| Connecticut Audubon Society
Center at Fairfield
 2325 Burr Street
Fairfield, CT 06824
203-259-6305 ext. 109
Center & Nature Store Visitor Hours:
Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
(Closed Sundays & Mondays.)
Our adjoining 155-acre Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary
is open dawn to dusk year-round.
Click here for Directions
Click here for a MAP of our 5 Centers
& 19 Wildlife Sanctuaries
In July 2008 Governor Rell visited our Center at Fairfield and met our staff and summer campers (see photo below). Above, Governor Rell holds "Milton," a European Barn Owl and one of our Center's many education animals. Also pictured: Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto (l.) and CAS Chairman Ross Strickland. Photos © 2008 Cameron Swallen.
General Information
Located in the historic Greenfield Hill section, the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield was constructed in 1971 and adjoinins the 155-acre Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary, open dawn to dusk year-round, features rolling woodlands, meadows, streams, marshes and ponds with raised boardwalks and bridges that allow access to a variety of habitats, 7 miles of trails including the Chiboucas Wheelchair-accessible Trail for the Disabled, observation platform, interpretive signage and an Algonquin wigwam replica.
The Center provides an indoor setting for interpretation of the Sanctuary and serves as the hub of youth and adult environmental education programs and activities throughout the year. Our Center features live education animals and other nature-related exhibits and, from late spring and throughout the summer a Butterfly Garden. Farm Pond (right behind the building) is a great place for spotting frogs, turtles and ducks. Our “Birds of Prey” Compound is home to a variety of owls and hawks, two Peregrine Falcons, a Turkey Vulture and other raptors.
Focus: To promote awareness of Connecticut's terrestrial and freshwater wetland ecosystems and foster their preservation through hands-on experience and learning and related activities. CAS Center at Fairfield Features - Classrooms and meeting rooms
(also available for rent) - Education Animals and Educational Exhibits
- Greenhouse featuring a "Sensory" Garden
- Nature Store with unique nature-inspired gifts for all ages plus a great selection of bird houses, bird feeders, bird baths, birding guides, bird seed and more! CAS Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.
On The Grounds - Live "Birds of Prey" Compound
- 155-acre Roy & Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary: 7 miles of trails including the Chiboucas Wheelchair-accessible Trail for the Disabled, boardwalks, observation platform, interpretive signage, Algonquin wigwam replica.
Environmental Activities - Classes, lectures, workshops related to birds and their habits and the environmental.
- Programs for School Groups for students in
Pre-K through Grade 12 (click here). - Programs for Scout Troops (click here) and other community organizations.
- Youth Programs held after-school and on weekends including weeklong summer day camps and classes (see listings at right).
- Birthday Parties that are both fun and educational (click here).
- Adult classes in wildlife art and photography.
Annual Special Events - Adirondack Night (Feb.)
- Bird Seed Sales Days
(Oct., Dec., Feb., April) - Egg Hunt & Breakfast (spring)
- Enchanted Forest (Oct.)
Volunteer Opportunities - Animal Care Program: For young adults 13 to 20 years of age who help us care for the Center's non-releaseable education animals.
(Click here for more information.)
Volunteers Work Their Magic
for “Enchanted Forest”
We want to acknowledge the terrific teenagers who volunteer for our Animal Care Program and the magical job they did helping set up and put on our “Enchanted Forest” event in October. The 250 children and parents who attended had a terrific time, thanks to them. A big “thank you” to Katherine Newquist, Kali Block, Marlon Brigmon, Max Feldman, Kay Labella, Ally Mahar, Katy Parton, Jeffery Rosen and Desiree Swenson. Pictured: Volunteers Kali Block (l.) and Kay Labella introduced our “Enchanted Forest” visitors to “Vega,” a bearded dragon lizard, and “Thadeus,” a corn snake. Photo by Abigail Ray Kozel.
Thank You Maddy!
Our Center's education animals say "thank you" to Maddy Abrahamson. Instead of giving party favor bags at her birthday party, Maddy made a donation to help feed and care for them. Donations are greatly appreciated. Teens can also become Animal Care Volunteers; click here for information.
(Photo by Tricia Kevalis.)
CAS's Environmental Education Programs
for Pre-K through Grade 12 Classes
At the Center at Fairfield or at Your School
The 14 programs we offer fulfill specific standards of the Connecticut Science Framework (noted in our brochure) and all include an outdoor component. Your class can visit our Center at Fairfield -- where programs are typically 1 hour, 90 minutes or 2 hours long. Or our teacher-naturalists will visit your school to conduct 45-minute or hour-long programs.
Our current programs are:
»Animal Groups (Grades PreK-5)
»Exploring the Seasons (Grades PreK-3)
»Life in the Woodland (Grades PreK-5) »Native Americans (Grades PreK-6) »What Makes a Bird a Bird? (Grades PreK-3)
»Butterflies, Arachnids and More! (Grades 1-5)
»Marshes, Ponds & Streams (Grades 2-6)
»Going, Going, Gone? Endangered Species (Gs 3-6) »Rock & Roll (Grades 3-5)
»Birds of Prey (Grades 3-12)
»Owls (Grades 3-12)
»Food Chains & Food Webs (Grades 3-6)
»Animal Adaptations (Grades 4-6).
»Down by the Sound (Grades PreK-6) -- New!
Click here for a copy of our brochure with details about our Center at Fairfield and Birdcraft Museum Environmental Ed programs, fees & registration. Or contact Carol Kratzman, Education Coordinator, 203-259-6305 ext. 112 or ckratzman@ctaudubon.org.
CAS's CANE Program* for K-Grade 2
Students & Parent-Volunteers
Click here for our 1-page CANE Flyer
for the 2009-10 school year
CAS's CANE (Connecticut Audubon Nature Explorers) Program is offered to students in the 11 Fairfield Public Schools and St. Thomas Parochial School in Fairfield. Parent-volunteers are trained to present three science enrichment programs to their child’s class. Two units are presented in the classroom leading up to one end-of-the-year field study activity. Parents need to attend only one of the three training days offered for each program they volunteer to teach.
--The Kindergarten Fall and Winter Programs are puppet shows; the Spring Program is held on the school grounds.
--The Grade 1 Fall Program is a puppet show; the Winter Program is a hands-on activity about bird beak adapations; the Spring Program is a trip to CAS's Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield.
--The Grade 2 Programs include the set-up of a salt water tank in the classroom, a "Mystery in the Marsh" activity that challenges students’ detective skills, and a trip to Southport Beach to investigate the variety of wildlife and habitats found there. In addition to training, Connecticut Audubon Society provides all materials that CANE Parent-Volunteers need in the classroon. There are also CANE Coordinators at each of the 11 Fairfield Public Schools and at St. Thomas Parochial School; they will have more information and complete presentation schedules available at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. *Connecticut Audubon Society's CANE program began in the 1970s. For the 2008/09 school year, 250 parent-volunteers were trained by our staff and presented CANE programs to 2,400 K-Grade 2 students in 12 Fairfield elementary schools!
Click here for our 1-page CANE Flyer for 2009-10 school year with training dates, times, locations
Questions? Contact Carol Kratzman, CANE Program Coordinator, 203-259-6305, ext. 112 or ckratzman@ctaudubon.org
Spotlight on our Center at Fairfield's
Young Members and Volunteers Many thanks to the following Boy Scouts for completing their Eagle Scout projects at the Center at Fairfield:
To James Belasco for repairing boardwalk along Dirty Swamp Trail.
To Patrick Hoyt for repairing boardwalk along Deer Meadow Trail.
To Ruari Clancy for trail maintenance on Cottontail Cut-off and boardwalk repair on Streamside Trail.
To David Borowy for boardwalk repair between Farm Pond and Streamside Trail.
To Joe Furniss for trail marking along Muskrat Hollow, Oxcart, Dirty Swamp and Fox Run trails and for boardwalk repair along Muskrat Hollow Trail.
To Corey Franzen for boardwalk repair on Muskrat Hollow Trail.
To Matt Marshall for repair of the teaching platform at Farm Pond and a boardwalk on the back lawn.
There’s always more work to be done! If your Cub Scout den or pack or your Scout troop is interested in a community service project, or if you are considering an Eagle Scout project at the Center at Fairfield or at the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, please contact Carol Kratzman, Education Coordinator, at 203-259-6305 ext. 112 or ckratzman@ctaudubon.org.
And a big “thank you” to Linnea Scerbo and her Animal Care Volunteers. Our Center’s Animal Care Volunteer Program is staffed by young adults 13-20 years old who volunteer at least one day a week to assist with the care and keeping of the Center’s Education Animals. Our animals need tender loving care 365 days a year, so three cheers to all our Animal Care volunteers for their dedication! If you would like to volunteer, please read about the article about our Animal Care Program. Applications are available at the Center's Nature Store.
About our Animal Care Program
Our Center at Fairfield's Animal Care Program provides 13-20 year olds an opportunity to interact with and care for our non-releasable Education Animals. Our Center is home to many different animal species and our staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing the finest care possible for these "Wildlife Ambassadors." All our animals are in some way unable to survive in the wild, either because of permanent disabilities or because they were raised as "pets" and never learned to hunt for their food. (Photo by Deanna Sojka.)
Our Education Animals are comfortable in the presence of humans and have been handled extensively by the Center at Fairfield's Animal Care Staff. They are also the star attraction of many classes, programs and special events we offer that are attended by thousands of children and adults every year. As "Wildlife Ambassadors" they can communicate to children and adults in special ways that human educators cannot.
Our Education Animals are a very important part of our environmental education and conservation programs and they are treated with the utmost respect. Therefore they must be cared for by well-trained, dedicated and caring volunteers.
You Can Become an Animal Care Volunteer!*
Our Animal Care Program's main goal is to provide a healthy, safe, enriched environment for our many Education Animals, which rely on our Center staff and volunteers for all their needs. A second goal is to involve and educate young adults in the care of domestic animals and wildlife. These young adults will learn firsthand the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation, and we believe they will spread that message to friends and family.
*Interested in becoming an Animal Care Volunteer? Contact Coordinator Linnea Scerbo at 203-259-6305 ext. 118 or lscerbo@ctaudubon.org. Applications are also available in the Center at Fairfield's Nature Store.
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Directions to CAS Center at Fairfield:
From I-84: Take Routes 25, 8 or 91 south to Wilbur Cross/Merritt Parkway (Route 15). Then see Merritt Parkway directions below. From Merritt Parkway:
From the north: Take Exit 44/Fairfield, turn left at light at bottom of the ramp. Go left at the next light, go under the Parkway bridge and then turn right at the light onto Congress St.
**At the first stop sign, turn right onto Burr St. The CAS Center at Fairfield is less than 1 mile on the left.
From the south: Take Exit 44/Fairfield, at end of ramp turn right onto Congress St. Follow directions from ** above.
From I-95: Take Exit 21/Mill Plain Rd. Proceed north and straight for 4-1/2 miles (Mill Plain becomes Burr St.) The CAS Center at Fairfield is on the left.
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 | See Listings below or
Click on Links below for:
Child, Youth, Family & Adult Programs
and
Program Registration Form
* * *
Feb. is National Bird Feeding Month!
Birdseed discounted 20% at Nature Store
* * *
Feb. Vacation Week Program
* * *
SPECIAL EVENT!
“Adirondack Night” Party & Fundraiser
Thurs., Feb. 25, 7-10 p.m.
* * *
April Vacation Week Program
* * *
2010 Summer Camp Brochure
and
Registration/Information Form
(registration begins Feb. 9)
and
Medical Form (required)
* * *
Nature Store
* * *
Environmental Education
Programs for Grades PreK-12
* * *
CANE Program for K-Grade 2 Students
& Training Dates for Parent-Volunteers
for the 2009-10 school year
* * *
Birthday Party Brochure
* * *
Scout Programs Brochure
Center at Fairfield Nature Store
We have wonderful bird- and nature-themed gifts,cards, jewelry, toys, games, ornaments and more, plus a wide selection for our backyard birds, including high-quality Lyric bird seed, bird feeders, bird houses and bird baths. Best of all, CAS Members receive 10% off all purchases! Our Nature Store is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
February is "National Bird Feeding Month":
Birdseed discounted 20% at our Nature Store! In 1994, Illinois Congressman John Porter read a resolution into the  Congressional Record declaring February to be “National Bird Feeding Month." February is one of the most difficult months in the U.S. for wild birds: berries and seeds are difficult to find, insects are dead or dormant, and birds require extra energy and fat reserves to keep warm. (During the day, birds eat continuously so they will have enough calories to burn to keep them warm at night.)
Throughout the winter, it's important to provide quality food high in fat and calories to help wild birds survive, plus fresh water. During February, bird seed is discounted 20% discount at our Nature Store. Most birds that over-winter in our area are seedeaters. Suet and seeds high in fat, such as Nyjer and sunflower seeds, are excellent feeder choices.
So are safflower seeds: and squirrels and grackles don’t like them! Lyric Supreme is a premium, all-around birdseed mix formulated to attract the greatest variety of birds: cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches, juncos, chickadees and Pine Siskins. Our Nature Store has a wide selection of Lyric bird seed. Knowledgeable staff will answer your general bird-feeding questions and offer guidance on feeder selection, placement and bird seed choices. Pre-orders not required for this special month-long bird seed sale. Call 203-259-6305. ext 109 or click here for the Center at Fairfield's web page. Nature Store Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Photo of a Downy Woodpecker at a bird feeder by Twan Leenders.
Unique Gift: A Piece of our "Connecticut Woodlands" Tile Mural
Our Center at Fairfield’s custom-designed “Connecticut Woodlands Tile Mural” has a few tiles still available for purchase. Choose a tile to honor your family and friends for years to come, while demonstrating your support for our year-round conservation and education programs for children, families and adults. Call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 for more information.
Get Involved in Wildlife Monitoring Projects: Want to learn more about the wildlife visiting and living in our Sanctuaries? Connecticut Audubon Society’s Science and Conservation monitoring network is planning trainings for those interested in helping us with several bird and wildlife monitoring projects. For more information about our projects, training dates, and to join our corps of volunteer citizen scientists, please contact teacher-naturalist Carol Kratzman at the Center at Fairfield, ckratzman@ctaudubon.org or conservation biologist Twan Leenders at tleenders@ctaudubon.org.
CHILD, YOUTH,
FAMILY & ADULT PROGRAMS
Saturday Family Fun . . . is coming to the Center at Fairfield, starting Saturdays in September!
Visit our Center on Saturdays for some family fun. Explore what’s outside on the 155-acre Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary, who’s hanging around our live “Birds of Prey Compound,” and what’s going on inside the Center, read a story together and create a simple craft. All activities are designed for families to do together. All children must be accompanied by an adult – no drop-offs, please. Each month features a different theme.
New “Nature in Art” Saturday Series
For children enrolled in Grades 2-5.
Shake those winter blues away! Join us each week for “Nature in Art” and projects inspired by our live animal visitors and the natural world. Every week we’ll experiment with different art materials and techniques (with a twist!). Space is limited. Pre-registration required.
Single-class fee: $15/child CAS Members, $19/child Non-members. 5-programs: $65/child CAS Members, $85/child Non-members.
Schedule Saturdays, 10:15-11:45 a.m. on:
--Feb. 20: Insects & Trees (painting)
--March 6: Fish & Frogs (drawing)
--March 20: Snakes & Lizards (sculpture).
Junior Animal Care Keepers
For children enrolled in Grades 6-7.
From glamorous to gross, our 8-week program covers the many aspects of animal care. Our teacher/naturalists will guide you through the care and keeping of our education animals: birds, invertebrates, mammals, amphibians, reptiles. Join us for some cleaning, feeding, grooming and fun! At the end of the course each participant receives a certificate of completion. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Offered as a series only. Fee: $88/child CAS Members, $120/child Non-members.
Schedule Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. on:
Feb. 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. (No class Feb. 16. Make-up day is April 6.)
February Vacation Week Program:
Wild Winter Discoveries,
Feb. 16-19 (Tues.-Fri.), 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Optional “Lunch Bunch” 12:30-2 p.m. daily.
For children in Pre-K (ages 3-5, must be toilet-trained and able to attend without an adult), Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5. Discover how animals cope with winter weather as well as the wonders of ice and snow. Program includes live animal visitors, crafts and outdoor discoveries daily; winter jackets, boots, hats and mittens required. Morning snack is provided. Pre-registration required. Minimum enrollments required for programs to run. Fee: $112 CAS Members, $167 Non-members. “Lunch Bunch”: you provide lunch for your child and they spend the afternoon with us. Daily fee: $8/child CAS Members, $12/child Non-members.
Feeding Frenzy:
Frogs & Lizards
Thurs., Feb. 18, 4-4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a brief presentation while our naturalist staff feeds the Center’s resident frogs, toads and lizards. Discover fun facts and get an up-close view of these amazing critters. At least two animals will be fed. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission by donation to support our Animal Care Program. We'll gladly accept donations of laundry soap and dishwashing soap.
SPECIAL EVENT!
“Adirondack Night” Party & Fundraiser
Thurs., Feb. 25, 7-10 p.m.
For one special evening every year, our Center at Fairfield is transformed into a warm and inviting Adirondack Lodge. Please join us for this wonderfully casual and fun-filled event that is certain to shake off the winter blues. Listen to great live music as you enjoy a variety of special winter dishes, delectable desserts and open bar, plus raffles and a silent auction. Weather permitting, our staff naturalists will lead guided outdoor walks in the Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. This is an adults-only event. Tickets are $45/person and help support our Center’s year-round education programs for children, families and adults. Call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 for info & reservations.
Meet the Birds: Hawks
Sat., Feb. 27, 10:15-11 a.m.
Join us for an up-close look at our resident hawks. Can you tell an owl feather from a hawk feather? Did you know that hawks cast pellets too? Discover a hawk’s favorite food, which of Connecticut’s hawk species stay year-round, and the conservation status of hawks in our state. Suitable for children 8 years and older and adults. Fee: $7/person (family max. $21) CAS Members, $11/person (family max. $33) Non-members.
Meet the Birds: Falcons
Sat., March 13, 10:15-11 a.m.
Join us for an up-close look at our resident falcons and learn about their life stories. We’ll uncover some of the amazing features unique to falcons, their migratory patterns and conservation status in our state. Suitable for children 8 years and older and adults. Fee: $7/person (family max. $21) CAS members, $11/person (family max. $33) Non-members.
Feeding Frenzy: Owls & Hawks
Thurs., March 18, 4-4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a brief presentation while our naturalist staff feeds the Center’s resident birds. Discover fun facts and get an up-close view of these amazing critters. At least two animals will be fed. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission by donation to support our Animal Care Program. We'll gladly accept donations of laundry & dishwashing soap.
SPECIAL EVENT!
Egg Hunt & Breakfast
Sat., March 27, 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
“Eggs-plore” what’s hatching at the Center at Fairfield’s 15th annual “Egg-stravagana.” We have great things planned: an egg hunt for children 8 years and younger, spring crafts for families to do together, live animals and a visit from a Very Special Rabbit. Our Morning Egg Hunt includes a continental breakfast. Our Afternoon Egg Hunt includes juice, cookies and healthy snacks. Bring your cameras and your own baskets!
Programs held rain or shine. Pre-registration & pre-payment required at time of registration: call 203-259-6305 ext. 109. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program fee: $9/child, $6/adult CAS Members, $14/child, $11/adult Non-members. Free for children under 2 years old.
Spring Bird Seed Sale
Sat., April 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lyric bird seed -- “The Leader at the Feeder” -- will be offered at 20% off during our annual Spring Bird Seed Sale. Migrant birds will soon be stopping at your backyard feeders: this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on quality seed at terrific sale prices. Our staff and volunteers will even help you load your purchases into your car. Check the mail for your pre-order form or pick one up at our Center. Pre-orders due March 26 and can be mailed, faxed (203-254-7365) or dropped off. Walk-in customers are welcome: we’ll have plenty of extra seed on hand plus feeders, baffles, bird baths, suet and more.
Spring School Vacation Week Program:
Spring Has Sprung!
April 13-16 (Tues.-Fri.), 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Optional “Lunch Bunch” 12:30-2 p.m. daily.
For children in Pre-K (ages 3-5, must be toilet-trained and able to attend without an adult), Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5. Become a Nature Detective! Our mission this week: to search our Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary for signs of spring. Learn the clues that animals leave behind, investigate plants that are first to flower, and detect the difference between animal sounds. Activities include stories, games, crafts, experiments and live a nimal presentations, and each day includes an outdoor exploration. Please wear appropriate indoor/outdoor attire and footwear. Morning snack is provided. Pre-registration required. Minimum enrollments required for programs to run. Fee: $112 CAS Members, $167 Non-members. “Lunch Bunch”: you provide lunch for your child and they spend the afternoon with us. Daily fee: $8/child CAS Members, $12/child Non-members.
Nature Nursery:
Colorful Kaleidoscope of Spring
For children 2-3 years old accompanied by an actively participating adult. We'll look at the colors of springtime in this cheerful series as we listen to a story, create a craft, sing a song and explore Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. Advance registration required. Per-program fee (includes 1 child & 1 adult): $12/child CAS Members, $16/child Non-members. 6-program series: $66/child CAS Members, $90/child Non-members.
Schedule Mondays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. on:
--April 19: “Green”
--April 26: “Red”
--May 3: “White”
--May 10: “Purple”
--May 17: “Yellow”
--May 24: “Orange.”
Frog & Salamander Meander
Fri., April 30, 6:30-8 p.m.
Our evening quest in the Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary will take us to some wicked big puddles and ponds in search of amphibians awakening from their long winter’s rest. What we’ll find depends on the weather and the speed with which spring arrives. Bring your own flashlights and waterproof boots! Suitable for children 6 years and older accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration & pre-payment required. Space is limited; call 203-259-6305 ext. 109. Fee: $9/person (family max. $27) CAS Members, $13/person (family max. $39) Non-members.
Birthday Parties!
Look no further! CAS's Center at Fairfield is the perfect place to hold your child's next birthday party! Our teacher/naturalists have designed a wide range of "theme" parties to provide your child and their friends with a memorable and fun hands-on learning experience. Call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 for a copy of our free Birthday Party Brochure or click here to read it.
Calling All Scouts!
We have programs designed just for you.
Our experienced teacher-naturalists will provide your group with a hands-on learning experience that will fulfill badge requirements for Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 for more information or click here!
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