Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
Click here to view December’s program calendar.
We are offering small group outdoor programming following all current COVID-19 safety procedures. Group size is limited to 15 people with a leader and a co-leader. Members 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.
Winter Under the Water Walk
Female Red-winged Blackbird by Michael Audette
Saturday, December 10
10 a.m. to Noon
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. 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 up close aquatic life preparing for winter.
Register here.
Birding with Stefan
Black-capped Chickadee by Michael Audette
Tuesday, December 13
10 a.m. to Noon
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. Join us as we look for our year-round bird residents while highlighting the importance of habitat diversity for supporting wildlife throughout the seasons.
Register here.
New to Nature
Eastern Chipmunk by Michael Audette
Sunday, December 18
10 a.m. to Noon
Are you curious about the natural world around us, but unsure where to begin? Join Project Coordinator Emily Freundt for the inaugural program in our New to Nature series! We will begin this program inside our classroom to learn about a selection of resources available to help answer our questions. We will then head outside to take in the world around us on a short walk on the trails. Bring your questions and your curiosity!
Register here.
January First Friday Hike
Female Northern Cardinal by Brian Bennett
Friday, January 6
10 a.m. to Noon
Join Deer Pond Farm volunteers for a morning hike or snowshoe (depending on trail condition!). It is a great way to enjoy the crisp winter air, get some exercise, and learn more about Deer Pond Farm!
Register here.
Winter Birds Walk
Tuesday
, January 10
10 a.m. to Noon
January is a great time to get to know the birds who spend their winters in our area. Join Habitat Steward Stefan Martin on the trails of Deer Pond Farm looking for signs of our winter owls, raptors, sparrows, and finches. Learn what to look and listen for, and what the best time of day is to see each of these cold-tolerant species.
Register here.
Winter Tree ID Walk
Red-bellied Woodpecker by Brian Bennett
Saturday, January 21
10 a.m. to Noon
Even without leaves, trees offer many clues about their identify: bark color and texture, overall form, habitat, and twig characteristics. Join Connecticut Audubon Society Master Naturalists John Ehrenreich, author of Native Trees of Connecticut, and Diane Nizlek for the winter edition of our seasonal Tree ID Program. This program will begin indoors in our classroom, where identification basics will be reviewed before hitting the trails to put our new ID skills to work.
Please note, masks will be required for the indoor portion of this program. Thank you for your cooperation!
Register here.
Wildlife in Winter Walk
Dark-eyed Junco by Brian Bennett
Thursday, January 26
10 a.m. to Noon
Even in the midst 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 the frigid New England winter. We will also talk about what you can do to responsibly support winter wildlife in your own neighborhood.
Register here.
Create Your Own Nature Walk!
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Brian Bennett
Can’t make a guided program this month? Create your own nature walk! Use the resources below to make the most of your time exploring the 15 miles of trails spanning Deer Pond Farm.
Deer Pond Farm Suggested Hikes – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Bird Checklist – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Nature Scavenger Hunt – for 8 and under, for 9 and up.
Deer Pond Farm Spring Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Summer Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Fall Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Winter Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary Rules – click here.
Directions – click here.
Click on each month to view birds that can be seen each month at Deer Pond Farm:
January February March April May June
July August September October November December
Please note: dogs, horses, fishing, swimming, camping, fires, hunting and collecting are not permitted.
Thank you for staying on the trails.
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.
