Foraging for Wild Foods with
"Wildman" Steve Brill

Naturalist/author "Wildman" Steve Brill will lead one of his world famous foraging tours on his annual visit to the Nature Center, scheduled as late spring herbs and greens should be popping up.

A 30-minute talk will be followed by a 60-minute walking tour along the trails of Werner's Woods in search of wild foods.  Brill is best known for having been arrested in New York's Central Park for picking a dandelion. 

He is the author of Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not-So-Wild) Places and The Wild Vegetarian Cookbook.  Copies of his books will be available for purchase. 

Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited.

Advance Registration: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.  $20 at the door.

NEW RAPTOR CAGES PLANNED
FOR THE NATURE CENTER

In 2013 the Nature Center and
the Friends of the Roaring Brook
will be holding a variety of fundraisers to support the construction of new raptor cages
for our wonderful resident and rehabilitating birds.

Stay tuned to learn more about
the upcoming events...

Call the Nature Center if you want
to help with this project or
the fundraisers.

To learn more about our birds,
click here.

Nature Programs & Events

Weekend Bird Walks

An early morning walk through Werner's Woods provides welcome sights and sounds for beginning birders as well as those with more experience in the field.  Bird walks are not geared for younger children. 

Bring binoculars and dress for wet ground underfoot.

Cost: $2 members; $3 nonmembers.

Pre-registration is not required.

Sundays
March 3rd
May 12th
June 9th

Sunday Family Nature Walks

Guided walks geared for all ages.

    May 12th - Annual Mother's Day Wildflower Walk

    June 9th - Butterflies, Dragonflies & Other Unusual Insects

Cost: $4 members; $6 nonmembers
Children 12 & under: $2 members, $3 nonmembers

Pre-registration is not required.

Classes

Discovery Days is the Nature Center’s enrichment series for children in pre-school and in grades K-3.

The cost of each four week session is $40.00 for members, $50.00 for nonmembers. Two-week sessions (Nature For Little Ones) are $20.00 for members, $25.00 for nonmembers. Discounts may be extended to families with multiple children attending during the same time period.

Portions of the program are held outdoors, please dress accordingly.

Please click here to learn more.

SUMMER 2013 DISCOVERY DAYS Programs

Registration is now open for our SUMMER 2013 Discovery Days Programs.  These programs offer your child a unique blend of education and recreation that takes advantagge of the curiosity and sense of wonder that all children feel towards the natural world around them

Enrollment is limited so register early!

For more information, click here.

Monday
June 10th
1 - 2pm

ADVENTURE STORY TIME

Adventure Story Time for children ages 2-5 will be held on selected Mondays each month from 1:00-2:00 PM.

Adults and children can participate in a shared story with a craft and short walk.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

There is a charge of $2/child with a maximum $5 per family.

Please call the Nature Center to register. Pre-registration is requested.

Mondays
April 22nd
April 29th
May 6th
9:00 - 10:30am

Spring in the Woods - HOMESCHOOLERS PROGRAM

Designed for home school families, this three-session class offers children ages 5-8 with a parent guided discovery of the many signs to be found in our woodlands.  We will explore the effects of seasonal change on animals, plants and their habitats as we hike along our trails.  Dress for outdoor activities. No strollers or carriages please.

Cost: $45 per child (three sessions).  Pre-registration is required.

Call the Nature Center for additional information at 860.693.0263.

For a registration form, click here. 

Guided Nature Walks

Nature Walks

During July and August, group nature walks may be scheduled by individuals, families or by organized groups on selected weekday afternoons. Walks may be general or may focus on a specific topic of interest. Call the Nature Center for additional information.

The Werner Woods trails are open year-round for self-guided tours.  Trail guide books are available in the Nature Center store for $2.00.

Sunday before Thanksgiving
Noon - 4pm

Holiday Craft Fair

Are you interested in being a part of our 2013 Holiday Craft Fair?  We welcome vendors who have produced hand-made gifts and/or natural products to sell as 'gifts' during the holiday season.

For an registration form, please contact Margery Winters at mwinters@thechildrensmuseumct.org or 860.693.0263

• Volunteers are needed this summer to help maintain the Porritt Wildflower Trail and the Marabeth Finn Memorial Native Plant Butterfly Garden.
  
  Interested in helping out in the garden? Feel free to drop by and help out! Call Margery Winters at the Nature Center to find out more (693-0263).

• Volunteers interested in working with the Nature Center's Raptor Care Program (must be over 18 years of age), please call the Center (860) 693-0263. Whatever time you can offer will be appreciated.

For more information on our volunteer needs, click here.

Birthday Party Opportunities

During the school year, the Nature Center offers birthday parties on Saturdays (morning parties from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, afternoon parties from 1:30-3:30 PM) and on selected weekday afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

During July and August, the Nature Center will offer birthday parties on selected weekday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. (Please note that birthday party availability is subject to the Nature Center’s summer program schedule of classes and public events).

Parties include a live animal demonstration, nature walk, and use of our auditorium for holding the party. Cost of a party is $150 for members, $175 for nonmembers.

For more information, click here. To make a reservation call the Center at (860) 693-0263.

Scout Programs

Leaders of Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout Troops, as well as Cub Scout Troops, will find that numerous badge requirements may be fulfilled by a visit to Roaring Brook Nature Center. To learn more, click here.