This 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…
Join Brandy Lefsyk, PTA, E-RYT 500, Usui Reiki Master, Astrologer, Channel, Sound Healer. With the use of singing bowls, chimes, drums, and voice activation, participants can enjoy a sound bath. A sound bath is the practice of being enveloped by sound, which allows for the possibility of profound relaxation, insight, and healing. Preregistration required! Meets…
Join us at the Nature Center with our 3 foragers to learn how to find ingredients for your next meal in your own backyard! We will start with a presentation that covers the greens, fruits, and plentiful mushrooms of summer then head out on the trails of DPNC to find these edibles in their natural…
Everyone is welcome as we explore Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge (NNWR) in Charlestown, Rhode Island on a wheelchair-friendly birding trip looking for migrating and resident songbirds and raptors. Please bring your binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Ninigret Wildlife Refuge parking lot at the end of Ninigret Entrance Road, Charlestown, RI. Pre-registration is…
Rhododendrons, stone walls, beech trees, and wetlands await at this Avalonia Land Conservancy’s Avery Preserve in Ledyard. Guided by a DPNC Naturalist, you will hike the preserve and learn about summer wildlife found there. Meets at the entrance on Avery Hill Rd in Ledyard. Pre-registration is required. Register
Learn about the history and wildlife of Tefftweald at Birchenturn! With a DPNC naturalist as your guide, we will explore the trails of this Avalonia Land Conservancy property in North Stonington. Access through driveway at 282 Grindstone Hill Rd in North Stonington. Pre-registration is required. Register
Get to know the raptors living in your backyard! We’ll discuss Connecticut’s native birds of prey, including owls, hawks, and falcons, and bring out a few of DPNC’s resident animal ambassadors so you can see these raptors for yourself. This program is suited for adults. Pre-Registration is required. Meets at DPNC. Members: $8.50 Non-members:$10 Register
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…
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
Join the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center on the second Saturday of every month as we adventure into nature! This month is all about insects. Learn all about the different insects that live in our forests and meadows and use nets to try and catch some for an up close encounter! This program is for children…
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…
Gather the family for quality time in nature! We will search for crabs, fish, and crustaceans using seine and dip nets as we explore the shore. Please wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, but no flip flops or crocs. Pre-registration is required. Meets at Bluff Point State Park in Groton by the parking…
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
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
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…
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…
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…
Nature is filled with beautiful music. Take time to appreciate the lovely sounds that are created by nature during this guided walk for families. We will listen for birds and frogs as we stroll the trails at the Nature Center. Pre-registration is required. Meets at DPNC. Members: $8.50, Nonmembers: $10 Register
Join us for a hike along the trails at DPNC. We’ll explore a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows and wetlands and learn about local wildlife, native plants, and the unique ecosystems that call this area home. Meets at DPNC, preregistration is required. Members and Nonmembers: FREE Register
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…
Join DPNC and WLT to learn about local mushroom foraging. We will begin with an introduction to mushroom foraging followed by a hike to identify local mushrooms on the trail. Participants will have the opportunity to explore both the Flora Whiteley Preserve and the Cotrell Preserve during this program. Meets at Flora Whiteley Preserve, 197…
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…
Join DPNC for a conversation with the author of "Eyes in the Soles of my Feet," Caroline Sutton. With this fascinating and eye-opening collection of essays, Sutton provides an intriguing and unique perspective on our natural world, and reveals secret and intimate connections between plant and animal life that we often overlook or malign, be…
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…
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 on the second Saturday of every month as we adventure into nature! This month, we will explore why tonight’s full moon is called the Beaver Moon. Build your knowledge on the many adaptations that make beavers so unique, from their big front teeth to their double layered fur coats. Become an honorary beaver…
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…
