Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
We are currently offering small group in-person outdoor programming following all current COVID-19 safety procedures. Group size is limited to 15 attendees with a leader and a co-leader. Members do receive discounts on programs as well as many other benefits. For more information, click here.
Unless otherwise noted, guided program fees are:
Member: $5 Member Child: Free Non-Member: $10 Non-Member Child: $5
Our trails are open to the public daily dawn to dusk. Please keep a distance of at least 6 feet from other guests and have a mask available for use.
Please call 860-799-4074 with any questions or to be put on a wait list for a program.
Nature Hike
By Deirdra Wallin
Join our volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way! This hike will cover approximately 3 miles of trails through the varied habitats of Deer Pond Farm at a pace adjusted to participants.
Friday, November 5
10 a.m. to noon
Register here.
No Fee
Bird Walk
Saturday, November 6
1PM to 3PM
With the recent leaf drop, the lack of dense foliage as cover allows for easier viewing of birds. Join us to learn identification of our resident birds as well as those migrating. We will also review some of the ways these birds manage to survive with the absence of insect life for food.
Register here.
Adult member: $5
Child member: Free
Adult non-member: $10
Child non-member: $5
Winter Tree ID Walk
Saturday, November 13
10AM to Noon
Take an easy-paced walk to learn about some of the common trees found at Deer Pond Farm. Instead of relying on leaves, flowers, fruit and nuts, the focus is on differences between branching, bark, twigs, and winter buds for identification.
Register here.
No fee.
History in the Forest Walk: interpreting the legacies of past land use
Saturday, November 13
1PM to 3PM
Every landscape tells a story about those who have passed before us and the lives they led. From stone wall architecture and abandoned cellars to wildlife food webs and tree species composition, New England’s forests are especially rich places to interpret the past. On this gentle 2 mile hike we will explore decades and even centuries old clues that remain on the landscape today as testament to the activities of humans before Deer Pond Farm was designated as a nature sanctuary. We’ll also discuss those implications for present day plants and wildlife.
Register here.
Adult member: $5
Child member: Free
Adult non-member: $10
Child non-member: $5
Schedule Your Own Private Expert-Led Walk
Baltimore Oriole photo by Tomas Koeck
(Available to purchase as a gift too)
A staff member will guide you through the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm. Information on the flora and fauna as well as our conservation work will be shared. Habitat enhancement and data collection via eBird, CT & NY Bird Atlas and Motus Wildlife Tracking System will be presented.
Call 860-799-4074 to schedule.
Fee: $100 for a two hour walk includes up to six pre-registered and pre-paid attendees.
Volunteer Opportunities
Photo by Deirdra Wallin
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 garden for maintenance and monitoring! We work while we chat, observe and learn. Our native plants bring in a host of butterflies, bees, and birds. We take the time to enjoy these visitors and conversations with fellow gardeners while weeding and completing other seasonal tasks.
Habitat Helpers: Help us while learning! We’ll work while we talk, and enjoy the camaraderie of collective action to improve our sanctuary. Currently, our focus is invasive plant identification and management. You’ll learn by doing and leave knowing what you can do at home.
Photography: As you enjoy the trails during a guided walk or on your own, take pictures and share with us to utilize on the website, social media and flyers.
For more information and to complete a volunteer application, click here. Contact Deirdra Wallin, center manager at dwallin@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
