Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm

August 6, 2020 — Deer Pond Farm is closed until further notice because of storm damage. That includes parking and trails. Programs are cancelled. Thank you for your patience!

June 1, 2020 – Private small group bird walks are being scheduled at Deer Pond Farm, following current COVID 19 precautions. Connecticut Audubon sanctuaries are open for hiking. Please keep a distance of at least 6 feet from other hikers and birders.

We invite you to make a reservation to join us for one of our walks or programs.
Please note, members do receive discounts on programs as well as many other benefits. For more information, click here.

by Michael Audette

Friday, July 31, 10 a.m.
Sunday, August 16 3 p.m.
Friday, August 28, 4 p.m.

Unless a cicada is buzzing away in the treetops, Connecticut forests can be very quiet during these lazy days of late summer. But upon closer inspection, a lot is happening this time of year as many critters are taking full advantage of the abundance of food sources, whether it be nectar, seeds, fruits, or even other animals. Conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni will be your guide in exploring the meadows, forests & wetlands of some of our less-travelled New York trails. Along the way, we’ll identify different species of wildlife and plants, and also show how different species make their   livings at the sanctuary and how Connecticut Audubon manages the land for their benefit.

This walk will include Jim and ten pre-registered and pre-paid attendees. Member fee: $10 per person. Non-member fee: $15 per person.

Friday, July 31, 10 a.m. to noon, To register, click here

Sunday, August 16, 3 p.m., To register, click here

Friday, August 28, 4 p.m.,  To register, click here

CANCELLED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE

Friday, August 7, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
FREE Program

Join volunteers, Mary Ann and Allison on a hike for fresh air, exercise and good company through the varied habitats of Deer Pond Farm.  The focus will be on covering many trails (approximately 3 miles) at a good pace.  The route will travel through some rolling hills and several hundred feet of elevation change.  With 20 miles of trails, we’ll explore different trails and routes each month.

CANCELLED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE
Program not held if raining 

Please arrive on time and dress for the weather. Inclement weather cancels. Bring water and a sense of adventure.

CANCELLED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE

Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m.

Learn basic camera settings (ISO, aperture, exposure etc.), birding/photography ethics and how to get your best shot in the field with The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Land Steward Stefan Martin. With diverse habitats, we can be certain to have plenty of opportunities to put practice these new found tips.

This walk will include Stefan and ten pre-registered and pre-paid attendees. Member fee: $10 per person. Non-member fee: $15 per person.

by Patrick Comins

Saturday, August 8, 2 p.m. – CANCELLED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE
Wednesday, August 12, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, August 18, 10 a.m.

Explore our thriving pollinator garden and surrounding areas with The Connecticut Audubon
Society’s Land Steward Stefan Martin looking for these winged wonders. Along the way, we will learn about the different butterfly host plants and nectar rich native flowers which provide food for both birds and butterflies alike.

This walk will include Stefan and ten pre-registered and pre-paid attendees. Member fee: $10 per person. Non-member fee: $15 per person.

Wednesday, August 12, 10 a.m., To register, click here

Tuesday, August 18, 10 a.m., To register, click here

by Stefan Martin

Tuesday, August 11, 7 a.m.

All level of birders are welcome on this relaxing excursion along the trails on our way to various birding hot spots with Miley Bull, The Connecticut Audubon Society’s senior director of science and conservation . We will look and listen for resident and migrant bird species as we collect data for the Connecticut Bird Atlas.

This walk will include Miley and ten pre-registered and pre-paid attendees. Member fee: $10 per person. Non-member fee: $15 per person.

To register, click here

Baltimore Oriole photo by Tomas Koeck

Limited availability for your own private guided walks are being offered at Deer Pond Farm. Each walk will include a staff member and up to four pre-registered and pre-paid attendees. These are being led by Jim Arrigoni, conservation biologist and Stefan Martin, land steward. Contact Deirdra Wallin, program manager, dwallin@ctaudubon.org to schedule. Fee: $100 for the group.

 The walks will go through the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm and include information on the flora and fauna as well as our conservation work.  Habitat enhancement and data collection (eBird, Connecticut Bird Atlas and Motus Wildlife Tracking System) to be shared.

Scarlet Tanager

Saturday, September 26
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Explore the diverse habitats right along the Still River Greenway with Connecticut’s Audubon Society’s Stefan Martin, habitat steward and expert birder. We will take a look at some of the different habitat types that birds use for for food, shelter and nesting. Basic birding, including how to use binoculars, observation skills and the identification tips will be presented. Bring binoculars, if you have them. For more information on the CT Audubon Society, including the newest sanctuary in Sherman, visit www.ctaudubon.org. This program is limited to 15 people.

Registration required, Brookfield CT Park and Recreation, 203-775-7310

Photo by Stephanie Paventy

Saturday, October 10, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Free Program

Join CT DEEP Wildlife Biologist Peter Picone for a walk through the habitats of Deer Pond Farm in Sherman, CT.    The focus of this walk is how plants and animals are inextricably linked. Plants provide the foundational components of wildlife habitat throughout the seasons of the year.   You will come away with learning about many of Connecticut’s native plants and their associated benefits to wildlife. Mr. Picone has over 30 years of experience in enhancing and managing wildlife habitat in Connecticut.

To register click here.

Saturday, November 7
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Program

Cathy Hagadorn, director at Deer Pond Farm and Mike Cunningham, from Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust will lead this hike. They’’ll discuss Connecticut’s changing landscape from farms to forest and what stonewalls can tell us about prior land use along the way. We’ll follow Old Stage Coach Trail, a historic route, pass by wolf trees and old stone foundations as we make our way to a scenic overlook.

Please arrive on time and dress for the weather.  Inclement weather cancels. Bring binoculars, camera, water, sunscreen, bug spray, walking stick and a sense of adventure!  Binoculars are available to borrow.

To register click here.

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 at dwallin@ctaudubon.org to join the Garden Gaggle or the Habitat Helpers in 2020.