Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
Click here to view September’s program calendar.
We are offering small group outdoor programming following all current COVID-19 safety procedures. Group size is limited to 15 people with a leader and a co-leader. Members 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.
An Evening With Doug Tallamy – The Nature of Oaks
Thursday, October 6
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Zoom Presentation
Join the Connecticut Audubon Society – Deer Pond Farm in partnership with the Sherman Library, the Sherman Conservation Commission, and the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy for a Zoom event with Dr. Doug Tallamy on The Nature of Oaks. This presentation will appeal to homeowners, land trusts, conservationists, bird and nature enthusiasts, and all who want to take action with their own climate solutions. It could be as simple as planting or saving an oak tree.
As much an engaging storyteller as scientist, Dr. Doug Tallamy’s presentation, “The Nature of Oaks” will leave you with a profound respect for the oak trees in our landscapes and forests. Deemed a keystone species, this often outsized tree plays an equally outsized role in supporting numerous wildlife creatures.
What can you expect to discover?
- How oaks play a vital role in our local landscapes.
- Why those leaves are so important in summer and winter.
- Why we should save our mature oaks.
- Why we should all plant more oaks in our neighborhoods.
For more information and registration, please click here.
First Friday Hike
Photo of Eastern Bluebird by Michael Audette
Friday, October 7
10 AM to Noon
Crisp autumn days bring about a whole new landscape to enjoy at Deer Pond Farm. Join volunteers Mary Ann and Allison for some fresh fall air and exercise as we take to the trails on our First Friday Hike!
Register here.
No fee.
Fall Tree ID Walk
Image of Deer Pond by Deer Pond Farm staff
Monday, October 10
10 AM to 12:30 PM
Connecticut Audubon Society Master Naturalist Diane Nizlek will join John Ehrenreich, author of Native Trees of Connecticut, to co-lead the autumn installment of our seasonal Tree ID Hike. This walk will take a new route, extending further into the Deer Pond Farm property to explore more of the 50+ native tree and shrub species found at Deer Pond Farm. Fall is a great time to learn about the seasonal changes trees undertake in preparation for the colder winter months, and the spring growing season ahead. Join us as we learn about tree identification basics and explore the trails of Deer Pond Farm!
Register here.
No fee.
2022 Connecticut Audubon Society Annual Meeting at Deer Pond Farm
The field, pond and white ash tree at Deer Pond Farm, site of Connecticut Audubon’s 2022 Annual Meeting. Photo by Cathy Hagadorn.
Saturday, October 15
Beginning at 10 a.m.
After two years of Annual Meetings via Zoom, our members, Board and staff can meet again person for 2022, at Deer Pond Farm in Sherman. The meeting is free and open to all but we ask that you RSVP.
The 2022 Annual Meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 15th. Deer Pond Farm is at 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT.
Arrive between 9 and 9:30 a.m. In addition to the Annual meeting, the day will mark the official opening of Deer Pond Farm’s renovated center building. There will be a ribbon cutting and tours of the center, and nature walks throughout the 850-acre preserve. The meeting itself will be followed by a casual box lunch, and a birds of prey demonstration by Skyhunters in Flight.
As Connecticut Audubon prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2023, members will vote by a show of hands on nominees for the Board of Directors, and on a new slate of Board officers, including a new Board chair. The meeting will also include the presentation of Connecticut Audubon’s annual Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award.
Please click here to RSVP.
Autumn Nature Walk
Image of Eastern Screech Owl by Stefan Martin
Thursday, October 27
10 AM to Noon
Local wildlife are busily preparing for the colder months by taking advantage of what is left of the harvest season. Many mammals are fattening up to survive the winter, while others – like migratory birds – are fueling up as much as possible to power their lengthy flights to warmer locations. Join Conservation Biologist Jim Arrigoni for this casual 1.5-mile walk to explore what critters are up to in the diverse forest, meadow, and wetland habitats of Deer Pond Farm.
Register here.
No fee.
Create Your Own Nature Walk!
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Brian Bennett
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 – for 8 and under, for 9 and up.
Deer Pond Farm Spring Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Summer Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Fall Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Winter Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary Rules – click here.
Directions – click here.
Click on each month to view birds that can be seen each month at Deer Pond Farm:
January February March April May June
July August September October November December
Please note: dogs, horses, fishing, swimming, camping, fires, hunting and collecting are not permitted.
Thank you for staying on the trails.
Schedule Your Own Private, Expert-Led Walk
Baltimore Oriole photo by Tomas Koeck
(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, Connecticut & New York Bird Atlas, and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System will also be shared.
Please call (860) 799-4074 to schedule.
Fee: $100 for a two hour walk. This includes up to eight 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 Emily Reeves, Administrative Assistant at ereeves@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
