Programs & Events 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.

by Cathy Hagadorn

Trees in Winter:  Adaptations & Identification
Wednesday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Take an easy paced winter walk and learn how to recognize some of the more common trees found on Deer Pond Farm without relying on the summer characteristics of leaves. Instead, we will focus on differences in bark, twigs and winter buds to identify them.

Signs of Spring Walk and Talk
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Take an easy paced walk through our bird and pollinator garden and around some ponds while looking for and learning about the awakening and return of our insects, pollinators, amphibians and more.  We’ll discuss action steps you can take at home to support wildlife through a healthy landscape.

Please arrive on time and dress for the weather. Think head, hands and feet! Wool hats, gloves and socks are a really good choice for outdoor fun. Shoe traction and walking sticks are helpful with winter weather. Inclement weather cancels. Bring binoculars, camera and a sense of adventure.

FREE PROGRAMS

Trees in Winter, Wednesday, February 19, 11 a.m.,  To register, click here

Signs of Spring, Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m., To register, click here

By Sharon Cuartero

February 22 & 26, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
March 24, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
April 7, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
April 21, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Winter is the perfect time of year to get out and look for birds! With the lack of dense foliage as cover and the absence of obvious insect life for food, we will explore some of the ways these birds manage to survive throughout this demanding season and talk about the importance of habitat diversity. Some of the birds we will look and listen for include: Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Eastern Towhee, and Eastern Bluebird.

Please arrive on time and dress for the weather. Think head, hands and feet! Wool hats, gloves and socks are a really good choice for outdoor fun. Shoe traction and walking sticks are helpful with winter weather. Inclement weather cancels. Bring binoculars, camera and a sense of adventure.

Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m.  To register, click here
Wednesday, February 26, 10 a.m.  To register, click here
Tuesday, March 24, 8 a.m. with Birding Basics  To register, click here
Tuesday, April 7, 8 a.m.  To register, click here
Tuesday, April 21, 8 a.m. To register, click here

Free for members
$5 non-members
$10 family non-members

By Jim Arrigoni

March 8, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
March 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
April 12, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
April 30, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Learn about our diverse habitats, how they meet the needs of resident and   migrating wildlife, and what you can do at home to support them. This leisurely walk along the trails during the quiet of winter with Jim Arrigoni, conservation biologist will include information about recent habitat enhancement projects.    

Please arrive on time and dress for the weather. Think head, hands and feet! Wool hats, gloves and socks are a really good choice for outdoor fun. Shoe traction and walking sticks are helpful with winter weather. Inclement weather cancels. Bring binoculars, camera and a sense of adventure.

Sunday, March 8, 4 p.m.  To register, click here
Thursday, March 19, 10 a.m.  To register, click here
Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m.  To register, click here
Thursday, April 30, 9 a.m.  To register, click here

Free for members
$5  non-members
$10  family non-members

Photo by Brian Bennett

Join the Connecticut Audubon Society Deer Pond Farm for the “The Original Snowbirds!” presentation.  Learn about migration, the birds that come to Connecticut in the spring for their nesting season, what you can do to attract them to your backyard, and the therapeutic benefits of birdwatching.

FREE Program

March 25, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at
Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center
RSVP 860-355-0971 x 11

April 14, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at
Sherman Senior Center
RSVP to shermanseniorcenter@gmail.com or call 860-354-2414 x 1

By Deirdra Wallin

Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. to noon
Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m. to noon
FREE Programs

Join volunteers, Mary Ann and Allison on a hike for fresh air, exercise and good company through the varied habitats of Deer Pond Farm.  The focus will be on covering many trails (approximately 3 miles) at a good pace.  The route will travel through some rolling hills and several hundred feet of elevation change.  With 20 miles of trails, we’ll explore different trails and routes each month.

Please arrive on time and dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels. Bring water and a sense of adventure.

Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. To register, click here
Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m.  To register, click here

CT Audubon & Naromi Land Trust at Sherman Jewish Community Center
2020 Naromi Land Trust Winter Conservation & Recreation Series
Nature Talk:  Deer Pond Farm in Sherman:  Habitats, Activities, and Trails
Sunday, February 23, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This event is Free and open to the public

The CT Audubon Society’s Deer Pond Farm director, Cathy Hagadorn, will share an overview of the history, habitats and activities of our newest nature sanctuary. Cathy will highlight birding, nature and hiking activities available year round. She will also cover recent habitat enhancement projects including bird and pollinator friendly garden and shrub plantings.
This event is Free and open to the public
Registration appreciated.  RSVP to Michelle, michelle@jccinsherman.org, Jewish Community Center of Sherman

CT Audubon & Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
Family Friendly Bluebird Walk & Talk
Saturday, March 14, 2020
10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Free program

Join Master Naturalist Edward Boisits, and Director Michael Audette from Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust as they provide background on the history of the Eastern Bluebird and discuss the role of the nest box initiative in helping to increase the population of the beautiful birds to sustainable levels.

Following the brief presentation, participants will help to build five of the nest boxes that have been donated by Flanders to be installed at Deer Pond Farm. A short hike will follow to see and learn about the current Bluebird nest boxes at Deer Pond Farm.
Free Program
To register, click here

Still River Greenway Bird & Nature Walk in Brookfield
Saturday, April 25,  8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Explore the diverse habitats right along the Still River Greenway with Connecticut’s Audubon Society’s Stefan Martin, habitat steward and expert birder. The focus will be on finding colorful spring migrants which include Warblers, Vireos and Tanagers. We will take a look at some of the different habitat types these birds use for spring migration for food, shelter and nesting. Basic birding, including how to use binoculars, observation skills and the identification tips will be presented. Bring binoculars, if you have them. For more information on the CT Audubon Society, including the newest sanctuary in Sherman, visit www.ctaudubon.org. This program is limited to 15 people.
Registration required, Brookfield CT Park and Recreation, 203-775-7310

CT Audubon & FrOGS
Family Friendly Nature Walk
Saturday, April 25, 2020
1 pm to 3 pm
Free Program

Come visit CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm sanctuary in Sherman with trails extending into Pawling, NY to take an easy interactive walk to discover what’s happening in the natural world. We’ll spend time in our bird and pollinator garden, check out pond life, and explore nearby trails. This is a collaborative program led by CT Audubon and Friends of the Great Swamp.
Free program 
To register, click here

Sights & Sounds of Spring Nature & Bird Walk Through Tarrywile Park
Sunday, April 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Free program

Join Cathy Hagadorn, CT Audubon Society Deer Pond Farm Director at the Red Barn at Tarrywile Park for a guided exploration of the various habitats to look and listen for signs of spring. The flora and fauna are in transition with the increasing day length and warmth! She’ll share some birding basics, information on bird identification and migration while providing tips for minimizing environmental impact.
Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable attire and bring a pair of binoculars. For families with children ages 6 and up. 
Free program
Registration required.  For more information about the program, call Danbury Library, 203.797.4505 extension 7747.

CT Trails Day 2020
June 6 & 7
For more information on CT Trails Day events across the state, click here 
Free program

Saturday, June 6, 2020 Nature Walk
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join our conservation biologist for a leisurely paced 1.5-mile walk to learn about the flora and fauna inhabiting our forests, meadows and wetlands along the trails. We’ll start at the bird and pollinator garden, visit a couple of ponds and make our way to the newest habitat enhancement project, an unique ecotone with pollinator meadows, food plots and small shrub and tree pockets.
Free program
To register, click here

Sunday, June 7, 2020 Hike
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join our director of Deer Pond Farm for a 3 mile hike to the western portion of our property with a beautiful New York vista. Along the way, see and learn about wolf trees, bear trees, stone erratics deposited by glaciers from the last ice age and much more.
Free program
To register, click here 

Michael Audette

Birdwatching is fun! And anyone can do it, from anywhere! It’s considered a favorite pastime with over 60 million Americans taking time to look through their binoculars in search of birds and listen for bird calls and songs. Anyone can enjoy it independently or in a group. Whether you are new to birding or experienced, join us to discover the joys of birdwatching as we go over a variety of topics while we take to the trails to explore different habitats. You’ll learn about: binocular basics, identification clues (size and shape, field marks,     behavior, and habitat), and ethics (for wildlife and the land). Field guides, apps, and websites will also be shared to support your interest in learning. Bring binoculars (or borrow from us) and all of the questions you have about birding. Approximately two hours on easy terrain.

Please arrive on time and dress for the weather.  Inclement weather cancels. Bring binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, bug spray, walking stick and a sense of adventure!  Binoculars are available to borrow.

Tuesday, March 24, 8 a.m.   To register, click here
Monday, May 4, 5 p.m.   To register, click here

Free for members
$5  non-members
$10  family non-members

By Cathy Hagadorn.

Join us for one workday or the whole season, your time and effort are welcome and appreciated!

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.

Garden Gaggle: Join us in the bird and 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.

Garden Gaggle starts March 18 at 10 a.m. and meets weekly. Join us on March 4 at 10 a.m. for a training.

Habitat Helpers starts March 19 at 2 p.m. and meets every other week. Join us March 19 at 1:30 p.m. for a training.                                                                                                             

Email Deirdra Wallin at dwallin@ctaudubon.org to join the Garden Gaggle or the Habitat Helpers in 2020.