Programs and Events at the Fairfield Nature Center
Please note the change in Center hours on the following dates:
Friday, Nov. 7 — Open 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 10 — Closed
Trails remain open every day, from dawn to dusk.
We’re delighted to announce the Center’s Birds of Prey renovations are completed! Our raptor ambassadors have been getting comfortable in their beautiful new residence, and they are excited to welcome you back to their home. We hope you’ll come visit soon!
School Day Off Fall Fun – Registration is Closed
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Program has filled; registration is closed
Children in Kindergarten to Grade 2 will enjoy a day off from school filled with exploring the wonders of nature. We’ll hike the trails looking for signs of animals, use insect nets to investigate pond life, roll logs to see what lives beneath, meet live animals, search for worms, insects, and salamanders, play games and more! Pre-registration is required.
Fairfield Resident: free. Non-Resident, CAS Member: $55. Non-Resident, Non-member: $65.
Please bring a peanut-free lunch and snack. The program will be primarily outside so be sure to dress for the weather and bring a change of clothes. It takes place at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Fall Nature Walk in the Larsen Sanctuary
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
10a.m. to 1 p.m.
The falling leaves open up vibrant new views of nature along the trails of the Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. Join botanist Jim Cortina for this guided walk to explore and take in the sights, sounds and aromas of the fall season. He’ll share insights about seasonal changes, native plants and the subtle signs of nature preparing for winter. Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or simply looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the crisp autumn air, this walk offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. Bring binoculars if you have them – we never know what we may encounter during this changing season.
Pre-registration required. Members $20; Non-members $25.
Please register here.
This program meets at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield, CT.
Nature Tots
Tuesdays: November 18 and 25, 2025
10 – 10:45 a.m.
What do animals do in the fall? How do they prepare for cooler temperatures? We’ll discover the answers to these questions and more in this engaging, indoor/outdoor program. Activities may include stories, crafts, games, experiments, live animal visitors and explorations. For ages 2-3 years accompanied by an actively participating adult. Pre-registration is required.
Single class fee (per child): Members $20, Non-members $25.
November 18: Register here.
November 25: Register here.
Please wear appropriate indoor/outdoor clothing and footwear. This program is held at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Ongoing Programs
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- Field Trips for Home Learning Groups: Enrich your home learning group by taking a field trip to the Center at Fairfield for hands-on, outdoor, environmental programs. Click here for program brochure.
- Science in Nature — Distance Learning: Bring the excitement and learning of our Science in Nature programs to your classroom with these live, virtual programs. Click here for program brochure.
- Science in Nature — In-Person Learning: Offerings include programs at your school, field trips to the Center at Fairfield or a local park. For the All Grade Level brochure, click here.
- Outreach Programs: Our animal-focused programs are ideal for individuals, libraries, scout troops, senior centers and more. Click here for details.
- Birthday Parties: Celebrate your child’s birthday with a nature-based party at our Center. Click here for details.
- Scouting Programs: Ongoing, customized science- and nature-related scouting programs are also available on- or off-site. Click here for details.
Outreach Programs
Enrich yourself, or the offerings of your group or organization, with our outreach learning programs. Ideal for individuals, libraries, scout troops, senior centers, Parks and Recreation departments and more, they can also be tailored to meet your specific needs. Programs can be in-person or virtual (via Zoom). Click here for brochure.
Birds of Prey – Encounter with one or more raptors on a bird handler’s glove. You’ll learn about the natural history of these magnificent birds, while discovering their unique physical and behavioral adaptations. We’ll discuss different raptor species and their amazing behavioral and predatory adaptations, as well as their conservation status and critical role in the environment.
Program fee: $300. Length: 60 minutes.
Meet the Animals – Unlock the basics behind how scientists classify animals into groups. We’ll focus on five basic animal groups: invertebrates, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. By comparing representative animals and their features, discover how the animals are related, what special traits they have, and better understand why they are classified the way they are. The program also includes live animals and mounted species.
Program fee: $165. Length: 60 minutes.
Backyard Birding – Learn how to identify backyard birds by sight and sound, who is at the feeder during each season and what their feeding habits are. Also covered will be bird characteristics, ways to entice birds to your feeder, what feeders and seed to use, and where to place feeders for bird safety and best viewing. This program includes a PowerPoint presentation, and there will be samples of bird feeders and seed that can be used in your backyard to attract birds.
Program fee: $165. Length: 60 minutes.
To schedule, please email our program manager at tkevalis@ctaudubon.org.
Scouting Programs
The Fairfield Nature Center provides programs that meet the needs of scouts and their leaders. Our teacher-naturalists will lead scouts through hands-on, science-based programs during which they will discover unique habitats and wildlife while working towards badge requirements. Our ongoing scouting programs may be scheduled for weekdays and weekends (based on availability). For Girl Scout programs through the Center, click here. Other scouting program information coming soon.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child’s birthday with Connecticut Audubon! We provide a fun-filled, 45-minute, nature-based program for your child and up to 15 guests, plus an additional 45 minutes for your own birthday fun. Age-specific themes (appropriate for ages 3 and up) to choose from include Naturalist Adventures, Slither and Slime, Creature Feature and more!
You can schedule a birthday party on Saturdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. or from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Weekday parties are available on a limited basis by request. (Please note, we cannot schedule birthday parties during the summer months of June, July and August.)
Click here to view the brochure. To book a party, please email Jane Guenther or call 203-259-6305 ext. 109.
Connecticut Audubon’s Dr. Science: Using Binoculars for Birding
Ever wonder how you could use your binoculars to get an “eagle-eye” view of some of your favorite birds? Join Connecticut Audubon’s Dr. Science as she shares (and demonstrates) some dos and don’ts, including how you can listen, spot and focus in on your next super-incredible nature experience.
See below for our previous Dr. Science adventures:
Episode 1: Skunk Cabbage, click here.
Episode 2: Estuaries, click here.
Episode 3: Beach Grass, click here.
Episode 4: Rockweed, click here.
Episode 5: Mud Snails, click here.
Episode 6: Bivalves, click here.
Episode 7: The Great Blue Heron, click here.
Episode 8: Life Under a Log, click here.
Episode 9: The Wood Frog Story, click here.
Episode 10: Owl Pellets, click here.
Episode 11: Dandelions, click here.
Episode 12: Snakes, click here.
