Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
We are currently offering small group in-person outdoor programming following all current COVID-19 safety procedures. Group size is limited to 10 attendees with a leader and a co-leader. Register early to secure your spot. Please, let us know if you have registered and can no longer attend a program as there is often a wait list. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Members do receive discounts on programs as well as many other benefits. For more information, click here.
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.
First Friday Hikes
By Deirdra Wallin
Friday, November 6: To register, click here
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
FREE Program
Join volunteers, Mary Ann and Allison on a hike for fresh air, exercise and good company 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 travel through some rolling hills and several hundred feet of elevation change. With 20 miles of trails, we’ll explore different trails and routes each month.
Please arrive on time and dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels. Bring water and a sense of adventure.
Stonewall Nature Hike
Saturday, November 7 – THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Program
Cathy Hagadorn, director at Deer Pond Farm and Mike Cunningham, from Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust will lead this hike. They’’ll discuss Connecticut’s changing landscape from farms to forest and what stonewalls can tell us about prior land use along the way. We’ll follow Old Stage Coach Trail, a historic route, pass by wolf trees and old stone foundations as we make our way to a scenic overlook.
Fall Migration Bird Walks
Field Sparrow by Sharon Cuartero
Fall is an exciting time to witness one of the year’s largest variety of birds in the shortest amount of time. It’s a unique time of year as the impending changes in weather cause some birds to leave, others arrive while some are just passing, possibly stopping to refuel. As thousands of birds are migrating you can join our walks and take advantage of an opportunity to see and learn about them.
All levels of birders are welcome on the walks to experience this year’s migration and participate in citizen science data collection. Our leaders will submit our observations to eBird, the CT Bird Atlas and the NY Bird Atlas.
Members: $10
Non-Members: $15
Family (up to 4): $25
Sparrow Walks
Tuesday, November 10, 9 a.m. To register, click here.
Fall is the perfect time to test out your ‘LBJ’ (Little Brown Job) skills with Sparrow migration in full swing. Overwhelmed with differentiating between species? Do not worry! The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Habitat Steward, Stefan Martin, will help guide the way to confidence in this challenging group of birds. Species we hope to see include: Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Winter Bird Adaptations in the New England Forest
Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m. To register, click here.
Why do some birds migrate and others do not? What tricks do different species like the Common Raven and the Great Horned Owl employ to survive harsh New England
winters? Join conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni on a walk among a variety of habitats that offer different resources for different species, and learn how you can help our
feathered friends in the months ahead.
Bird Walk
Tuesday, November 17, 9 a.m. with Miley Bull, senior director of science and conservation
To register, click here.
Explore the diverse habitats which support a variety of birds within the 835 acres with our expert guides who have led bird walks around the world! They will help you identify the migrating and resident birds that are seen and heard along the trails. Recent habitat enhancement plantings, meadows, forests and wetlands that straddle the state border of Connecticut and New York will be included in these walks.
Fall Garden Series
Monarch on goldenrod, by Sharon Cuartero.
Learn from gardening experts the how-to steps to make gardening at your home a little easier and more rewarding. We are hosting three one hour sessions, meeting outdoors in the Deer Pond Farm pollinator garden for free. We’ll start at the ground level with the soil and work our way up to seed collecting. Each family friendly program offers tips that are easy to put into action and expert instructions and demonstrations.
Before or after the program, stop at the kiosk for a trail map with suggested hikes and enjoy the 835-acre sanctuary.
Clean-Up & Seed Saving
Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.
FREE
To register, click here.
Are you ready to put your garden to bed? Do you know what to cut down and what to leave up? Would you like to save some seeds for next year? In this program, we’ll explain the how and why of these questions and you’ll get to harvest some seeds to take home. Instructors: Deirdra Wallin, CT Audubon Society Program Manager at Deer Pond Farm, an Advanced Master Gardener, Master Composter and Horticultural Therapist
Beginning Birding Series
Whether you have never birded before, have just begun or are perhaps returning to birding, these one hour free family friendly programs are for you! Each program below will involve information, demonstration and a short walk to a nearby habitat.
Before or after the program, stop at the kiosk for a trail map with suggested hikes and enjoy the 835 acre sanctuary.
Winter Feeding
Saturday, November 14, 1 p.m.
FREE
To register, click here.
Would you like to feed birds in your yard? Want to know which plants to add to your yard that birds will eat from? Would you like some tips on selecting bird feeders and food? Join us in learning about feeding birds in your backyard. Providing food for birds brings them closer to observe and provides an enjoyable activity at home. Learning your backyard birds is also a great way to increase your knowledge base which you can then expand at nearby nature areas. Instructor: Deirdra Wallin, CT Audubon Program Manager at Deer Pond Farm.
Schedule Your Own Private Expert-Led Walk
Baltimore Oriole photo by Tomas Koeck
Limited availability for your own private guided walks are being offered at Deer Pond Farm. Each walk will include a staff member and up to four pre-registered and pre-paid attendees. These are being led by Jim Arrigoni, conservation biologist and Stefan Martin, land steward. Contact Deirdra Wallin, program manager, dwallin@ctaudubon.org to schedule. Fee: $100 for the group.
The walks will go through the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm and include information on the flora and fauna as well as our conservation work. Habitat enhancement and data collection (eBird, Connecticut Bird Atlas and Motus Wildlife Tracking System) to be shared.
Habitat Enhancement Volunteer Opportunities
Photo 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 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.
Email Deirdra Wallin at dwallin@ctaudubon.org to join the Garden Gaggle or the Habitat Helpers in 2020.
