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 15 attendees with a leader and a co-leader. 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.
First Friday Hike
Join our volunteers, Mary Ann and Allison for fresh air, exercise and good company on a hike. Each month we’ll explore different trails. Pace of hike adjusted to participants. Hiking poles are helpful.
No Fee
Friday, August 6
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Register here.
Friday, September 3
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Register here.
Birding
Yellow Warbler by Michael Audette
BIRD WALKS
Join birding experts for spring walks to explore the variety of bird species that call Deer Pond Farm home. With such diverse habitats, we can look forward to seeing birds such as the Eastern Bluebird, Red-shouldered Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers and many others! All levels of birders are welcome on the walks.
Saturday, August 14, 8 a.m. with Stefan Martin
Register here.
BIRDS & MORE ECOLOGY WALK
Late summer is a great time to observe wildlife activity in the fields, forests, and ponds at Deer Pond Farm. Butterflies and other pollinators are visiting flowers, the sounds of cicadas and crickets fill the air, and dragonflies are patrolling shorelines where Green Frogs let out the occasional croak. And you never know what else you’ll see while exploring the trails on this guided walk.
Join conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni on a gentle ~1.5-mile trail walk. Along the way, we’ll pause to identify birds and other wildlife and trees and other plants, and learn about how they make their livings and how they are all interconnected.
Saturday, August 21, 9 a.m. with Jim Arrigoni
Register here.
Beginning Birding Walk
Are you new to birding? Would you like help with binocular use and bird identification? In this 1.5 hour program field guides, apps and tips, including bird size & shape, color, behavior and habitat to help with identification will be shared.
Sunday, August 29, 11 a.m. with Ryan MacLean
Register here.
Bird Walks:
Members: $10
Child members: $0
Non-Members: $15
Child non-members: $5
Be a Citizen Scientist
Eastern Phoebe by Kelly Siranko
Do you love noticing details about the plants and animals around you? Do you want to take meaningful action to support environmental conservation? Participation in citizen science is for you!
Join our volunteer citizen science chair, Victoria Landry to learn about opportunities at Deer Pond Farm. She’ll teach you about the value of collecting data and the specifics of projects we are
supporting. You’ll explore the sanctuary together and collect data.
eBird
Saturday, August 14
11 a.m. to noon
Register here.
NO FEE
Learn how to use eBird, the digital platform for documenting bird sightings.
eBird has been described as the tool that has “changed birding forever,” and now you will be able to participate in building this exciting crowd-sourced database. We will begin by discussing best
practices for using the eBird app, and then practice inputting sightings as we explore the property together. Please come with the eBird app downloaded onto your smartphone, or a notebook and pencil for recording your observations.
Butterfly Walks
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Joe-Pye Weed. Photo by Deirdra Wallin.
Over 40 butterfly species have been identified at Deer Pond Farm, a certified Monarch Waystation through Monarch Watch. Learn about butterflies as we go through our pollinator garden and meadows. Identification tips as well as habitat needs, including host and nectar plants will be shared. Leader: Ryan MacLean
Sunday, August 29, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Register here
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.
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 Deirdra Wallin, center manager at dwallin@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
