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.
Wildlife in Winter
THIS WALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO IMPENDING WEATHER.
Saturday, January 29
10 a.m. to Noon
Even in the middle of winter, there is still plenty of wildlife to see and learn about here at Deer Pond Farm. Conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni will point out evidence of different wildlife species while discussing the strategies that plants and animals depend on to survive New England winters.
Adult member: $5
Child member: Free
Adult non-member: $10
Child non-member: $5
First Friday Walk
February 4
10 a.m. to Noon
Join us for a fun winter hike (or snowshoe tour, depending on trail conditions) with Deer Pond Farm volunteers, Mary Ann and Allison, for fresh air, exercise and good company. Different trails and routes taken each month.
Register here.
No fee.
Birding Walk
February 12
10 a.m. to 12 noon
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, join expert birder Stefan Martin to learn about local species such as Bald Eagle and Great-horned Owl that are already preparing for the breeding season. This gentle 1.5 mile walk will also be good practice for getting involved in the Great Backyard Bird count citizen science project occurring from February 18-21. For more details, visit www.birdcount.org.
Register here.
Barred Owl by Jim Arrigoni
Adult member: $5
Child member: Free
Adult non-member: $10
Child non-member: $5
Wildlife in Winter: Aquatic Ecology
February 27
1 to 3 p.m.
Where do frogs and turtles spend the winter? Under the water’s surface is where many insect and animal species are protected from winter’s cold temperatures. Along the way on this gentle 1.5-mile walk, we’ll prowl the banks of different habitats such as streams, ponds and wetlands. Depending on the conditions, conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni will scoop a net or two to see overwintering aquatic life up close.
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)
A staff member 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.
Call 860-799-4074 to schedule.
Fee: $100 for a two hour walk includes up to six 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.
