Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
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 call 860-799-4074 with any questions or to be put on a wait list for a program.
After your program or hike, feel free to pack a lunch and enjoy on our teaching terrace. We are also happy to provide you with recommendations on local places to eat and visit after coming to Deer Pond Farm.
SUMMER BIRD BEHAVIORS (CLASS & WALK)
Bluebird Male Photo by Linda T. Hubbard
July 17, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
$5 members, $10 non-members
Have you ever wondered how birds survive the “dog days” of summer? Join us at Deer Pond Farm for our Summer Bird Behaviors program. Starting in the classroom, avian expert Lori Lichtenauer will discuss how parent birds care for fledglings, bird molting patterns, when and how birds prepare for their long-distance migratory journeys! We will hit the trails for the last hour of the program.
Register here for the July 17 Summer Bird Behaviors Class & Walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road,
Sherman, CT 06784.
BIRD & NATURE WALK
July 30, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
$5 members, $10 non-members
Discover the flowers, birds, and butterflies of Deer Pond Farm with Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer. Starting in our pollinator garden, we will discuss the phenology (seasonal cycles) of native flowering plants and how this impacts the insect and bird communities. Then we will explore the life in and around our nature preserve!
Register here for the July 30 Bird & Nature Walk. This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
AUGUST FIRST FRIDAY HIKE AT DEER POND FARM
Hiking at Deer Pond Farm
August 1, 9 to 11 a.m.
FREE
Ready for a mini adventure? Hit the trails with our awesome Volunteer Guides on a 2–3-mile hike at Deer Pond Farm! We’ll wander through meadows, listen to birds in the forest, and maybe even spot a few surprises along the way. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike with maximum good vibes—perfect for nature lovers, curious minds, and anyone up for a little wild wonder!
Register here for the August 1st Friday Hike.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
SUMMER TREE ID (Class & Walk)
Deer Pond Farm Nature Preserve
August 5, 9 to 11 a.m.
$5 members, $10 non-members
Join us for a lively summer stroll at Deer Pond Farm as we uncover the secrets of Connecticut’s native trees with two amazing guides: John Ehrenreich, author of Native Trees of Connecticut, and CT Audubon Naturalist Diane Nizlek. Learn to ID trees by their leaves, bark, and quirky traits—no botany degree required! Whether you’re a nature nerd or just tree-curious, this walk promises plenty of ‘aha’ moments, forest fun, and a fresh way to see the green world around you.
Register here for the August 5 Summer Tree ID Program.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
BIRDING BY TREE
Birding at Deer Pond Farm
August 13, 9 to 11 a.m.
$5 members, $10 non-members
Explore how different bird species choose specific trees for food, shelter, and song—and how knowing your oaks from your birches can help you spot more birds! Join Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer at Deer Pond Farm for a unique twist on traditional birding. This is a relaxed walk through various habitats, perfect for curious beginners and seasoned birders alike. Bring your questions and your love for feathered friends!
Register here for the August 13 Birding by Tree Program.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
FAMILY NATURE WALK
Family Hike at Deer Pond Farm
August 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
FREE
Meet us at Deer Pond Farm with Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer and Diane Nizlek, CT Audubon Naturalist to enjoy a family-friendly nature walk. We will use our senses to explore wildlife habitats, identify plants and animals, and we will discuss how to see the forest for the trees! All ages welcome.
Register here for the August 17 Family Nature Walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
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
Join us for one workday or the whole season, your time and effort are welcome and appreciated!
Forestry Project Volunteers at Deer Pond Farm
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 Center Director Cathy Hagadorn, chagadorn@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
