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 12 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.
Please contact Deirdra Wallin, center manager at dwallin@ctaudubon.org or 860-799-4074 ext. 134 with any questions or to be put on a wait list for a program.
Schedule Your Own Private Expert-Led Walk
Baltimore Oriole photo by Tomas Koeck
(Available to purchase as a gift too)
Jim Arrigoni, conservation biologist or Stefan Martin, habitat steward will guide you through the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm. Information on the flora and fauna as well as our conservation work will be shared. Habitat enhancement and data collection via eBird, CT & NY Bird Atlas and Motus Wildlife Tracking System will be presented.
Contact Deirdra Wallin, center manager, dwallin@ctaudubon.org to schedule.
Fee: $100 for a two hour walk includes up to four pre-registered and pre-paid attendees.
Wildlife in Winter Walk – CANCELLED
Saturday, January 16 – CANCELLED
10 a.m.
Even in the middle of winter, there is still plenty of wildlife to see and learn about among the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm. Conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni will point out evidence of different wildlife species while discussing the strategies that plants and animals employ to survive a frigid New England winter. Information on what you can do to help them will be provided.
Member, $10
Member Child, Free
Non-member, $15
Non-member Child, $5
Volunteer Orientation
By Deirdra Wallin
Monday, January 25
2 p.m.
via Zoom
No matter what your interests or talents, by volunteering at our Deer Pond Farm, you can help promote understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of our natural world. Join us via Zoom to learn the variety of opportunities available, including office and outdoor help, which help keep Deer Pond Farm going. For more information on volunteer opportunities and the volunteer application, click here.
To register: email Center Manager, Deirdra Wallin at dwallin@ctaudubon.org .
First Friday Hike/Snowshoe
By Cathy Hagadorn
Friday, February 5
10 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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.
To register, click here.
Winter Aquatic Ecology
Vernal Pool in Winter by Jim Arrigoni
Saturday, February 13
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where do frogs and turtles spend the winter? Under the water’s surface is where many insect and wildlife species are protected from winter’s cold temperatures. We’ll prowl the banks of streams, ponds and wetlands and, depending on the conditions,
conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni will scoop a net or two to see aquatic up close.
Members: $10
Child members: $0
Non-members: $15
Child non-members $5
To register, click here.
Birding
Fox Sparrow by Janice Hager
Birding with Stefan Martin
Saturday, February 20
10 a.m.
Winter is the perfect time of year to get out and look for birds! We will explore ways birds manage to
survive this demanding season when food and cover are in short supply. In addition to highlighting the
importance of habitat diversity for supporting wildlife throughout the seasons, we will conduct an eBird checklist. This is your opportunity to become a Citizen Scientist!
All levels of birders are welcome on the walks.
Members: $10
Child members: $0
Non-Members: $15
Child non-members: $5
To register, click here.
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, center manager at dwallin@ctaudubon.org to join the Garden Gaggle or the Habitat Helpers in 2020.
