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

Wildlife In Winter:  Adaptations & Signs
January 25, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join us for a walk through our bird and pollinator garden, with stop at a   nearby pond and a short exploration on the trails into the woods. We’ll discuss the various ways wildlife cope with the shorter days and colder temperatures while looking for tracks, scat and more.

Trees in Winter:  Adaptations & Identification
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.

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

Saturday, January 25, 1 p.m.,  To register, click here
Wednesday, February 19, 11 a.m.,  To register, click here

By Jim Arrigoni

February 2, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Groundhog Celebration!
March 8, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
March 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
April 5, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
April 16, 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, February 2,  2 p.m.  Groundhog Celebration!  To register, click here 
Sunday, March 8, 4 p.m.  To register, click here
Thursday, March 19, 10 a.m.  To register, click here
Sunday, April 5, 3 p.m.  To register, click here
Thursday, April 16, 9 a.m.  To register, click here

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

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

Backyard Birding at the Jewish Community Center of Sherman
February 8, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Backyard birding is social and fun for all ages! Join Connecticut Audubon Society’s Cathy Hagadorn, director at Deer Pond Farm in Sherman for this inside presentation to learn the basics of bird identification, how to best attract winter birds to your feeder and how to make your yard a birding destination. We’ll display a few bird feeders and share some fun facts about the birds we see and hear in Sherman.
11-11:45 talk
11:45-12 coloring, puzzles & story book time

Registration required.  RSVP to Michelle, michelle@jccinsherman.org, Jewish Community Center of Sherman

Still River Greenway Bird & Nature Walk in Brookfield
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

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

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. 

Registration required.  For more information about the program, call Danbury Library, 203.797.4505 extension 7747.

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, Habitat Helpers starts March 19 at 2 p.m. and meets
every other week.                                                                                                                 

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