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 us on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 for our Chickadees program. Designed for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver to explore the wonders of nature through age-appropriate hikes, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and interactive nature activities. This class is a perfect opportunity for bonding, exploring, and learning together as you embark on a nature…
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 on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 for our Chickadees program. Designed for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver to explore the wonders of nature through age-appropriate hikes, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and interactive nature activities. This class is a perfect opportunity for bonding, exploring, and learning together as you embark on a nature…
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…
Join us on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 for our Chickadees program. Designed for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver to explore the wonders of nature through age-appropriate hikes, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and interactive nature activities. This class is a perfect opportunity for bonding, exploring, and learning together as you embark on a nature…
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
Join DPNC every Tuesday for our Environmental Afternoons! Our science-based curriculum 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. Sign up for one or all of the classes. Classes have a minimum of 4…
Join us on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 for our Chickadees program. Designed for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver to explore the wonders of nature through age-appropriate hikes, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and interactive nature activities. This class is a perfect opportunity for bonding, exploring, and learning together as you embark on a nature…
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
Join DPNC every Tuesday for our Environmental Afternoons! Our science-based curriculum 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. Sign up for one or all of the classes. Classes have a minimum of 4…
Join us on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 for our Chickadees program. Designed for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver to explore the wonders of nature through age-appropriate hikes, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and interactive nature activities. This class is a perfect opportunity for bonding, exploring, and learning together as you embark on a nature…
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 every Tuesday for our Environmental Afternoons! Our science-based curriculum 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. Sign up for one or all of the classes. Classes have a minimum of 4…
Discover the hidden world of our diverse local predators. From snakes to bears, learn about their current population numbers, what habitats they live in and discuss their natural history. Meets at DPNC. Suited for adults. Members: $8.50, Nonmembers: $10 Register
Join us on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 for our Chickadees program. Designed for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver to explore the wonders of nature through age-appropriate hikes, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and interactive nature activities. This class is a perfect opportunity for bonding, exploring, and learning together as you embark on a nature…
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 every Tuesday for our Environmental Afternoons! Our science-based curriculum 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. Sign up for one or all of the classes. Classes have a minimum of 4…
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…
Join us on Friday mornings from 9:30-11 for our Chickadees program. Designed for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver to explore the wonders of nature through age-appropriate hikes, live animal encounters, creative crafts, and interactive nature activities. This class is a perfect opportunity for bonding, exploring, and learning together as you embark on a nature…
Join DPNC every Tuesday for our Environmental Afternoons! Our science-based curriculum 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. Sign up for one or all of the classes. Classes have a minimum of 4…
Get outside and discover nature this fall! We have two Discovery classes: a preschool group and a 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 time outside. In addition…
From the way birds fly to how beavers build, engineers are inspired by nature every day. Children ages 6-10 will explore how animals and plants have influenced some of our coolest inventions then seek out inspiration to build some of our own! Please pack water and lunch for your child. Meets at DPNC. Pre-registration is…
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…
School’s out—time to head into the woods! We’ll combine natural materials, teamwork, and creative problem-solving to explore the basics of survival shelter construction. Kids will learn how to build all kinds of shelters, from simple lean-tos to more elaborate forts. Please pack water and lunch for your child. Meets at DPNC. Members: $42.50/program; Non-Members: $50/program…
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.\…
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…
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…
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 DPNC through the woods and absorb the mysteries of Gungywamp. This program is suited for adults and families comfortable…
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
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…
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…
