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Creatures of the Night at Goodwin Forest, Saturday 10/10 at 1 pm

Gray_tree_frog

Some animals, like this gray tree frog, only come out at night.  What are these nocturnal creatures doing all night while we are sleeping?  Many of these animals are considered scary by some people, but really there is nothing to be afraid of! Find out more at this Halloween-themed family program at Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center in Hampton, CT, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. sponsored by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.

Guided Canoe Trips at Hammonasset State Park!

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Head to Hammonasset State Park in Madison, CT for a two-hour guided round trip on the Hammonasset River, summer Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.! Canoes, life vests and paddling instruction are provided (or you can bring your own canoe). Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. There is a $5 fee per participant, and advance reservations are recommended; please call Meigs Point Nature Center at 203-245-8743.

Wednesday and Saturday Canoe Trips at Meigs Point Nature Center

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Head to Hammonasset State Park in Madison, CT for a two-hour guided round trip on the Hammonasset River, summer Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.! Canoes, life vests and paddling instruction are provided (or you can bring your own canoe). Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. There is a $5 fee per participant, and advance reservations are recommended; please call Meigs Point Nature Center at 203-245-8743.

Sweet Strawberries!

Strawberry season is upon us — and it’s short and sweet, so get picking! Strawberries are delicious and easy to freeze: just wash, pat dry, spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet, freeze overnight — and voila — you can have strawberries in November (if they last that long). Here are some local pick-your-own hotspots; for more Connecticut locations, check out this website. (Photo above by James Lee.)

Lyman Orchards (Middlefield, CT)
Rose’s Berry Farm (Glastonbury, CT)
Belltown Hill Orchards (Glastonbury, CT)
Gotta’s Farm (Portland, CT)

Kids’ nights at Van Vleck Observatory

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Rain or shine, Wesleyan’s Van Vleck Observatory is open to families on the first and third Fridays of the month (starting Feb 20) at 8 p.m.! Come learn about the solar system, black holes, stars and more. Watch the stars and planets (when it’s clear) and try fun activities guided by Wesleyan students and graduate students. For more info, visit wesleyan.edu/astro/events/. 

Walk and Talk about Trees, Sun. 10/26

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Calling tree lovers age 10 and up! It’s Science Sunday at CT Forest & Park Association this weekend. Naturalist Lucy Meigs offers a presentation and guided walk : The Ecology & Identification of CT Native Trees, from 2 to 4 p.m. at CFPA headquarters (16 Meriden Road in Rockfall, CT). Learn more and register here

Pumpkinfest & Letterboxing, Sat. 10/25

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Pumpkinfest runs this Saturday from 12-4 p.m. at Wesleyan University’s Long Lane Farm! Come enjoy student and faculty bands, a farmer’s market, farm tours, crafts, pumpkins, apples & baked goods to buy — and complimentary veggie burgers and cider, as well. This year, Wesleyan student and letterboxing veteran Matthew Stein has created four new letterboxes at the farm for people to find.  He and Professor Elise Springer will be on hand to help participants carve stamps and learn about this great outdoor activity for all ages. Come and bring friends!

All About Owls, Tues. Nov. 4

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Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, CT is offering an election-day program about owls! Watch owls on video, meet the center’s resident owls, make an owl craft, go on an owl scavenger hunt, dissect an owl pellet, and more. The program is free with admission with to the Nature Center ($6 for adults, $4 for kids, free for members). Scavenger hunt maps are $2 each.