Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
Walk Our Trails!
ATTENTION BAFFLIN SANCTUARY WALKERS
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.
Birds to look for in September
Children’s Programs
Toddlers, Trails, and Tales
Weds., Sept. 11 through Nov. 13, 2024
From 10 to 11:30 A.M.
Parents, grandparents, and guardians come out for some fresh air with your toddlers, take a nature walk, and enjoy an activity or story. Led by retired Pomfret Community School kindergarten teacher, Carolyn Otto, the morning will be full of fun adventures. Dress for the weather. Register by calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $4 per child per session for CAS members; $8 per child per session. (Fee is for one toddler with one adult.)
Adult Programs
The Fledgling 4
Documentary Film Screening
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.
Every family has its stories. Joe Gowac, East Hampton wildlife videographer and photographer and second grade teacher, has documented the stories of a Barred Owl family, living in the woods near him. Join Joe as he shows his film and discusses the owls and their behaviors. He will describe the making of this entertaining and revealing nature film. Registration is appreciated but not required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Bats: Winged Wonders
Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2 P.M.
Maureen Heidtmann, one of only three licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut specializing in caring for bats, joins us for an overview of bats of the world, with an emphasis on our nine local species. She will cover myths and misconceptions about bats, the many roles they play in ensuring a healthy planet, the perils they face as they struggle to survive, and their amazing resilience. Registration is appreciated but not required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
A Book of Days: Nature Lovers, Their Journals, and Phenology
Author Talk and Book Signing
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 2 P.M.
Join Katherine Hauswirth, a naturalist and writer, as she discusses nature journaling to increase awareness and preserve experiences. She will also cover some history of this practice, especially in Connecticut and New England, and how it ties in with citizen science and phenology – the recording of observations across the seasons. The Morning Light, the Lily White: Daily Dips into Nature and Spirit is Katherine’s most recent book. It contains short essays about “goings-on” in the natural world. A former artist-in-residence at Edwin Way Teale’s Trail Wood in Hampton, Katherine has made daily observations across the calendar year, as Edwin did in his book, A Walk Through the Year. You’ll want Katherine’s book in hand to start 2025. Registration appreciated, but not required. Free admission.
Bird Walks and Watches
Tuesday Morning Bird Walks
September and October at 8 A.M.
Start your Tuesdays by joining Andy to look for birds. Bring binoculars and wear drab-colored clothing. You will visit various locations around the sanctuary to see what’s around. No registration required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
The following programs, led by Andy Rzeznikiewicz, require registration. Call 860-928-4948 or email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org.
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Friday, September 20, 2024 at 8 A.M.
Andy will point out various species of birds. Bring binoculars and wear drab-colored clothing. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Bird Banding Demonstration 
Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 9 A.M.
Watch Andy and fellow banders catch birds, record data about them (species, sex, age, size, weight, condition, etc.), band, and safely release them. You may have an opportunity to release a bird. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Friday, September 27, 2024 at 8 A.M.
This Wyndham Land Trust hilltop preserve in Abington features a variety of habitats — open field, shrubland, and woodland. This is prime time for seeing migrating warblers, vireos, and hawks. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 8 A.M.
Located in Plainfield, the 2,000-acre Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery offers a variety of habitats and is one of the top birding spots in Windham County. Expect songbirds, raptors and waterbirds. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Screech Owl Hike
Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 7 P.M.
Hike the sanctuary looking for screech owls. Moderately difficult. You must be able to hike in the dark and keep up with the group. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Friday, October 25, 2024 at 8 A.M.
Andy will point out various species of birds. Bring binoculars and wear drab-colored clothing. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Saw-whet Owl Banding Demonstrations 
Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 7 P.M.
Friday, November 1, 2024 at 7 P.M.
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 6 P.M.
Join Andy and fellow banders as they capture and band migrating Saw-whet Owls. See these amazing, tiny owls up close. Bring a camera. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Exhibitions
Wetlands and Woodlands
Diane Nizlek Art Exhibition 
Opening: July 28, 2024
Reception: August 24, 2 to 4 p.m.
Diane is an alum of both the Trail Wood Artist-In-Residence and the Volunteer Naturalist Training programs. While she has previously exhibited at the Center at Pomfret with others, Wetlands and Woodlands is a solo show of her paintings and photographs. Free admission. Accompanying this post is an image of Diane’s painting of a Virginia Rail and its chick.
