Programs and Events at the Center at Fairfield
After-School Nature Explorers
Thursdays: September 28; October 5, 12; November 2, 9
3:45 – 5 p.m.
Free for Fairfield residents!
When the school day is over, students love heading outdoors to become nature explorers at Connecticut Audubon’s Center at Fairfield. Join our teacher/naturalist for a different topic each week based on kids’ interests.
We’ll hike the Sanctuary trails looking for signs of animals, and do hands-on science experiments and crafts that highlight the wonders of nature.
For kids in grades 3-5. In case of rain, the program session may be rescheduled. Per session fee: Non-residents/CAS Members: $20 per child; Non-residents/CAS Non-members: $25 per child. Free for Fairfield residents. Pre-registration required.
September 28: Register here.
October 5: Register here.
October 12: Register here.
November 2: Register here.
November 9: Register here.
Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program takes place at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Little Nature Explorers
Tuesdays: October 3, 10, 17, 24; November 14, 21
10 – 10:45 a.m.
What do animals do in the fall? Ho
w do they prepare for the 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. Click here to sign up for all six sessions.
Single session fee (per child): Members $20, Non-members $25.
October 3: Register here.
October 10: Register here.
October 17: Register here.
October 24: Register here.
November 14: Register here.
November 21: Register here.
Please wear appropriate indoor/outdoor clothing and footwear. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program is held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Bird Walk at the Smith Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary
White-crowned Sparrow photo by Patrick Comins.
Friday, October 13
8 – 10 a.m.
Join Habitat Steward Stefan Martin on this fall walk through the coastal meadows, shrubs, thickets, conifers and open woods of Connecticut Audubon’s Smith Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Westport. In addition to a variety of sparrows, other possible sightings include warblers (such Yellow-rumped, American Redstart and Palm) and species such as the Blue-headed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe, Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Members $20, Non-members $25. Register here.
Pre-registration required. This walk is geared toward adults; all levels of birders welcome. Binoculars are recommended. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. Meet at the Sanctuary’s entrance gate by the parking lot. The lot is located across the street from 39 Sasco Creek Road, Westport (just north of Southport Beach).
Fall Hawk Watches
Photo by Vincent P. Lucas
Saturdays: October 14, November 4
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free
As summer comes to a close, millions of raptors will begin their fall migration. Join our expert naturalist, Conservation Manager Stefan Martin, at Larsen Sanctuary’s Deer Meadow to witness birds of prey making their journey south. You will want to bring your binoculars for this one!
These are self-guided walks. Maps will be available at the trail head. Best for ages 5 and over; must be able to walk to the Sanctuary’s Deer Meadow location and back (Deer Meadow is approximately a half mile from the parking area). No strollers please.
For October 14: Register here; November 4: Register here.
The Hawk Watches are free. On the day of your visit, come anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program is at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street.
Fall Bird Seed Sale – 20% Off
Saturday, October 14
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pre-orders due Wednesday, October 4
The Nature Store at the Center at Fairfield will be offering premium bird seed at a 20% discount on Saturday, October 14. With the cooler months ahead, this is an ideal opportunity to stock up on your birds’ favorites.
Most of the birds that stay in Connecticut are seed eaters. Seed and suet provide the calories and nourishment needed to stay warm and healthy, as the cold weather approaches and food becomes scarce. Good choices include sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, seed/nut blends and suet – a great energy source!
To ensure that adequate supplies are available, pre-ordering by Wednesday, October 4, is strongly recommended; click here for order form. The sale takes place at the Center’s Nature Store, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield. Call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 for more info.
Girl Scout Eco Quest
Saturday, October 14
10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 11
Attention Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts — nature badge programs are back this fall! Our teacher/naturalists will lead explorations and hikes in the Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary helping to accomplish the steps noted below for the following badges:
Use Resources Wisely (Daisy Level)
Reduce, recycle and reuse, let’s make our world a better place! We will start with Rosie’s story “A Better Beach for Everyone.” We’ll play Recycle Relay and discover new uses for old things. During our discoveries we will be learning about composting. Each Daisy will take home ideas and a personal poster to share with her family.
$10 per scout. 10 – 11 a.m. Register here.
Hiker (Brownie Level)
Where does the trail lead? Will there be a pond or marsh along the way? Are there clues to discover hidden wildlife? This program takes you on a hike in the Larsen Sanctuary where you’ll search for signs of animals and birds. You’ll learn what gear to take on a hike and how to pack tasty, healthy snacks for energy. Helps accomplish Steps 1, 2 & 5.
$10 per scout. 10 – 11 a.m. Register here.
Bugs (Brownie Level)
Creepy, crawly buggy bugs! They play an important role in our world. Discover just how important they are to our ecosystems through exploration in the Larsen Sanctuary. You’ll look for bugs in action in their various habitats and count how many different kinds you can find. Then put your artist flair to work by drawing a bug poster. Helps accomplish Steps 1, 3, 4 & 5.
$10 per scout. 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register here.
Animal Habitats (Junior Level)
Take to the trails and 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 1-5.
$14 per scout. 10 a.m. – Noon. Register here.
Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Badges are not included. At least one adult from each troop must accompany and stay with their group for the duration of the program. Participants will need to complete a waiver. For questions please call 203-259-6305 ext. 109. This will be held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street.
Enchanted Forest
Friday, October 27
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 p.m. walk: SOLD OUT | 6:15 p.m. walk: Register here. |
| 5:15 p.m. walk: Register here. | 6:30 p.m. walk: SOLD OUT |
| 5:30 p.m. walk: SOLD OUT | 6:45 p.m. walk: Register here. |
| 5:45 p.m. walk: SOLD OUT | 7 p.m. walk: Register here. |
| 6 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) and will be held rain or moon shine! No walks-ins or strollers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This event takes place at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Boy Scout Badge Day
Saturday, November 4
9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 1
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. Each participating scout is required to register.
Photo by Deanna Sojka
Into the Wild (Webelos level)
$12 per scout. 9 – 10:30 a.m. Register here.
Earth Rocks (Webelos level)
$12 per scout. 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register here.
Fur, Feathers & Ferns (Bear level)
$10 per scout. Two time slots available:
9 – 10 a.m. Register here.
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Register here.
Paws on the Path (Wolf level)
$12 per scout. 9 – 10:30 a.m. Register here.
Tiger in the Wild (Tiger level)
$10 per scout. 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Register here.
Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Badges are not included. At least one adult from each pack/den must accompany and stay with their group for the duration of the program. Once registered, participants will also need to complete a waiver. For any questions, please call 203-259-6305 ext. 109. This will be held at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
School Day Off Fall Fun
Friday, November 10
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Free for Fairfield Residents!
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!
Free for Fairfield residents. Non-residents/CAS Members: $55 per child; Non-residents/CAS Non-members: $65 per child. Pre-registration is required.
For children in Kindergarten to Grade 2: Register here.
For children in Grades 3 to 5: Register here.
Please bring a peanut-free lunch and snack. Dress for the weather and bring a change of clothes. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. The program will be primarily outside. This will take place at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
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.
Two scouting nature-related badge programs are scheduled for this fall:
– Girl Scout Eco Quest is Saturday, October 14 – more info and registration here.
– Boy Scout Badge Day is Saturday, November 4 – more info and registration here.
- 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.
Two scouting nature-related badge programs are scheduled for this fall:
– Girl Scout Eco Quest is Saturday, October 14 – more info and registration here.
– Boy Scout Badge Day is Saturday, November 4 – more info and registration 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.
