Programs and Events at the Fairfield Nature Center
Please note: The Fairfield Nature Center, including the Nature Store, will be closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. Our trails remain open from dawn to dusk.
We’re thrilled to say the renovations are nearly complete on the Center’s Birds of Prey Compound.
While still closed to the public, our raptor ambassadors are moving in and getting comfortable in their beautiful new residence. Thank you for your patience while they get acclimated.
Please stay tuned for news of the grand re-opening coming the end of this summer.
Naturalist Training Program
Bird Banding Class at Birdcraft
This class has filled and registration is closed
Wednesdays: September 10 through October 29, 2025
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.*
*on 9/24 class meets 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; on 10/1 meets 8 to 11 a.m.
The Naturalist Training Program provides classroom and field training over the span of eight weeks. It prepares adults of all experience levels to become naturalists in their communities and to contribute to environmental education and conservation efforts through volunteer service.
Classes are taught by field experts and will take advantage of the diverse ecosystems of CT Audubon’s Fairfield Region locations. Click here to view the syllabus and class locations.
Upon completing the program, participants are expected to contribute 10 volunteer hours to the organization. You’ll be assisted with identifying opportunities where you can apply your knowledge and interests to CT Audubon’s work and activities.
Space is limited. Cost: Members $285; Non-members $325.
Be sure to check the schedule for the start time and CT Audubon site where each class will take place. Please bring a water bottle, snacks/lunch, binoculars, sun hat, sunblock and insect repellent; wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the day’s weather. For additional information, email Tricia Kevalis or call the Fairfield Nature Center at (203) 259-6305, ext. 109.
Hawk Watch at Deer Meadow
Red-Tailed Hawk by Stefan Martin
Friday, September 19, 2025
9:30 a.m. to Noon
As summer comes to a close, millions of raptors will begin their fall migration. Join Conservation Manager Stefan Martin to witness birds of prey making their journey south. We will meet at the trail head and walk to the Larsen Sanctuary’s Deer Meadow hawk platform for optimal viewing. You will want to bring your binoculars for this one! Best for ages 8 and over; must be able to walk to the Sanctuary’s Deer Meadow location and back. No strollers please.
Registration required. Members $15; Non-Members $20. Register here.
The Hawk Watch takes place at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street. Meet at the trail head and we’ll walk together to Deer Meadow. The Deer Meadow platform is approximately a half mile from the parking area.
Nature Tots
Tuesdays: Sept. 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28: Nov. 18, 25, 2025
10 – 10:45 a.m.
What do animals do in the fall? How do they prepare for cooler temperatures? We’ll discover the answers to these questions and more in this engaging, indoor/outdoor program. Activities may include stories, crafts, games, experiments, live animal visitors and explorations. For ages 2-3 years accompanied by an actively participating adult. Pre-registration is required.
Series fee (per child): Members $120, Non-members $150.
Register for all six classes here.
Single class fee (per child): Members $20, Non-members $25.
September 30: Register here.
October 14: Register here.
October 21: Register here.
October 28: Register here.
November 18: Register here.
November 25: Register here.
Please wear appropriate indoor/outdoor clothing and footwear. This program is held at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Bird Walk at Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve
White-crowned Sparrow photographed at Smith Richardson Preserve by Patrick Comins.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
8 to 10 a.m.
Join Conservation Manager Stefan Martin on this fall walk through the coastal meadows, shrubs, thickets, conifers and open woods of Connecticut Audubon’s Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve in Westport. In addition to a variety of sparrows, other possible sightings include warblers (such as Yellow-rumped, American Redstart and Palm) and species such as the Blue-headed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe, Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Registration required.
Members $20, Non-members $25. Register here.
This walk is geared for adults; all levels of birders welcome. Binoculars are recommended. Please meet at the Sanctuary’s entrance gate by the parking lot. Lot is located across the street from 39 Sasco Creek Road, Westport (just north of Southport Beach).
THE BON Charity Golf Event in Fairfield
Thursday, October 16, 2025
10:30 a.m. Registration & Brunch
11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
4:30 p.m. Cocktails, Auction & Dinner
Join us for THE BON, our annual charity golf event in support of the Fairfield Region’s conservation, education, and advocacy work to protect CT’s wildlife and habitats. Registration includes a round of golf at the prestigious Country Club of Fairfield’s scenic course, brunch, cocktails, auction and dinner. For more information, registration and sponsorship options, visit here.
Ongoing Programs
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- Field Trips for Home Learning Groups: Enrich your home learning group by taking a field trip to the Center at Fairfield for hands-on, outdoor, environmental programs. Click here for program brochure.
- Science in Nature — Distance Learning: Bring the excitement and learning of our Science in Nature programs to your classroom with these live, virtual programs. Click here for program brochure.
- Science in Nature — In-Person Learning: Offerings include programs at your school, field trips to the Center at Fairfield or a local park. For the All Grade Level brochure, click here.
- Outreach Programs: Our animal-focused programs are ideal for individuals, libraries, scout troops, senior centers and more. Click here for details.
- Birthday Parties: Celebrate your child’s birthday with a nature-based party at our Center. Click here for details.
- Scouting Programs: Ongoing, customized science- and nature-related scouting programs are also available on- or off-site. Click here for details.
Outreach Programs
Enrich yourself, or the offerings of your group or organization, with our outreach learning programs. Ideal for individuals, libraries, scout troops, senior centers, Parks and Recreation departments and more, they can also be tailored to meet your specific needs. Programs can be in-person or virtual (via Zoom). Click here for brochure.
Birds of Prey – Encounter with one or more raptors on a bird handler’s glove. You’ll learn about the natural history of these magnificent birds, while discovering their unique physical and behavioral adaptations. We’ll discuss different raptor species and their amazing behavioral and predatory adaptations, as well as their conservation status and critical role in the environment.
Program fee: $300. Length: 60 minutes.
Meet the Animals – Unlock the basics behind how scientists classify animals into groups. We’ll focus on five basic animal groups: invertebrates, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. By comparing representative animals and their features, discover how the animals are related, what special traits they have, and better understand why they are classified the way they are. The program also includes live animals and mounted species.
Program fee: $165. Length: 60 minutes.
Backyard Birding – Learn how to identify backyard birds by sight and sound, who is at the feeder during each season and what their feeding habits are. Also covered will be bird characteristics, ways to entice birds to your feeder, what feeders and seed to use, and where to place feeders for bird safety and best viewing. This program includes a PowerPoint presentation, and there will be samples of bird feeders and seed that can be used in your backyard to attract birds.
Program fee: $165. Length: 60 minutes.
To schedule, please email our program manager at tkevalis@ctaudubon.org.
Connecticut Audubon’s Dr. Science: Using Binoculars for Birding
Ever wonder how you could use your binoculars to get an “eagle-eye” view of some of your favorite birds? Join Connecticut Audubon’s Dr. Science as she shares (and demonstrates) some dos and don’ts, including how you can listen, spot and focus in on your next super-incredible nature experience.
See below for our previous Dr. Science adventures:
Episode 1: Skunk Cabbage, click here.
Episode 2: Estuaries, click here.
Episode 3: Beach Grass, click here.
Episode 4: Rockweed, click here.
Episode 5: Mud Snails, click here.
Episode 6: Bivalves, click here.
Episode 7: The Great Blue Heron, click here.
Episode 8: Life Under a Log, click here.
Episode 9: The Wood Frog Story, click here.
Episode 10: Owl Pellets, click here.
Episode 11: Dandelions, click here.
Episode 12: Snakes, click here.
Scouting Programs
The Fairfield Nature Center provides programs that meet the needs of scouts and their leaders. Our teacher-naturalists will lead scouts through hands-on, science-based programs during which they will discover unique habitats and wildlife while working towards badge requirements. Our ongoing scouting programs may be scheduled for weekdays and weekends (based on availability). For Girl Scout programs through the Center, click here. For Boy Scout programs, click here.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child’s birthday with Connecticut Audubon! We provide a fun-filled, 45-minute, nature-based program for your child and up to 15 guests, plus an additional 45 minutes for your own birthday fun. Age-specific themes (appropriate for ages 3 and up) to choose from include Naturalist Adventures, Slither and Slime, Creature Feature and more!
You can schedule a birthday party on Saturdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. or from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Weekday parties are available on a limited basis by request. (Please note, we cannot schedule birthday parties during the summer months of June, July and August.)
Click here to view the brochure. To book a party, please email Jane Guenther or call 203-259-6305 ext. 109.
