Local CT Events

Tree ID walks at Indian Hill Cemetery, Middletown, Sat 10/24, 10 am and 1pm

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Join naturalist Lucy Meigs this Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to learn all about trees at Middletown’s Indian Hill Cemetery (383 Washington St.). The 10 a.m. walk is focused on tree identification and ecology. The 1 p.m. walk is geared for families and will be a more basic introduction to tree identificationFrom 11:30 to 1:30 p.m., all are welcome to join in other activities (letterboxing & scavenger hunt) and to bring a picnic lunch. Water, apple cider and snacks will be available to purchase. Sponsored by Everyone Outside, Indian Hill Cemetery & CT Forest & Park Association.  Click here for more info.

Harvest Day at Dudley Farm, North Guilford, Sat 10/24

Photo by Barbara Hanson

Photo by Barbara Hanson

Join us on Saturday, October 24th for Harvest Day at the Dudley Farm in North Guilford. From 9 AM to 2 PM, the Dudley Farm Museum and the Farmers’ Market will celebrate the Harvest with family fun and autumnal delights. This year we invite you to join us for food, music, activities for children and demonstrations of early 19th century skills. Included will be blacksmithing; sheepherding; spinning; corn grinding, and papermaking as well as many other activities for young and old. Kids can play in the cornbox, make spoon dolls, and learn
about different varieties of heirloom apples. Our rooster will crow and our chickens will cluck while you visit our oxen and sheep. Hope you can join us!

CFPA Ramble: Fall Scavenger Hunt and Nature Walk, Sunday 10/25, 1:30 p.m.

Hoppers Birge Preserve, Bristol, CT

Hoppers Birge Preserve, Bristol, CT

Join us for a free Connecticut Forest and Park Association adventure at Hoppers Birge Pond Nature Preserve in Bristol, CT! Children ages 6 to 10 and their caregivers are invited at 1:30 p.m. for a fall scavenger hunt (pre-registration is required). Everyone is welcome at 2 p.m. for a Fall Foliage Nature Walk along East Birge Pond Trail to the Marsh Boardwalk, and around Birge Pond if trail conditions permit. The trail has a few hills and possibly muddy areas, so sturdy shoes and long pants are recommended. Please bring water and leave pets at home; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Patricia White and Susan Zaremba (860) 309-6072 to register for the scavenger hunt; (860) 583-9572 to confirm event details (rain cancels).

Birds of Prey at Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven, Saturday Oct. 24

birds-of-prey-2015_0Birds of prey, or raptors (from the Latin for “to seize”), are hunting birds with hooked beaks and powerful grabbing feet armed with sharp talons. These birds — —among them eagles, hawks, falcons and owls— —also boast the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom. On Saturday October 24th, Wingmasters will bring five live birds to Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven. Presentations at 11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. will explain raptor predation, their place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Museum admission required; space is limited.

 

Sounds of the Woods: Flashlight Tour, Goodwin Forest, Saturday 10/23, 7-9 p.m.

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Many of our ghost tales of vampires and monsters probably came from interpretations of the calls of the wildlife in the woods. Come and learn about the creepy screeches and screams that you hear in the woods at night! You’ll learn that there’s nothing to be afraid of — but you still might get spooked! 15 minute tours run from 7:00pm-9:00pm at Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center in Hampton, CT, sponsored by Connecticut Forest and Trails Association.. Rain or shine. For questions, call 860-455-9534.

Autumnfest at Ansonia Nature Center, Sat Oct 17, 11-4

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Celebrate fall at Ansonia Nature Center‘s Autumnfest! Ride over hill and dale in our horse-drawn “story” hay wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales!  Learn about bats, spiders and owls! Have some fresh-squeezed apple cider and fresh-made donuts, try pumpkin carving, get your face painted, and make some creative crafts. Proceeds benefit the Nature Center’s playground project. This event is rain or shine, and requires no park admission fee. For more information, call 203-736-1053.

 

Leaf Peeper Scavenger Hunt: Roaring Brook Nature Center, 10/12, 10-4

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Looking for something to do on a lovely fall day during the height of leaf color? Drop in to the Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, CT between 10 am and 4 pm and head out on the trails for a fall scavenger hunt and special crafts. Apple cider and cookies will be provided. 
Scavenger hunt map will be sold in Nature Center Store for $2.00 plus admission to the Nature Center. 

No pre-registration needed.

Nature Fairies and Gnomes at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Saturday 10/10 at 10:00

2459337466_1d40352acc_oThe Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is offering a great new program throughout the year featuring Nature Fairies: “the champions of the earth!” Head over to the center on Wednesday (8/26) at 10am to hear stories about the Nature Fairies, make a creative craft, and create a fairy house outside! This program is great for kids ages 5-12 and there is a fee of $5.12 for members or $6 for nonmembers.

Click here for directions.

Send us pictures of your fairy houses here!

Pequotsepos Hikers: Devil’s Hopyard State Park, Saturday 10/10 8:30 a.m.

Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park (photo by Tom Henthorn)

Devil’s Hopyard State Park (photo by Tom Henthorn)

Led by DPNC naturalists, the Pequotsepos Hiking Club meets twice a month, on a Tuesday and Saturday. This week, they head to Devil’s Hopyard, one of Connecticut’s most beautiful state parks, with a waterfall cascading into the eight Mile River, wooded ravines and beautiful views.  To carpool from the Mystic area, call  Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center at (860) 536-1216. Older children and babies in front or back carriers are welcome; steady rain cancels.