Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
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 call 860-799-4074 with any questions or to be put on a wait list for a program.
Feel free to pack a lunch and a thermos with your favorite warm beverage to enjoy on our terrace or pack a picnic to enjoy in our lawn after your hike.
Birds & Butterflies Walk – Cancelled
Monarch by Sharon Cuartero
Cancelled due to inclement weather.
July 23, 2024, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Deer Pond Farm
$5 for members, $10 for non-members
Join Stefan Martin, Connecticut Audubon Society’s conservation manager, in search of many faunae in flight at Deer Pond Farm. Over 45 species of butterflies, 14 species of moths, and 151 species of birds have been identified here to date. See the amazing diversity of pollinators here in our pollinator garden and meadows!
Fern ID Walk
August 6, 2024, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
Free
Join us at Deer Pond Farm, with master naturalist volunteer Diane Nizlek, who will introduce the basics of fern identification. In the classroom, we’ll start off with some ID tips, then we’ll step outside to observe ferns around our main campus. You’ll come away learning some fun facts about some of the oldest plants on our planet.
Register here for the August 6 fern walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
Bird Walk: Early Migration & Molting
Song Sparrow, Photo by Linda Miller
August 18, 2024, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
$5 Member, $10 Non-Members
With summer winding down, many birds are ramping up for fall migration. For the young of the year, this first-time migration will be a test of endurance and adaptation. Lori Lichtenauer, our new staff and avian expert, will review what to look for during early migration. Many adults will have a fresh set of feathers after their annual molting. The young birds may be harder to identify as their adult plumage may take over two years to come in. Join us at Deer Pond Farm for this great end-of-summer bird walk!
Register here for the August 18 bird walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
Summer Tree ID Walk
Ash Tree at Deer Pond Farm
August 21, 2024, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
Free
Join us for the summer installment of our seasonal tree identification series! John Ehrenreich, author of Native Trees of Connecticut, will lead this hike, where you will learn how to identify native trees and shrubs at Deer Pond Farm. Because it is the peak growing season, it’s a great time to study leaf arrangement, size, and shape. Don’t miss your chance to learn about the many clues used to identify our tree population and their importance in our natural environment.
Register here for the August 21 tree ID walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
September First Friday Hike (casual pace)
September 6, 2024, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Deer Pond Farm
Free
Explore up to three of the 15 miles of trails spanning the preserve on this monthly volunteer-led hike. It’s a great way to socialize, get some fresh air, exercise, and learn more about Deer Pond Farm!
Register here for the September 6 hike.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
September Second Saturday Hike (faster pace)
September 14, 2024, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Deer Pond Farm
Free
Enjoy a brisk hike at Deer Pond Farm in the crisp fall air! Volunteer Peggy will lead this 4–5-mile hike with a 2-2.5-mile pace. We’ll be stepping it out and there will be some gradual climbs. Feel free to pack lunch and enjoy the view from the teaching terrace after the hike.
Register here for the September 14 hike.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
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 Center Director Cathy Hagadorn, chagadorn@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
