Programs & Events at Deer Pond Farm
Members receive discounts on programs as well as many other benefits. For more information, click here.
Unless otherwise noted, guided program fees are:
Member: $5 Member Child: Free Non-Member: $10 Non-Member Child: $5
Our trails are open to the public daily dawn to dusk.
Please call 860-799-4074 with any questions or to be put on a wait list for a program.
Feel free to pack a lunch and a thermos with your favorite warm beverage to enjoy on our terrace or pack a picnic to enjoy in our lawn after your hike.
Winter Backyard Bird Walk
Cardinal, Photo by Brian Bennett
December 18, 2024, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
$5 Members, $10 Non-Members
Why do some birds migrate, and others do not? What adaptations do non-migratory birds use to survive New England winters? Join us at Deer Pond Farm for this forest & backyard bird walk to learn about winter adaptations and how you can help our resident birds. Winter is a great time to familiarize yourself with local birds, and an even better time to begin birding! Without the leaves on trees, more infrequent song, and fewer species to identify, beginner birders thrive in wintertime. We will also discuss providing food for your backyard birds, how to choose a bird feeder, and how to contribute citizen science data to Project Feederwatch. We will also discuss the yearly Christmas Bird Count! All birding levels welcome.
Register here for the December 18 bird walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
January First Friday Hike
January 3, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
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.
Birdsong and Science Presentation
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, 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.
Stone Wall & Forest History Hike
January 11, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
(snow date 1/18/25)
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.
Winter Tree ID
January 14, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
(snow date 1/23/25)
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.
Winter Bird Behaviors Presentation
January 29, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
$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.
February First Friday Hike
February 7, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
Free
A mid-winter hike at Deer Pond Farm is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the season. On this casual volunteer-led hike, you’ll enjoy great views through the forest and historic stone walls. We’ll share tips for winter hiking and if there is snow, we’ll enjoy seeing wildlife tracks on trails.
Register here for the February 7 hike.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
Love Birds: Avian Courtship Displays
February 11, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
$5 Members, $10 Non-Members
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us at Deer Pond Farm to learn some of the fascinating courtship behaviors of birds. Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer will share an overview of how male birds engage in dangerous and extreme acts all to attract a mate! Water dancing grebes, food bearing waxwings, and sky-diving eagles compete for mates in elaborate and beautiful behavioral displays. We will also discuss how birds promote pair bonding with their mates, which birds mate for life, and which ones mate for a season. You’ll also learn how to notice local bird courtship displays in late winter and early spring. We’ll end the program outside at our birdfeeders.
Register here for the February 11 bird walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
March First Friday Hike
March 7, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
Free
Join us at Deer Pond Farm for an early spring hike, led by our wonderful volunteers! Enjoy this casually paced, 2-to-3-mile hike on Deer Pond Farm’s wide, gravel trails. Take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful landscape as it awakens for spring.
Register here for the March 7 hike.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
Spring Equinox Bird & Nature Walk
March 20, 2025, 10 a.m. to Noon at Deer Pond Farm
$5 Members, $10 Non-Members
Join Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer for an early spring bird and nature walk. The spring equinox is an important marker for the beginning of spring in which the day and night length are the same. You may find early spring ephemeral wildflowers, the early arriving migratory birds, and much more! As migratory birds start to trickle in, you will learn some key tips on identifying early migrants and the risk and rewards of migrating early. There is no better way to celebrate the first day of spring by enjoying the beautiful natural environment at Deer Pond Farm.
Register here for the March 20 bird and nature walk.
This program meets at Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784.
Create Your Own Nature Walk!
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Brian Bennett
Can’t make a guided program this month? Create your own nature walk! Use the resources below to make the most of your time exploring the 15 miles of trails spanning Deer Pond Farm.
Deer Pond Farm Suggested Hikes – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Bird Checklist – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Nature Scavenger Hunt – for 8 and under, for 9 and up.
Deer Pond Farm Spring Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Summer Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Fall Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Winter Themed Nature Scavenger Hunt – click here.
Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary Rules – click here.
Directions – click here.
Click on each month to view birds that can be seen each month at Deer Pond Farm:
January February March April May June
July August September October November December
Please note: dogs, horses, fishing, swimming, camping, fires, hunting and collecting are not permitted.
Thank you for staying on the trails.
Schedule Your Own Private, Expert-Led Walk
Baltimore Oriole photo by Tomas Koeck
(Available to purchase as a gift, too!)
During this two hour walk, a staff member will guide you through the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm. Participants will learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the conservation work being done at Deer Pond Farm. Habitat enhancement and data collection projects utilizing eBird, Connecticut & New York Bird Atlas, and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System will also be shared.
Please call (860) 799-4074 to schedule.
Fee: $100 for a two hour walk. This includes up to eight pre-registered and pre-paid attendees.
Volunteer Opportunities
Photo by Deirdra Wallin
Join us for one workday or the whole season, your time and effort are welcome and appreciated!
Citizen Science: Support research through data collection! From monarchs, to birds and more, Deer Pond Farm supports a variety of citizen science initiatives. Opportunity to work independently or in a group.
Garden Gaggle: Join us in the pollinator garden for maintenance and monitoring! We work while we chat, observe and learn. Our native plants bring in a host of butterflies, bees, and birds. We take the time to enjoy these visitors and conversations with fellow gardeners while weeding and completing other seasonal tasks.
Habitat Helpers: Help us while learning! We’ll work while we talk, and enjoy the camaraderie of collective action to improve our sanctuary. Currently, our focus is invasive plant identification and management. You’ll learn by doing and leave knowing what you can do at home.
Photography: As you enjoy the trails during a guided walk or on your own, take pictures and share with us to utilize on the website, social media and flyers.
For more information and to complete a volunteer application, click here. Contact Center Director Cathy Hagadorn, chagadorn@ctaudubon.org to further discuss volunteer opportunities.
