Explore the forest and meadows of DPNC and watch for the rising full moon. The January full moon, known as the Wolf Moon, rises early making it a great night hike for families. Meet at DPNC. Pre Registration is required: https://dpnc.org/event/full-wolf-moon-walk-at-the-nature-center/
Join us the second Saturday of every month as we adventure into nature! This month is all about squirrels. Learn about their amazing adaptations, play squirrel games and make a treat for the squirrels! Meets at DPNC. For children ages 6–10 years Register: https://dpnc.org/event/adventures-in-nature-squirrels/
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Wind through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of nearly 1,000 luminaria. After your walk, gather by the warmth of a festive fire at…
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Wind through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of nearly 1,000 luminaria. After your walk, gather by the warmth of a festive fire at…
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season to experience the peace and wonder of a winter walk in the woods. Wind through the forest on a self-guided tour of trails lit by the soft glow of nearly 1,000 luminaria. After your walk, gather by the warmth of a festive fire at…
Enjoy an evening out while your children, ages 6 to 12, spend the evening at the Nature Center. We’ll play games, do nature activities, meet live animals and take an evening hike, followed by fireside pizza and s’mores! Dress for outdoor weather and bring a flashlight. Meets at DPNC, advanced sign up required. Members $34…
Join us for a spooktacular afternoon of young family-friendly Halloween fun! Enjoy hands-on nature activities, meet some of our resident critters, and explore the trails looking for spooky sounding animals! Complete your adventure with some Halloween treats. Families with children 2-6 years Feel free to come in costume! Meets at DPNC Members: $8.50 Non-Members $10…
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…
Celebrate nature’s most colorful season, fall! 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 time outside. In addition to learning about…
Enjoy an evening out while your children, ages 6 to 12, spend the evening at the Nature Center. We’ll play games, do nature activities, meet live animals and take an evening hike, followed by fireside pizza and s’mores! Dress for outdoor weather and bring a flashlight. Meets at DPNC, advanced sign up required. Members $34…
Celebrate the first day of fall with a guided hike at DPNC! We’ll explore various habitats as we look at phenological changes in plants and wildlife. Advanced registration is required. Free! Register
Join us for an exciting exploration of the world of insects! In addition to meeting live insects, children will venture into the meadow with nets to catch and observe various insects in their natural habitat. Ages 6-10 years FREE due to generous support from the Dominion Foundation Register
Fridays. July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups are per class;…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled bug catching adventure! We’ll kick off with a brief introduction to our local insects, then we’ll embark on a hike to the meadow, where the real fun begins. With nets we will provide, you’ll have the chance to discover and catch a variety of colorful butterflies and…
Fridays. July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups are per class;…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
Fridays. July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups are per class;…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
Join us for our Summer Tree Walk and Talk program. Together we will learn about and identify various tree species found in our environment during the summer months. Enjoy a stroll through nature and discover the unique characteristics of our local trees. Meets at DPNC. Members: $8.50, Non-Members: $10
Curious about who’s slithering around your yard? Join us as we learn how to identify local snake species and understand their crucial role in the ecosystem. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to see and touch live snakes! Meets at DPNC. FREE thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
Join us for a hike through the wetlands, forests, and meadows of the Nature Center. We’ll explore these diverse habitats, searching for summer birds, wildflowers, and insects. Experience the beauty and diversity of nature up close as we journey through the varied landscape at DPNC.
Fridays. July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups are per class;…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
Fridays. July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups are per class;…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
Adventurers (Ages 13-15) Are you ready to take summer camp to the next level? A counselor in training’s primary role is to learn the skills necessary to be a successful counselor in the future. This camp session includes practicing management and leadership skills, honing nature knowledge and learning how to present live animal encounters. Come…
Fridays. July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups are per class;…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
The fireflies are out! After a brief introduction to the amazing life cycle of fireflies, we’ll hike the trails at Coogan Farm and look for them in the woods and meadows. Learn tips for protecting these special insects as we go! Please bring a flashlight, but be prepared to leave it off for most of…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
The fireflies are out! After a brief introduction to the amazing life cycle of fireflies, we’ll hike the trails at Coogan Farm and look for them in the woods and meadows. Learn tips for protecting these special insects as we go! Please bring a flashlight, but be prepared to leave it off for most of…
Fridays. June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9, 16 Celebrate summer by exploring nature with your little one in our classic parent and child class, for ages 2 to 5, with a caregiver. Live animals, stories, songs, and lots of time outside bring nature to life for you and your child. Sign-ups…
Thursday. Celebrate the longest day of the year and the arrival of summer with a hike exploring the trails at the Nature Center. We’ll listen for birds and frogs and admire the summer wildflowers as we go. This hike is easy to moderate, and is for both families and adults. Meets at DPNC. Members and…
Tuesday. What’s the best way to deal with invasive plants? Eat them! Walk the trails at Coogan Farm with a naturalist and learn to identify local, edible invasive plants. Upon our return, we’ll try a few invasive species snacks! Meets at Coogan Farm. Members $8.50 – Non-members: $10 Advanced registration is required.
Join us for a spring exploration of the Stone Bridges Trail at the Nature Center. Along the way we’ll investigate old quarries and look for signs of spring. This program is suited for adults and older, interested children. Meets at DPNC. Members and Non-members: Free; advanced registration required.
It’s time to catch some frogs! After our educator shares a few fun froggy facts and some tips and tricks for catching them, have fun seeing who in your family is the best frog catcher. Dress to get splashed and muddy! Meets at DPNC. Adults Non Members $10/each Adults Members $8.50 each Children Free
Witness spring migration by joining us for a morning birding walk at DPNC. Each week will bring new birds to the woods and wetlands of our sanctuary. Please bring binoculars. Members: $8.50 /per date, Non-Members: $10 / per date
9:30-10:30 am (ages 2-5 with a caregiver) 10:30-12 pm (ages 6 and up with a caregiver) Spend time outside looking for the signs of spring! 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…
9:30-10:30 am (ages 2-5 with a caregiver) 10:30-12 pm (ages 6 and up with a caregiver) Spend time outside looking for the signs of spring! 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…
