Fran Baranski, longtime volunteer, tracker, and nature photographer, will lead you on the same path each Monday in April. Observe the weekly changes the arrival of spring brings to the Bafflin Sanctuary -- wildflowers, returning birds, and more. No registration is required. Free.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. On some occasions, a spotting scope will be useful. Andy will have one with him. No registration is required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers.
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as "the younger brothers of creation". As she explores these themes, she circles toward a central argument: The awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return.
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) are large, iconic fish that already roamed the earth along with dinosaurs, but in human times, they have become critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat degradation. Until the early 1900s, they used to spawn in the Connecticut River, but that ended as their population declined, just like in so many other rivers along the North American Atlantic coast. This talk will share some of our recently published findings, which surprisingly showed that sturgeons of all sizes and ages like to swim up the Connecticut River in summer. Are they searching for food, or could some be motivated by spawning there again?
For 30 years, guitar virtuoso Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time, performing in venues across the U.S. and around the world. Marilyn Rea Beyer, former music director and on-air folk radio host at WUMB Radio in Boston, describes Peter’s guitar work as “… breathtaking, his lyrics mind-spinning, his singing soul-soothing and his feet-on-the-ground optimism nothing short of healing.” Registration is required as seating is limited. Fee: $25. Call 860-928-4948. Fee at the door will be $30, if seats are remaining.
Adjacent to large, contiguous tracks of coastal forest along Long Island Sound, Clark Park is the perfect spot for migrating songbirds. We’ll search for warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more in the forests and wetlands in this diverse property.
Join us for a journaling workshop. Hike around Trail Wood and make your own observations, take notes, and sketch or photograph what you see. Reconvene to share. Rain date: Sunday, May 4 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Registration required. Call 860-928-4948 or email trailwood@ctaudubon.org. Fee: $10 CAS members and ECSU students; $20 others.
If you are new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful, spring birds are back and the leaves aren’t out yet. Expect to see Yellow, Blue-winged, and Black-and-white Warblers. Limited to 10 participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. On some occasions, a spotting scope will be useful. Andy will have one with him. No registration is required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Discover the ocean’s story as you’ve never heard it before, one that reveals the ocean’s role in shaping human history and culture, and our ongoing relationship with the sea. Dr. Helen Rozwadowski, a leading historian of ocean science, explores the profound and multifaceted relationship between humans and the oceans. The lecture will be at the Old Lyme Town Hall.
Join a group of acoustic music lovers to play popular songs written when the Teales lived at Trail Wood, 1959-1993. Chords and lyrics will be projected on screen so all levels can follow along! Registration is required. Space is limited to 10 participants. Email trailwood@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Free.
Pests and pathogens are ubiquitous in Connecticut woods, but their impacts vary greatly. CT DEEP service forester Frank Cervo will discuss some of the most significant insects, fungi, and diseases which can plague your favorite trees and forests and what to expect in their aftermath. We'll also discuss potential management strategies to deal with these disturbances and prepare for the future. Presented in collaboration with the Eastern CT Forest Landowners Association. Registration requested but not required. Fee: Free CAS and ECFLA members; $5 non-members.
We’ll explore this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve. We are likely to see a Great Blue Heron rookery, and Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers! Limited to nine participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
The Connecticut River is a major migratory flyway for birds heading north in the spring. Situated at the mouth of the river on Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is one of the first spots these birds hit after their long journeys.
Situated along the Thames River, the Arboretum provides an urban oasis for migrating songbirds with its diverse habitats. We’ll look for the songbirds that sing from the forests, swallows foraging over the pond and wetlands, and more.
Bring along your mother or grandmother and join Andy Rzeznikiewicz to find returning birds. It’s the peak of spring migration! There are many beautiful birds to see and enjoy, including Bobolink and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to 12 participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non- members; mothers free!
Take mom for a walk. Wildflowers will be blooming, and birds will be singing. Email trailwood@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: Free CAS members and kids under 12 years of age; $5.00 non-members.
We’ll explore this fantastic bird watching location. Expect to see Cerulean, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers, and most likely one or both Cuckoo species. Limited to 10 participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. On some occasions, a spotting scope will be useful. Andy will have one with him. No registration is required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve has a variety of habitats including fields, shrublands, and woodlands. Expect to find Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers, Indigo Bunting, and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to 10 participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
f you're walking near a marsh in Connecticut, chances are there is a rail somewhere nearby. These secretive birds are among the most elusive birds in the state, often heard more than seen as they skulk among reeds and grasses. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over the fascinating lives of these furtive fowls.
We are going to attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day during the peak of warbler migration. We will travel to numerous locations in our search. This is our 16th year doing this program. We have found as many as 21 warbler species! Limited to 16 participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.
Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton. We expect to find Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Veery, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Limited to eight participants. Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Barn Island is the largest coastal wildlife management area in the state, and its extensive saltmarshes provide key habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. The coastal forests also provide important resources for migrating songbirds.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake, has varied habitat. Expect to see Brown Thrasher, Prairie Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and various migrants. Limited to 10 participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
As shorebirds head north to their breeding grounds in the arctic, they often use the Connecticut River as a flyway. We’ll look for the many shorebird species that stop at Griswold Point before continuing their journey north, as well as some of the ones that stay and breed here.
With sweeping views of Long Island Sound and extensive mud flats, Harkness is a fantastic spot for migrating shorebirds in the spring. We’ll search for sandpipers and plovers, as well as songbirds and lingering sea ducks in one of the best birding spots in southeastern CT.
Rocky Neck State Park’s large saltmarsh is the perfect spot to look for shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, and egrets. Osprey and Bald Eagles fly overhead, and the beaches are home to gulls and terns. Join us on this family friendly walk as we look for the diverse array of birds that rely on this coastal park!
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Jutting out into Long Island Sound, Hammonasset State Park is one of the best spots in the state to look for birds. We’ll search for shorebirds along the coast and in the marsh, songbirds in the forests, and wading birds among the reeds, plus many more.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
The goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours or fewer. We will visit many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center. Interesting sightings from past years include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack. Limited to 16 participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. On some occasions, a spotting scope will be useful. Andy will have one with him. No registration is required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Be among the first to visit the newest Wyndham Land Trust preserve, located in Brooklyn. In this 320-acre woodland, expect to see Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird, Veery, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. Limited to 7 participants. Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
The upland forests and open fields of the Lohamann Preserve are perfectly situated to attract migrating songbirds on their northbound journeys. Join us as we look for warblers in the woods, bluebirds and buntings in the fields, Osprey and eagles over the river, and more!
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz and fellow bird banders to see various songbirds up close. You will see how we gently catch them, record data, and safely release the birds. Participants may release a bird. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Roaring Brook winds through Banningwood Preserve, providing excellent habitat and a key resource for numerous bird species. We’ll look for warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more in the diverse forests and wetlands of this preserve.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
We’ll meet at a location in Woodstock and travel to this new area. Expect to see Black-throated Blue and Canada Warblers and Broad-winged Hawk. Limited to eight participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Cost: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. On some occasions, a spotting scope will be useful. Andy will have one with him. No registration is required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton. We expect to find Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Veery, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Limited to eight participants. Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
Andy Rzeznikiewicz will guide you around this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Montville. It contains a ten-acre clear-cut, large areas of mountain laurel, interesting rock features, and mature forest. Expect to see Hooded, Prairie, and Blue-winged Warblers, Acadian Flycatcher, and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to eight participants.Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Cost: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Inspired by Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, ECSU students and alumni were challenged to create pieces made of natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment. Meet the artists and enjoy the beauty of Trail Wood with the added delight of their artwork. Installation closes June 15. Free.
We will explore the famous Boston Hollow area of Ashford. Much of the land is owned by Yale. It is a unique area, having a northern forest feel. We should see Blackburnian and Canada Warblers, Winter Wren, Northern Waterthrush, and many more. We will bird from the road. Limited to 18 participants. Registration required. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 nonmembers.
With its abundant forest and wetlands, Windswept Ridge is the perfect spot for migrating songbirds. Located just north of The multi-town Preserve, it helps provide contiguous habitat for warblers, thrushes, tanagers, and more.
IN PERSON - Announcing the Next Book Discussion - The Hummingbirds’ Gift: Wonder, Beauty, and Renewal on Wings ~ Sy Montgomery
We’re excited to announce that our next Book Discussion will be in person at our beautiful Trail Wood Sanctuary! We’ll be discussing The Hummingbird’s Gift by Sy Montgomery, a short and inspiring true story that celebrates resilience, care, and the magic of hummingbirds.