Programs & Classes at Deer Pond Farm
We invite you to make a reservation to join us for one of our walks or programs.
Please note, members do receive discounts on programs as well as many other benefits. For more information, click here.
Celebration of the Opening of Deer Pond Farm’s Western Trails
Saturday, June 8
All programs are free. Registration required for bird walks & lunch.
Event Schedule
8 a.m. Early Morning Bird Walk – To register, click here
9 a.m. Bird banding demonstration
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Education, Exhibits & Activities
10 a.m. Opening Remarks & Welcome
10:30 a.m. Christine’s Critters Falconry Demonstration
Noon Lunch in Tent – To register, click here
1 p.m. Bird Walks – To register, click here
All 835 acres & over 20 miles of our trails in Sherman, CT, & Pawling, NY, are now open!
Deer Pond Farm is a gift from the late Kathy and Walter Wriston
Migration Madness and Birdathon at Deer Pond Farm
Photo by Sharon Cuartero
May 17-19, 2019
Join us for The Connecticut Audubon Society’s second annual Migration Madness: Big Weekend Bird Challenge Bird-a-thon. The event brings together supporters from across the state to raise essential funds for nature conservation, education, and advocacy — and to compete in an exciting birding competition.
Bring: Binoculars, camera, water, walking stick and a sense of adventure.
Binoculars are available to borrow.
Admission:
$5 for members
$10 non-members
$20 families
Friday, May 17
Private Preview Tour of our New York Trails 5 to 7 p.m.
Join Cathy Hagadorn, director of Deer Pond Farm, for a sneak peek of the western portion of our property with a beautiful New York vista. Birds know no borders, come and enjoy the western sunset from the highpoints on this hike and have bragging rights, in being part of the first official guided hike in this area.
To register, click here
Saturday, May 18
Early Bird Walk 6 to 8 a.m.
Join Jim Arrigoni, conservation biologist, and Angela Dimmitt, local expert birder, to see how many birds we can identify as we explore a variety of habitats on the Connecticut section of Deer Pond Farm! Expected highlights: a diversity of stop-over warblers including Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, and Magnolia.
To register, click here
Not-So-Early Bird Walk 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Jim Arrigoni, conservation biologist, will lead us through the trails in the New York section of Deer Pond Farm! Expected highlights: a diversity of stop-over warblers including Chestnut-sided, Black & White, and Blackburnian.
To register, click here
Photo by Sharon Cuartero
Children’s Story Time with Craft & Nature Walk 10 a.m. to noon
Join Deirdra Wallin, program coordinator, and Christine Ranno, coordinator of children’s services, from the Sherman Library in the bird and pollinator garden for some fresh air, exercise and fun! We’ll listen, look and learn as we explore our surroundings paying attention to our native plants, one of our nearby ponds and the wildlife that enjoy these habitats. An adult must accompany children.
To register, click here
Sunday, May 19
Birding Hot Spot Hike noon to 2 p.m.
Bring a light snack or lunch and join Cathy Hagadorn, director of Deer Pond Farm, for gentle hike to one of our special destinations. Enjoy the shade of old apple trees while we take a hike break on some logs to enjoy the songs of the spring birds here. (Free program)
To register, click here
Birdathon Team: Stateline Highlanders of Deer Pond Farm
Join us in welcoming our birdathon team! This is a fun and friendly competition to find and count birds in Connecticut. All pledges go toward bird conservation work throughout Connecticut. Our species goal is 75 bird species. Our pledge goal is $500. To help us reach our goal, please make a pledge here.
Stateline Highlanders of Deer Pond Farm Team Members
Jim Arrigoni Connecticut Audubon Society Conservation Biologist
Angela Dimmitt Local expert birder, President of the Western CT Bird Club
Stefan Martin CAS Deer Pond Farm Staff & 2018 Migration Madness Winner
Chad Seewagen Executive Director of Great Hollow Nature Preserve
& Ecological Research Center
Elizabeth O’Connor Environmental Educator & CAS Deer Pond Farm Volunteer
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
For more information on Migration Madness, including all of the programs, teams, and sponsorship opportunities for this statewide event, please click here.
Volunteer Appreciation
by Deirdra Wallin
Friday, April 26
11 a.m.
Current volunteers are invited join us as we celebrate the impact of your service! Email dwallin@ctaudubon.org to register or to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Invasive Plant Removal with Jim Arrigoni
by Deirdra Wallin
Friday, April 26
2 p.m.
No fee
Join us on this seasonally scheduled work party to address this major threat to native biodiversity. Learn about the ecology of different invasive plants and management methods. Email jarrigoni@ctaudubon.org for more information and to register.
Spring Walks with Jim Arrigoni
Eastern Bluebirds by Richard Stone
Spring Ecology Walk
Tuesday, April 30
5 p.m.
To register, click here
If this year is typical, the new lime green-colored leaves will be breaking their buds at this time, signaling the transition from when birding can be done more effectively by eye than ear. With conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni, we’ll also look for spring ephemeral wildflowers on the forest floor, soaking up the last rays of sun before fresh foliage casts its shadow. If we’re lucky, we’ll also enjoy the sound of toads trilling in the ponds and wetlands at Deer Pond Farm.
Spring Sunset Walk
Monday, May 6
6 p.m.
To register, click here
The end of these lengthening spring days are particularly special, as the sounds of many animals that are signing off for the day can be heard, while the nocturnal wildlife is just beginning to stir. This “crepuscular” period is usually rewarded by interesting sounds and sights. Join conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni in a sunset safari through the varied habitats of Deer Pond Farm.
Allow for an average of two hours and 1.5 -2 miles. Dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels. Bring binoculars, camera, water bottle, walking stick, sunscreen, bug spray and a sense of adventure. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Free for members
$5 Non-members
$10 Family non-members
Migration Bird Walks with Miley Bull
Yellow-rumped Warbler by Brian Bennett
Spring is prime time bird watching for the experienced, beginners and all levels in between! Join Miley Bull, senior director of science and conservation, on these guided walks through the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm to look, listen and learn about our warmer weather visiting birds. He’ll explain migration basics, including the how and why tanagers, warblers, orioles, flycatchers, vireos and other birds pass through our area or stay awhile to nest as they head north along the Atlantic Flyway.
Allow for an average of two hours and 1.5 -2 miles. Dress for the weather. Think head, hands and feet! Wool hats, gloves and socks are really good choices. Bring water bottle, walking stick, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, bug spray and a sense of adventure. Inclement weather cancels.
Free for members
$5 Non-members
$10 Family non-members
Wednesday, May 1
8 a.m.
To register, click here
Wednesday, May 29
8 a.m.
To register, click here
