Deer Pond Farm Prog & Events

July 30, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. $5 members, $10 non-members Discover the flowers, birds, and butterflies of Deer Pond Farm with Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer. Starting in our pollinator garden, we will discuss the phenology (seasonal cycles) of native flowering plants and how this impacts the insect and bird communities. Then we […]

August 1, 9 to 11 a.m.  FREE  Ready for a mini adventure? Hit the trails with our awesome Volunteer Guides on a 2–3-mile hike at Deer Pond Farm! We’ll wander through meadows, listen to birds in the forest, and maybe even spot a few surprises along the way. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike with maximum good […]

August 5, 9 to 11 a.m.  $5 members, $10 non-members  Join us for a lively summer stroll at Deer Pond Farm as we uncover the secrets of Connecticut’s native trees with two amazing guides: John Ehrenreich, author of Native Trees of Connecticut, and CT Audubon Naturalist Diane Nizlek. Learn to ID trees by their leaves, […]

August 13, 9 to 11 a.m.  $5 members, $10 non-members Explore how different bird species choose specific trees for food, shelter, and song—and how knowing your oaks from your birches can help you spot more birds! Join Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer at Deer Pond Farm for a unique twist on traditional birding. This is […]

August 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m. FREE  Meet us at Deer Pond Farm with Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer and Diane Nizlek, CT Audubon Naturalist to enjoy a family-friendly nature walk. We will use our senses to explore wildlife habitats, identify plants and animals, and we will discuss how to see the forest for the trees! […]

September 5, 10 a.m. to Noon  FREE  Step into September with our First Friday Hike! While peak foliage is still a few weeks away, the first golden hints of fall are starting to show. It’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the quiet beauty of the changing season. Bring a friend, meet fellow […]

September 10, 10 a.m. to Noon  $5 members, $10 non-members As fall arrives, birds undergo dramatic physical and behavioral changes. This program explores the science of how birds grow new feathers and molting patterns. Discover how birds’ natural history can influence navigation strategies, migratory stopover sites. We’ll start off in the classroom then head to […]

September 19, Open House from 1-4 p.m.  FREE  Birds of prey are on the move! Hawks, vultures, falcons, and eagles will be heading south to their wintering grounds. Join us anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 PM as we watch the skies for migrating raptors at Deer Pond Farm! Our main campus at 1,200 feet elevation […]

September 27, 10 a.m. to Noon $5 members, $10 non-members Get ready for fall foliage season. The study of seasonal change is called phenology. Autumn is a great time to learn about how light, temperature, soil moisture, and species impact the timing and intensity of autumn tree colors. Deer Pond Farm Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer will […]

October 3, 10 a.m. to Noon FREE Join us for the First Friday Hike led by our dedicated volunteer guides. We’ll explore the trails together and enjoy the sights and sounds of early fall. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. Click here to register for the October First Friday […]

October 5, 2 to 4 p.m. $5 members, $10 non-members Learn how to capture nature’s beauty with photography tips on composition and technique with local photographer Christy Bonaiuto. This fun and confident beginner-friendly photo walk through the stunning fall foliage at Deer Pond Farm is perfect for all skill levels. Just bring your camera or […]

October 7, 10 a.m. to Noon $5 members, $10 non-members Fall warblers are small, fast moving, and have molted out of their breeding plumage, making them an identification challenge for new and experienced birders alike. Join our Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer in the classroom for a brief presentation on fall warbler plumage, behavior, and habitat characteristics, […]

October 16, 10 a.m. to Noon $5 members, $10 non-members Join Author of Native Trees of Connecticut John Ehrenreich and CAS Master Naturalist Diane Nizlek to learn how to identify local tree species. Enjoy the changing fall foliage while discovering the similarities and differences between oaks, maples, hickories, cedar, pines, and more. We will start […]

Can’t make a guided program this month? Create your own nature walk! Use the resources below to make the most of your time exploring the 15 miles of trails spanning Deer Pond Farm.  Deer Pond Farm Suggested Hikes – click here. Deer Pond Farm Bird Checklist – click here. Deer Pond Farm Nature Scavenger Hunt […]

(Available to purchase as a gift, too!) During this two hour walk, a staff member will guide you through the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm. Participants will learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the conservation work being done at Deer Pond Farm. Habitat enhancement and data collection projects utilizing eBird, […]

Join us for one workday or the whole season, your time and effort are welcome and appreciated! Citizen Science: Support research through data collection! From monarchs to birds and more, Deer Pond Farm supports a variety of citizen science initiatives. Opportunity to work independently or in a group. Garden Gaggle: Join us in the pollinator […]