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.
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 keep a distance of at least 6 feet from other guests and have a mask available for use.
Please call 860-799-4074 with any questions or to be put on a wait list for a program.
First Friday Hike
Yellow Warbler – Photo by Brian Bennett
Friday, June 3
9 AM to 11 AM
Join volunteers Mary Ann and Allison the first Friday of each month for a hike on the shade-covered trails at Deer Pond Farm . This is a great way to explore new trails, get some fresh air, exercise and see some of our 850 acres.
Register here.
No fee.
National Trails Day Nature Hike
Photo by Brian Bennett
Saturday, June 4
9 AM to 11 AM
Celebrate National Trails Day by joining us for a gentle 1.5-mile walk on the trails at Deer Pond Farm! New England nature is at its exuberant peak during these longest days of the year as evidenced by nesting birds, blooming wildflowers, and croaking frogs. Conservation Biologist Jim Arrigoni will lead the exploration of a variety of habitats including forests, meadows, wetlands, and streams, and he’ll provide tips for identifying the plant and animal species we encounter with traditional field guides as well as modern smartphone apps. Participants will also enjoy this opportunity to get to know the trails!
Register here.
No fee.
Summer Bird Count Bird Walk
Cedar Waxwings – Photo by Brian Bennett
Saturday, June 19
9 AM to 11 AM
June is a great time to see what warm-weather avian residents can be found throughout Deer Pond Farm. Join Habitat Steward Stefan Martin on this guided bird walk, during which we will contribute observations and data collection to the New Milford/Pawling Summer Bird Count. This annual event engages birders of all abilities to collect and submit data to help researchers identify national and regional bird population trends.
Register here.
Adult member: $5
Child member: Free
Adult non-member: $10
Child non-member: $5
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 Emily Reeves, Administrative Assistant at ereeves@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
