Ages 4 to 13 Tuesdays, 1 - 4 pm Sign up is by the following age groups: Explorers (ages 4 to 6) Scientists (ages 7 to 9) Adventurers (ages 10-13) Animal Curators (ages 13-15)* Our science-based curriculum introduces students to the wonders of the natural world. New topics are covered each week through hands-on activities,…
Winter is a challenging time for wildlife in Connecticut. Learn more about the amazing strategies animals have for surviving the cold temperatures, minimal food supply and long nights of winter. Meet at DPNC. https://dpnc.org/event/animals-in-winter/
It’s time to plan your spring garden! For new and experienced gardeners- learn the essential steps of planting a successful garden. Discover the best way to lay out your garden, timing for seed starting and transplanting, what to grow and more! This event is virtual via Zoom. You will receive a link upon registration. Register:…
Embrace the cold and get outside and discover nature this winter! This year we have two Discovery classes, a preschool and school-aged group, both for children with special needs and their caregiver. Each class, children will make new discoveries as we explore seasonal nature topics through activities, meeting live animals, stories, crafts and lots of…
Winter is a great time to enjoy a view of the landscape that makes up Gungywamp, an archaeological site of natural and cultural interest. Join us on a guided hike to explore rocky ridges, glacial erratics and swamps, along with the mysterious stone shelter and structures whose use and origin are open to interpretation. Walk…
Brave the cold and learn how to make your own debris shelter in the woods at DPNC. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Meets at DPNC. Ages 6–10 years Register: https://dpnc.org/event/survival-shelters/
Ages 4 to 13 Tuesdays, 1 - 4 pm Sign up is by the following age groups: Explorers (ages 4 to 6) Scientists (ages 7 to 9) Adventurers (ages 10-13) Animal Curators (ages 13-15)* Our science-based curriculum introduces students to the wonders of the natural world. New topics are covered each week through hands-on activities,…
It may be cold outside, but things heat up for owls in late winter. Bring your family to learn more about Connecticut’s owls and meet one of our residents. We will take a night walk, looking and listening for owls at the Nature Center. Meets at DPNC. Advanced registration is required: https://dpnc.org/event/owl-prowl-2/
Explore the trails of Avalonia Land Conservancy’s Hoffman Evergreen Preserve in Stonington. Meet at the entrance on Rt. 201 in Stonington. Free Register: https://dpnc.org/event/hoffman-evergreen-preserve/
The leaves may be gone, but there are still edible plants in our forests and fields. Learn to identify these species by bark, bud and scents. After our hike we’ll warm up with some pine needle tea. Meet at DPNC. Register: https://dpnc.org/event/winter-foraging-walk/
Ages 4 to 13 Tuesdays, 1 - 4 pm Sign up is by the following age groups: Explorers (ages 4 to 6) Scientists (ages 7 to 9) Adventurers (ages 10-13) Animal Curators (ages 13-15)* Our science-based curriculum introduces students to the wonders of the natural world. New topics are covered each week through hands-on activities,…
Drop in to meet our warm and welcoming staff, learn about our nature-guided curriculum, visit our classrooms (both inside and out!), and picture your preschooler at Nature Preschool next year. Stop by the preschool at Coogan Farm between 10 AM and 12 PM on any of our three open house days: January 11, February 8,…
The Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed needs your help on our Community Action Team! We are trying to determine what our communities in the Watershed have noticed about changes in weather patterns (windy winters, etc.), extreme water (rain, flooding, drought), sea level rise, and increasing heat. We would love it if you would join…
Drop in to meet our warm and welcoming staff, learn about our nature-guided curriculum, visit our classrooms (both inside and out!), and picture your preschooler at Nature Preschool next year. Stop by the preschool at Coogan Farm between 10 AM and 12 PM on any of our three open house days: January 11, February 8,…
Thursday. Join us at DPNC in search of the elusive male American Woodcock. This normally quiet, well-camouflaged, worm-eating bird transforms into a master of dazzling aerial displays for the sake of impressing the females. This program is suited for adults and older, interested children. Pre-registration is required. Meets at DPNC, 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic. Members…
Saturday. Join us for a moderately challenging hike along the Mystic River where you will explore the serene Peace Sanctuary property on River Road in Mystic. 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…
Join us for an evening of creativity and conservation! In this guided painting workshop, a local artist will lead you in creating an ocean-inspired scene while you sip on wine from Saltwater Farm Vineyard and enjoy light bites. By attending this event, you’re directly supporting Project Oceanology’s ongoing marine education and conservation programs. The funds…
Invasive plants threaten biodiversity and degrade habitats for native wildlife. Learn what makes invasives so harmful, how to identify many common species and methods that have been employed to control their spread during this active talk and walk around Coogan Farm with habitat restoration volunteer Lydia Pan. Meets at the Avery Conference Room at Coogan…
Enjoy a moderate walk through the beautiful Walden Preserve in Salem. This preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy and managed by Salem Land Trust is adjacent to the Eight Mile River and is home to intense beaver activity. This program is suited for adults and older interested children. Meets at the entrance on Hagen Rd.…
Everyone knows about frogs, but not everyone is familiar with Connecticut’s other amazing amphibians, the salamander. We will spend some time learning about the fascinating life cycles, unique habitat requirements and vulnerable populations of salamanders. This program is suited for adults and older interested children. Pre-registration required. Meets at DPNC. Members $8.50, Non Members $10…
New to birding or want to refresh your skills? Join us for an introduction to birding. We’ll discuss tips and techniques for identifying birds by sight and sound as well as discuss local birding hot spots. Via Zoom. Members $8.50, Non Members $10 Register
Join us the second Saturday of every month as we adventure into nature! This month, we will explore vernal pools, temporary ponds that host a diverse group of aquatic species. Prepare to dipnet in the pools and wear close-toed shoes (no Crocs or flip-flops) or boots that can’t get wet. Pre-registration is required. Meets at…
Join us for a guided hike through the Peace Sanctuary, leading to an overlook where we’ll watch the April Pink “Micro Moon” rise. Pre-registration is required. Meets at the Peace Sanctuary on River Rd, Mystic. Free Event! More Info
Spring is a great time to enjoy a view of the landscape that makes up Gungywamp, an archaeological site of natural and cultural interest. Join us on a guided hike to explore rocky ridges, glacial erratics, and swamps, along with the mysterious stone shelter and structures whose use and origin are open to interpretation. Walk…
Monday, April 14 10am-12pm Looking for something fun for your children to do while they are off from school? Learn about Connecticut’s local reptiles and their amazing adaptations. Children can join us at the nature center to explore habitats, meet animals, and play games. Please have children bring a water bottle and dress for the…
Looking for something fun for your children to do while they are off from school? Learn about the tiny creatures that live in our pond! Have your child join us at the nature center to explore habitats, meet animals, and play games. Please have children bring a water bottle, closed-toed shoes that can get wet…
Looking for something fun for your children to do while they are off from school? Learn about all our slimy friends, from amphibians to slugs. Have your child join us at the nature center to explore habitats, meet animals, and play games. Please have children bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Pre-registration…
Looking for something fun for your children to do while they are off from school? Learn about all the birds coming back for spring! Have your child join us at the nature center to explore habitats, meet animals, and play games. Please have children bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Pre-registration is…
Stroll the trails of the Nature Center in search of eggs, meet resident animal friends along the way, and visit with the Easter Bunny. Trade in your found eggs for wooden ones and head over to the creation stations to decorate them in your own unique way. This event takes place at DPNC. Please bring…
Celebrate Earth and nature with DPNC! From 10am–3 pm on Saturday and Sunday, DPNC will be offering free museum admission, scheduled programs, informational tables, and activities like scavenger hunts, guided hikes, crafts, and a seed bomb making station. more details
Join us for a fun and impactful evening of art, craft beer, and ocean conservation! In this event, you’ll discover the art of Gyotaku—traditional Japanese fish printing—while enjoying complementary beers from Grey Sail Brewing and light food. Your participation directly benefits Project Oceanology’s education and marine conservation initiatives. By attending, you’ll help support our hands-on…
Sunday. Join us for a spring exploration of the Stone Bridges Trail at DPNC. Along the way we’ll investigate old quarries and look for signs of wildlife. Pre-registration required. Meets at DPNC. Members and Nonmembers: FREE More details and registration
Get ready to explore the amazing world of ponds! We’ll discover the incredible creatures that live beneath the surface. From wiggly tadpoles to dragonfly nymphs, we’ll learn how to safely collect and observe these fascinating pond dwellers. Please have children bring a water bottle, closed-toed shoes that can get wet (no crocs or flip flops)…
Discover what plants and fungi are edible in our forests! An experienced guide will show you the ins and outs of foraging on a hike through DPNC trails. Meets at DPNC. Pre-registration is required. Members: $8.50; non-members: $10 Register
Saturday. Hike with us around the more secluded parts of the Groton Reservoir. We will explore acres of the watershed that are closed to the public, owned by Groton Public Utilities. This program is suited for adults and older, interested children. Moderate, meet at lookout on Sandy Hollow Road. Pre-registration required. Members and Nonmembers: FREE…
Ages 6-10 years Saturday. Join us the second Saturday of every month as we adventure into nature! This week, we explore the colorful world of Connecticut’s wildflowers. In this program, we’ll become wildflower detectives, learning how to identify common wildflowers using their shapes, colors, and the habitats where they grow. We’ll discover the important roles…
Step into the world of nature journaling, a simple yet powerful practice that helps you slow down, look closely, and truly connect with the natural world. Inspired by the approach of John Muir Laws and the Wild Wonder Foundation, this 4-hour hands-on workshop is open to all ages and experience levels—no art skills required! Led…
May is the one of the best times to search for horseshoe crabs as they mate and lay eggs along our local shores. Learn more about their amazing life cycles and biology as we explore the beach searching for them. Be prepared to get wet and walk at least 2 miles over sandy and rocky…
Friday. Bring your family to learn more about Connecticut’s owls and meet one of our residents. We will take a night walk, looking and listening for owls at the Nature Center. Pre-registration required. Meets at DPNC. Members: $8.50, Non-members $10 More information and registration
Saturday. Join us for a guided walk with a DPNC naturalist at Avery Farm Preserve in Ledyard, CT. We’ll be looking for year round and migrating birds. Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles and their own binoculars. Meets at the entrance to Avery Farm Preserve on Lambtown Rd in Ledyard. Entrance is easiest to…
