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.

White-breasted Nuthatch by Brian Bennett

Join us for expert guided birds walks to enjoy resident and migratory songbirds and hawks among the display of changing foliage. We’ll explore diverse habitats which support a variety of species that we will help identify by sight and sound. All levels of birders are welcome on these relaxing excursions along our trails. Binoculars available to borrow. Approximately two hours, moderately hilly 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.

September  8 a.m. 
Thursday, September 26  To register, click here

October 8 a.m.
Wednesday, October 2   To register, click here
Tuesday, October 8,   To register, click here
Wednesday, October 16,   To register, click here
Tuesday, October 22,   To register, click here 

Register early for:
November 9 a.m.
Wednesday, November 6   To register, click here
Wednesday. November 13  To register, click here
December  10 a.m.
Thursday, December 5   To register, click here
Wednesday, December 11   To register, click here 

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

By Deirdra Wallin

Join us for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way! Staff and volunteers will lead these hikes 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 be moderately strenuous with several hundred feet of elevation change. 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.

October 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.   To register, click here
November 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  To register, click here
December 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.   To register, click here

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

By Deirdra Wallin

Learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit our forests, meadows and wetlands as you explore the trails with our staff. Walks will emphasize the highlights of the seasonal transitions as plants and animals prepare for the cold months ahead. We will move at a leisurely pace, stopping to observe and learn about various points of interest, including our habitat enhancement projects.  Approximately two hours, moderately hilly 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, September 17, 9 a.m.    To register, click here
Monday, September 23, 4 p.m.    To register, click here
Friday, November 1, 3 p.m.   To register, click here
Thursday, December 12, 9 a.m.   To register, click here

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

By Sharon Cuartero

Come visit us for an opportunity to spend time outside, while we 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, learn about citizen science, and explore nearby trails. Approximately one and a half hours, 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.

Saturday,September 21, 11 a.m.  Friendly Family Fun Birding Basics Focus   To register, click here
Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. in collaboration with Sherman Parks & Recreation   No Fee   To register, click here
Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m. in collaboration with L.L. Bean Danbury   No Fee  To register, click here

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

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.

Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m.   Family Friendly To register, click here
Friday, March 27, 9 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

Great Blue Heron by Brian Bennett

Wimisink Preserve Birding & Conservation, Sherman, CT
Saturday, September 21, 8 a.m.
Free Program

Meet us at Naromi Land Trust’s, Wimisink Preserve in Sherman for a walk and talk on birding and conservation in this 57 acre freshwater wetland. Access to the marsh via boardwalks and platforms, allow for observation of birds, such as: Wood Ducks, Hooded Merganser, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Virginia Rails and more! No Fee. To register, click here

Still River Greenway Ecology Walk, Brookfield, CT
Saturday, October 12, 1 p.m.

Explore the diverse habitats right along the Still River Greenway with Jim Arrigoni, conservation biologist. Natural history of birds, other animals, trees and other plants will be pointed out on this gentle 1.5 mile walk. To register for this program offered by the Brookfield Parks & Recreation, call 203-775-7310.

Celebration of the Great Swamp 2019
Saturday & Sunday, October 19 & 20
Look for The Connecticut Audubon Society interactive information table! For more information on this Friends of the Great Swamp event, click here.

A Modern Ecological Detective Story: The role of mosquitos, birds and birders in the emergence of West Nile Virus in the United States, Akin Free Library, Pawling, NY
Thursday, November 7, 6 p.m.
Free Program

Newspaper headlines regularly announce outbreaks of infectious diseases like Ebola in Africa, but our corner of the globe also has its share of mysterious illnesses circulating unseen among insects, wildlife, and people.  Since West Nile Virus was detected for the first time in the New York City area in 1999, it has spread across the United States.  This presentation will describe recent research on the fascinating ecology of this pathogen with a focus on how it is transmitted among various species of mosquitoes and birds, and sometimes humans.  You’ll learn how to best protect yourself when risk levels are elevated, usually late summer.  Notably, the observations of citizen science birdwatchers have been especially critical to understanding the public health threats and ecological implications posed by West Nile Virus, which makes our participation in monitoring projects such as the Breeding Bird Surveys and the CT Bird Atlas even more meaningful and important. 

No Fee.  To register, click here

Interested in offering a program in your town? Contact Deirdra Wallin, program coordinator, dwallin@ctaudubon.org or 860-799-4074 ext. 102.

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.

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: September 24, October 8 , 22 & November 5.

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.

September through October, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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