Programs and Events at the Fairfield Nature Center
We’re delighted to announce the Center’s Birds of Prey renovations are completed! Our raptor ambassadors have been getting comfortable in their beautiful new residence, and they are excited to welcome you back to their home. We hope you’ll come visit soon!
Naturalist Training Program
Bird Banding Class at Birdcraft
Wednesdays 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.
*Registration full
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.
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. Find more information, registration and sponsorship options here.
Fall Bird Seed Sale
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pre-orders due Wednesday, October 8
The Nature Store at the Fairfield Nature Center will be offering premium bird seed at a 20% discount on Saturday, October 18. With the cooler months ahead, this is an ideal opportunity to stock up on your birds’ favorites. Knowledgeable staff are always available to offer guidance on seed choice, feeder selection and to answer general bird-feeding questions.
To ensure adequate supplies are available, pre-ordering is strongly recommended. Click here for the pre-order form (due Wednesday, October 8). The sale takes place on Saturday, October 18 at the Center’s Nature Store, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield. Call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 for more information.
Enchanted Forest Walk
Friday, October 24, 2025
5 – 7:15 p.m.
You’ll have a fun (but not scary) experience being escorted through the luminary trail and learning about nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. Live animals — including owls — plus crafts, snacks and hot chocolate, will round out this nature-themed, outdoors-only event. Dress for the weather; costumes encouraged!
Guided walks leave every 15 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. Last walk leaves at 7:15 p.m. Members $10 per person; Non-members $12 per person. Pre-registration required. No walk-ins.
| 5:00 p.m. walk: register here. | 6:15 p.m. walk: register here. |
| 5:15 p.m. walk: register here. | 6:30 p.m. walk: register here. |
| 5:30 p.m. walk: register here. | 6:45 p.m. walk: register here. |
| 5:45 p.m. walk: register here. | 7:00 p.m. walk: register here. |
| 6:00 p.m. walk: register here. | 7:15 p.m. walk: register here. |
This family-friendly event is ideally suited for children up to age 10 (ages one and under are free). Will be held rain or moon shine! Children must be accompanied by an adult, no strollers please! This event takes place at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Scout Wolf and Tiger Programs
Saturday, November 1, 2025
9 to 10:30 a.m. and 10 to 11:45 a.m.
Our teacher/naturalists will lead scouts on hikes in the Larsen Sanctuary as well as other activities to help fulfill badge requirements (some requirements are the responsibility of the scout to complete independently). Scouts are welcome to participate in more than one badge. At least one adult from each pack/den must accompany and stay with their group for the duration of the program. Each participating scout is required to register.
Wolf Paws on the Path
9 to 10:30 a.m. $12 per Scout. Register here.
Tigers in the Wild
10:45 to 11:45 a.m. $10 per Scout. Register here.
Please note: space is limited; badges are not included. For any questions, please call 203-259-6305 ext. 109. Meets at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
School Day Off Fall Fun – Registration is Closed
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Program has filled; registration is closed
Children in Kindergarten to Grade 2 will enjoy a day off from school filled with exploring the wonders of nature. We’ll hike the trails looking for signs of animals, use insect nets to investigate pond life, roll logs to see what lives beneath, meet live animals, search for worms, insects, and salamanders, play games and more! Pre-registration is required.
Fairfield Resident: free. Non-Resident, CAS Member: $55. Non-Resident, Non-member: $65.
Please bring a peanut-free lunch and snack. The program will be primarily outside so be sure to dress for the weather and bring a change of clothes. It takes place at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824.
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. Other scouting program information coming soon.
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.
