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.
Autumn Bird & Nature Walk
October 3, 10 a.m. to Noon
$5 for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Fall is lovely time to enjoy the beauty of New England’s wildlife. On this guided walk, we’ll explore the trails at Deer Pond Farm, looking for birds and other wildlife. Our conservation manager Stefan Martin will lead the walk and help you identify your observations. It’s such a gorgeous time to get outside and see warblers, thrushes, and other migrating birds.
Register here for the October 3 walk.
October First Friday Hike
October 6, 10 a.m. to Noon
No Fee
Join us on our monthly volunteer-led hike as the leaves burst into color. The hike is 3-4 miles long and along the way, we’ll stop at some beautiful viewpoints to admire the changing leaves at our unique elevation. Come to Deer Pond Farm to enjoy the fresh fall air and learn about the natural world.
Register here for the October 6 hike.
Fall Tree ID Walk
October 12, 10 a.m. to Noon
No fee
Join us for a guided tree identification walk during peak foliage in October. Master naturalists Diane Nizlek and John Ehrenreich, who is also the author of Native Trees of Connecticut, will show you how to identify the different types of trees and their unique characteristics. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of fall foliage and learn why the leaves of deciduous trees change color and fall to the ground.
Register here for the October 12 tree ID walk.
October Fast Friday Hike
October 20, 10 a.m. to Noon
No Fee
Join Deer Pond Farm volunteer Peggy for a brisk 4-6 mile hike with a 2-2.5 mile pace. This faster-paced hike will have some gradual climbs. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Also, bring plenty of water, bug repellent and any other hiking gear you may need. Feel free to pack a lunch and enjoy the view from the teaching terrace after the hike.
Register here for the October 20 hike.
November First Friday Hike
November 3, 10 a.m. to Noon
No Fee
Join us for our First Friday hike in November! Our volunteers will be leading the way through Deer Pond Farm’s 850-acres of forests, wetlands, and meadows! This 3-4 mile hike is a great way to become familiar with a bit of our 15-mile trail network. Come dressed for the weather.
Register here for the November 3 hike.
December First Friday Hike
December 1, 10 a.m. to Noon
No Fee
Join our volunteers, Mary Ann and Allison for fresh air, exercise and good company on a hike or snowshoe excursion. This month we’ll explore the western trails. Pace of hike adjusted to participants. Hiking pole and shoe traction device helpful.
Register here for the December 1 hike.
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 Center Director Cathy Hagadorn, chagadorn@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
