Programs and Events at the Center at Fairfield
Naturalist Training Program
Wednesdays: September 11 through October 30, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (The Oct. 2 class meets from 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. Topics will include plants, birds, insects, mammals, bird banding, marine ecosystems, foraging and wild edibles and more. View the syllabus here.
Classes will take advantage of the diverse ecosystems of Connecticut Audubon’s Fairfield Region locations (Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, and the Fairfield Nature Center), as well as the Coastal Center at Milford Point. After completing the classes, you will be assisted with identifying ways in which you can apply your knowledge and interests to the Connecticut Audubon Society’s work and activities.
Members $275, Non-members $325 (includes a one-year Connecticut Audubon membership). Space is limited. Register here.
Please bring a water bottle, snacks/lunch, binoculars, sun hat, sunblock and insect repellent; be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the day’s weather. Participants will need to complete a waiver. For additional information, email Tricia Kevalis or call the Fairfield Nature Center at (203) 259-6305, ext. 109.
Ongoing Programs
- 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.
- Sponsor An Ambassador Bird: A rewarding way to ensure the welfare of a bird of prey that cannot survive on its own. 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.
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.
Click here to view the brochure. To book a party, please email Jane Guenther or call 203-259-6305 ext. 109.
Scouting Programs
The Center at Fairfield 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.
Sponsor an Ambassador Bird
Sponsoring an Ambassador Bird at the Center at Fairfield is a rewarding way to ensure the welfare of a bird of prey that cannot survive on its own. It’s a unique present for someone special or as a treat for yourself!
Your sponsorship will support the daily upkeep of your chosen bird, and the considerable amount of scrumptious raptor feed it eats — and yes — that does mean dead mice and rats!
You can also honor your favorite person, organization, teacher, or class with the gift of an owl, falcon or hawk sponsorship. It’s the perfect way to symbolically introduce them to the hunters of the sky! Click here for sponsorship information.
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.
