Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
Walk Our Trails!
The Bafflin Sanctuary 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.
Environmental Energy Series
In partnership with local Windham County environmental organizations.
Free to the public. No registration required.
Environmental and Energy Legislation and Opportunities
Tuesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. at the Center at Pomfret
Join Steve Lewis, Greater Hartford Sierra Club Chair and statewide Sierra Club Legislative Committee member, as he outlines the anticipated significant energy and environmental legislation for the 2023 CT General Assembly session. Major issues will include clean energy and climate change priorities surrounding housing, transportation and increasing clean energy across the state. With the spike in home heating and electricity costs this winter, there will be considerable focus on environmental justice and energy burden. Also, there will be renewed efforts around reducing waste and increasing recycling with extended producer responsibility for packaging. Other key topics will relate to toxic chemicals and legislation to protect wildlife. Come learn more and find out how you can become involved and advocate for needed solutions.
Webinar Only: Is your Home Wasting Energy and Money?
Thursday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
You can improve your home’s comfort and save money. Join a webinar on how to access energy-efficiency solutions for your home. Sponsored by: Hampton Green Energy Comm., Ashford Clean Energy Task Force, Pomfret Green Team, eastern CT Green Action Team, Windham / Willi NAACP Environ. Justice Comm., and Windham Energy Commission. For more: kate@donnellycolt.com Zoom log in
How the Inflation Reduction Act can help you save money on energy costs.
Follow-up Q & A at the Center at Pomfret (with Zoom link option):
Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m.
After an overview of the energy efficiency programs, Steve Lewis, an avid proponent of green energy solutions and a member of the South Windsor Energy Committee, will provide an overview on how the Inflation Reduction Act can save you money on energy costs and he’ll answer questions.
Webinar Only: Can Heat Pumps Work in your Home?
Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m.
A heat pump is an energy efficient and economical way to heat and cool your home for year round comfort. They are a great alternative or supplement to a typical oil fired furnace and air conditioning unit. Learn the basics. Consider their potential in your own home. For more: kate@donnellycolt.com Zoom log in
How the IRA can help you install heat pumps, solar, backup batteries and more.
Follow-up Q & A at the Center at Pomfret (with Zoom link option):
Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m.
After an overview on heat pumps, Steve Lewis will explain how the Inflation Reduction Act can make electrifying your home more affordable.
Wildlife Programs
Intro to Wildlife Tracking
Saturday, January 21 from 9 a.m. – noon
Saturday, February 25 from 9 a.m. – noon
Led by experienced trackers Fran Baranski and Cheryl Dzura-Duke, participants will learn the art of recognizing animal tracks and signs. Dress for the weather as a majority of time will be spent outside on the trails. Call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut
Saturday, January 21 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Join Paul Colburn, CT DEEP master wildlife conservationist, for a presentation focusing on the history of coyotes in Connecticut, their habitat, diet, behaviors, and reproduction. He will offer practical recommendations for peaceful coexistence with our state’s coyote population. Paul also will discuss wolves, coydogs, and coywolves. He’ll share his collection of artifacts. Call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members. Children 12 and under free.
Restoring Bird Populations: Woodcock – a Case Study
Saturday, February 18 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Since 1970 over 3 billion birds have disappeared from the North American landscape. The causes are numerous, but at the heart of the matter is the loss of suitable habitat on the breeding and the wintering grounds. The recovery of specific populations will require large-scale habitat protection and restoration. Using the American woodcock as an example, Dr. Min Huang, leader of CT DEEP’s migratory bird program, presents a case study on partners working to reverse population declines. Presented in collaboration with the Eastern Connecticut Forest Landowners Association and The Wyndham Land Trust. Call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Nature Sketchbook Journaling
Sunday, January 29 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Roxanne Steed returns with lessons on the practice of the “10-minute-sketch-walk”. Dress for winter weather. We’ll be outside for short walks with sketchbooks, and then back inside at the Center to finish our pages with paint and details. We’ll discuss ways to make the images into larger nature paintings with loose juicy brushwork. Attend just one or all three sessions! 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.
Birds You Can Expect to See in January
Birds You Can Expect to See in February
2022 Master Naturalist Volunteer Training
Tuesdays, March 28 through May 30, 8 a.m. – Noon
Have you always wanted to learn more about the natural sciences? Want to volunteer at the Center?
With 40 hours of training (ten four-hour sessions), this may be the program for you. Registration is limited.
Click here to download the application.
Click here to download more information.
Bird Walks and Programs
Monday Morning Walks
Every Monday now thru March at 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 Ed Baranski – longtime volunteers, trackers and nature photographers. Bring your camera if you are so inclined. Registration not required. Free to CAS members; $5 non-members.
* PLEASE Register FOR THE FOLLOWING by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org
or call 860-928-4948. Include name, phone, date/title of walk, number of people.
Bird Walks – Quinebaug Valley Fish Hatchery in Plainfield
Thursday, January 26 and February 23 at 9 a.m.
Explore the extensive hatchery grounds with Andy. This location often has many bird species wintering there, due to the open water conifer trees and heavy shrub areas. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Winter Hike – Nightingale Forest South
Thursday, January 19 at 10 a.m.
This section of the forest has very limited access. Andy will guide you to see old foundations and a graveyard in the middle of the forest. Deep snow may cancel the hike due to parking issues. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Winter Hike – Nightingale Forest North (extra properties)
Thursday, February 16 at 10 a.m.
Andy leads this hike thru sections of the northern preserve that don’t have any trails. We’ll scout locations not usually seen by the public. You must be capable of off-trail hiking on uneven ground. Deep snow may cancel the hike due to parking issues. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Children’s Programs
Toddler, Trails, and Tales
January 18 and then every Wednesday 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 PCS 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
Opening reception at the Center at Pomfret
Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m. (snow date- Sat., March 18)
Written and visual works inspired by residencies during the summer of 2022 and our alumni. Readings and presentations at 3 p.m. Works on exhibit thru March 18. Free admission.
