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.
After your program or hike, feel free to pack a lunch and enjoy on our teaching terrace. We are also happy to provide you with recommendations on local places to eat and visit after coming to Deer Pond Farm.
Next Steps for Nature Discussion with Dr. Doug Tallamy (Zoom)
November 5; 6:30 PM – Zoom
FREE (Register and get link at Sherman Library)
Join renowned ecologist and bestselling author Dr. Doug Tallamy for a new presentation, “Next Steps for Nature: 500 Questions (and Answers) for How to Save Nature in Our Yards”—an engaging follow-up to his acclaimed talks and books, including Nature’s Best Hope and How Can I Help? Based on the most frequently asked questions from readers and audiences, this discussion dives deeper into practical, effective ways we can support biodiversity at home. Dr. Tallamy will present for about an hour, followed by a live Q&A session. Hosted virtually via Zoom by the Sherman Library. (Co-sponsored by the Sherman Conservation Commission, Northwest CT Land Conservancy, and CT Audubon’s Deer Pond Farm)
November First Friday Hike
Deer Pond Farm in Fall Photo by Lori Lichtenauer
November 7, 10 a.m. to Noon, Free
With the leaves off the trees, you’ll enjoy seeing further through the woods along our trails. This is a great way to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy the crisp autumn air. Join us for the monthly First Friday Hike at Deer Pond Farm led by our knowledgeable volunteer guides. Approx 2 – 3 miles.
Register here for the November First Friday Hike.
Stonewall History Hike at Deer Pond Farm
November 9, 1:00 to 3:00 PM
$5 members, $10 non-members
Join local historian John Cilio and Deer Pond Farm Director Cathy Hagadorn on an engaging hike exploring the historic stone walls of Deer Pond Farm. Discover the important role these stone walls played in shaping New England’s past. John and Cathy will share insights into how glaciers formed the landscape, how early settlers adapted to the terrain, and how the enduring stone walls connect us to the region’s history. Register here for the Stonewall History Hike at Deer Pond Farm. Click here for a short video of the history of Wakeman Hill Road at Deer Pond Farm.
Fall Bird & Nature Walk
Fall Birding at Deer Pond Farm
November 13, 10 a.m. to Noon
$5 members, $10 non-members
In the fall, birds from northern Canada will begin to migrate to Connecticut for the winter. Learn about our winter migrants and enjoy birding with fewer leaves to block your view! Join Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer for this beginner-friendly, leisurely 2-mile walk around Deer Pond Farm’s trails. Register here for the Fall Bird & Nature Walk.
Turkey Tales @ Sherman Library
Wild Turkeys – Photo by Lee Anne Russell
November 19, 1 to 2 p.m., Free Family Friendly Event
Let’s talk turkey! In advance of Thanksgiving, Deer Pond Farm’s naturalist Lori Lichtenauer will be at the Sherman Library to present on wild turkeys. These iconic birds have complex social lives, a variety of vocalizations, and are a conservation success story. When describing a turkey, do you know what the wattle, snood and beard are? Join us to find out some more fun facts about one of our larger resident birds. Gobble, Gobble! Register at ShermanLibrary.org
December First Friday Hike
December 5, 10 AM to Noon, Free
Join us for the First Friday Hike at Deer Pond Farm this December! Enjoy a peaceful walk through the woods, led by our knowledgeable volunteers. This guided hike is a great way to learn about our trail network. Come experience the quiet beauty of the season, stretch your legs, and spend time in nature with others. All are welcome.
To register for the First Friday Hike, click here.
Evergreen Walk
December 10, 10 AM – Noon (rain date 12/17)
$5 member, $10 non-member
Winter is the perfect time to learn about evergreens. Naturalist and forester Lori Lichtenauer will lead this program around the Deer Pond Farm campus describing common evergreens and conifers. You will observe and compare pines, spruce, cedar, hemlock, holly, and more! This program is a great experiential learning opportunity to smell, count, and feel your way to understanding more about evergreens, their part in history, ecology and the economy. Approximately 2 miles on gently sloped trails. To register for the Evergreen Walk, click here.
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
Join us for one workday or the whole season, your time and effort are welcome and appreciated!
Forestry Project Volunteers at Deer Pond Farm
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.
