Join DPNC on Tuesdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm, for our science-based curriculum which introduces students to the wonders of the natural world! New topics are covered each week through hands-on activities, meeting live animals, games and time for nature play and socialization. Classes have a minimum of 4 students and a maximum of 14. There…
Join DPNC on Tuesdays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm, for our science-based curriculum which introduces students to the wonders of the natural world! New topics are covered each week through hands-on activities, meeting live animals, games and time for nature play and socialization. Classes have a minimum of 4 students and a maximum of 14. There…
Enjoy hiking in this picturesque landscape with views of bogs, vernal pools, the Green Fall River, and rolling forested hills. There are also several historic features along the trail including foundations, rock walls and an old mill. This hike is roughly 3 miles over moderate terrain. Pre-registration is required. This program is suited for adults…
June 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…
Join us the second Saturday of every month as we adventure into nature! This month, we will explore our duck pond and see who we can find living in the water. Learn how to use our pond dipping nets to scoop up some fun and see how many different animals you can catch. Be sure…
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:…
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
Join Our Nature Journaling Workshop Led by Jonah Salsich at DPNC on June 20th from 9:30 to 11:30! Slow down, look closer, and connect with nature. Discover the joy of nature journaling, a fun, informal way to explore the outdoors using words, pictures, and numbers. Inspired by the practices of John Muir Laws and the…
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…
Calling for kids of all ages with a caregiver to come discover the wonders of nature together at DPNC for this monthly, inclusive FREE family-friendly program! 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…
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…
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 with a DPNC Naturalist this Thursday, July 3rd throughout Avalonia's beautiful Avery Preserve in Ledyard as you learn about our local summer wildlife. On the walk you'll see blooming Rhododendrons, stone walls, beech trees, and wetlands. We will meet at the entrance on Avery Hill Rd in Ledyard. Pre-registration is…
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.…
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
In this 60-minute workshop learn hand-building basics, shape exploration, and collaborative creations. Emphasizing fun and creativity in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Sign up for multiple weeks to build upon skills. An adult caregiver is welcome to stay for the duration of the workshop if they would like. Pottery ready for pick up in 3 weeks.…
In this 2-hour workshop, get creative with clay as you design and build a fruit bowl statement piece. Students will begin by constructing a large slab bowl, then personalize it by cutting out fun shapes and patterns using freehand techniques or a variety of cookie cutters. Whether you love bold designs, nature-inspired motifs, or geometric…
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. Come enjoy a guided walk with a DPNC through the woods and absorb the mysteries of Gungywamp. This program is suited…
In this 60-minute workshop learn hand-building basics, shape exploration, and collaborative creations. Emphasizing fun and creativity in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Sign up for multiple weeks to build upon skills. An adult caregiver is welcome to stay for the duration of the workshop if they would like. Pottery ready for pick up in 3 weeks.…
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
In this 60-minute workshop learn hand-building basics, shape exploration, and collaborative creations. Emphasizing fun and creativity in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Sign up for multiple weeks to build upon skills. An adult caregiver is welcome to stay for the duration of the workshop if they would like. Pottery ready for pick up in 3 weeks.…
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…
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
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 233 River Road in…
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…
In this 60-minute workshop learn hand-building basics, shape exploration, and collaborative creations. Emphasizing fun and creativity in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Sign up for multiple weeks to build upon skills. An adult caregiver is welcome to stay for the duration of the workshop if they would like. Pottery ready for pick up in 3 weeks.…
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
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! Members: $8.50; Non-Members: $10 Pre-register on our website: https://dpnc.org/event/family-hike-and-picnic/
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
In this 60-minute workshop learn hand-building basics, shape exploration, and collaborative creations. Emphasizing fun and creativity in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Sign up for multiple weeks to build upon skills. An adult caregiver is welcome to stay for the duration of the workshop if they would like. Pottery ready for pick up in 3 weeks.…
While butterflies get most of the daytime glory, nighttime belongs to the moths! Come to the Nature Center after dark for a hands-on exploration into the hidden diversity of our local moth population. We’re setting up custom light sheets to see who comes to visit. Join in as we count and catalog as many fluttering…
Gather your family and friends for a FREE and fun-filled adventure catching bugs and butterflies. After a brief introduction to our local insects, we’ll hike out to see what we can find crawling and flying around the meadow!. Be prepared for the sun and wear sunscreen and bring a bottle of water; we’ll supply the…
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.…
Come to DPNC and learn how to identify and sustainably harvest herbs and other edibles on a foraging hike through our trails let by Amelia South, a local herbalist and foraging instructor from Black Sun Farm in Killingly. This program is for adults. Members: $29.75, Non-members: $35 Pre-registration required on our website! Register
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
Join DPNC and WLT to learn about local mushroom foraging on the beautiful trails of Glacier Park! We will begin with an introduction to mushroom foraging followed by a hike to identify local mushrooms on the trail. Pre- registration is required, but the program is FREE! Register
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
Want to try out the pottery wheel? Now you can with this solo or date night event! Participant will make one small handbuilding project and one wheel thrown vessel. Choose your glaze and items will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks after event is held. Come on your own or bring a friend! Sip and…
