Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
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.
Community Partner Programs (Offsite)
Great Blue Heron by Brian Bennett
HollowFest 2019
Great Hollow Nature Preserve
Saturday, October 26
Look for The Connecticut Audubon Society interactive information table! For more information on this event, click here.
A Modern Ecological Detective Story: The role of mosquitos, birds and birders in the emergence of West Nile Virus in the United States, Akin Free Library, Pawling, NY
Thursday, November 7, 6 p.m.
Free Program
Newspaper headlines regularly announce outbreaks of infectious diseases like Ebola in Africa, but our corner of the globe also has its share of mysterious illnesses circulating unseen among insects, wildlife, and people. Since West Nile Virus was detected for the first time in the New York City area in 1999, it has spread across the United States. This presentation will describe recent research on the fascinating ecology of this pathogen with a focus on how it is transmitted among various species of mosquitoes and birds, and sometimes humans. You’ll learn how to best protect yourself when risk levels are elevated, usually late summer. Notably, the observations of citizen science birdwatchers have been especially critical to understanding the public health threats and ecological implications posed by West Nile Virus, which makes our participation in monitoring projects such as the Breeding Bird Surveys and the CT Bird Atlas even more meaningful and important.
No Fee. To register, click here
Interested in offering a program in your town? Contact Deirdra Wallin, program coordinator, dwallin@ctaudubon.org or 860-799-4074 ext. 102.
Nature Walks
By Deirdra Wallin
Learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit our forests, meadows and wetlands as you explore the trails with our staff. Walks will emphasize the highlights of the seasonal transitions as plants and animals prepare for the cold months ahead. We will move at a leisurely pace, stopping to observe and learn about various points of interest, including our habitat enhancement projects. Approximately two hours, moderately hilly terrain.
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.
Friday, November 1, 3 p.m. To register, click here
Thursday, December 12, 9 a.m. To register, click here
Free for members
$5 non-members
$10 family non-members
Bird Walks
White-breasted Nuthatch by Brian Bennett
Join us for expert guided birds walks to enjoy resident and migratory songbirds and hawks among the display of changing foliage. We’ll explore diverse habitats which support a variety of species that we will help identify by sight and sound. All levels of birders are welcome on these relaxing excursions along our trails. Binoculars available to borrow. Approximately two hours, moderately hilly terrain.
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.
November 9 a.m.
Wednesday, November 6 To register, click here
Wednesday. November 13 To register, click here
December 10 a.m.
Thursday, December 5 To register, click here
Wednesday, December 11 To register, click here
Free for members
$5 non-members
$10 family non-members
Take a Hike Thursdays
By Deirdra Wallin
Join us for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way! Staff and volunteers will lead these hikes 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 be moderately strenuous with several hundred feet of elevation change. 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.
November 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. To register, click here
December 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. To register, click here
Free for members
$5 non-members
$10 family non-members
Birding Basics
Michael Audette
Birdwatching is fun! And anyone can do it, from anywhere! It’s considered a favorite pastime with over 60 million Americans taking time to look through their binoculars in search of birds and listen for bird calls and songs. Anyone can enjoy it independently or in a group. Whether you are new to birding or experienced, join us to discover the joys of birdwatching as we go over a variety of topics while we take to the trails to explore different habitats. You’ll learn about: binocular basics, identification clues (size and shape, field marks, behavior, and habitat), and ethics (for wildlife and the land). Field guides, apps, and websites will also be shared to support your interest in learning. Bring binoculars (or borrow from us) and all of the questions you have about birding. Approximately two hours on easy terrain.
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.
Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m. Family Friendly To register, click here
Friday, March 27, 9 a.m. To register, click here
Monday, May 4, 5 p.m. To register, click here
Free for members
$5 non-members
$10 family non-members
Habitat Enhancement Volunteer Opportunities
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.
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: October 22 & November 5.
Garden Gaggle: Join us in the bird and 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.
September through October, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Email Deirdra Wallin at dwallin@ctaudubon.org to join the Garden Gaggle or the Habitat Helpers.
