: Alisha Milardo, Director
Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
Episode 18 — Earth Day Expo
Groton – Earth Day Expo | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Focuses on environmental stewardship and community participation at the Earth Day Expo.
04/18/2024
Episode 19 — La Grua Center
Stonington CT – La Grua Center | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights the performing arts venue and its role in local culture.
05/02/2024
Episode 20 — DEEP Parks and Boating
Connecticut – DEEP Parks & Boating | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and recreational boating/parks.
05/16/2024
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Guest: Jacob Budris, Environmental Analyst, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Episode 21 — River Jam & Sails Up 4 Cancer
SE CT – River Jam & Sails Up 4 Cancer | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores community fundraising events highlighting music and sailing for a cause.
05/30/2024
Sails Up 4 Cancer
Episode 22 — Mashantucket Pequot Museum
Mashantucket CT – Mashantucket Pequot Museum | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights indigenous culture and interpretation at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.
06/13/2024
Episode 23 — Custom House Museum
Mystic CT – Custom House Museum | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the Custom House Museum and its historic collections.
06/27/2024
Episode 24 — Granite Theatre
Westerly RI – Granite Theatre | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Showcases the Granite Theatre and performing arts leadership.
07/11/2024
Episode 25 — Waterford Public Library
Waterford CT – Waterford Public Library | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights community services at the Waterford Public Library.
07/25/2024
Guest: Jill Adams, Christine Johnson
Episode 26 — CT Maritime Heritage Festival
New London CT – CT Maritime Heritage Festival | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores maritime traditions and festival culture.
08/08/2024
Episode 27 — New England Science & Sailing
Stonington CT – New England Science & Sailing | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the organization’s science focus and sailing education.
08/22/2024
Episode 28 — Mystic Firefest & TreeTrails Adventures
Mystic CT – Mystic Firefest & TreeTrails Adventures | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights community events connecting families and outdoor adventure.
09/05/2024
Clay Kimmi: General Manager, TreeTrails Adventures Mystic
Episode 29 — Hiking Trails Near Mystic
Mystic CT – Hiking Trails Near Mystic | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores regional trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
09/19/2024
Episode 30 — Witches, Paddles & Coats + Trunk or Treat
Mystic CT – Witches, Paddles & Coats & Trunk or Treat | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features seasonal community events and family activities.
10/03/2024
Witches Paddles & Coats and Trunk or TreatEpisode 31 — Oktoberfest & Mystic River Run
Stonington CT – Oktoberfest & Mystic River Run | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights local celebration and athletic community participation.
10/17/2024
Episode 32 — Veterans Runners & Bazaars
Uncasville CT – Veterans Runners & Bazaars | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Focuses on community veteran support and bazaar culture.
10/31/2024
Episode 33 — Historic Stonington (Chelsea Mitchell)
Stonington CT – Historic Stonington | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features Chelsea Mitchell of Woolworth Library & Research Center on preserving community history.
11/14/2024
Episode 34 — Holiday Lights & Parties
SE CT – Holiday Lights & Parties | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights festive community celebrations and nonprofit involvement.
11/21/2024
Guest: Caitlin Wheeler, Sails Up 4 Cancer Board of Directors
Episode 35 — Waterford Public Library (Second Feature)
Waterford CT – Waterford Public Library | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Reinforces community programming at the library.
12/13/2024
Episode 36 — Groton Rotary
Groton CT – Groton Rotary | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features the Groton Rotary and local service initiatives.
01/09/2025
Episode 37 — Rhode Island Pirate Guy
Westerly RI – Rhode Island Pirate Guy | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Showcases unique cultural character with the Rhode Island Pirate Guy.
01/23/2025
Episode 38 — Valentine’s Day in Southern New England
Mystic CT – Valentine’s Day | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights seasonal community engagement around Valentine’s Day.
02/06/2025
Episode 39 — St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Norwich
Norwich CT – St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features local parade traditions and community volunteers.
02/20/2025
Episode 40 — Mystic Irish Parade 2025
Mystic CT – Mystic Irish Parade 2025 | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Highlights the annual celebration and regional cultural heritage.
03/06/2025
Episode 41 — Ninigret Park Rhode Island
Rhode Island – Ninigret Park | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Explores Ninigret Park’s natural landscape and public recreation.
03/19/2025
Episode 42 — Old Mystic History Center
Old Mystic CT – Old Mystic History Center | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Features local history interpretation with the Old Mystic History Center.
04/03/2025
Episode 43 — Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (Second Feature)
Mystic/Ledyard CT – Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Reinforces environmental education and nature programming.
04/17/2025
Guest: Kim Hargrave, Interim Director
Episode 44 — The United
Westerly RI – The United Theatre | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Movies, Comedy, Cultural events in the renovated theatre downtown Westerly.
5/29/25
Westerly RI – Coastal Recreation & Community Heritage | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Guest: Carly Callahan, Executive Director
Episode 45 — Eugene O’Neill Theater
Waterford CT – The O’Neill | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Where Broadway shows are put together.
6/13/25
Waterford CT – The Eugene O’Neill Theater – Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Episode 46 — Coogan Farm and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Mystic CT – Coogan Farm | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Where home grown vegetables are produced for neighboring food pantries..
7/3/25
Guest: Kim Hargrave, Interim Director
Episode 47 — Tantaquidgeon Museum
Uncasville CT – Mohegan Tribe | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Where home grown vegetables are produced for neighboring food pantries..
8/4/25
Mohegan Tribe Tantaquidgeon Museum
Guest: Chief Lynn Malerba
Episode 48 — America 250
Southeastern CT – Celebrate USA 250 | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Discover the four pillars of the nations 250th anniversary celebration.
10/31/25
Episode 49 — America 250 in Stonington
Stonington CT – Woolworth Research Center at the Capt Palmer House | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Discover the four pillars of the nations 250th anniversary celebration.
12/4/25
Stonington CT – Woolworth Research Library | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Guest: Chelsea Mitchell, Historical Stonington
This episode highlights the Woolworth Research Library in Stonington, Connecticut, focusing on its role in preserving local records, stories, and regional history.
Episode 50 — Thames River Heritage Park
Groton/New London CT – The Thames River Water Taxi to Historic Places | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Discover the four pillars of the nations 250th anniversary celebration.
1/8/25
Groton CT – Thames River Heritage Park | Nautical Tales and Nature Trails
Guest: Marian Galbraith, former Mayor of Groton
An exploration of the Thames River Heritage Park in Groton, Connecticut, examining riverfront access, heritage tourism, and the role of waterways in the region’s history.
Episode 51 — Thames River Heritage Park
Groton CT – Groton Parks and Recreation – America 250 Fourth of July Parade
Groton CT – Groton Parks and Recreation – America 250 Fourth of July Parade
Guests: Denisse Diaz-Sanchez and Melissa Porter, Groton Parks and Recreation
Bridget Morrissey is a Connecticut Broker/Realtor based in Mystic, Connecticut, specializing in helping homeowners sell residential properties throughout southeastern Connecticut. Bridget Morrissey, Realtor, sells homes in Mystic, Groton, Stonington, Ledyard, Pawcatuck, North Stonington, Preston, Norwich, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Niantic, Waterford, and Montville. Having been a past resident in Rhode Island, Bridget Morrissey, Realtor also sells homes in Westerly, Watch, Hill and Misquamicut. She is known for her deep local market knowledge, strategic pricing expertise, and clear, responsive communication throughout the home-selling process.
Bridget is known for her deep local market knowledge, strategic pricing expertise, and clear, responsive communication throughout the home-selling process. With a strong focus on sellers, she helps homeowners position their properties effectively, navigate negotiations with confidence, and achieve optimal outcomes in changing market conditions.
Her understanding of place extends beyond market data. Bridget is the producer of Nautical Tales and Nature Trails: Recreation in Southeastern Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island, a published guidebook and public access television series that highlights local history, nonprofit organizations, parks, waterways, and community institutions. Through town-by-town storytelling aligned with America’s 250th anniversary, this work reflects a long-term commitment to documenting the character and quality of life of the communities she serves.
As a full-time Realtor, Bridget works closely with her clients from the initial listing appointment through closing, providing straightforward guidance, reliable follow-through, and a calm, professional approach. Her work is rooted in a strong understanding of southeastern Connecticut communities and neighborhoods, making her a trusted resource for homeowners preparing to sell in the region.
Written by Bridget Morrissey, Mystic, Connecticut.