The Coastal Center at Milford Point
Seaside Stories
Second Saturdays: Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10
Get nice and cozy in our Coastal Center and listen to a good tale about your favorite animal. Afterward, we will have a craft available for you to make and take home. On occasion, a live animal may visit during story time. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $4 adult and $2/child CAS Members; $8/adult and $4/child Non-members. Senior rate: $2 per session.
LIVE Animal
Demonstration & Feeding
Third Saturdays: Jan. 21st, Feb. 18th, March 17th
Meet a new animal each week and sneak a peek into their worlds. From snakes to turtles to insects, there is sure to be something for everyone! All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $4/adult & $2/child CAS Members; $8/adult & $4/child Non-members. Senior Rate $2.
Groundhog Day
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m.
We celebrate Groundhog Day on the 2nd of February each year. How did this tradition get started? What does the groundhog have to do with the changing of seasons? Come find out more about this fun holiday and the mammal that inspires it!
Cost: $4/adults and $2/child for CAS Members; $8/adult and $4/child for Non-members. Seniors, $2.
Winter Vacation Camp
Monday-Thursday, Feb. 20-23
9 a.m.- noon, ages 5-8 and 1-4 p.m., ages 9-12
It’s another nature-filled week at the Coastal Center! Discover hidden treasures along our shores, meet visitors to our marsh, and learn about our animals. Advance registration only. Please provide your child with appropriate clothing for all weather conditions.
Cost: $35/day or $125/4-day series for CAS Members; $45/day or $165/4-day series for Non-members. Early Birds (8-9am) or Lunch Bunch (Noon-1pm): $7/day.
Feed the Birds!
Saturday, March 3rd 2:00 pm
Do you want to attract more birds to your backyard? We’ll show you what to plant and what seeds and feeders to use to have to “birdiest” lawn in the neighborhood. Included in sign up cost are materials to make two kinds of feeders and seed.
Cost: $10/adults and $6/child for CAS Members; $15/adult and $12/child for Non-members. Seniors, $6.
Spring Vacation Camp
Tuesday-Friday, April 17th-20th
9:00-12:00pm, ages 5-8 and 1:00-4:00pm, ages 9-12
Spend four fun-filled days meeting incredible live creatures, combing the Coastal Center’s beaches, playing games, and creating crafts to take home. Come ready to explore during a vacation week that can’t be beat!!
Cost: $35/day or $125/4-day series for CAS Members; $45/day or $165/4-day series for Non-members. Early Birds (8-9 am) or Lunch Bunch (Noon-1pm):$7/day. (Please provide your child with a nut free snack or lunch).
General Information
Coastal Center at Milford Point
Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Center at Milford Point is located on an 8.4-acre barrier beach and is situated next to the 840-acre Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh and Wildlife Management Area at the mouth of the Housatonic River. The Coastal Center promotes the awareness of Long Island Sound’s ecosystem, the birds and habitats it supports, and its preservation needs; and provides access to Long Island Sound and its many habitats: tidal salt marshes, barrier beaches, tide pools, and coastal dunes. The Coastal Center is a bird-watcher’s paradise – 315 species have been seen here, including many rarities. The Coastal Center offers a full range of educational programs and many events for families, children, and adults. The Coastal Center provides educational exhibits, a tide pool demonstration tank, a salt-marsh laboratory, and program and meeting rooms. The Coastal Center’s grounds contain the 8-acre Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, a boardwalk and observation platform with interpretive signage, and a 70-foot covered observation tower for panoramic vistas. Viewers from around the world watch the Center’s seasonal Osprey Cam, operated from our 18-foot tall nesting platform.
Education Programs
SOLO Wilderness First Aid
Saturday & Sunday, January 7 & 8, 2012 (Adult CPR possible) 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. each day
Wilderness First Aid offers a hands-on practical approach to dealing with medical emergencies in the outdoors.
SOLO’s 16-hour comprehensive introductory Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Using mock rescue scenarios, skilled instructors provide participants hands-on experience with first aid and long-term patient care in the backcountry. WFA is recognized by the American Camping Association, U.S. Coast Guard, and various guide and Connecticut Summer Camp licensing boards as meeting their first aid requirement, and is accepted as a recertification course for WFR (80-hour First Responder-nominal additional fee). Payment in full is due upon registration; please register early. Cost: $195 includes lunch & snacks ($100 non-refundable). There is an additional fee for CPR training; please inquire if interested.
School Programs (for Children Ages 3 and above).
Our professional naturalists and educators offer a wide range of programs that can be delivered at our Center, or in your classroom or schoolyard. Current programs include:
- Amazing Mammals
- Animals Getting Ready for Winter
- Aquatic Animals
- Feathered Friends
- Feathers, Fur, and Scales
- Let’s Go Buggy! (Amazing insects!)
- Life Between the Tides (Tide pool exploration)
- Migrating Monarchs (butterfly tagging possible in fall)
- Native Americans of the Housatonic
- Nails, Tails, and Scales (A close look at reptiles and Amphibians)
- Night Creatures: Owls and Bats
- Rocks & Minerals
- Scenes from a Saltmarsh (saltmarsh ecology)
- Schoolyard Nature Hike
- Shifting Shells
- Watersheds (three different programs are available):
- Watersheds Around Us
- Long Island Sound in a Jar
- The Blue Travler
- Click here for program descriptions and a copy of our school program flyer. To schedule a program or for more information, call use at 203-878-7440, ext. 502.Preschool Programs
Preschool Programs
The Coastal Center also offers programs tailored for preschools. Click here for a preschool program flyer.
After School Programs
The Coastal Center currently presents after school program series in nearly all the elementary schools in Milford, and in other area towns. For more information about our hands-on dynamic programs, click here for copy of our After School Program flyer.
Brownie, Girl Scout, Cub Scout & Boy Scout Programs
Our updated scouting programs are 60-90 minutes long and are designed to help scouts earn their badges and learn about the environment. Our new scout programs include:
- Rocks Rock
- Science Sleuth
- Water Wonders
- Weather Watch
- All About Plants
- Cleanup Treasure Hunt
- Secret Codes
- Sharing Your World With Wildlife
- Nature Detectives
- Native American History (with a new wigwam built by a local BS Troop)
Call 203-878-7440 for more information or click here for our new Girl Scout & Brownie Programs brochure, or click here for our new Boy Scout & Cub Scout Programs brochure.
Birthday Parties
Look no further! CAS’s Coastal Center at Milford Point is the perfect place to hold your child’s next birthday party! Our staff has designed a wide range of “theme” parties to provide your child and their friends with a memorable and fun hands-on learning experience. Call 203-878-7440 for details or click here for our Birthday Party Brochure.
Events at the Coastal Center at Milford Point
Return of the Osprey Party Event & Photos
Save the Date: The 2112 Return of the Osprey Party will be Saturday, April 21
Our first annual Return of the Osprey Party was held on April 30 at the Coastal Center and was a great success. More than eighty people attended this wonderful evening to celebrate the return of our long-time Osprey pair to their nest. Everyone enjoyed the live music by local artist Tim Rogers, great food, refreshments, and a wonderful selection of auction items.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our generous sponsor, Shoprite, for all of their support, and to the many volunteers who did everything from cook wonderful food, to help set up the event, and, of course, to the participants who came to celebrate with us. We couldn’t have done it without you.
We’re already gearing up for next year’s event which will be even bigger. Anyone interested in helping with the event should contact either Frank Gallo or Louise Crocco at 203-878-7440, or by e-mail at fgallo@ctaudubon.org and lcrocco@ctaudubon.org. It’s going to be a blast!
Photos from this year’s event can be seen by clicking here.
News and Announcements
Winter Programs
Seaside Stories
Second Saturdays: Jan. 14th, Feb. 11th, March 10th
Get nice and cozy in our Coastal Center and listen to a good tale about your favorite animal. Afterward, we will have a craft available for you to make and take home. On occasion, a live animal may visit during story time. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $4 adult and $2/child CAS Members; $8/adult and $4/child Non-members. Senior rate: $2 per session.
The Return of the Seals
Saturday, January 21st 1:30 PM
Inquisitive harbor seals have returned to Long Island Sound. After a brief indoor presentation, we’ll hike along nearby beaches or carpool to a local state park in hopes of locating these amazing mammals. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $8/adults and $5/child for CAS Members; $12/adult and $10/child for Non-members. Senior rate $5.
LIVE Animal
Demonstration & Feeding
Third Saturdays: Jan. 21st, Feb. 18th, March 17th
Meet a new animal each week and sneak a peek into their worlds. From snakes to turtles to insects, there is sure to be something for everyone! All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $4/adult & $2/child CAS Members; $8/adult & $4/child Non-members. Senior Rate $2.
Animal Tracking Workshop
Saturday, Jan. 28th 2:00 –3:30 pm
Who is in your yard? Learn some common tracks and signs of winter visitors. We’ll begin with an indoor program and workshop to practice identifying tracks and trails, then take a walk outdoors to see who has been in our area!
Cost: $8/adults and $5/child for CAS Members; $12/adult and $10/child for Non-members. Senior rate $5.
Groundhog Day
Saturday, Feb. 4th 2:00 pm
We celebrate Groundhog Day on the 2nd of February each year. How did this tradition get started? What does the groundhog have to do with the changing of seasons? Come find out more about this fun holiday and the mammal that inspires it!
Cost: $4/adults and $2/child for CAS Members; $8/adult and $4/child for Non-members. Seniors, $2.
Winter Vacation Camp
Monday-Thursday, Feb. 20-23
9am -noon, ages 5-8 and 1-4 pm, ages 9-12
It’s another nature-filled week at the Coastal Center! Discover hidden treasures along our shores, meet visitors to our marsh, and learn about our animals. Advance registration only. Please provide your child with appropriate clothing for all weather conditions.
Cost: $35/day or $125/4-day series for CAS Members; $45/day or $165/4-day series for Non-members. Early Birds (8-9am) or Lunch Bunch (Noon-1pm): $7/day.
Feed the Birds!
Saturday, March 3rd 2:00 pm
Do you want to attract more birds to your backyard? We’ll show you what to plant and what seeds and feeders to use to have to “birdiest” lawn in the neighborhood. Included in sign up cost are materials to make two kinds of feeders and seed.
Cost: $10/adults and $6/child for CAS Members; $15/adult and $12/child for Non-members. Seniors, $6.
Spring Vacation Camp
Tuesday-Friday, April 17th-20th
9:00-12:00pm, ages 5-8 and 1:00-4:00pm, ages 9-12
Spend four fun-filled days meeting incredible live creatures, combing the Coastal Center’s beaches, playing games, and creating crafts to take home. Come ready to explore during a vacation week that can’t be beat!!
Cost: $35/day or $125/4-day series for CAS Members; $45/day or $165/4-day series for Non-members. Early Birds (8-9 am) or Lunch Bunch (Noon-1pm):$7/day. (Please provide your child with a nut free snack or lunch).
Raven Luna-ticks Break Connecticut Birding Big Day Record!
Friday, May 20
(rain date 5/21)
On Friday, May 20, the Connecticut Audubon Raven Luna-ticks (Nick Bonomo, Patrick Dugan, Frank Gallo, Dave Tripp, and Fran Zygmont) not only broke the Connecticut Big Day birding record of 186 species, but also bested the New England record of 191, by finding an amazing 192 species in Connecticut in just twenty-four hours! Read more about our day at http://ctaudubon.blogspot.com/ and at http://www.shorebirder.com/ A full account of our Big Day will be posted on our blog soon.
So far, the event has raiseed over $2000 for CAS’s Coastal Center at Milford Point. We’re two-thirds of the way to our goal of $3000. Please help us reach this important goal, by making a pledge today. Every dollar you give will go directly to support CAS’s Coastal Center at Milford Point - Yankee Magazine’s recipiant of this year’s editor’s choice award for best birding destination in Connecticut.
We can’t do it without you, and we thank you for your generosity!
Pledge forms are available here, or by contacting Frank Gallo at 203-878-7440 x 501.
Frank is on “Bird Calls” radio show with Chris Bosak
Frank talks with Bird Call’s producer Chris Bosak about our upcoming Birding Big Day Fundraiser, getting children involved in birding, and our successful Return of the Osprey Party. Click the link below to listen to the show.
http://www.birdsofnewengland.com/id94.html
Or visit www.birdsofnewengland.com and click on “Bird Calls archives” from the home page.
LIVE Animal Demonstrations & Feedings
Third Saturdays of the Month at 12:30 p.m.
Meet a new animal each week and steal a peak into their worlds. From snakes to turtles to insects, there is sure to be something for everyone! All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $4/adult & $2/child CAS Members; $8/adult & $4/child Non-members. Senior Rate $2.
Birthday Parties
Look no further! CAS’s Coastal Center at Milford Point is the perfect place to hold your child’s next birthday party! Our staff has designed a wide range of “theme” parties to provide your child and their friends with a memorable and fun hands-on learning experience.
Call 203-878-7440 for details or click here for our Birthday Party Brochure.
From I-95: Take Exit 34. Turn right at the traffic light where the ramp meets Route 1. Go ½ mile to the third light at Naugatuck Avenue. Turn left onto Naugatuck Avenue and go 0.8 miles to the second light at Milford Point Road. Turn right and follow Milford Point Road ½ mile to the stop sign at Seaview Avenue. Turn right and go 0.35 miles. When the road forks, take the right fork into the parking area.
From Merritt Parkway: Take Exit 54, the connector to I-95, and follow the above directions.
From I-84 westbound: Take I-91 south to I-95, and follow the above directions.
From I-84 eastbound: Take Route 8 south to I-95 northbound, and follow the above directions.
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