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.
Center Hours
Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Birds to look for in February
Read our Winter 2025-26 Newsletter.
Tuesday Winter Series 2026
Ocean
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey, showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, fuller of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. It is the first of four environmentally thought-provoking films hosted by The Pomfret Green Team, in collaboration with the CT Audubon Society. Discussion with freediver Brian Jessurun follows the screening. Free admission, free popcorn. Join us at the Center. Zoom not available.
Bill McKibben: Author Talk 
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Acclaimed environmentalist Bill McKibben will speak on his call to harness the power of the sun. Our climate and our democracy are melting down but Bill, one of the first to sound the alarm about the climate crisis, insists the moment is also full of possibility. Energy from the sun and wind is suddenly the cheapest power on the planet and growing faster than any energy source in history. If we can keep accelerating the pace, we have a chance. Bill’s new book Here Comes the Sun will be available at cost at the Center. Free. Join us at the Center for this Zoom presentation or enjoy it at home.
Here Comes the Sun
CT Audubon Society Book Club
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
From Bill McKibben, a call to rewrite our scientific, economic, and political future by harnessing the power of the sun. Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization tells the story of the sudden spike in power from the sun and wind—and the desperate fight of the fossil fuel industry and its politicians to hold this new power at bay. McKibben traces the arrival of plentiful, inexpensive solar energy. And he shows how solar power is more than just a path out of the climate crisis: it is a chance to reorder the world on saner and more humane grounds. You can’t hoard solar energy or hold it in reserves—it’s available to all. There’s no guarantee we can make this change in time, but there is a hope—in McKibben’s eyes, our best hope for a new civilization: one that looks up to the sun, every day, as the star that fuels our world. Free. Zoom only.
Outgrow the System
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
“Change the system, not the climate” is a common demand in the climate movement. But what kind of system do we really want? Meet the new economic perspectives that have the potential to change the world by genuinely managing our resources. Outgrow the System is hosted by The Pomfret Green Team, in collaboration with the CT Audubon Society. Moderated discussion follows the screening. Free admission, free popcorn. Join us at the Center or via Zoom.
Creating the Erie Canal
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
This documentary, produced by Tom Garber to celebrate the bicentennial of the opening of the canal (1825), tells the captivating story of upstate New York pioneers who actually designed and built the world’s longest hand dug canal. It also relates the story of the loss of Haudenosaunee native American culture under the influence of manifest destiny. Tom will be available for questions following the screening. Free. Join us at the Center or via Zoom.
Food, Inc. 2
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Food, Inc. 2 explores the issues arising from corporate consolidation in the American food and agriculture industry, highlighting the challenges exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. hosted by The Pomfret Green Team, in collaboration with the CT Audubon Society. Discussion follows with farmers and moderators Adam and Courtney Squires. Free admission, free popcorn. Join us at the Center or via Zoom.
The Feather Detective
CT Audubon Society Book Club
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
The fascinating and remarkable true story of the world’s first forensic ornithologist—Roxie Laybourne, who broke down barriers for women, solved murders, and investigated deadly airplane crashes with nothing more than a microscope and a few fragments of feathers. Free. Zoom only.
The Plight of Our Birds: A Call to Action 
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Learn about the Connecticut Bird Atlas and the overall plight of birds in North America. The atlas is the result of four years of field work by almost 1,000 volunteer birders. The goal was to map all species of birds that occur in the state. Learn what the data reveals about Connecticut’s birds. Dr Min Huang and Craig Repasz will outline key findings and show us how we can work collectively to reverse the population decline of our cherished birds. Free. Join us at the Center or via Zoom.
The Little Things that Run the World
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
The film introduces viewers to a diverse group of scientists, nature lovers, gardeners, farmers, and general bug enthusiasts in exploring the importance of flying insects amid rapid declines in their numbers. They hold ecosystems together. hosted by the Pomfret Green Team, in collaboration with the CT Audubon Society. Discussion follows. Free admission, free popcorn. Join us at the Center. Zoom not available.
Children’s Programs
Toddlers, Trails, and Tales 
Session 1: Weds., Jan. 14 – Feb. 11, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Session 2: Weds., Feb. 18 – Mar. 18, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers come out for some fresh air with your toddler, take a nature walk, and enjoy an activity or story.
Join retired Pomfret Community School kindergarten teacher Carolyn Otto for a morning of fun and learning. Dress for the weather as many activities are outdoors. Registration requested by calling 860-928-4948.
Fee: $5 per child per class or $20 per child per five-week session CAS members; $7 per child per class or $30 per five-week session non-members.
(Fee is for one toddler with one accompanying adult.)
Family Programs
The Secret Lives of Owls
The Live Owls from Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education
Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2 p.m.
New date: Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Owls have always been surrounded by an air of mystery, probably because most are nocturnal and not easy to spot in the wild. This is your chance to be only a few feet from an Eastern Screech Owl, a Barred Owl, a Barn Owl, and a Great-horned Owl! Discover the extraordinary features of owls, including exceptional eyesight and hearing, and the ability to fly silently. Registration is recommended. Register online or call 860-928-4948. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members; children aged 10 and under free. The program is recommended for children over 5.
Bird Walks
Registration is required for the following programs, with the exception of the Tuesday Early Morning Bird Walks beginning in April. Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.
Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Enjoy a late winter bird walk at the Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery, located in Plainfield. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Woodcock Watches 
Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Andy will bring you to see displaying American Woodcock as they do their courtship flights just before dark. VERY IMPORTANT — no bright-colored clothing or hats; drab colors are recommended. Limit: 7 people per date. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.
Early Morning Bird Walks
Tuesdays in April and May 2026, at 8 a.m.
No walk on May 19th
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. Since the Connecticut Audubon Society’s bird of the year is the Pileated Woodpecker, we will make a special effort on the April walks to see one. 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). Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.
Long Pond Bird Walk
Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 8 a.m.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake in MA, has varied habitats. We’ll look for interesting duck species as well as early arriving spring migrants, such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Blue-headed Vireo. Limit: 10 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.
Virginia Rail Bird Walk
Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Our goal will be to hear and observe a Virginia Rail. Other possible species include early arrivals like Yellow and Pine Warblers. Limit: 12 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.
Beginner’s Bird Walk
Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8 a.m.
If you are new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring migrants will have returned and the leaves won’t be out, making the birds easier to spot. Limit: 10 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton to find an assortment of birds. Expect Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Veery. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $10 members, $20 non-members.
Freidman Forest Bird Walk
Friday, May 8, 2026, at 8 a.m.
While exploring this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve, we will likely find Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers! Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.
Little River Preserve Bird Walk
Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Owned by the town of Hampton, this new preserve has a diversity of habitats that should attract lots of interesting birds. Hooded Warbler, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and several flycatcher species are just a few of the possibilities. Limit: 10 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.
Mother’s Day Bird Walk
Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Bring your mother or grandmother to see the colorful birds of spring. This is the peak of migration, and many species can be found, including Bobolink and Scarlet Tanager. Limit: 12 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members; mothers free.
Nightingale Forest Preserve North Bird Walk
Monday, May 11, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Explore this newly preserved Wyndham Land Trust property. We will bird areas in the 220-acre expansion. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.
Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8 a.m.
This Wyndham Land Trust preserve has field, shrubland, and woodland habitats. We always seem to find exciting species here! Expect Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.
20 Warbler Day
Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the peak of their migration, we will attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day. We will travel to numerous locations. This is our 17th year doing this program. We have found as many as 21 warbler species! Limit: 12 people. Fee: $25 members; $50 non-members.
Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8 a.m.
We’ll explore this fantastic bird watching location with expectations of finding Cerulean, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers, and likely one or both cuckoo species. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Monday, May 18, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton to find an assortment of birds. Expect Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Veery. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $10 members, $20 non-members.
90 Bird Day (20th Annual)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Our goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours. We will visit many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center. Interesting past sightings include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack. Limit: 12 people. Fee: $25 members; $50 non-members.
Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 9 a.m.
See how banders gently catch birds, record data, and safely release them. You may have a chance to release a bird yourself. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.
Chaney Preserve Bird Walk
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 8 a.m.
This large, forested preserve in Montville contains a 10-acre clear-cut, large amounts of mountain laurel, interesting rock features, and mature forest. Expect Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Prairie Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager, and more. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.
Boston Hollow Bird Walk
Friday, May 29, 2026, at 8 a.m.
We will explore Boston Hollow in Ashford, a unique area with a northern forest feel. Much of the land is owned by Yale University. Expect Blackburnian Warbler, Winter Wren, Canada Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush. We will bird from the road. Limit: 16 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.
Art Exhibition
Trail Wood Reflections ’25 Exhibition
January 31 through March 28, 2026
Opening Reception
Saturday, January 31, at 2 p.m. (Snow Date: March 28th)
Readings and Gallery Talk at 2:30 p.m.
Written and visual works inspired by artist residencies during the Summer of 2025 will be presented by visiting artists Carmine Angeloni, James DeBay, and John Himmelman and writers Amanda Giracca, Kim Hoff, and Elizabeth Strayer. Free admission.
