This month, Circle at the Square Book Club meets in person to discuss The Editor by Steven Rowley. Interested in joining? Email Sherry Fritzsche at sbfritzsche@gmail.com. More Details
Celebrate summer with DPNC by exploring nature with your little one in our classic caregiver-and-child class, for ages 2 to 4. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups are per class. Rain cancels the program. Meets at DPNC. Advance registration required. Register
Learn how to help your garden thrive this summer! Maintaining the garden is an ongoing task with foliar feeding, mulching, pruning, bug control, weed control, plant protection and more. Learn the best techniques as we explore the Craig Floyd Giving Garden. Advance registration required. Meets at Coogan Farm. Free with support from the Eastern Connecticut…
The Nature Center’s forest fairies have come out to play and are excited to share the secrets to being kind to nature! Wander the trails and meet the Salamander Forest Fairy, the Meadow Flower Fairy, the Pond Fairy, the Stone Fairy, and other magical friends as you explore the woods. Each fairy has special ideas…
Hike with us around the more secluded parts of the Groton Reservoir. We will explore the north side of the watershed that is closed to the public, owned by Groton Public Utilities. This program is suited for adults and older, interested children. Moderate intensity. Meet at lookout on Sandy Hollow Road. Part of this walk…
Gungywamp is an archaeological site of distinct natural and cultural interest. It has rocky ridges, glacial erratics and swamps along with enigmatic stone shelter and structures whose use and origin are open to interpretation. Walk with us through the woods and absorb the mysteries of Gungywamp. This program is suited for adults and families comfortable…
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…
Who in your family is the frog-catching expert? Find out on Sunday with family pond dipping at DPNC! Spend some time with your family trying to catch and release frogs, fish, and insects at the pond. Use our nets and buckets along with our expert advice from a DPNC educator. Come prepared with shoes close…
Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 4, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Ages 2–4. Meets at DPNC. Sign ups are per class. Rain cancels the…
Take a walk through the trails of DPNC to discover what reptiles and amphibians live on the property. Learn about native species to the area while enjoying a walk in the woods. Pre-registration is required. Meets at DPNC. Register
Round out your week with a family hike and picnic dinner at the Nature Center. Pack your dinner and we will explore the trails and enjoy a picnic in the woods before heading back to DPNC for a dessert of s’mores around the campfire. Meets at DPNC. Members: $8.50, Nonmembers: $10 Register
Join the Mushroom Hunting foundation in a half day intensive mushroom foraging class. The day will begin with an indoor lesson, followed by an outdoor guided hike on the DPNC trails and concluding with an amazing cooking demonstration! Pre-registration is required. Meets at DPNC. Members: $106.25 per person, Nonmembers: $125 per person Register
Celebrate summer with the Summer Chickadees at DPNC by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 4, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Ages 2–4. Sign ups are per class.…
Learn about Connecticut’s native owls and meet DPNC’s resident animal ambassadors! This program is intended for adults. Pre-registration is required. Meets at DPNC. Members: $8.50 per person; Non-Members: $10 per person Register
Celebrate summer with the Summer Chickadees at DPNC by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 4, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Ages 2–4. Sign ups are per class.…
Join DPNC as we explore Coogan Farm looking for migrating and resident songbirds as well as raptors. This program is great for birders of all skill levels! Meets at Coogan Farm. This program is suited for adults. Members: $17; Non-members: $20 Pre-registration is required. Register
Join us as we explore Coogan Farm looking for migrating and resident songbirds as well as raptors. This program is great for birders of all skill levels! Meets at Coogan Farm. This program is suited for adults. Pre-registration is required. Members: $17; Non-members: $20
MYSTIC PIE DANCE Saturday the 23rd! Great music! Air Conditioning! Friendly and welcoming people AND the Pie! Come on, check it OUT! @ Groton Thrive Active Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton, CT 06340 @ 7:30 pm sharp, Saturday, August the 23rd, 2025 (7:15 come early and learn how!) https://www.facebook.com/events/24184314384555406
End the summer work week with a relaxing walk at the Peace Sanctuary. Join DPNC as we stroll the hillside enjoying the summer evening and admiring the beautiful view of the Mystic River. Meet at the bottom of the driveway by Peace Sanctuary on River Road in Mystic. This program is suited for adults and…
End the summer work week with a relaxing walk at the Peace Sanctuary. Join DPNC as we stroll the hillside enjoying the summer evening and admiring the beautiful view of the Mystic River. Meet at the bottom of the driveway by Peace Sanctuary on River Road in Mystic. This program is suited for adults and…
The world is teeming with fascinating creatures and among the most diverse and successful are the arthropods, our 6 and 8 legged friends! Following an introduction to their amazing adaptations, we’ll then head out to the fields to see what species we can find using nets, field guides, and bug jars. Meets at DPNC. Free…
Celebrate the Harvest Moon with a night hike at the Peace Sanctuary. With a DPNC educator as our guide, we’ll wander the trails and wait for the moon to rise over the Mystic River. Meet at the bottom of the driveway by Peace Sanctuary at 233 River Road in Mystic. Pre-registration required, masks are optional.…
Join DPNC for crabbing at our secret location. There will be a brief intro to basic techniques of crabbing and crab identification before we start. We’ll provide the nets, bait and lines. Wear shoes that can get wet and provide traction on slippery rocks, no flip flops or crocs! Pre-registration is required. Meets at the…
Join DPNC on the second Saturday of every month as we adventure into nature! This month, we will explore which backyard birds migrate and which don’t. We will discover ways to identify the birds that stay by using their sizes, colors, and their calls. You will meet some of our resident birds and hike our…
Join us for our signature gala filled with nature, camaraderie, and celebration. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and lively fun—all in support of protecting the wild places and open spaces that make our community so special. The Maggie Jones Environmental Hero Award will be presented to Sidney Van Zandt, in recognition of…
You’ve heard of Earth Day? Well, on Saturday, Sep 20th, we will celebrate the SUN. All ages and backgrounds are welcome to participate in a MASSIVE art project that will reveal our/your vision for a beautiful, healthy, and sustainable Connecticut. The first 60 children will receive a gift!!! We will simultaneously conduct informational discussions on…
MYSTIC PIE DANCE! Sat. 09/27/2025! A fourth Saturday live music, contra dance in Southeastern Connecticut! https://mysticpiedance.wixsite.com/mystic-pie-dance ● WHEN: Our new times are 7:00pm and go to 10:00pm! ● WHERE: Groton Thrive+ Center @ 102 Newtown Road, Groton, CT 06340 ● WHAT: Contra dancing dates back to the 17th century with roots in England, Scotland, and…
Celebrate the full moon during a hike up the hill at Coogan Farm. Please note full moon hikes happen even on overcast nights and are suitable for adults and older, interested children. Heavy rain cancels. Meets in the parking lot at Coogan Farm in Mystic. Advanced registration required. Register
Rise and shine with the birds at our “Big Sit” breakfast event! What’s a “Big Sit,” you ask? It’s a fun, low-impact birdwatching event where participants stay within a designated 17-foot diameter circle and tally every bird species they see or hear from that single location. This family-friendly, community science event will have a naturalist…
Calling all adventurous eaters! Discover the world of edible insects! Adults and families will explore the ecological and health benefits of incorporating insects into our diets, including their role in reducing environmental impact and providing a rich source of protein and nutrients. Participants will also have the opportunity to sample a variety of insect-based foods…
What will spook you in the woods? Our annual Halloween festivities are sure to haunt your senses as darkness falls. Explore the Nature Center trails on a self-guided tour with weird and wild animals, glowing jack-o-lanterns and frightful and delightful creatures of all kinds. In addition to the haunted trail, families will enjoy spooky-themed crafts…
What will spook you in the woods? Our annual Halloween festivities are sure to haunt your senses as darkness falls. Explore the Nature Center trails on a self-guided tour with weird and wild animals, glowing jack-o-lanterns and frightful and delightful creatures of all kinds. In addition to the haunted trail, families will enjoy spooky-themed crafts…
Kick off your Halloween evening with festive fun at Mystic Seaport Museum! Come in your spookiest, silliest, or most spectacular costume and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the Museum's grounds. Admission is free through the North Entrance from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.—the perfect way to start your family’s night of Halloween adventure! Sponsored in part by the…
Meet outside on the Library lawn for a fall cleanup day! Please bring gardening gloves and any other supplies you might need for outdoor maintenance.
Celebrate the full beaver moon during a guided hike at the Peace Sanctuary. Please note full moon hikes happen even on overcast nights, and are suitable for adults and older, interested children. Please meet at the bottom of the Peace Sanctuary driveway at 233 River Road in Mystic. Heavy rain cancels. Members and Nonmembers: FREE…
Explore the night with your family on a guided night hike with stops along the way to test our night senses. After our hike we’ll toast marshmallows around the campfire. Meets at DPNC. Members: $12.50, Non-Members: $15 Register
Join DPNC for a guided walk meandering through the Coogan Farm to learn what the lands tells us about the people who have been there. From quarries to old farm roads, this New England landscape is full of clues to the past just waiting to be discovered. This program is suited for adults and older…
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+. $50 plus $5 for materials per person.
Get up close and personal with DPNC’s amazing animal ambassadors! Bring the family to meet snakes, turtles, owls, and more as we explore their fascinating adaptations and discover the vital roles these creatures play in our ecosystems. It’s a fun and educational experience for animal lovers of all ages! Meets at DPNC. Preregistration is required.\…
Join us 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…
