Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
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.
Birds to look for in October
Programs
Stone Walls in New England: History, Inventory, and Recommendations for Conservation
Wednesday, October 4 at 7 PM 
Dry stone walls are the most noticeable features of the larger domain of stone objects that also includes cellar holes, cairns, piles, lines, scatters, and individual notable stones. UConn professor of earth sciences and author, Dr. Robert Thorson will outline the history of stone walls, provide several key clues to interpreting them, link them to modern habitats, and make recommendations for their conservation and management. Thorson is the author of “Stone by Stone: The Magnificent History of New England Stone Walls” and “Exploring Stone Walls,” the first field guide to stone walls. We will be giving away one copy of the latter title. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Black Bears in the Quiet Corner 
Saturday, October 14 at 2 PM
Join Paul Colburn, a CT DEEP master wildlife conservationist, to learn about black bears. Paul’s presentation focuses on the history of black bears in Connecticut, their habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research studies. Paul will offer some practical recommendations for peaceful coexistence as the state’s black bear population grows and expands. Adults: $5.00 CAS members; $10.00 non-members; children 12 and under free.
Children’s Programs
Toddlers, Trails, and Tales
Wednesdays from 10 – 11:30 AM
September 27 through November 1
Parents, grandparents, and 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. Register by calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $4 per session or $18.75 for all 6 weeks for CAS members; $8 per session or $37.50 for all 6 weeks for non-members. Price is for one toddler.
Bird Walks and Watches
Tuesday Morning Bird Walks
September and October at 8 a.m.
Visit various locations on and near the sanctuary to look for birds. Andy will guide you and help you identify them. Bring binoculars and wear drab colored clothing. No registration required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Please register for the following bird walks by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org
or by calling 860-928-4948. Include name, phone, date/title of walk, number of people.
Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
Thursday, October 12 at 8 a.m.
Join Andy as he guides you around the grounds of one of the top birdwatching spots in Windham County. Expect water birds, songbirds, and raptors. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Thursday, October 19 at 8 a.m.
Enjoy a guided walk with Andy on the Edwin Way Teal Memorial Sanctuary at Trail Wood. Search for various bird species. Bring binoculars and wear drab clothing. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Screech Owl Hike 
Saturday, October 21 at 7 p.m.
Hike the sanctuary looking for screech and other owls. Moderately difficult — only folks who can hike in the dark and keep up with the group should register. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Saw-whet Owl Banding Demonstrations
Saturday, October 28 at 7 p.m.
Friday, November 3 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 4 at 7 p.m.
Andy and fellow banders will capture and band migrating Saw-whet Owls. Bring a camera and see these amazing tiny owls up close. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members
Art and Photography Exhibitions
Flash — Meet Our Local Fireflies
Sandy Tosi Photography through Sept. 30
Most of us have childhood memories of playing in our backyards on warm summer nights. Many of us chased fireflies, also called lightning bugs, catching them in a glass jar and then releasing them. While the singing of katydids announces the end of summer, the blinking of fireflies signals its arrival. Explore the world of fireflies through photographs by Sandy Tosi, photographer and CAS Master Naturalist.
David Stumpo — Artist and Wildlife Painter
We lost David last year but his spectacular watercolors live on. A Sterling resident for decades, he drew his inspiration from the wildlife and birds of southern New England. Known for his crisp detail, his paintings are highly sought after. Fine art prints and cards are also available.
