Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
Walk Our Trails!
ATTENTION BAFFLIN SANCTUARY WALKERS
The Bafflin Sanctuary trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk.
To minimize wildlife disturbance, we ask all walkers to stay on designated trails.
Click here for a trail map. Click here for trail rules.
New Center Hours
Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Birds to look for in April
Read our most recent newsletter.
Concerts
James Keelaghan
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
SOLD OUT! THANK YOU.
Canadian roots and folk musician, James Keelaghan is a masterful storyteller and an accomplished artist. He is one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices of the Canadian music scene. Dave Marsh, the award-winning American music critic and historian, characterized Keelaghan as “Canada’s finest songwriter.” He is also well known in the international singer-songwriter community.
Keelaghan will be accompanied by David Woodhead on bass.
Peter Mayer
Friday, May 2, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
For 30 years, guitar virtuoso Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time, performing in venues across the U.S. and around the world. His music has been performed by Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name just a few artists. Song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country include his work. Peter has made eleven albums. Marilyn Rea Beyer, former music director and on-air folk radio host at WUMB Radio in Boston, describes Peter’s guitar work as “… breathtaking, his lyrics mind-spinning, his singing soul-soothing and his feet-on-the-ground optimism nothing short of healing.” Registration is required as seating is limited. Fee: $25.
Click here to register online or call the Center at 860-928-4948.
Admission at the door will be $30, if seating remains available.
Adult Programs
Monday Morning Walks
Through March 2025 at 8:30 A.M.
Join the Baranski family to stretch your legs and breathe in the early morning air on the Bafflin Sanctuary. Brothers Fran and Ed are longtime volunteers, trackers, and nature photographers. They will point out wildlife sign to you. Bring your camera, if you like. No registration required. Free.
Nature Sketchbook Journaling
Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 1 – 3 P.M.
Roxanne Steed will discuss various aspects of keeping a nature journal, including how to finish its pages with paint and detail. Also, learn how to make your images into larger paintings. Please bring: a watercolor sketchbook, permanent markers, a portable watercolor kit, a small cup to hold water, and paper towels. Call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $15 CAS members; $25 non-members.
Lights Out Connecticut Lecture
The Effects of Light Pollution on Birds, Wildlife, and Humans
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Our state is located along the Atlantic Flyway, so many birds use our shoreline and green spaces to rest and refuel during their trip north. Artificial light emitted by houses, buildings, streetlights, bridges, and other structure can confuse and disorient birds, causing them to land near buildings, crash into windows, or circle around for hours until they drop from exhaustion. Light pollution also impacts other wildlife and the well-being of humans. Learn what can be done to mitigate the damage. Lecture by Craig Repasz, chair and co-founder of Lights Out Connecticut and an accomplished birder. Registration requested but not required. Free. Join us at the Center or attend via Zoom. A link will be provided soon.
Tree Pests and Pathogens
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
Pests and pathogens are ubiquitous in Connecticut woods, but their impacts vary greatly. CT DEEP service forester Frank Cervo will discuss some of the most significant insects, fungi, and diseases which can plague your favorite trees and forests and what to expect in their aftermath. We’ll also discuss potential management strategies to deal with these disturbances and prepare for the future. Presented in collaboration with the Eastern CT Forest Landowners Association. Registration requested but not required. Fee: Free CAS and ECFLA members; $5 non-members.
Bird Walks and Watches
Early Morning Bird Walks
Tuesdays in April and May at 8 A.M.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land. Wear drab-colored clothing and bring binoculars. On some occasions, a spotting scope will be useful. Andy will have one with him. No registration is required. Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Registration is required for the following walks.
Email Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948.
Woodcock Watch
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7 P.M.
Andy will bring you to see displaying American Woodcock. Their courtship flights are just before dark. Wear drab-colored clothing. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.
Virginia Rail Walk
Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 6 P.M.
Our goal is to hear and observe a Virginia Rail. We will also see what other birds are around. Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Beginners Bird Walk
Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 8 A.M.
If you are new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful, spring birds are back and the leaves aren’t out yet. Expect to see Yellow, Blue-winged, and Black-and-white Warblers. Limited to 10 participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Freidman Forest Bird Walk
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8 A.M.
We’ll explore this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve. We are likely to see a Great Blue Heron rookery, and Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers! Limited to nine participants. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Mother’s Day Bird Walk
Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 8 A.M.
Bring along your mother or grandmother and join Andy to look for returning birds. It’s the peak of spring migration! There are many beautiful birds to see and enjoy, including Bobolink and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to 12 participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non- members; mothers free!
Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
Monday, May 12, 2025 at 8 A.M.
We’ll explore this fantastic bird watching location. Expect to see Cerulean, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers, and most likely one or both Cuckoo species. Limited to 10 participants. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 8 A.M.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve has a variety of habitats including fields, shrublands, and woodlands. Expect to find Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers, Indigo Bunting, and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to 10 participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
20 Warbler Day
Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6 A.M. to 2 P.M.
We will attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day during the peak of warbler migration. We will travel to numerous locations in our search. This is our 16th year doing this program. We have found as many as 21 warbler species! Limited to 16 participants. Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Friday, May 16, 2025 at 8 A.M.
Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton. We expect to find Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Veery, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Limited to eight participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Long Pond Bird Walk
Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8 A.M.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake, has varied habitat. Expect to see Brown Thrasher, Prairie Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and various migrants. Limited to 10 participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
90 Bird Day (19th Annual)
Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6 A.M. to 4 P.M.
The goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours or fewer. We will visit many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center. Interesting sightings from past years include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack. Limited to 16 participants. Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.
Hillandale Woods Bird Walk
Friday, May 23, 2025 at 8 A.M.
Be among the first to visit the newest Wyndham Land Trust preserve, located in Brooklyn. In this 320-acre woodland, expect to see Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird, Veery, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. Limited to 7 participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 9 A.M.
Join Andy and fellow bird banders to see various songbirds up close. You will see how we gently catch them, record data, and safely release the birds. Participants may release a bird. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Union Bird Walk
Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 8 A.M.
We’ll meet at a location in Woodstock and travel to this new area. Expect to see Black-throated Blue and Canada Warblers and Broad-winged Hawk. Limited to eight participants. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 8 A.M.
Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton. We expect to find Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Veery, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Limited to eight participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Chaney Preserve Bird Walk
Friday, May 30, 2025 at 8 A.M.
Andy will guide you around this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Montville. It contains a ten-acre clear-cut, large areas of mountain laurel, interesting rock features, and mature forest. Expect to see Hooded, Prairie, and Blue-winged Warblers, Acadian Flycatcher, and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to eight participants. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.
Boston Hollow Bird Watch
Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 8 A.M.
We will explore the Boston Hollow area of Ashford. Much of the land is owned by Yale. It is a unique area, having a northern forest feel. We should see Blackburnian and Canada Warblers, Winter Wren, Northern Waterthrush, and many more. We will bird from the road. Limited to 18 participants. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 nonmembers.
Volunteer Naturalist Training
Tuesdays, March 25 through May 27, 2025
From 8 A.M. to Noon
This is the perfect program for you, if you have always wanted to learn more about the natural world or volunteer at the Center at Pomfret. Topics covered in the 40 hours of training (ten, four-hour sessions) include the wildlife of northeastern Connecticut, spring wildflowers, tree identification, and even basic survival skills. Space is limited.
Click here to download the application.
Click here to view the syllabus.
Exhibitions
Trail Wood Reflections 2024
Artists and Writers In-Residence Exhibition
February 9 through March 30, 2025
Enjoy an exhibition of written and visual works inspired by summer 2024 artists’ residencies at Trail Wood in Hampton. Artists and writers are Lizzie Abelson, Beth Clary, Susie Dorr, Greg Kniseley, Tom Lagasse, and Ray Larrow.
Dorr’s photo of an American Fritillary is shown here. Free.
