| Connecticut Audubon Society
Center at Glastonbury
1361 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033
860-633-8402
Visitor Hours:
Tuesdays through Saturdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sundays: 1-4 p.m. (please call first).
Closed Mondays.
Click here for Directions
Click here for a MAP of our 5 Centers
& 19 Wildlife Sanctuaries
Focus: To promote awareness of the Connecticut River ecosystem, the birds and habitats it supports, and foster their preservation through education and related activities. General Information
Located near the Connecticut River, the state’s major waterway, Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury has taken full advantage of its unique location since opening in 1982. 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 Center's 4,000-square-foot facility offers a full range of environmental programs and full calendar of events throughout the year for people of all ages. | Center Features | On The Grounds | - Discovery Room:
hands-on exhibits - wildlife mounts
- small live animals
- hands-on activities
- interpretive natural history exhibits
- diorama of Connecticut River’s Great Meadow
| - Four Seasons Wildlife Gardens
- Bird feeding station
- Picnic area
| Environmental Activities - Activities on natural history and environmental topics for children, field trips for families and adults.
- Programs for school classes, Scout groups and other organizations.
- Vacation classes
- Teacher workshops
- Nature Hikes
Annual Special Events - Our Natural World Photography Exhibit -- February
- Banff Mountain Film Festival (February)
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Earth Fair -- April
- Art for Nature's Sake Art Show -- May
- Bird Seed Sales -- all year.
Earle Park Highlights - 48-acre town park between Main St. & Connecticut River
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Maturing forest of beech, tulip and red oak trees
- State champion bitternut hickory tree
- Silver maple flood plains and red maple swamps
- Bluffs overlooking the Connecticut River
- Trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and horse-back riding
- Tom's Pond and Holland Brook.
Looking for Volunteers!  Our Center at Glastonbury is a popular place for families and friends to visit. We welcome volunteers and are flexible to accommodate your availability. Please call our Center at 860-633-8402, or Volunteer Coordinator Larry Lunden at 860-232-2416 for more information. You can also Click Here for a Volunteer Form that provides more details. Trained college student Nathaniel Child holds "Trinity," our resident Red-tailed Hawk. Photo by Sally Carbone.
High School Students: 
Volunteer
at our Center & Earn Credits!
Many high school students volunteer at our Center and earn school credits at the same time! There's always plenty of work to do and our staff provides training. If you love animals and want to give back to your community, this is a great opportunity! Contact Director Sally Carbone at scarbone@ctaudubon.org for more information. Trained high school intern Billy Finn holds "Skittles,"
a Broad-winged Hawk. Photo by Sally Carbone.
School Environmental Education Programs
For Central Connecticut, Pre-K-Grade 8
For over 25 years the CAS 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, and most include an outdoor component so students can experience their environment,
and learn to develop their science skills and their senses, under the guidance of our trained naturalist.
Programs are offered at our Center at Glastonbury (which is adjacent to Earle Park, a 48-acre sanctuary 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: "Animals from the Center" for Pre-K to Grade 8; "Birds of Prey" for Grades 3-6; "Life Underground" for Grades 2-5; "Native Americans Along the Connecticut River" for Grades 3-6; "Skulls and Skeletons" for Grades 5-8, and "Weathering the Winter" for Grades 3-5, among many others. Click here for a complete list of programs, plus fee and registration information.
To register for 1 or more programs and for more information, please call our Center at Glastonbury at 860-633-8402 from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.
Nature Programs for Scouts Our teacher-naturalists will work with you to develop a program covering appropriate requirements for nature-related badges and projects. Each program is 1 hour and must be scheduled in advance. Tell us about your project and we will plan activities to compliment it. Activities or field studies related to animals, plant life or environmental issues can be arranged. All programs include indoor time and outdoor activities in 48-acre Earle Park adjoining our Center. Click here for more information.
Birthday Parties at the Center at Glastonbury
We offer age-appropriate programs customized to the interests of your child and guests, including "Animals in the Center" (our most popular party!), "Pond Life," "A Walk in the Woods," or a party we design especially for you. Click here for more info.
Animals at Your Pre-School Programs
Our 30-minute programs at your pre-school feature a visit with one of our live or mounted animals, presented by our staff. Or schedule a program at our Center at Glastonbury for your pre-school class or group. Programs are offered Mondays-Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; choose "Animals from the Center"; "Reptiles from the Center"; "Watching Birds"; "Minibeasts"; "Underground Animals"; "Smorgasbord"; or a nature-themed program we design just for you. Click here for more info.
Literature-based Nature Programs at the Library
For Families with Young Children
Each 45-minute program features a story, coordinated interactive play and a visit with a live or mounted animal, led by our staff. During our Eye Guess program, we'll read Phyllis Limbacher Tildes' book and discover 8 animals by using its clues, then visit with a turtle, owl and mouse. We offer 3 other book-based programs year-round as well as seasonal programs. Click here for more information.
A Seasonal Gift Arrives at our Center at  Glastonbury
On Dec. 23, 2008, a Ring Neck Dove named "Winter" became the newest addition to our Center at Glastonbury's animal nursery. Its parents are "June" and "Cloud," two of the many non-releasable education animals that live at the Center. "Winter" is pictured in the gloved hand of CT Audubon teacher-naturalist and wildlife rehabilitator Kasha Breau. Photo by Sally Carbone.
John Craggs, Ethan Brooks, teacher-naturalist Kasha Breau, a volunteer, and former Center director Judy Harper show off our new, much larger flight cage in April 2008. Building the Better -- and Bigger! -- Bird Cage
Thanks to Eagle Scout Ethan Brooks, our Center has a huge flight cage where birds that are ready to build their strength and coordination can safely practice flying. These birds are patients of our licensed wildlife rehabilitators are are being given a second chance after suffering injuries or being orphaned.
Wildlife rehabilitators Kasha Breau, Betsy Craggs and Jenny Nord designed the flight cage. Donations came from Betsy and John Craggs, Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, Melzen Farm Supply, Mary Beth Kaeser of Horizon Wings, David Buckwald, and a gift in memory of Alice Cavagnaro Casella. In-kind donations were provided by Keeney Rigging & Trucking, Dave Brooks, Dave Buckwald, Rosanne Higgins, Nayaug Chimney Sweep and John Craggs. Ethan Brooks organized the project and accomplished it with the help of friends, families and members of Boy Scout Troop 50. When you visit our Center, check out the flight cage to see who is on track to be released back into the wild. Our new flight cage gives these birds a much better chance at success.
Do You Have Quality Items to Donate? We thank the many folks who have donated some very interesting items for us to sell on eBay. Last year we made enough money to buy ample food for the animals (many injured or orphaned) we take care of along with some new cages and supplies, plus new supplies to keep our education programs up-to-date. This year we would like to purchase a small weather station and get hooked up to the Connecticut Meteorological network. But we need more quality items donated to us, including collectibles like old tube guitar amplifiers, old tube radios, 8mm film projectors, etc., that we know will go to a good home when someone buys them on eBay. (Please don’t be offended if we reject an item because we think it won’t sell. Our Center is small and storage is at a premium!) Please call 860-633-8402.
Directions:
From I-84 in East Hartford
Take Exit 55/Route 2 East to Route 17 Exit and follow from below.**
From
I-91 North
Take Exit 25 to Putnam Bridge/Route 3.
Follow Route 3 over Connecticut River to Route 2 East (note: move into left lane quickly for Route 17 Exit) and
**Take 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 Connecticut River to Route 2 East (note: move into left lane quickly for Route 17 Exit) and
**Take 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. Continue on Route 17 another 1.5 miles. Our Center is on the left. From Marlborough and Southeast
Take Route 2 West to Exit 10, turn left and then turn right at first stop sign.
At first stop light, take left onto Chestnut Hill Road.
Follow for 3 miles to Main Street. At Main Street turn right. Our Center is 1/4 mile on left.
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 | See Listing below or
Click on Links below for:
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Children & Youth Programs
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Family & Adult Programs
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Program Registration Form
* * *
“Our Natural World” Photo
Contest,
Exhibit & Sale
* * *
Brisk Winter Walks Series
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Winter Lecture Series
* * *
February Vacation Week
* * *
April Vacation Week
* * *
School Environmental Education Programs Grades Pre-K to 8
* * *
Animal Programs at
Your Pre-School Flyer
* * *
Nature Programs for Scouts Flyer
* * *
Birthday Parties Brochure
* * *
Nature Programs at the Library
for Families with Young Children
 Teacher-naturalist and licensed wildlife rehabilitator Kasha Breau holds an injured hawk that she is re-training to fly. Photo by Susan Apito.
Bird Seed & Bird Ornaments Our wide array of bird seed is available all year round. Call our Center or stop by for an order form. We also have a wonderful selection of gifts for the birding and wildlife enthusiast. Our exclusive 2008 Pewter Ornament featuring Trinity, our resident Red-tailed Hawk is still available for $7.95. We also have in stock: 1992 American Robin, 1993 Great Horned Owl, 1994 Chickadee, 1995 Cardinal, 1996 Bluebird, 1997 Wood Duck, 1998 retired Connecticut Audubon Society Logo Owl, 1999 Titmouse, 2000 Nuthatch, 2001 Downy Woodpecker, 2002 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2003 Carolina Wren, 2004 Cedar Waxwing, 2005 American Goldfinch, 2006 Wood Thrush, and 2007 Screech Owl. Prices and quantities vary. Your purchases help support the Center at Glastonbury’s year-round programs for children, families and adults as well as help us feed and care for our resident education animals.
FAMILY & ADULT PROGRAMS
“Our Natural World” Photo Contest,
Exhibit & Sale
Visit our Center and see this wonderful exhibit. Our 14th annual “Our Natural World” photo exhibit showcases the work of talented photographers and their framed prints depicting plants, animals (wild and domestic), birds, butterflies and other insects, landscapes, scenery, and people in relationship to nature. All lovers of nature photography are invited to view the exhibit and purchase one (or more!) to enjoy in your home or as a gift.
--Feb. 2-27: All photos on exhibit Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; most are for sale.
--March 2-13: Pick up your exhibited or purchased work at our Center, Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Brisk Winter Walks
These Great Meadows Conservation Trust Winter Walks are co-sponsored by CAS’s Center at Glastonbury and the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center in Wethersfield. Walks last 2-3 hours. Dress for weather and ground conditions, especially mud. Weather conditions may revise or cancel walks; call 860-633-8402 for latest info . Free, but donations are most welcome.
--Sat., Feb 13, 10 a.m., Wethersfield. Meet Larry Lunden at 258 Elm St. at the I-91 underpass for a long hike to the Wolcott, Crilly, UAC and Hayes parcels in the Wethersfield Meadows; may continue on to Woodhouse.
--Sat., Feb. 20, 10 a.m., Glastonbury. Meet Larry Lunden at 57 Point Road, off Naubuc Avenue south of Route 3 overpass, for a long hike to our Dickau, Beers and Bidwell parcels in Point Meadows.
Winter Lecture Series
Wed., Feb. 17, 7:30-9 p.m. Moving from “My Space” to “Our Space”: an exploration of things each of us can do to create a sustainable future. Today, global climate change, pollution, overdevelopment, depleted resources, the world economy and pandemics present human beings and our planet with unprecedented challenges. But each of us has the ability to take action and influence direction. But to be truly effective we must collaborate, rising above our individual interests and creating c ommunities of action. We must move from “my space” to “our space.” Our interactive lectures explore what it will take to effect such a transformation in your life and community, guided by success stories from the international “Transition Towns” movement, by the book “The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World” (Senge et al) and by recent thinking about social evolution, behavior and change. Fee: $5 CAS Members, $7 Non-members. 860-633-8402 to reserve your seat.
Creative Adult Classes:
Finger Knitting
Mon., Feb. 22, 7:30-9 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to learn to knit but were intimidated by needles? Learn to finger knit without needles and make a lovely scarf from soft natural wool or wool blend to show off. It’s easy! Per-class fee: $10 CAS Members, $13 Non-members, plus $5 supply fee collected in class. Please pre-register.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour,
Sun., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., at Smith Middle School, 216 Addison Road, Glastonbury. This outstanding collection of mountain films from around the world features innovative filmmaking, thrilling mountain sports, spectacular landscapes, inspirational personal stories and messages about global awareness. Hosted by North Cove Outfitters in Old Saybrook, net proceeds benefit our Center’s environmental education programs. For ticket information and directions contact North Cove at 860-388-6585 or visit www.northcove.com.
Earth Fair
Sat., April 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join us to celebrate our earth with a message of environmental awareness! Enjoy live entertainment, Birds of Prey demonstrations, nature walks, children’s activities, crafts and more. Free admission. Our Center will host additional Earth Day-related programs throughout April. Check back for updates.
“Art for Nature’s Sake” Show & Sale,
May 15-16 (Sat.-Sun.), rain or shine.
Come to this gem of an art show and sale where you can meet the artists, enjoy their handiwork, and purchase artwork and crafts for yourself, family and friends. Free admission.
CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS
*Our Pee Wees Programs are for
1-3 year olds accompanied by an an adult.
Classes often go outside so dress appropriately. Please pre-register. Single-program fee (includes 1 child and 1 adult): $10 CAS Members, $13 Non-members. 4-program series fee (includes 1 child & 1 adult): $38 CAS Members, $52 Non-members.
*Treasure Boxes
Tues., March 2, 10-11 a.m.
Make a treasure box to hold all those special things you find in the woods, like rocks, twigs, leaves or anything else you want to keep.
*"Owl Babies”
Tues., April 6, 10-11 a.m.
This is the time of year when baby owls are hatching. Listen to this lovely story by Martin Waddell, which is one of our favorites about owls. Visit with “Whinny” our Screech Owl.
**Our Wees Programs are for 3-5 year olds. Classes often go outside so dress appropriately. Please pre-register. Single-program fee: $10 CAS Members, $13 Non-members.
**Maple Syrup Time
Wed., Feb. 24, 10-11 a.m.
Ah! Maple syrup and pancakes are a real New England favorite. The sap is flowing in the sugar maple trees. Find out the secret of making maple syrup and try some tasty maple treats.
**Treasure Boxes
Wed., March 3, 10-11 a.m.
Make a treasure box to hold all those special things you find in the woods – like rocks, twigs, leaves or anything else you want to keep.
**“Owl Babies”
Wed., March 17, 10-11 a.m.
This is the time of year when baby owls are hatching. Listen to this lovely story by Martin Waddell, which is one of our favorites about owls. Visit with “Whinny” our Screech Owl.
**Ravin’ about Ravens
Wed., April 7, 10-11 a.m.
Ravens have been increasing in Connecticut. What looks like a “big crow” may be one of these intelligent birds. Learn more about the “corvid” family.
**Spring has Sprung
Wed., April 27, 10-11 a.m.
Each week in spring brings us new plants, flowers, animals and birds, some arriving after a long migration. The warm weather invites us to take a walk to view the new arrivals.
Our Discoverers Programs are for children in Grades K-3 (5-9 year olds). We’ll venture outside in most weather so please dress appropriately. Please pre-register and pick up your child promptly at 5 p.m. Per-program fee: $10 CAS Members, $13 Non-members.
Maple Syrup Time
Tues., Feb 23, 4-5 p.m.
Ah! Maple syrup and pancakes are a real New England favorite. The sap is flowing in the sugar maple trees. Find out the secret of making maple syrup and try some tasty maple treats.
Pet Care
Tues., March 2, 4-5 p.m.
Are you interested in becoming one of our animal caretakers? Maybe you’ve always wanted to have an exotic animal for a pet. Learn about the animals at our Center, their special needs and how to care for them.
Ravin’ about Ravens
Tues., March 23, 4-5 p.m.
Ravens have been increasing in Connecticut. What looks like a “big crow” may be one of these intelligent birds. Learn more about the “corvid” family.
Tues., April 27, 4-5 p.m.
To continue our observance of Earth Day, we’ll look at the Earth's most dangerous predator: US! We'll learn about how human beings can keep the environment balanced and what we can do differently to have less impact on the natural world.
Tues., May 4, 4-5 p.m.
Up in a Tree
We’ll use binoculars to observe birds like woodpeckers and hawks searching for their prey. If YOU were their prey, where would you hide?
Tues., May 11, 4-5 p.m.
Under a Log
Magnifying glasses will help us to inspect under and around logs in search of the insects eating there!
Tues., May 18, 4-5 p.m.
In the Wild
Who lurks in the forest, behind the pond and along the Connecticut River? We’ll take a hike and search for signs of animal activity.
Tues., May 25, 4-5 p.m.
In the Pond
With nets in hand we’ll try to catch or observe the hunting going on beneath the surface of Tom's Pond! (Dress for the mud.)
Tues., June 1, 4-5 p.m.
Along the Stream
Holland Brook meanders through Earle Park. We'll explore the stream bed to uncover clues of more predator-prey activity!
Programs for Home Schoolers
Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m. at our Center.
For 6-8 year olds.
Feb. 8: Animal Kingdom.
Fee: $10/child; please note, no younger or older siblings are allowed in class. Our programs conform to the state’s Science Standards framework. Call 860-633-8402 to register.
February Vacation Week:
Predator-Prey
Feb. 16-19, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
For Grades 4-6. Fee: $20/day, $76/4-day series CAS Members; $23/day. $92/4-day series Non-members.
--Feb. 16, Mouse and Hawk Game: students simulate a real life food web between hawks and mice through a game, and learn how the population of one species affects the other.
--Feb. 17, Skulls & Skeletons: learn to use a key to identify skulls as either predator or prey (carnivores, herbivores or omnivores) and then take it one step further to actually identify what native animals the skulls belong to by observing teeth and skull length.
--Feb. 18, Owl Pellet Study: find out what the owl ate by dissecting an actual owl pellet and unraveling clues such as bones, fur, feathers or scales!
--Feb. 19, Crime Scene Investigators: Earle Park is the scene of a “crime in nature.” Use the information & skills you’ve learned about predators & prey to investigate a natural food-web scenario and determine “Who Done It?”
April Vacation Week:
Predator-Prey
April 20-23, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
For Grades K-3. Fee: $20/day, $76/4-day series CAS Members; $23/day, $92/4-day series Non-members.
--April 20, Bat and Moth: students simulate a real life food web between bats and moths through a game, and learn how the population of one species affects the other.
--April 21, Skin and Bones: learn how to identify animals as either predator or prey (carnivores, herbivores or omnivores) by their teeth. We’ll look at the inside of our live animals and the outside (using skeletons) to see how their bodies determine how they move.
--April 22, Owl Pellet Study: find out what the owl ate by dissecting an actual owl pellet and unraveling clues, like bones, fur, feathers or scales!
--April 23, Scavenger Hunt: have you ever wondered how to find clues in nature that will lead you to find an answer? We’ll look for clues outside -- footprints in the snow or mud, feathers on the ground, broken nuts and pine cones -- and maybe follow the crime scene investigators to see what’s happening in Earle Park.
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