Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
The Center is closed until Saturday, March 25, at noon due to a case of COVID.
Birds you may see in March.
Walk Our Trails!
The Bafflin Sanctuary is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
To minimize wildlife disturbance, we ask all walkers to stay on designated trails.
Click here for a trail map. Click here for trail rules.
2023 Volunteer Naturalist Training
Tuesdays, March 28 through May 30, 8 A.M. – Noon
Have you always wanted to learn more about the natural world? Want to volunteer at the Center? With 40 hours of training (ten, four-hour sessions), this may be the program for you. Topics include wildlife of northeastern Connecticut, spring wildflowers, tree identification, and even basic survival skills. Space is limited.
Click here to download the application.
Click here to download the syllabus.
Folk Music Concert
Peter Mayer
Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
Minnesota folk singer, Peter Mayer, returns to the Quiet Corner. A guitar virtuoso, Peter has been singing and songwriting for over 20 years, performing in venues across the U.S. and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet–songs about interconnectedness and the human journey–songs about life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and other important stuff! He has eleven albums to his credit. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. Click here to view Peter’s website. Fee: $25 CAS members; $30 non-members. Limited seating; registration required. Click here to register for the concert.
Nature Sketchbook Journaling
Saturday, March 25 from 1 – 3 P.M.
Roxanne Steed returns with lessons on the practice of the “10-minute-sketch-walk”. We’ll be outside for short walks with sketchbooks, and then back inside to finish our pages with paint and details. We’ll discuss ways to make the images into larger nature paintings with loose juicy brushwork. Suggested supplies: watercolor sketchbook, permanent marker, portable watercolor kit, small cup to hold water, and paper towels. Call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $15 CAS members; $25 non-members.
Bird Walks and Programs
Early Morning Bird Walks
Tuesdays in April and May at 8:00 a.m.
(No walk on May 2)
Andy Rzeznikiewicz will point out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colors. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. No registration required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Please register for the bird walks below by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org
or by calling 860-928-4948. Include name, phone, date/title of walk, number of people.
Woodcock Watches
Thursday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Join Andy as he brings you to see displaying American Woodcock as they do their courtship flights just before dark. VERY IMPORTANT: No bright colored clothing or hats; drab colors recommended. Other interesting bird species are often observed. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Long Pond Bird Walk
Saturday, April 22 at 8 a.m.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake, has varied habitats. We should find some interesting duck species, as well as some early arriving spring migrants like Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Blue-headed Vireo. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Virginia Rail Bird Walk
Friday, April 28 at 6 p.m.
We’ll set out to hear and observe a Virginia Rail. Other possible sightings include Common Snipe and Vesper Sparrow. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Beginners Bird Walk
Sunday, April 30 at 8 a.m.
If you’re new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring birds will be back and the leaves aren’t out yet. Expect to see Yellow Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, or Black and White Warbler. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Bafflin Sanctuary Bird Walk
Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m.
Andy will lead this walk as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab colors. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Freidman Forest Bird Walk
Monday, May 8 at 8 a.m.
We’ll explore this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve. It’s likely we’ll see Cerulean Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler! Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Trail Wood Bird Walks
Thursday, May 11 at 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m.
With Andy as your guide, walk the paths of Trail Wood – The Edwin Way Teale Memorial Sanctuary in Hampton. This CT Audubon Society property is home to an assortment of birds, such as Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Veery. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Friday, May 12 at 8 a.m.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve has a variety of habitats including fields, shrublands, and woodlands. Expect to find Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Fee: $10 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
Saturday, May 13 at 8 a.m.
This is a great bird watching location. We’ll look for Cerulean Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and both Cuckoo species. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Mother’s Day Bird Walk
Sunday, May 14 at 8 a.m.
Bring your mother or grandmother to see the colorful birds of spring. Many species can be found during peak migration, including Bobolink and Scarlet Tanager. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non- members; Moms Free!
20 Warbler Day
Monday, May 15 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We are going to attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day, during the peak of warbler migration. We’ll travel to numerous locations in our search. It is our 14th year doing this program. Many years, we’ve exceeded our goal! Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.
Cabbage Hill Bird Walk
Wednesday, May 17 at 8 a.m.
This beautiful new land trust preserve includes a large hayfield with many breeding Bobolink. We’ll also visit an amazing old family graveyard in the middle of the forest. Fee: $10 CAS members; $30 non-members.
90 Bird Day (17th Annual)
Friday, May 19 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours or less. We’ll be visiting many locations within a 10-mile radius. Interesting past sightings include the Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack. Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.
Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 20 at 9 a.m.
Watch Andy and fellow bird banders up close. They’ll gently catch various songbirds, record data, and safely release them. Participants may have a chance to release a bird. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Nightingale Forest Preserve (North) Bird Walk
Sunday, May 21 at 8 a.m.
Explore this newly preserved Wyndham Land Trust area. We can expect Black-throated Blue Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Broad-winged Hawk. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Boston Hollow Bird Watch
Saturday, May 27 at 8 a.m.
Come explore the Boston Hollow section of Ashford. Much of the land is owned by Yale. It’s a unique area with a Northern forest feel. From the road, we’ll watch and listen for Blackburnian Warbler, Winter Wren, Canada Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush, to name a few. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Chaney Preserve in Montville
Wednesday, May 31 at 8 a.m.
Andy will show you around this large CT Audubon Society preserve that contains a clear-cut, large areas of mountain laurel, interesting rock features, and mature forest. Search for such bird species as Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Prairie Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Children’s Programs
Toddlers, Trails, and Tales
Wednesdays thru March from 10 – 11:30 A.M.
Parents, grandparents, guardians, come out for some fresh air with your toddler for a nature walk and story or activity. Led by retired Pomfret Community School kindergarten teacher, Carolyn Otto, the morning will be full of fun adventures. Dress for the weather. Registration recommended by calling 860-928-4948. Free.
Art Exhibits
‘Trail Wood Reflections’ – an Edwin Way Teale Artists & Writers In-Residence 10th Anniversary Exhibition
Written and visual works inspired by residencies during the summer of 2022 and our alumni. Works on exhibit thru March 18. Free.
