Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
Photo by Sandee Harraden
Climate Change Series
Climate Change – How We Are All Part Of The Solution
Monday, Oct 21, 7 p.m.
This talk will focus on the urgent problem of climate change with an emphasis on solutions. The science on climate change is moving quickly and there are important updates that everyone should be aware of. Topics covered will include: An overview of the climate problem; The Paris Agreement goals and commitments; The progress states and cities are making in the absence of federal leadership; Specific goals and legislative successes and failures in Connecticut, A perspective on what towns are doing and can do; What citizens can do individually and collectively to reduce their own carbon footprints and play a more impactful role as environmentally concerned voters. Free to the public
Biodiversity, Climate Change and the Sixth Extinction – A Call To Action
Monday November 4, 7 p.m.
In March of 2019, a major report was announced from the United Nations with the headline: “Nature’s Dangerous Decline ‘Unprecedented’; Species Extinction Rates ‘Accelerating'”. The report warned that 1 billion species are threatened with extinction and the current global response is insufficient, but it also optimistically reported there is time to solve this problem and proposed solutions. This talk will review Earth’s extinction history and the recognition that we are now witnessing the sixth mass extinction, but this time, it is caused by humans. It will cover how climate change is a significant factor but only one of many causes of this crisis and will highlight what we can do about it. In light of the recent decision by the Trump Administration to signicantly weaken the Endangered Species Act, this talk will be a timely overview of what is at stake. Free to the public
About the Speaker
Stephen Lewis is a member of the CT Chapter of The Sierra Club Legislative Committee and a CT Audubon Master Naturalist. He is a Scoutmaster who teaches conservation to Scouting leaders and was recognized for his work on Monarch butterfly conservation with a BSA Hornaday Gold Badge. Stephen is also a Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Master Educator.
Nature Sketchbook Journaling
Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. – noon
Spend time at the Center sketching and painting nature, using pencil, pen and watercolor. Roxanne Steed will teach drawing and watercolor techniques. Register online or call 860-928-4948 for a list of materials to bring. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Birds Seen This Week
Bobolink, Hummingbird, Gray Catbird, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Red-eyed Vireo, Barn Swallow, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Baltimore Oriole, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture
Birds This Month
Birds You Can Expect to See in September
Regular Walks
Wednesday Noon Walks
thru November 27, Noon
Join Connecticut Audubon Society volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in backpacks welcome. Free to CAS members; $3 non-members.
Click here to register for Sept. 25
October Dates
Click here to register for Oct. 2
Click here to register for Oct. 9
Click here to register for Oct. 16
Click here to register for Oct. 23
Click here to register for Oct. 30
November Dates
Click here to register for November 6
Click here to register for November 13
Click here to register for November 20
Click here to register for November 27
Art Exhibits and Programs
Lost Knowledges, Vanishing Histories
Exhibit now thru end of September
Jessica Porzuczek is a Connecticut artist and educator. Her work is socially engaged and speaks to community connection, healing and ecological sustainability. Come view and enjoy this participatory project.
Free admission.
Becorns: A Woodland World of Wonder
Exhibit & Sale by David Bird
Exhibit thru October 31
David Bird is a photographer based in Danielson, CT who got his start in character design by working for Lego in Denmark. He makes characters out of acorns, sticks, and whatever else he finds in the back yard, and then he photographs them in the wild with real animals. Most of these photos are the result of a careful study of animal behavior, patience, and a lot of birdseed. You can view his photography and toy designs at davidmbird.com or follow him on Instagram at @davidmbird. Free admission.
Bird Walks and Programs
Weekly Bird Walks
Every Tues. in Sept. & Oct., 8 a.m.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. Bring binoculars & wear drab clothing. We carpool to various locations. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
September Dates
Click to register for Sept 24
October Dates
Click to register for October 1
Click to register for October 8
Click to register for October 15
Click to register for October 22
Click to register for October 29
Bird Banding
Saturdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 at 9 a.m.
Observe Andy and fellow bander’s capture and band numerous birds. You may even get to release a bird or two. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Click here to register for Sept. 21
Click here to register for Sept. 28
Bull Hill Bird Walk
Sunday, September 29 at 8 a.m.
This is the prime time to find migrating fall warblers, vireos, and kinglets. We might also observe migrating hawks at the scenic overlook if the weather conditions are right! Fee: $7 CAS members; $12 non-members.
Click here to register for the Bull Hill Bird Walk
Walktober: Bafflin Bird Walk
Saturday, October 12 at 8 a.m.
Come and find southbound migrating birds on the Bafflin Sanctuary. Andy will point out various sparrows, hawks, and other songbirds. Bluebirds, White-crowned Sparrows or Palm Warblers are likely to be seen. Free. Click here to register online.
Screech Owl Night Hike
Saturday, October 12 at 7 p.m.
We will hike the sanctuary in the dark looking for screech and other owls. This is a moderately difficult hike and only for those comfortable hiking in the dark at a brisk pace. Register online or call 860-928-4948. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. Click here to register online.
Saw-whet Owl Banding
Saturday, Oct.19, 26, Nov.2 at 8 p.m. and
Saturday, Nov.9, at 7 p.m.
This exciting program should be a memorable experience. Bring your camera. Will reschedule if inclement weather. (If you can’t make these dates, call and leave your name and number. We may schedule an additional banding date.) Register early online or call 860-928-4948. Limited to 20 people per session. Fee: $15 CAS members; $25 non-members.
Click here to register for October 19
Click here to register for October 26
Click here to register for November 2
Click here to register for November 9
Citizen Science Volunteer Monitoring Program
Wildlife Tracking and Monitoring:
Our trained volunteers monitor various sites in CT on the lookout for track and sign of fisher, river otter, mink, moose, black bear, and bobcat. Begin or continue training to become a wildlife monitor by attending training hikes that suit your schedule. Registration is required. For registration and information contact Paula Coughlin, Citizen Science Coordinator, 860-928-4948; paulacoughlin@charter.net. Training fee per hike: $50 CAS members/$60 non-members.
Monitoring Hikes:
In Willington – Saturday, Sept 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Training/Monitoring Hikes:
In Canterbury – Saturday, Oct 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Introductory Tracking Hike
Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
at the Center at Pomfret.
Get a taste of the tracking experience while learning about our program.
Fee: $25 members/$35 non-members. Click here to register online.
Time to register for the Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference
October 5 – 6, 2019 at northeastwildlifetrackers.com
For more information, call 860-928-4948 or contact Paula Coughlin, Citizen Science Coordinator: paulacoughlin@charter.net. Hike dates subject to change due to weather.
After School Nature Club
After School Nature Club
Grades K-6: at the Center
Thursdays from 3:15 – 5 p.m.
Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, & 24.
Download the flyer and permission form
Download the registration form
