Programs and Events at the Fairfield Nature Center
Nature Tots – Winter Series
Tuesdays: February 10, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026
10 – 10:45 a.m.
(No class on February 17)
What do animals do in the winter? How do they survive in cold temperatures? Young nature explorers 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.
Class fee (per child): Members $20; Non-members $25.
February 10: Register here.
February 24: Register here.
March 3: Register here.
March 10: Register here.
March 17: Register here.
March 24: 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.
Story Corner
Thursday, February 12, 2026
10 a.m.
Come join us for a story featuring a nature-themed picture book that is perfect for little explorers. After listening to the story we’ll get to meet a few of our Center’s live animal residents/ambassadors that appear in the book. For this class we’ll read “Little Owls Love” by Divya Srinivasan.
Registration is preferred; walk-ins welcome.
Members free; Non-members $10 per family.
Register here.
This program meets at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
School Day Off Winter Fun
Friday, February 13, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Drop off program for Kindergarten to Grade 2
Children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade will enjoy their day off exploring nature in winter. In the forest, we’ll look for signs of wildlife and learn what animals do during the coldest season of the year. Games, science experiments and meeting some of the Center’s resident animals round out the fun. This is a drop-off program; pre-registration is required.
Members $55 per child; Non-members $65 per child.
Register here.
Please bring a peanut-free snack and lunch, and wear appropriate indoor/outdoor clothing. This program meets at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Meet the Animals – Mammals
Cinnamon
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:30 to 11 a.m.
The animal ambassadors at the Fairfield Nature Center would love to meet you! Come join us for this unique and up-close chance to learn about the mammals who reside at our Center. Find out why they are here, what care and food they need, and how they are special. You’ll also hear how, in their role as ambassadors, they teach visitors, school groups, and others in our community about the wildlife around us, as well as what we can do to protect their natural habitats. Great for all ages; registration recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
Cost: $5 per family (up to 5 people). Register here.
This event takes place at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Winter Wonderland Nighttime Walk
Friday February 27, 2026
5 to 6:30 p.m. (walks leave every 15 mins.)
For an unforgettable winter experience, join us for a magical evening stroll along a luminary trail. After exploring the winter forest, warm up by a toasty fire and enjoy hot chocolate, snacks and crafts. This family-friendly event is ideally suited for children up to age 10 (age one and under are free). Guided walks will leave every 15 minutes, beginning at 5 p.m. The last walk leaves at 6:15 p.m.
Members $8 per person; Non-members $10 per person. Pre-registration is required.
5:00 p.m. walk: register here
5:15 p.m. walk: register here
5:30 p.m. walk: register here
5:45 p.m. walk: register here
6:00 p.m. walk: register here
6:15 p.m. walk: register here
No walk-ins or strollers please. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event takes place at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Planting for the Birds
Photo: Barbara Scavotto, Field Sparrow
Friday, March 20, 2026
10 a.m. to Noon
Discover how native plants can turn your yard, school, or community space into a haven for birds. This interactive program begins with a short PowerPoint presentation highlighting plants that provide birds with food, shelter and nesting opportunities throughout the year. Participants will learn which trees, shrubs and flowers attract different bird species and why native plants are essential to healthy ecosystems.
After the presentation, we’ll head outdoors for a guided hike to observe native plants in their natural setting and see how birds use them. If conditions allow, participants will also help plant a few bird-friendly plants in the ground, putting their new knowledge into action. This hands-on program is perfect for nature lovers of all ages and encourages participants to support birds right at home by planting with purpose.
Members $20; Non-members $30. Please register here.
This program is held at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Girl Scout Nature Badge Day
Saturday, March 21, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Attention Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts—nature badge programs are back this spring! Audubon’s teacher naturalists will lead these fun outdoor adventures to satisfy badge requirements. (Please note, CT Audubon does not provide the badges, they must be obtained by troop leaders).
Pre-registration is required. All programs are $10 per scout. Please register here.
Daisy Use Resources Wisely – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Find new ways to care for the environment by reducing, reusing, and recycling everyday items. You’ll play Recycle Relay, discover new uses for old things, and partake in an outdoor forest clean-up. Each Daisy will take home a recycled journal with ideas to share with their familly.
Register here.
Brownie Outdoor Adventurer – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The Fairfield Nature Center has everything for an exciting outdoor adventure — from marshes and streams to ponds and open fields. We’ll take you on a journey through the many habitats the sanctuary has to offer. You’ll receive a nature journal to record your discoveries and favorite moments. Accomplishes steps 1, 2 & 3.
Register here.
Brownie Outdoor Art Creator – 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
Colors, shapes, and sounds of nature have always been an inspiration for artists. You’ll work outside to turn natural elements into works of art through leaf and bark rubbings, sketching still life’s of animals and plants, and building outdoor structures. Accomplishes steps 1, 2 & 4.
Register here.
Brownie Hiker – 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
Become an experienced Brownie hiker. This program helps you prepare, and leads you on a hike in the Larsen Sanctuary. You’ll learn to read trail signs, search for animals and birds, and discover different ecosystems. Learn what gear to take on a hike, including healthy snacks for energy. Accomplishes steps 1, 2 & 5.
Register here.
This program meets at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street.
Plant and Wild Edibles Series
Photo from CT Foraging Club
Saturdays, March 28, April 11 and 18, 2026
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This series is led by Joe Ross, owner of eattheplanet.org. Eat the Planet focuses on foraging and wild edibles, and maintains a website database that helps people find foraging classes and groups in all 50 states. Classes include exploring the Larsen Sanctuary looking for wild edibles and learning about plant identification. Pre-registration is required.
March 28 – Intro. to Local Tree and Shrub Identification (Part 1): Class will focus on how to identify local trees and shrubs. Includes a hike looking at specific plant characteristics that will help you to learn to identify several common local trees and shrubs. We’ll discuss the importance of the scientific name, and ecological and historical factors associated with each plant.
April 11 – Intro. to Local Tree and Shrub Identification (Part 2): Class will be a continuation of the March 28 session on plant identification. In this class we’ll be looking in more detail at plant morphology and the small features that help with identification. Plant life cycles and learning to identify plants at different stages will also be highlighted as we work with a list of local native and non-native plants.
April 18 – Wild Edibles in Connecticut: This class covers edible properties of local plants: what to look for and what to avoid. We’ll discuss historical and medicinal uses, as well as potential for under-rated alternative crops that can be grown or foraged locally.
Series fee: $60 Members; $75 Non-members. Please register here.
Classes meet at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Streeet, Fairfield, CT.
Beneficial Insects for Your Garden
Friday, April 24, 2026
10:30 a.m.
Presenter: Katherine Dugas, Agricultural Research Technician;
CAES Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, and our perception of them is similarly diverse and complicated. Some insects are considered pests due to the damage they cause to gardens and landscapes. Others are considered beneficial and are encouraged and welcomed in the same spaces. This talk will briefly skim this wide spectrum of pest-to-beneficial insects and provide examples of how insects shape and define our own relationship with our environment. Registration required
$5 per person; please register here.
This program is held at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Herb Fun: Spring Greens, Plants & Mushrooms
Photo by Lindsay Chimileski
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Step into spring with a hands-on workshop and exploration of the wild foods and healing plants in our Connecticut woodlands. We’ll begin this workshop on the Audubon trails, learning to recognize edible greens, medicinal herbs, and the early mushrooms that return with the warmer days. Guided by Dr. Lindsay Chimileski, ND—a naturopathic doctor, herbalist, acupuncture specialist, and lifelong naturalist—you’ll learn how to approach the land with respect, practice ethical harvesting, and deepen your relationship with the plants and fungi that surround us.
The workshop includes a discussion about working safely with wild plants and mushrooms and how to weave these seasonal allies into everyday life. After time on the trail, we’ll make a fresh wild green pesto, soothing herbal salve and personalized tincture or vinegar extract to take home, along with notes and recipes for continued learning.
$75 per person; pre-registration is required; please register here.
All materials are included. Please dress comfortably for light walking and outdoor exploration. This program meets at the Farfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.
Winter Naturalist Program – Registration has closed
Wednesdays, January 21 – February 18, 2026
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.*
While the weather might seem uninviting, many mysteries and changes in nature are revealed in the winter landscape. With shorter days and longer, colder nights, plants and animals must adapt or relocate to survive the seasonal challenges. Learn from field experts: who is active, who is sleeping, who comes to spend the winter in Connecticut and why.
January 21 – Winter Birds: Presented by Stefan Martin, CT Audubon Conservation Manager.
January 28 – Winter Walk: Presented by Stefan Martin, CT Audubon Conservation Manager.
February 4 – Winter Plants: Presented by Botanist Jim Cortina. *A 3-hour class, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
February 11 – Planting for Wildlife: Presented by Dave Havens, CT Audubon educator/naturalist.
February 18 – Shore in Winter: Presented by Dave Havens, CT Audubon educator/naturalist. This program meets at Sherwood Island.
Registration has closed. Classes meet at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield, CT — except the February 18 class meets at Sherwood Island in Westport.
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.
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.
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.
For Scout programs through the Center, click here.
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.
