Programs and Events at the Center at Fairfield
SPRING GALA
Please join us as we celebrate 125 years of dedication to the Fairfield Region.
Saturday, April 22
6:30 – 11 p.m.
Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield
Connecticut Audubon protects Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through award-winning science-based education, community programs and legislative advocacy. We hope you will join us for a festive night of dinner, dancing, fabulous auction items and celebration!
Click Here for Complete Info and Tickets!
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: On-going, 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.
Little Nature Explorers
Tuesdays: March 28; April 4, 25
10 – 10:45 a.m.
What do animals do in the spring? How do they prepare for the warmer 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, accompanied by an actively participating adult. Pre-registration is required.
Fee (per child): Members $20, Non-members $25.
March 28: Register here.
April 4: Register here.
April 25: Register here.
Please wear appropriate indoor/outdoor attire and footwear. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This will be held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
Peeper Prowl
Photo by Twan Leenders
Friday, March 31
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
One of the telltale sounds of early spring is the high-pitched peeping chorus of spring peepers. Join us for an evening adventure as we head into the Larsen Sanctuary on a guided walk to listen and look for these tiny frogs. While searching around the marsh and ponds we may find other secretive animals too, like spotted salamanders.
Members $20/per person, Non-members $25/per person. Click here to register.
Pre-registration required. Appropriate for ages 6 and up. Bring boots, flashlights and warm clothes; no strollers, please. Children must be with an adult. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program will be held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
Larsen Sanctuary Bird Walk
A male Red-winged Blackbird, photographed by Patrick Comins.
Wednesday, April 5
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Early spring is an ideal time to visit the Larsen Sanctuary to view both native bird species and early migrants. With the warmer temperatures, birds and insects become more active, and the Sanctuary — with its diverse habitats of mixed hardwood forest, ponds and wetlands — is frequented by more than 180 species of birds throughout the year. Join Connecticut Audubon’s Educator/Naturalist Dave Havens to identify different species, learn about their preferred habitats and food preferences.
Members $15, Non-members $20. Register here.
Pre-registration required. This walk is geared towards adults; all levels of birders welcome. Binoculars are recommended. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program is held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
Junior Animal Care – SOLD OUT
Wednesday, April 5
3:30 to 5 p.m.
If you’ve ever wanted to go behind the scenes and help care for the Center’s resident animals, then this program is for you! From gross to glamorous, kids in grades 6-8 will learn about animal care, feeding and ensuring they have a healthy living environment. Note: This program is sold out.
After-School Nature Explorers
Thursdays: April 6, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25
3:45 – 5 p.m.
When the school day is over, students in kindergarten through second grade will look forward to being outside and becoming nature explorers! They will search for signs of animals with our teacher/naturalist, who will lead hikes along the Wildlife Sanctuary’s trails looking for tracks, investigating wildlife up-close and doing hands-on experiments.
Series fee: Members $105, Non-members $140. Click here to sign up for all seven sessions!
Single session fee: Members: $15 ; Non-members: $20.
| April 6: Register here. | May 11: Register here. |
| April 20: Register here. | May 18: Register here. |
| April 27: Register here. | May 25: Register here. |
| May 4: Register here. |
Pre-registration required. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program is at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Full Moon Hike
Thursday, April 6
7 p.m.
When the sun goes down, the nighttime comes alive with activity! During this nocturnal adventure, we’ll explore the Sanctuary with Connecticut Audubon’s Habitat Steward Stefan Martin and learn about wildlife that is active at night.
Members $15 per person, Non-members $20 per person. Pre-registration required. Click here to register.
Ages 6 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult). No strollers please. Bring a flashlight. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program will be held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 8
Filling Fast! Remaining time slots to choose from: 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
This favorite spring tradition returns! In addition to the fun search for eggs, there will be family activities, visits with a special bunny, crafts and snacks. Don’t forget to bring your camera and a basket!
Members $10/child, $10/adult. Non-members $12/child, $12/adult. Pre-registration is required.
9:30 a.m.: SOLD OUT
11 a.m.: SOLD OUT
12:30 p.m.: Register here.
2 p.m.: Register here.
This is an outdoor event and will be held rain or shine (in case of rain, the event will be moved indoors). Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program will be held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
April Break Camp
Tuesday – Friday, April 11 – 14
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Spring will be springing for young nature lovers! Children preschool age (4-5) and kindergarten to 2nd grade are invited to join us this week to help welcome back the animals and plants that have been hiding all winter. Our teacher naturalists will lead campers on investigations in the Larsen Sanctuary to look for evidence of spring’s arrival and see what nature is up to this time of year.
Activities will include outdoor hikes with log rolling, games, crafts and visits with live animals. Sign up for one or more days!
Members $55, Non-members $65. Pre-registration required.
| Preschool Age (4-5) | Kindergarten to 2nd Grade |
| Tuesday, April 11: Register here. | Tuesday, April 11: Register here. |
| Wednesday, April 12: Register here. | Wednesday, April 12: Register here. |
| Thursday, April 13: Register here. | Thursday, April 13: Register here. |
| Friday, April 14: Register here. | Friday, April 14: Register here. |
This is an outdoor program, however, if inclement weather develops, the program may be moved indoors. Please dress for the weather, bring a change of clothes, and a peanut-free lunch and snack. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program will be held at Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
Spring Bird Seed Sale: 20% Off
Saturday, April 15
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(Pre-orders due Wednesday, April 5)
The Center at Fairfield’s Nature Store will be offering a 20% discount on all bird seed during its one-day spring seed sale. With springtime nest building and nestlings on the way, this is a perfect time to stock up.
Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help you select the right seed for your feeders and answer general bird feeding questions.
To ensure that adequate supplies are available, pre-ordering is strongly recommended. Click here for the form (due Wednesday, April 5). On sale day, pre-order customers should drive straight to seed pick-up area for curbside loading.
Girl Scout Eco Quest
Saturday, April 29
10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Last day to register is Saturday, April 15.
To register, click the program of your choice which will link you directly to the Girl Scout registration page.
Outdoor Art Creator (Brownie Level)
10 – 11 a.m.
Colors, shapes and sounds have always been inspiring to artists. After heading outdoors to gather natural materials, you’ll create leaf and bark rubbings, draw a picture of an animal or plant that we have seen up close, and create a work of art outside for all to see. Helps accomplish Steps 1, 2 and 4. Register here.
Bugs (Brownie Level) – FILLED
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Creepy, crawly bugs play an important role in our world. Discover just how important they are to our ecosystems by exploring the Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary and more! Note: This session is full.
Animal Habitats (Junior Level)
10:00 – Noon
Take to the trails, investigate different animal habitats and discover who lives where. You’ll learn about endangered animals and what we can do to protect the habitat and the animals that live there. Then put what you’ve learned together with your creative talents and create an animal habitat. Helps accomplish Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Register here.
Pre-registration is required. Badges are not included. Participants will need to complete child and adult waivers. This program will be held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
Bird Walk at Sherwood Island State Park
Semipalmated Sandpipers, photo by Patrick Comins.
Wednesday, May 10
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Connecticut Audubon’s Educator/Naturalist Dave Havens will lead this walk to observe and learn about native and migrating species at this premier bird watching location.
Sherwood Island is one of largest undeveloped parcels of coastal land in the state, and its variety of habitats (shorelines, marshes, meadows, woods and dunes) attract a wide range of bird species – especially during spring migration when birds are on the move.
Members $15, Non-members $20. Click here to register.
Registration required. These walks are geared towards adults; all levels of birders welcome. Binoculars are recommended. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This will held at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport (participants will meet at the pavilion).
Backyard Birding for Adults
Friday, May 19
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of backyard birding, including how to identify 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 indoor program includes a PowerPoint presentation, and the chance to view samples of bird feeders and seed that can be used to attract birds to your backyard.
Members $10, Non-members $15. Click here to register.
Pre-registration required. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program will be held at Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.
This program is one of many taking place around the state for Connecticut Audubon’s Migration Madness weekend, an annual celebration of Connecticut’s birds.
Summer Camp
Monday, June 12 – Friday, August 18
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Our popular summer camp program offers weekly sessions with a variety of experiences for children ages 4-13 to learn, discover and explore nature — creating a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.
Students ages 14-18 are welcome to become a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) for our summer camp. CITs assist experienced staff in working with campers.
For complete details and registration, click here. To view this year’s Center at Fairfield camp sessions, download the 2023 Summer Camp brochure.
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 you can choose from include Naturalist Adventures, Slither and Slime, Creature Feature, Winged Wonder and more.
Available on Saturdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Weekday parties 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.
Programs may be scheduled for weekdays and weekends (based on availability). For on-going Girl Scout programs through the Center, click here. For on-going Boy Scout programs, click here.
Additionally, on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., there will be an Girl Scout Eco Quest program at the Center. For information and registration, please 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.
