Join DPNC at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area for a birding adventure as we search for wintering shorebirds, ducks, and raptors. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, this walk is perfect for observing a variety of waterfowl. Open to adults of all skill levels! Meets at the boat launch at the end…
Horizons Written in Ripples: One Ripple Sparks Endless Possibilities At NESS, every moment on the water, every discovery in science, and every connection with our community leaves a lasting ripple. These small, powerful moments grow — building confidence, inspiring curiosity, and shaping futures that reach far beyond the harbor. Through the voices of students, teachers,…
Learn about Connecticut’s native owls and meet DPNC’s resident animal ambassadors. This program is for adults. Pre-registration is required. Meets at DPNC. Members: $8.50, Non-Members: $10 Register
Join DPNC as we explore Haley Farm State Park looking for migrating and resident shorebirds, ducks and raptors. This program is great for birders of all skill levels. Meets at Haley Farm State Park, 24 Haley Farm Lane, Groton, CT. This program is suited for adults. Pre Registration is required. Members: $17, Non-Members: $20 Register
A good gardening season starts with strong plants. In this class, you’ll learn how to give your garden a healthy head start in their new environment. We’ll cover everything from amending your soil and companion planting to protecting plants from pests and properly staking tomatoes. Join us to learn how to get your garden off…
Treat your kids to a fun-filled evening at the Nature Center while you treat yourself to a night off! They’ll explore the outdoors with exciting games, hands-on nature activities, live animal encounters, and an evening hike. To top it all off, we’ll gather around the fire for pizza and s’mores! Don’t forget to dress for…
Ready for a challenge? Bring the family and join DPNC for a FREE hike through Oswegatchie Hills, where rugged trails, unique habitats, and scenic views await! This hike is great for those who enjoy a more vigorous outdoor experience and want to explore a local gem—including lots of hills! Meets at 8 Memorial Park Drive…
Greens Sale with Custom Decorating on December 5 – 6. The Greens Sale will take place at Union Baptist Church, located at 119 High Street in Mystic, CT on December 5 from 12pm – 3pm and on December 6 from 9am – 1pm. Our Mystic Garden Club Designers will be on hand this year to…
Get into the holiday spirit by creating your own festive wreath or kissing ball with DPNC! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to identify various evergreens and master wreath-making techniques using materials gathered from our woodland campus. We’ll provide evergreen boughs, berries, and vines, along with cones, wire, and ribbons. Bring your creativity, and leave…
Enjoy a peaceful guided hike at the historic Peace Sanctuary with DPNC this Sunday, December 7th. This moderately challenging hike will take you through beautiful landscapes with stunning views of the Mystic River, all while learning about the Sanctuary’s history. A perfect way to reflect and recharge in nature. Meets at the Peace Sanctuary, River…
Explore the trails of Coogan Farm and discover the wildlife and habitats that make this landscape so special. From field to forest, we’ll learn how plants and animals adapt to the season while enjoying one of Mystic’s most beautiful natural spaces. Meets at Coogan Farm. Preregistration is required for this free program! Register
The Bill Memorial Library Hosts Family Holiday Sing-Along! The Bill Memorial Library in the City of Groton will host a Family Holiday Sing-Along featuring a live band on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Adults and kids are invited to join Miss Mary-Jane and her musical friends for an evening of holiday favorite songs…
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center invites you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Taking place Decemebr 12, 13, and 14, stroll through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of…
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center invites you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Taking place Decemebr 12, 13, and 14, stroll through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of…
The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center invites you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Taking place Decemebr 12, 13, and 14, stroll through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of…
Discover the wonders of nature together at this monthly, inclusive, and FREE family-friendly program at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center! Move at your own pace as you explore themed activity stations, meet live animals, and examine fascinating natural artifacts. Then get creative with a hands-on craft before heading out on a self-guided hike and scavenger…
Treat your kids to a fun-filled evening at the Nature Center while you treat yourself to a night off! They’ll explore the outdoors with exciting games, hands-on nature activities, live animal encounters, and an evening hike. To top it all off, we’ll gather around the fire for pizza and s’mores! Don’t forget to dress for…
Celebrate the 78th Annual Community Carol Sing on December 21! Enjoy free admission, a 2:00 p.m. caroler concert, Santa and Mrs. Claus sightings, and a 3:00 p.m. sing-along on the McGraw Gallery Quad. In the spirit of the season, visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations to support the Pawcatuck Neighborhood…
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a kid-friendly musical countdown! Join Steve Elci & Friends for a lively performance at 2:15 p.m. on the McGraw Gallery Quad, then ring in 2026 with a 3:00 p.m. confetti toss. Enter through the Thompson Exhibition Building at the Museum’s North Entrance. The first 50 kids get a free noisemaker!…
Back by popular demand! Learn how to roll a slab, form your mug, craft a handle, and embellish your personalized mug. Choose a glaze for the instructor to glaze it. Your pottery will be ready in 3 weeks. Ages 18+. $55 plus $5 for materials per person. Register online
Slow down this winter with a four-week guided mindfulness series at DPNC. Each week focuses on simple practices, where we’ll learn to breathe, listen to the body, open the heart, and savor the moment! Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this series offers a peaceful space to reconnect with yourself…
Everyone deserves a night out! Have an evening out while your kids, ages 6 to 12, spend the evening at DPNC's Coogan Farm. We will enjoy cooking our own dinner, meeting animals and going for a night hike. We’ll make our own pizza for dinner and create a delicious dessert! Please be dressed for the…
Back by popular demand! Learn how to roll a slab, form your mug, craft a handle, and embellish your personalized mug. Choose a glaze for the instructor to glaze it. Your pottery will be ready in 3 weeks. Ages 18+. $55 plus $5 for materials per person. Register online
Slow down this winter with a four-week guided mindfulness series at DPNC led by life coach Tyler Haling. Each week focuses on simple practices, where we’ll learn to breathe, listen to the body, open the heart, and savor the moment! Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this series offers a…
Discover the comeback story of the Eastern Bluebird, made possible by dedicated community scientists who have built and monitored nest boxes for decades. After an introduction, we’ll head out on the trails to observe bluebird habitats firsthand and you’ll have the opportunity to join Team Bluebird. The team monitors nest boxes from late March to…
This panel discussion hosted by the Mystic Area Ecumenical Council at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mystic in partnership with the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding will bring three seasoned representatives of Judaism, Hinduism, and Sikhism together with members of the community for an engaging interfaith conversation about not only our…
Stroll the trails of the Nature Center in search of eggs, meet resident animal friends along the way, and say hello to the Easter Bunny! Trade in your found eggs for wooden ones and head over to the creation stations to decorate them. Please bring your own basket to collect eggs. Participants are limited to…
Engaged? Save the date! Join us for the Mystic Wedding Expo at the Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan's Blvd, Mystic, CT on Sunday, April 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Connect with the area's top wedding professionals and plan your special day. For info please email Kelly@BridalShowsbyKelly.com or visit www.bridalshowsbykelly.com EXHIBITORS: Hilton Mystic Atlantic Coast Entertainment BellaFoto…
Come meet the coolest residents at the nature center, literally! Get face-to-face with our cold-blooded animal ambassadors, including turtles, snakes, and frogs. We’ll explore their wild adaptations, from protective shells to camouflage. Touch live specimens if you dare (totally optional!), hold bio-facts like snake sheds and turtle shells, and learn how to help protect these…
Join DPNC to find and identify as many species as possible throughout our trails with the help of iNaturalist! We’ll walk our trails with experts on birds, fungi, reptiles and amphibians, and plants. See the schedule below and come for one, some, or all! Walk-ins are welcome and no prior experience with plant identification needed!…
Experience the beautiful Mystic shoreline community at the Mystic Half Marathon and 10K! Enjoy scenic views for 13.1 or 6.2 miles, running from Olde Mistick Village, past historic ships, through the charming downtown with race finish at Mystic Aquarium. All participants receive a short sleeve technical shirt and a custom designed finisher medal in this…
You are invited to Always Home’s Heart to Heart "Garden Soirée" Gala in support of Preventing Family Homelessness on Friday, June 5, 2026. Evening highlights include: Cocktails at the Open Bar; Silent Auction; Three-course Gourmet Dinner; Live Music to Dance to your Heart’s Content; and the Opportunity to Make a Full-hearted Difference in Families’ Lives!…
Join us at the Nature Center for a FREE presentation as part of CT Open House Day including some of our most popular resident animals! Learn about their stories and how we can help these species in the wild. This program is for all ages! Pre-register on our today! Register
Join DPNC for a walk at the Conn College Arboretum where we can access their Native Plant Collection/Bolleswood Natural Area! This is a great opportunity to learn and see all of the beautiful native plants of New England! Pre-registration is required. We will meet at 33 Gallows Lane New, London, CT 06320. Members and Non-members:…
Colonial and Native American culture, games, crafts, weaving and spinning demonstrations, antique muskets, working models of our historic mills. Try on reproductions of historic clothing. Our 1781 Homestead Gardens and Dye House will be open for viewing. Vendors include colonial chocolatiers, 18th century trade items and colonial style jewelry. 11:00AM: Performance of the Declaration of…
Get a crash course in coastal birding at Rocky Neck in East Lyme! Our expert ornithologist and DPNC staff member Lauren will bring years of birding knowledge to help you spot more and learn faster. In 2 hours, you’ll learn tips for identifying them by sight and sound, plus discover the best spots and times…
Enjoy a FREE guided hike at Glacial Park in Ledyard where you'll learn more about this amazing boulder train while exploring the trails and rocks left behind by the glaciers. This hike is over a short distance, but it is challenging over uneven terrain. This program is suited for adults and interested children. Pre-registration is…
Calvary Church Chicken BBQ — Everyone Welcome! Join us for one of Calvary’s favorite summer traditions. Come enjoy chicken with all the fixings, good company, and a relaxed summer evening together. This year’s charitable Chicken BBQ will support Calvary’s longstanding Uganda Mission and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. 📅 Sunday, August 9 from 5-7 PM 📍…
Come to DPNC to learn how to make a trail to table meal! In this exciting half-day mushroom foraging class, you’ll learn the ins and outs of making a meal of freshly foraged mushrooms. After a brief slideshow to prep, you’ll head out on the trails for a guided hike led by the experts from…
Explore the serene Peace Sanctuary property with a moderately challenging hike along the Mystic River. As we trek through the sanctuary, we’ll delve into the area’s history and diverse wildlife. Enjoy beautiful views and learn about the natural and historical significance of this hidden gem. Meets at the Peace Sanctuary on River Road in Mystic.…
