For both the colonists and the Algonquin tribes, November was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, in order to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. This full moon was also called the Frost Moon. Join the Ansonia Nature Center’s rangers, who will lead this unique hike designed for families. Cost is $1.00 per person. Bad weather cancels! Please register by calling 203-736-1053.
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).
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.
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.
Bring you kids by on Saturday from 5:30-8:30 for a night with nature! Dinner will be provided, followed by fun activities both indoors and outside such as a hike or stories inside. The night will end with s’mores by the fire. Be sure to send your child with appropriate clothes for being outside and a flashlight! This program is ideal for children ages 5-12. Fees are $25.50/member child and $12.75/extra sibling, or $30/nonmember child and $15/extra sibling. Be sure to pre-register by calling the center at 860-536-1216.
Click here for directions!
Head out to the Trumbull Nature and Arts Center on Saturday (8/1) at 10am for a hike! On this hike you will learn about the different animals that live in fields, forests, and ponds. This program is great for kids ages 5 and up, and there is a fee of $7 per kid. Make sure to pre-register here!
Click here for directions!
Want to explore nature trails under the blue moon and search for insects that glow? Head out the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center this Friday, July 31st at 7:30pm to join the park rangers on a nighttime walk around the trails in the park. The rangers will be looking for glowworms and fireflies. This event is for adults and children, and there is a $1 fee per person. Strap on your hiking boots, and be sure to pre-register by calling the center at 203-736-1053.
Click here for directions!
Dive into the adventurous world of letterboxing at Flanders Nature Center this summer! Start with a set of clues to find the boxes that Flanders has set up all over their trails. Once you’ve found each box, inside you’ll find a stamp which you can use to fill up a special Flanders Passport. If you find all the letterboxes, your name will live in glory on a poster in the Nature Center (and you’ll get a small prize)!
Get all the information you need to start letterboxing online or at the Nature Center office. Each trail is about 30-45 minutes long. This activity is great for families and kids of all ages. Get hunting!
Click here for directions!
(Image courtesy of LBNA)
Want to explore nature trails under the full moon? Head out the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center this Saturday, June 27th at 8pm to join the park rangers on a nighttime walk around the trails in the park. This event is for adults and children, and there is a $1 fee per person. Strap on your hiking boots, and be sure to register by calling the center at 203-736-1053.
Click here for directions!
Head out to Session Woods this Tuesday (6/30) at 10am for a habitat hunt! First learn about the habitats and animals in Session Woods, then go on a scavenger hunt around the ecosystem. This program also includes a short hike to the beaver marsh (2 miles round trip). This free event is great for families, and all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adults. Be sure to pre-register by calling 860-424-3011 or emailing laura.rogers-castro@ct.gov. Wear good walking shoes!
Click here for directions!
(Image courtesy of FOSW)
