Center at Glastonbury
Art for Nature’s Sake Show This Weekend in Glastonbury
The weather forecast looks good for the annual Art for Nature’s Sake exhibition and sale this weekend at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury.
A select group of artists and craftspeople will show and sell their work in a festive outdoor setting. You’ll see the natural world depicted in watercolors, oils, prints, woodcuts, ceramics and other media.
For a preview of some of the works in the show, visit our Art for Nature’s Sake gallery of artists, here.
This show raises funds for the Center at Glastonbury’s environmental education programs. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19. Entrance is by donation. The Center at Glastonbury is located at 1361 Mian St., Glastonbury.
Sign up Now: Spring Programs for Children, Ages 1-9. May and June!
Starting May 1, Wees (ages 3-5) meet Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Discoverers (ages 5-9) meet Wednesdays 4-5 p.m. Starting May 7, 2013: Pee Wees (ages 1-3) meet Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. All new topics and adventures for children at the center and in the park! Call 860-633-8402 to register.
Owl Prowl & Fireflies – Program for all ages!
May 31, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Members $6, Non-Members $10
Join Kasha Breau, teacher/naturalist as she introduces you to our resident owl, then venture into the woods to call the owls and hopefully spot some fireflies in the field and forest! The walk will be preceded by a brief talk about owls in Connecticut. Please wait to put bug spray on until we go out for the walk, bring a flashlight, and we suggest you wear a long sleeved shirt and slacks. For more information or to reserve your spot call 860-633-8402.
Coffee House Concert: The Guinea Pigs
Friday, June 7, 7:30 p.m. $8 CAS Members, $10 Non-members, Children under 12 half price.
The Gui
nea Pigs (Sandy Johnson, vocals; Dan Thompson, guitar; Jude Russell, bass/guitar & Steve Dauphinais, drums) play an eclectic mix of folk and rock music. They are a new local group from the Glastonbury area and enjoy local fame at various locales. Come see what they are all about! Learn more about them at http://guineapigsmusic.blogspot.com.
Refreshments available. Call 860-633-8402 Tue-Sat 10-5 to reserve your seat. Concert proceeds benefit the educational programs of the CT Audubon Center at Glastonbury.
Final concert of the season. Watch here for a new series in the fall.
General Information
Center at Glastonbury
Located near the Connecticut River, the Connecticut Audubon Center at Glastonbury has taken full advantage of its unique location since its opening in 1982. This Center’s focus is to promote awareness of the Connecticut River ecosystem and the birds and habitats it supports, and to foster their preservation through education and related activities.
The Center’s 4,000 square-foot facility offers a full range of environmental programs and a full calendar of events throughout the year for people of all ages. The Center contains a Discovery Room with hands-on exhibits, wildlife mounts, interpretive natural history exhibits, a diorama of Connecticut River’s Great Meadow, and small live animals. The grounds surrounding the Center contain the Four Seasons Wildlife Garden, a bird-feeding station, and a picnic area.
The Center is adjacent to the 48-acre town-owned Earle Park, with its forest trails and scenic vistas of Tom’s Pond, meadows, and bluffs overlooking the Holland Brook river. The park is home to a maturing forest of beech, tulip, and red oak trees and contains the state champion bitternut hickory tree. It contains trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.
School Science Programs
School Environmental Education Programs for Pre-K through Grade 8.
For over 25 years, the Center at Glastonbury has provided curriculum-related nature programming to schools in Central Connecticut. We offer 26 different innovative and hands-on programs that conform to both the National Science Standards and the Connecticut Science Framework. Each hour-long program focuses on the natural world; most include an outdoor component so students can experience their environment and learn to develop their science skills and senses, under the guidance of our trained naturalist.
Programs are offered at our Center at Glastonbury (which adjoins Earle Park, a 48-acre town park with a variety of habitats), as well as in your classroom or at an appropriate site of your choice. Due to the interactive nature of our programs, the maximum class size is 25 students.
Our current program offerings include:
- Adaptations (Grades 5-8)
- Animals from the Center (Pre-K through Grade 3)
- Birds of a Feather (Grades 2-6, indoors only)
- Birds of Prey (Grades 2-8)
- Life Underground (Grades 2-5)
- Native Americans Along the Connecticut River (Grades 1-3, indoors only)
- Skulls and Skeletons (Grades 3-8)
- Strictly Seasonal (Grades Pre-K through 5)
We have many more classes listed in our Educator’s Guide and our teacher/naturalists can customize a program for your classroom. To register or for further information, call our Center at 860-633-8402 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday – Saturday; or click here for our Educator’s Guide with a complete list of programs, fees, and registration information. We want to work with you!
Events at the Center at Glastonbury
Owl Prowl & Fireflies – Program for all ages!
May 31, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Members $6, Non-Members $10
Join Kasha Breau, teacher/naturalist as she introduces you to our resident owl, then venture into the woods to call the owls and hopefully spot some fireflies in the field and forest! The walk will be preceded by a brief talk about owls in Connecticut. Please wait to put bug spray on until we go out for the walk, bring a flashlight, and we suggest you wear a long sleeved shirt and slacks. For more information or to reserve your spot call 860-633-8402.
Coffee House Concert: The Guinea Pigs
Friday, June 7, 7:30 p.m. $8 CAS Members, $10 Non-members, Children under 12 half price.
The Guinea Pigs (Sandy Johnson, vocals; Dan Thompson, guitar; Jude Russell, bass/guitar & Steve Dauphinais, drums) play an eclectic mix of folk and rock music. They are a new local group from the Glastonbury area and enjoy local fame at various locales. Come see what they are all about! Learn more about them at http://guineapigsmusic.blogspot.com.
Refreshments available. Call 860-633-8402 Tue-Sat 10-5 to reserve your seat. Concert proceeds benefit the educational programs of the CT Audubon Center at Glastonbury.
Final concert of the season. Watch here for a new series in the fall.
News and Announcements
Spring Programs for Children
Pee Wees – Ages 1-3, Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. Members $10, or any four for $38; Non-members $13.
May 7 – Spring Flowers: Spring flowers are here for just one week and then go to seed. Take a walk to search for our spring flowers.
May 14 – Animal Hotel: Animals need shelter from predators and sometimes just a quiet place to eat their food. Have you ever built an animal shelter in the woods? Come find out how and maybe you can build one at your house for the animals to enjoy.
May 21 – Turtles: Turtles have a hard shell that protects them from danger. Water turtles swim very well and feel the vibrations when people come near. If we are quiet, maybe we can sneak up on some basking turtles.
June 4 – Composting: What is compose and how do you make it? You are never too young or too old to learn how to make compost for your garden. We’ll look for worms to put in our compost.
June 11 – Gardening: Learn about planting vegetables in your garden and about growing them in a big pot. Remember the compost? this is where we can put the compost from last year to help our plants grow.
Wees – Ages 3-5, Wednesdays 10-11 am. Members $10 per class or $38 for series of four; Non-members $13 per class. June series only: members $10 per class or $28 for series; Non-members $13 per class.
Spring Fever (Series 2) – May 1, 8, 15, 22. Watch the changes in the park that take place in the spring. New leaves on the trees and flowers are here one week, and then gone. Listen to the toad and frog choruses and a welcoming back of our bird songs. It’s amazing how fast things change this time of year. We will continue our weekly journal of what is new in the park.
Getting into the swing of summer! (Series 3) – June 5, 12, 19. Summer classes will be starting in July. Let’s get a head start with making compost and searching for worms, planting seedlings for the garden, and checking on the pond for tadpoles and other aquatic life.
Discoverers – Ages 5-9, Wednesdays 4-5 pm. Members $10 per class or $38 for series of four classes. Non-members $13 per class. June series only: members $10 per class or $28 for all three. Non-members $13 each.
Spring Fever (Series 2) – May 1, 8, 15, 22. Watch the changes in the park that take place in the spring. New leaves on the trees and flowers are here one week, and then gone. Listen to the toad and frog choruses and a welcoming back of our bird songs. It’s amazing how fast things change this time of year. We will continue our weekly journal of what is new in the park.
Getting into the swing of summer! (Series 3) – June 5, 12, 19. Summer classes will be starting in July. Let’s get a head start with making compost and searching for worms, planting seedlings for the garden, and checking on the pond for tadpoles and other aquatic life.
SUMMER OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
Summer Programs for Children Ages 4-8, Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 – 12:00 at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury. Members: $25 per day or $95 for 4 days per child. Non-Members: $35 per day.
Students should bring a snack and a drink, and they should dress for being outside. Please apply sunscreen and insect repellent outdoors before class. Sneakers or other sturdy shoes are recommended. NO FLIP FLOPS ALLOWED.
July 2, 3 and 5: GARDENING
Tuesday, July 2: Composting with Children – Start your gardening with the basics: soil, compost, tools, containers, seeds and markers.
Wednesday, July 3: Gardening with Children – Plant some of our favorite vegetables: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peppers, onions and potatoes. Maybe watermelon or a pumpkin, too!
Friday, July 5: Fun Foods from the Garden – Salads, soups and vegetable wraps are just a few things we can “chop up” in the kitchen to eat. Try a few simple recipes and take them home to share!
July 9 – 12: NATIVE AMERICAN SKILLS
For thousands of years, native Americans like the Algonquin, Wampanoag, and Nipmuc lived in the wild lands of Connecticut. Through stories, games, songs and crafts we will learn about natural ways of life and survival in the forest.
July 16 – 19: BUGATHON
Flowers are not the only things that attract bugs, beetles and other creepy crawlies. We’ll dig in the dirt, leaves and pond muck to find some insects that remain hidden from view. Wear your old sneakers and plan on getting muddy and dirty as we venture out into the woods and pond.
July 23 – 26: DRAWING ON NATURE
Tuesday, July 23: Parent and Child Day - We encourage parents to come to today’s class with Dave Magee and experience a family day of learning to draw.
Wednesday through Friday: Students (and parents who can attend) will learn to see the natural world through drawing.
July 30 – August 2: FOREST ECOLOGY
This is Forest Ecology Week! Who lives in the forests of Connecticut? Look for tracks, watch birds, and hike through Earle Park forest to learn about the trees and wildlife on the land. Who knows what we’ll find!
August 6 – 9: STREAMWALKERS
Come take a walk in the water trail. It’s not as easy as you think but we’ll have a fun, wet time. Wear your water shoes or old sneakers so you can walk in the water and see the beauty along the banks.
August 13 – 16: CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
While we sleep, the creatures of the night are awake and looking for food. Who is in your back yard snooping around – raccoon, opossum, bat, owl, coyote, deer or skunk? Learn about our local nightlife critters with some fun games.
August 20 – 23: SUMMERTIME FUN
School is just around the corner/ Need a little more time to spend outside? Come to the Center for some forest and pond exploration, easy walks and games. Learn a few new plants with time to relax and enjoy the end of summer!
Woodpeckers: Damage, Prevention and Control
Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are studying damage inflicted on property by woodpeckers. To learn more about this problem, including the reasons why the birds may have selected your house, and possible deterrents, check out their website: www.birds.cornell.edu/
BIRTHDAY PARTIES at the Center at Glastonbury
Please CLICK HERE to download the Birthday Party Brochure to find everything you need to know for having birthday parties at the center. You may CLICK HERE to print a Birthday Party Application Form which can be brought to the center to schedule your party.
Nature, Science and Environment PROGRAMS FOR SCOUTS
From Daisies and Cubs to Gold and Eagle, we have programs and project ideas for every age. Our staff looks forward to working with you to develop a program for science and nature-related topics, including conservation, ecology, habitats, and bird study. CLICK HERE for program information.
Cars for Conservation
DONATE YOUR USED VEHICLES! (Any motorized vehicle, running or not)
Your Contributions Will Help Keep Us Flying!
Donate online at donationline.com
Call 877-227-7487, Ext 2742
Please use this extension to be sure CAS Glastonbury receives your donation!
By phone or on-line, be sure to mention the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury.
Your Contributions Will Help Keep Us Flying!
Bird Seed, Bird Ornaments & Nature Store
Feed the Birds! We have wide selection of bird seed available for order, and the most popular varieties are usually in stock for immediate pick-up. Visit our Center or call 860-633-8402 for an order form.
“Chirpin’ Good” Special: Kaytee Seed Bells $3 each, $5 for two (plus tax). Or, while they last, get one free by joining CAS or renewing your membership at the Glastonbury Center!
Going fast: Hand-painted patriotic bird houses – Only $20 +tax while they last!
Our Nature Store‘s selection of gifts for the birding and wildlife enthusiast changes frequently, so stop in regularly to see what’s new in the display case. Get an early start on your holiday shopping: while they last, our exclusive annual pewter bird ornaments, originally $8.75, are on sale for only $3.95 + tax. These include the 2008 ornament featuring Trinity, our resident Red-tailed Hawk, 2007 Screech Owl, 2006 Wood Thrush, 2005 American Goldfinch, 2004 Cedar Waxwing, 2003 Carolina Wren, 2002 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2001 Downy Woodpecker, 2000 Nuthatch, 1999 Titmouse, 1998 retired Connecticut Audubon Society Logo Owl, 1997 Wood Duck, 1996 Bluebird, 1995 Cardinal, 1994 Chickadee, 1993 Great Horned Owl and 1992 American Robin. Your purchases help support our Center’s year-round programs for children, families and adults and also help us feed and care for our resident education animals.
Bird Houses Made of Recycled Barn Wood
If you are looking for truly unique, colorful bird houses for your own yard, to give as a gift or to dress up your view at work, check out our newest nature store additions. We have a few on display and more than 30 styles to choose from.
Bird House Style #56
Bird House Style #06
Volunteers Needed at our Center
We will provide full instruction and information, you just need to bring a willingness to learn and a cheerful smile! If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities described below, call Center director Cindy Bartholomew (860-633-8402 ext. 205) or send Cindy an e-mail (cbartholomew@ctaudubon.org). Our Center is fully handicap-accessible. If you have allergies to fur or feathers this may not be the place for you! Click here to download a printable application form (please print the two pages back to back).
A Fix-It or Handy Person for our Center: If you enjoy small fix-it projects such as repairing wall corners, fixing the vacuum cleaner, bolting things together, cutting wood for shelves or animal shelters, and many other small tasks, WE NEED YOU! A weekly commitment of just an hour could make a big difference for us and for our animals. We have some tools, and some materials. We are always looking for materials that can be reused at our Center.
Volunteer Coordination-Would you like to learn how to recruit, screen and train volunteers? Did you know that this is a career that you can get certification in? Our Director has managed volunteers for more than 30 years and would love to teach a couple of people how to work with volunteers to the best advantage for the CT Audubon Center. Learn to organize groups of volunteers, schedule volunteers to cover office, events and animal care, work with court-ordered volunteers, involve teens, and recruit for specific needs. Volunteers are wonderful to work with and they need guidance, training and encouragement in order for them to have a good time and be the most help to the Center. Help us do our very best!
Publicity Volunteer Needed: Help us fill our Center for all of the wonderful programs we do! We are looking for someone who will come in once per week for at least an hour to work on entering our event information on-line into community calendars, and event and tourism websites. An organized person with some publicity experience would be very helpful. Keep track of our on-line listings, update as needed, and provide a list to our publicity volunteer team of which events have been listed and where.
Phone & Reception Hosts: We need cheerful, helpful people (you can bring a friend & work in twos!) who enjoy talking to the public on the phone and in person. Phone and reception volunteers need to be empathetic and helpful to people who have found hurt or orphaned animals. Some office or clerical help is also appreciated. We need volunteers between 10am-5 on Tuesdays and Fridays, and once experience is gained, Sundays 1-4 p.m. Work with other experienced volunteers.
Gardening Volunteers: Experienced gardeners are needed to maintain the flower beds in front of the Center. Weeding, transplanting, pruning and mulching are among the skills required. Bring a friend or two and help beautify the entrance to Earle Park and the Audubon Society Center. After a brief training and orientation session, volunteers can garden on their own schedules, as necessary.
Nature Store Volunteers: Unique & fun opportunity! We’re looking for help researching items to sell, recommending items to purchase for resale, displaying our “store” items, dusting and organizing our store display. Nature Store items are mostly related to birds and their habitats. Work with the Center’s director to determine pricing, devise marketing strategies and maintain inventory.
Event Committee Volunteers: Our events raise money, raise awareness and are fun to work on. There is something for everyone to do! From publicity, to taking minutes, planning public education programs, hanging photographs to setting up tents, cooking or baking, setting up or cleaning up, asking for donations or putting up posters, you name it we need your help! Current committees are Adult & Family Education Programs, Photo Contest, Banff Film Festival, Earth Fair, Harvest Dinner, and Art for Nature’s Sake (fine art sale and community event). Join a committee and find yourself in the midst of community members who enjoy doing what they are doing and have fun doing it!
Directions
From I-84 in East Hartford: Take Exit 55/Route 2 East to Route 17 Exit (Portland/South Glastonbury). Our Center is on the right, 2.5 miles from the exit.
From I-91 North: Take Exit 25 to Putnam Bridge/Route 3. Follow Route 3 over the Connecticut River to Route 2 East. Move quickly into the left lane to take the Route 17 Exit (Portland/South Glastonbury). Our Center is on the right, 2.5 miles from the exit.
From I-91 South: Take Exit 25N to Putnam Bridge/Route 3. Follow Route 3 over the Connecticut River to Route 2 East. Move quickly into the left lane to take the Route 17 Exit (Portland/South Glastonbury). Our Center is on the right, 2.5 miles from the exit.
From Middletown: Go east on Route 66 to Route 17 North. Follow through South Glastonbury. Our Center is on the left.
From Marlborough and Southeast: Take Route 2 West to Exit 10. Turn left, then turn right at first stop sign. At first stop light, turn left onto Chestnut Hill Road. Follow for 3 miles to Main Street. Turn right onto Main Street. Our Center is ¼ mile on the left.
