Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
Natural Design
An Intensive Two-Day Workshop with Instructor Larry Weaner, FAPLD and Ethan Dropkin, MLA
February 3 & 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Demand for high performing , ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of specialized knowledge needed to achieve them. This workshop will provide guidance for designing and documenting all phases of native landscape development. Attendees will receive an extensive manual that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria and recommendations. For more info click here.
Climate Change Series
Biggest Little Farm
Monday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.
(Snow date: Tuesday, January 14)
Documentarian John Chester’s true life story chronicling the trials, tribulations and ultimate success of how he and his wife Molly worked to develop a sustainable farm on 200 acres outside of Los Angeles. Free. Register online.
Paris to Pittsburgh
Monday, January 27, 6:30 p.m. (Snow date: Tuesday, January 28)
From coastal cities to America’s heartland, this National Geographic documentary celebrates how people are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change.
As weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act. www.paristopittsburgh.com
Legislative Update: Environmental Initiatives
Monday, February 10, 7 p.m.
(Snow date: Tuesday, February 11)
In 2020, the Connecticut General Assembly will be running a “short session” from February to May. There will be a significant amount of legislation considered affecting wildlife, open space, clean water, protection from chemicals like PFAS, and in particular many initiatives relating to renewable energy and climate change mitigation. This discussion will be led by Stephen Lewis, a member of the CT Chapter of the Sierra Club and volunteer on their legislative committee. He will provide a preview of these expected bills and how citizens can be more involved and follow the action more closely. Stephen has 13 years of experience working on staff in the General Assembly and is a Connecticut Audubon Society Master Naturalist and volunteer presenter. Register online or call 860-928-4948. Free. Register online.
Being the Change: A New Kind of Climate Documentary
Monday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.
(Snow date: Tuesday, March 10)
Complementing the book “Being the Change”, this feature documentary film delves into the life of Caltech/Jet Propulsion Laboratory atmospheric scientist Peter Kalmus, showing how a change in life philosophy and mind frame enabled Kalmus to cut his fossil fuel use to 1/10th of the average American. He did this all while boosting his happiness and raising a family in a typical California suburb. Kalmus shows how he brought together his head (the science), his hands (food growing, bicycling, and lifestyle change), and heart (meditation and community building), to find a new direction in his life. Free. Register online.
Nature Sketchbook Journaling
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1 – 4 P.M.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1 – 4 P.M.
You’ll spend time at the Center sketching and painting nature using pencil, pen and watercolor. Roxanne Steed will teach basic drawing and watercolor techniques. (Bring a pencil, waterproof black drawing pen, small set of watercolor paints and brush, watercolor sketchbook). Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Master Naturalist Volunteer Training
Tuesdays, March 24 – May 26, 8 a.m. – Noon
Have you always wanted to learn more about the natural sciences? Want to volunteer at the Center? With 40 hours (ten four-hour sessions) of training, this may be the program for you. Registration is limited to 15 people.
Click here for the course outline | Click here for the application
Birds Seen This Week
Brown Creeper, Bluebird, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, Mockingbird, Great-horned Owl, Carolina Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Flicker, Robin, Hairy Woodpecker
Birds This Month
Birds You Can Expect to See in December
Regular Walks
Monday Morning Walks
Now through Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m.
Stretch your legs, breathe in that early morning air and look for signs of wildlife on the Bafflin Sanctuary with Fran and Nate – longtime volunteers, trackers and nature photographers. Bring your camera if you are so inclined. Free to CAS members; $5 non-members.
January Dates
Register for Jan. 13
Register for Jan. 20
Register for Jan. 27
February Dates
Register for Feb. 3
Register for Feb. 10
Register for Feb. 17
Register for Feb. 24
Bull Hill Hike
Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m.
Join Andy hiking to the vista on Bull Hill and to other areas not usually explored by visitors. Note: We will be walking off trail at times in somewhat rough terrain. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. Register online.
Wednesday Noon Walks
thru February 26, Noon
Join CAS volunteers for fresh air, exercise and good company. Moderate pace on sometimes uneven terrain. Active seniors welcome. Free to CAS members; $3 non-members.
January Dates
Register for Jan. 8
Register for Jan. 15
Register for Jan. 22
Register for Jan. 29
February Dates
Register for Feb. 5
Register for Feb. 12
Register for Feb. 19
Register for Feb. 26
Art Exhibits and Programs
Becorns: A Woodland World of Wonder
Exhibit & Sale by David Bird
Don’t miss it! Meet David.
Closing Reception, Sunday, January 12 from 2-4p.m.
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.
Trail Wood Reflections:
Writer & Artist In-Residence Exhibit
OPENING Reception and Reading
Sunday, January 26, 2 – 4 p.m.
Exhibit through February 28 at the
Center at Pomfret.
Each year the Summer Writer and Artist In-Residence Program at our Trail Wood Sanctuary in Hampton produces inspirational work. This year’s class is no exception. The beauty found in their paintings, photography and written word well reflect the tranquility of Trail Wood. A great boost in the dead of winter, come celebrate this year’s artists and writers and their experiences. Free.
Focus On Nature – Photography Contest
Opening reception Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.
Exhibit & sale through April 10
In partnership with The Quinebaug Valley Photo Club
Click here for entry form & more information.
Bird Walks and Programs
Monthly Bird Walks
Thursday, January 23, 1 p.m.
Thursday, February 20, 1 p.m.
Come out in search of wintering bird species. We will look for horned larks, ducks, hawks, sparrows, yellow-bellied sapsuckers and more. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Register for Jan. 23
Register for Feb. 20
Owl Walks
Saturday, February 8, 5:30 p.m.
Join Andy in search of wintering owls. We will attempt to find screech, barred, and great-horned owls. Most of the calling is done from the road. Program is cancelled if inclement weather (rain, snow, high winds). Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Citizen Science Volunteer Monitoring Program
Winter Tracking / Training Hikes:
Canterbury monitoring/training hike: Sat. Jan 11
These hikes are subject to change due to weather conditions. Full training is six hikes; participants select hikes that suit their schedules. Registration is required. For info, email paulacoughlin@charter.net. Training Fee per hike: $50 CAS members; $60 non-members.
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.
