Calendar of Events

Events in January 2025

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3 First Friday Hike at Deer Pond Farm First Friday Hike at Deer Pond Farm January 3, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Deer Pond Farm Deer Pond Farm 57 Wakeman Hill Road Sherman, CT 06784 USA (860) 799-4074 Map Free Start the new year off with a guided hike at Deer Pond Farm. This casual 2 – 3-mile hike is a great way to become familiar with our trail network with a fun group of nature lovers. Come dressed for the weather. Hiking pole and shoe traction device helpful. Happy Trails! Register here for the January 3 hike. This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784. https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=57+Wakeman+Hill+Road++Sherman+CT+06784++USA More information about First Friday Hike at Deer Pond Farm	4
5	6 Monday Morning Walks Monday Morning Walks January 6, 2025 8:30 am - 9:30 am Join the Baranski family to stretch your legs and breathe in the early morning air on the Bafflin Sanctuary. Brothers Fran and Ed are longtime volunteers, trackers, and nature photographers. They will point out wildlife sign to you. Bring your camera, if you like. No registration required. Free. More information about Monday Morning Walks	7 Owl Prowl in Old Saybrook Owl Prowl in Old Saybrook January 7, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls More information about Owl Prowl in Old Saybrook, Birdsong Webinar Birdsong Webinar January 7, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm January 7, 2025, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom $5 Members, $10 Non-Members Are you missing the sounds of birdsong this winter? Join us via zoom to learn more about how scientists use song to study how birds communicate. Lori Lichtenauer, Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary Manager and Naturalist, will present an overview of singing behavior in male and female birds. In playing recordings of bird songs, she will also discuss the unique anatomy of songbirds that allows them to harmonize with themselves. Register here for the January 7 presentation. This program meets via Zoom. A link will be shared in your confirmation email. More information about Birdsong Webinar	8 Toddlers, Trails, and Tales Toddlers, Trails, and Tales January 8, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am 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: $5 per child per session OR advance pay discounts of $16 for 4 weeks or $30 for all 8 weeks. (Fee is for one toddler with one adult.) More information about Toddlers, Trails, and Tales	9 Owl Prowl in Old Lyme Owl Prowl in Old Lyme January 9, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls More information about Owl Prowl in Old Lyme	10	11 Winter Bird Walk at Fort Trumbull Winter Bird Walk at Fort Trumbull January 11, 2025 8:00 am - 10:00 am Winter may not seem like the best time to look for birds. But as the temperatures drop many species can still be found in the state, especially along the coast. Waterfowl look for open water, larks and buntings search for food in open areas, and sparrows seek shelter in brushy areas. We'll look for the hardy winter birds in some of the best spots in CT. More information about Winter Bird Walk at Fort Trumbull, Stone Wall & Forest History Hike at Deer Pond Farm Stone Wall & Forest History Hike at Deer Pond Farm January 11, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Deer Pond Farm Deer Pond Farm 57 Wakeman Hill Road Sherman, CT 06784 USA (860) 799-4074 Map Free, suggested donation $5.00 Join us at Deer Pond Farm to learn about historic stone walls and the interesting past and future of New England’s forests. You’ll learn how early settlers shaped our landscape, and what stone walls can tell us about prior land use. We’ll stop by current forestry management sites and review how we can shape forests for future wildlife habitat. Leading this program is Deer Pond Farm Director Cathy Hagadorn and Dutchess Land Conservancy Education Director Julie Hart. Register here for the January 11 hike. This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784. https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=57+Wakeman+Hill+Road++Sherman+CT+06784++USA More information about Stone Wall & Forest History Hike at Deer Pond Farm, Meet the Opossums of Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue Meet the Opossums of Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue January 11, 2025 2:00 pm - New Year! New educational ambassador opossum! Come and meet Brandi, who will be making her debut. Ambassadors Wendi and Bob will be here too. Pam and Bill Lefferts, founders of Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue, will discuss the natural history of opossums and how to help them survive the winter. Registration is appreciated but not required. Fee: $5 CAS Members; $10 non-members; free for children aged 10 and under. More information about Meet the Opossums of Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue
12	13 Monday Morning Walks Monday Morning Walks January 13, 2025 8:30 am - 9:30 am Join the Baranski family to stretch your legs and breathe in the early morning air on the Bafflin Sanctuary. Brothers Fran and Ed are longtime volunteers, trackers, and nature photographers. They will point out wildlife sign to you. Bring your camera, if you like. No registration required. Free. More information about Monday Morning Walks	14 Winter Tree ID at Deer Pond Farm Winter Tree ID at Deer Pond Farm January 14, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Deer Pond Farm Deer Pond Farm 57 Wakeman Hill Road Sherman, CT 06784 USA (860) 799-4074 Map Free Identifying trees in the winter can be a fun challenge. Join us at Deer Pond Farm in the classroom to hone your observational skills when looking at tree bark, buds and more. Volunteers John Ehrenreich author of Native Trees of Connecticut and Naturalist Diane Nizlek will then lead you around our main campus to practice your new skills. Register here for the tree identification program. This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784. https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=57+Wakeman+Hill+Road++Sherman+CT+06784++USA More information about Winter Tree ID at Deer Pond Farm, Night Hike Night Hike January 14, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Fairfield Nature Center Fairfield Nature Center 2325 Burr Street Fairfield, CT 06824 United States 203-259-6305, x.109 View Location Map https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=2325+Burr+Street++Fairfield+CT+06824+United+States More information about Night Hike, Book Club - "H" is for Hawk Book Club - "H" is for Hawk January 14, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Join the Connecticut Audubon Society Book Discussion Club as we dive into Helen Macdonald’s critically acclaimed memoir, H is for Hawk. This deeply moving and beautifully written book explores themes of grief, nature, and the ancient art of falconry as Macdonald recounts her journey training a goshawk named Mabel. It’s a story of connection with the wild and finding solace in the natural world. Zoom Meeting Date: January 14 Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM More information about Book Club - "H" is for Hawk	15 Toddlers, Trails, and Tales Toddlers, Trails, and Tales January 15, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am 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: $5 per child per session OR advance pay discounts of $16 for 4 weeks or $30 for all 8 weeks. (Fee is for one toddler with one adult.) More information about Toddlers, Trails, and Tales, Owls Webinar Owls Webinar January 15, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm As the sun goes down and most animals are winding down for the day, owls are just getting started with their day. These fascinating birds capture the attention of birders and non-birders alike, and have some of the most unique adaptations of any group of birds. In this webinar, Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over how these birds have adapted to life in darkness, and which ones you can see in CT. More information about Owls Webinar	16 Owl Prowl in Lyme Owl Prowl in Lyme January 16, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls More information about Owl Prowl in Lyme	17	18 Waterfowl Walk Waterfowl Walk January 18, 2025 9:00 am - 11:00 am As winter approaches, the ponds and lakes further north start to freeze, driving many waterfowl species south to the warmer open waters along the coast. The brackish water of the Thames River around Connecticut College’s Mamacoke Island rarely freezes, providing a haven for many of these birds. Join us as we search for the ducks, geese, and more that call this area home for the winter. More information about Waterfowl Walk, Song Writing Workshop with Sally Rogers Song Writing Workshop with Sally Rogers January 18, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Fun for families or children 10 and older! Folk singer, songwriter, educator, and former Connecticut State Troubadour, Sally Rogers (https://sallyrogers.com/) helps students discover their own creativity and musical genius through songwriting. This workshop will begin with a warm-up, group sing-along. A listening walk follows to find inspiration in nature to create a group song. Sponsored by the New England School of Performing Arts. Call 860-928-4948 or email trailwood@ctaudubon.org to register. Free; donations appreciated. More information about Song Writing Workshop with Sally Rogers
19	20 Monday Morning Walks Monday Morning Walks January 20, 2025 8:30 am - 9:30 am Join the Baranski family to stretch your legs and breathe in the early morning air on the Bafflin Sanctuary. Brothers Fran and Ed are longtime volunteers, trackers, and nature photographers. They will point out wildlife sign to you. Bring your camera, if you like. No registration required. Free. More information about Monday Morning Walks	21 Owl Prowl in Old Saybrook Owl Prowl in Old Saybrook January 21, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls More information about Owl Prowl in Old Saybrook, Pomfret Green Team Film: Saving the Dark Pomfret Green Team Film: Saving the Dark January 21, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm A beautiful and informative documentary by filmmaker Sriram Murali, Saving the Dark explores the need to preserve night skies and combat light pollution. This film is a prequel to the upcoming lectures at the Center on light pollution and its impacts on communities, green spaces, and wildlife. Registration requested but not required. Free popcorn. Free admission. More information about Pomfret Green Team Film: Saving the Dark	22 Toddlers, Trails, and Tales Toddlers, Trails, and Tales January 22, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am 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: $5 per child per session OR advance pay discounts of $16 for 4 weeks or $30 for all 8 weeks. (Fee is for one toddler with one adult.) More information about Toddlers, Trails, and Tales	23 All About Tree Bark All About Tree Bark January 23, 2025 10:00 am - 1:30 pm Fairfield Nature Center Fairfield Nature Center 2325 Burr Street Fairfield, CT 06824 United States View Location Map https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=2325+Burr+Street++Fairfield+CT+06824+United+States More information about All About Tree Bark, Owl Prowl in Old Lyme Owl Prowl in Old Lyme January 23, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up!Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls More information about Owl Prowl in Old Lyme, Young, Gifted & Wild About Birds with Morgan Tingely, Ph.D. Young, Gifted & Wild About Birds with Morgan Tingely, Ph.D. January 23, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Morgan W. Tingley, Ph.D. Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles After the Fire: Birds in the Pyrocene Thursday, January 23, 7 p.m. Fire is a critical and natural part of many ecosystems, but the nature of fire is rapidly shifting due to climate change. From a biological perspective, fire is a regular disturbance that affects the distribution and abundance of species and has shaped evolution for millions of years. Nevertheless, we are entering an unprecedented period where the dominant nature of fire is rapidly changing, disrupting both human and animal lives. In this lecture, Dr. Morgan Tingley will discuss the myriad ways that fire has shaped the ecology of birds and how the shifting nature of fire is impacting biodiversity. By learning how species are currently responding to a rapidly changing world, we are offered a glimpse into what our increasingly flammable future will hold. More information about Young, Gifted & Wild About Birds with Morgan Tingely, Ph.D.	24	25 Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk January 25, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am Located in Plainfield, the Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery often has many species of wintering birds, since it offers a variety of habitats — open water, conifer trees, and heavy shrub areas. Andy will lead you around the extensive grounds, which provide some of the best birding in Windham County. Register by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. More information about Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk, Family Ecology Day Family Ecology Day January 25, 2025 9:30 am - 11:30 am The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center Old Lyme, CT 06371 Map All ages are invited to participate in a morning of ecology exploration with the RTP Estuary Center! Participate in seasonal activities around our sanctuary. Seasonal activities may include: searching for birds with binoculars, animal tracking, science experiments and more! https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=++Old+Lyme+CT+06371+ More information about Family Ecology Day, Girl Scout Daisy Program: Use Resources Wisely Girl Scout Daisy Program: Use Resources Wisely January 25, 2025 10:30 am - 11:30 am Fairfield Nature Center Fairfield Nature Center 2325 Burr Street Fairfield, CT 06824 United States 203-259-6305, x.109 View Location Map https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=2325+Burr+Street++Fairfield+CT+06824+United+States More information about Girl Scout Daisy Program: Use Resources Wisely, Birdcraft Family Days: Winter Woodpeckers Birdcraft Family Days: Winter Woodpeckers January 25, 2025 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Birdcraft Birdcraft 314 Unquowa Road Fairfield, CT 06824 View Location Map https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=314+Unquowa+Road++Fairfield+CT+06824+ More information about Birdcraft Family Days: Winter Woodpeckers, Nature Sketchbook Journaling Nature Sketchbook Journaling January 25, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Roxanne Steed will discuss various aspects of keeping a nature journal, including how to finish its pages with paint and detail. Also, learn how to make your images into larger paintings. Please bring: a watercolor sketchbook, permanent markers, a portable watercolor kit, a small cup to hold water, and paper towels. Call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $15 per session CAS members; $25 per session non-members. More information about Nature Sketchbook Journaling, Shorebird Walk at Rocky Neck Shorebird Walk at Rocky Neck January 25, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Most of North America's shorebird species winter in South & Central America, heading north to breed in the high Arctic. Some of these birds winter in CT, while others started their southbound journey in mid-late summer. Join us as we look for many of our shorebird species at some of the best spots around southeastern Connecticut and learn how you can help these charismatic birds. More information about Shorebird Walk at Rocky Neck
26	27 Monday Morning Walks Monday Morning Walks January 27, 2025 8:30 am - 9:30 am Join the Baranski family to stretch your legs and breathe in the early morning air on the Bafflin Sanctuary. Brothers Fran and Ed are longtime volunteers, trackers, and nature photographers. They will point out wildlife sign to you. Bring your camera, if you like. No registration required. Free. More information about Monday Morning Walks	28 Nature Tots Nature Tots January 28, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am Fairfield Nature Center Fairfield Nature Center 2325 Burr Street Fairfield, CT 06824 United States 203-259-6305, x.109 View Location Map https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=2325+Burr+Street++Fairfield+CT+06824+United+States More information about Nature Tots, Owl Prowl in Lyme Owl Prowl in Lyme January 28, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up!Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls More information about Owl Prowl in Lyme, Lights Out Connecticut Lecture: Humans and the Night Sky -- Our Lost Heritage Lights Out Connecticut Lecture: Humans and the Night Sky -- Our Lost Heritage January 28, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Light pollution robs us of the opportunity to fully experience the night sky. With this loss, we have come to suffer from insomnia, stress, and increased cancer rates. Explore the human connection to the cosmos, focusing on mythologies and human health and well being. Lecture by Craig Repasz, chair and co-founder of Lights Out Connecticut. Registration requested but not required. Free admission. More information about Lights Out Connecticut Lecture: Humans and the Night Sky -- Our Lost Heritage	29 Toddlers, Trails, and Tales Toddlers, Trails, and Tales January 29, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am 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: $5 per child per session OR advance pay discounts of $16 for 4 weeks or $30 for all 8 weeks. (Fee is for one toddler with one adult.) More information about Toddlers, Trails, and Tales, Winter Bird Behaviors Presentation at Deer Pond Farm Winter Bird Behaviors Presentation at Deer Pond Farm January 29, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Deer Pond Farm Deer Pond Farm 57 Wakeman Hill Road Sherman, CT 06784 USA (860) 799-4074 Map $5 Members, $10 Non-Members Join Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer for this hybrid program beginning in our classroom and ending outside. Lori will give a brief presentation on the differences in bird behavior in the breeding season versus the non-breeding season. We will discuss how and why birds gather in mixed-species flocks, find shelter, and find and store food in the wild. Then, we will head outside to study the birds at our feeders and main campus to observe these behaviors in real time! All birding levels welcome. Register here for the January 29 program. This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784. https://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&daddr=57+Wakeman+Hill+Road++Sherman+CT+06784++USA More information about Winter Bird Behaviors Presentation at Deer Pond Farm	30 Owl Prowl at the Arboretum Owl Prowl at the Arboretum January 30, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm When the sun goes down and we're settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We'll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up!Please kindly register for no more than 2 prowls More information about Owl Prowl at the Arboretum	31

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