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Events & Nature Walks

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BUILDING OUR FUTURE!

 

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CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE!

NEW RAPTOR ENCLOSURES, CLASSROOM and MUCH MORE
FOR THE NATURE CENTER


 

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events and programs offered by

The Children's Museum in West Hartford

SUMMER 2019 PROGRAMS

 

Roaring Brook Nature Center's SUMMER 2019 Programs
offer your child a unique blend of education and recreation
that takes advantage of the curiosity and sense of wonder
that all children feel toward the natural world.  

Click here to learn more and to register online

Click here for our SUMMER PROGRAMS 2019 brochure


Nature Programs & Events

Mondays
January 28
 February 11
February 25
7 pm

Paint by the Fire at Flatbread Pizza Company:
a mini-series brought to you by Shoppes at Farmington Valley & Scene Art Bar

Join us for a fun artist-guided workshop of painting on Reclaimed Wood signs. This DIY workshop is an exciting and fun way to beat the winter blues!

A portion of all proceeds with be donated to Roaring Brook Nature Center Come out to Flatbread and paint with us!!

This is a 3-part mini series held at Flatbread Pizza Co. (110 Albany Turnpike, Canton).  Register for one, two or all three sessions!

Price per session: $25.00 (Pizza and salad included in cost of event)
Cash bar available

 
 

Sunday
February 24
2 – 3 pm

Winter Tree ID Scavenger Hunt

If you look closely, winter trees aren’t bare at all. Their buds, twigs, bark, and general shape give plenty of clues as to their identity. Join us for a late winter hike to learn who’s who in our woods.

Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to preregister.

Sunday, March 10
2 — 3 pm

Sunday, March 17
2 — 3 pm    SNOW DATE

Maple Sugaring in Your Own Backyard

Our annual demonstration teaches you how to make maple syrup the easy way. We’ll cover the entire process from identifying the tree to the best part – tasting the final product.

Cost: $5 members; $7 nonmembers. Pre-registration is not required.

 
Tuesday - Thursday
March 12, 13, 14
10 am – 4 pm
Storytime at 11 am & 2 pm

The Wonderful, Wacky Wood Frog

The wood frogs are waking up from their long winter’s frozen nap. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable creatures. Listen to stories about frogs and salamanders. Take a hike to our vernal pool to listen to their spring ‘quacking’ and make wood frog crafts.

Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to preregister.

Thursday
March 21
7:00 pm — 8:15 pm

Under the Full ‘Sap’ SUPER Moon
First Day of Spring Family Night Hike

Join us for a guided walk under a full moon. This moon was known to Native Americans as the Full ‘Sap’ Moon, as it marks the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.

This is also the last of three supermoons for 2019. The Moon will be at its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. 

Cost: $5 members; $7 nonmembers. Pre-registration required.



Friday
March 22
6 – 7:30 pm

Spring Nature Trivia & Pizza Night

Celebrate Spring at the Nature Center and test your nature trivia knowledge. Pizza slices & sodas available for purchase. BYOB.

Pre-registration: $5 per person / $15 for family of four
At door: $7 per person / $20 for family of four

Call the Nature Center to register or click here to sign up online
Friday
March 29
7:30 pm — 9:00 pm

March Madness Owl Prowl

Listen and look for barred owls and other nocturnal creatures along our trails. Not geared for very young children.

Cost: $5 members; $10 nonmembers
Pre-registration required - space is limited

Saturday night
March 30
7 - 10 pm

Housewarming Party

Roaring Brook Nature Center Auxiliary says
“Let’s generate some heat!”

Join us for an enjoyable evening which will include a
Live Auction with Gerri Griswold,
live music, dinner & drinks, silent auction, animal demos,
fire pit, owl prowl, stargazing, and more!

Proceeds from this adults only event will go towards
the purchase & installation of an emergency generator
for the Nature Center.

For an invitation to this fundraiser, please click here.

 
Thursday
April 4
7:00 — 8:30 pm

Vernal Pool Walk / Amphibians Program

Join us for a program on the amphibians that inhabit vernal pools followed by a walk to local wetlands to view nocturnal wildlife. Not geared for very young children.

Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. 

Cost: $5 members; $10 nonmembers
Pre-registration required - space is limited
Sunday
April 7
1:30 - 2:45 pm

Bats: Their Lives and Lore

Join us for a program on bats, presented by Master Wildlife Conservationist Maureen Heidtmann and her two educational, non-releasable bat associates! Learn about the bats of the world, with an emphasis on our local species. It will cover the persisting myths and misconceptions about these fascinating creatures, the many roles bats play to ensure a healthy planet, and the perils bats face in their struggle for survival.

Over the years, Maureen has presented programs for children and adults at libraries, schools, nature centers and botanical gardens. Several years ago, she conducted a bat-walk at Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, which drew a crowd of over 200 people.

Event is FREE with Admission to the Nature Center!

Monday - Friday
April 8 – 12
9 am – Noon

Spring Fever!
Vacation Program for Grades K - 5

How do animals know that spring has arrived? Join us for a week of morning fun & exploration in forest, field and pond. Spend vacation mornings looking for wildlife at Roaring Brook Nature Center

Daily Rate: $40 members, $50 nonmembers
Full Week: $160 members, $200 nonmembers
Pre-registration with payment is required

Call the Nature Center to register or click here to sign up online.

Click here for registration form
Month of April

Welcome Back Birds!
April Scavenger Hunt

Many birds have been spending the winter in warmer places. Where did they go? Why are they returning? Which birds are the first to arrive and who can we expect later? Join us for an outdoor scavenger hunt and crafts. Learn what you can do to welcome our birds back.

Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to pre-register.


Wednesday – Saturday
April 10— 13 |
anytime 1 — 4 pm

Spring is for Babies

Spring is in the air and it’s time for babies! Join us Wednesday to Saturday afternoons for games and crafts that are all about wild babies, their habitats, families, and diet.

Bring in a baby shower gift donation from our Amazon wishlist
or a monetary donation to enter for a chance to attend
a rehabbed animal release


Drawing is on Sunday at 3:45pm at the April Animal Baby Shower.

Sunday
April 14
anytime 1 — 4 pm

April Animal Baby Shower

Join us on Sunday for a baby shower to benefit the orphaned wildlife that come to the Roaring Brook Nature Center for rehabilitation.

Enjoy an animal demonstration with “Roger” the baby box turtle, hear a 30- minute presentation at 2 pm about what to do when you encounter wildlife babies, and play games inspired by our wild friends!

Meet Miss Connecticut, Bridget Oei!

Bring in a baby shower gift donation from our Amazon wishlist
or a monetary donation to enter for a chance to attend
a rehabbed animal release

Drawing is on Sunday at 3:45 pm at the April Animal Baby Shower.

Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to pre-register.  

 
Friday, April 19
anytime 10 am — 4 pm

Saturday, April 20
anytime 10 — 4 pm

Sunday, April 21
anytime 1 — 4 pm

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs! Spring Scavenger Hunt

Spring is the season of eggs – bird eggs, frog eggs, turtle eggs, fish eggs! Learn about the animals that laid them and the nests they have built to hold them. Find the hidden “nests” around the Nature Center, then head out on the trails on a scavenger hunt to see where eggs will be laid this spring.

Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to preregister.


Saturdays
April 27
May 4
May 18
7 — 9 am

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: $5 members; $7 nonmembers. Pre-registration is not required


Tuesday, April 30
5 — 8:30 pm

Flatbread Pizza Night Fundraiser
for the Nature Center

Bring your friends, bring your family for dinner at Flatbread’s at The Shoppes at the Farmington Valley.

A percentage of the pizza sales supports the Nature Center.


Saturday
May 4
1 – 4 pm

The Roaring Brook Turtle Derby:
A Run for the Strawberries

Join us for an afternoon of turtle races celebrating the opening of our new turtle ponds.  Will the winner be Toby, the ornate box turtle; Juliette, the box turtle; Timber, the wood turtle; or Sunshine, the Russian tortoise?  Turtle crafts.

Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to preregister.

We will be racing our resident turtles.  Please leave wild turtles in the wild - do not catch wild turtles for turtle races. 


MOTHER'S DAY
Sunday
May 12

Talk 1 —2 pm
Walk 2 —2:30 pm

Annual Mother's Day Wildflower Talk & Walk

Connecticut has a myriad of spring wildflowers. Find out why they bloom in the spring, where to find them, how they got their names and what makes these plants so special. Join us for a special lecture from 1 pm to 2 pm and at 2 pm for a guided walk through our native plant gardens looking for wildflowers. Geared for all ages.

Cost: $5 members; $7 nonmembers. Moms admitted free.
Pre-registration required.

 
Sunday
June 2
2 – 3 pm

Gardening for Bees & Other Wildlife

Learn what you can do to attract bees, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife in your yard.

Cost: $5 members; $7 nonmembers.
Pre-registration required.

 
Nature Center closed for Memorial Day - May 27
Trails open dawn to dusk

Friday
June 21 (Summer Solstice)
6 – 7:30 pm

Summer Solstice Nature Trivia & Pizza Night: Under the Full Strawberry Moon

Spend the summer solstice evening at the Nature Center and test your nature trivia knowledge. Pizza slices, sodas, & strawberry shortcake available for purchase. BYOB.

Pre-registration: $5 per person / $15 for family of four
At door: $7 per person / $20 for family of four

Call the Nature Center to register or click here to sign up online
 
Thursday
June 27
1:30 – 3 pm

Firefly Fun

It’s firefly season! Learn more about these fascinating creatures and where to find them.

Make a firefly craft and enjoy firefly

Stories at 2 pm.

Cost: Admission to the Nature Center (members free). 
Tuesday
July 2
2—2:45 pm

Paws, Claws & Jaws — Animal Demonstration

Kick off your 4th of July holiday with our animal demonstration on the many structural adaptations animals have to help them survive.

Examine animal skulls & visit with live animals to learn more.

This special 45-minute programs feature live and mounted animals and a brief power point presentation. Each program will focus on a different theme, with an up-close opportunity to learn about various animal groups.

Cost: $4 children, $6 adults. Pre-registration not required.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday
July 10
1:30—3 pm

Butterfly Tea Party & Story Time

Dress in your butterfly attire and waltz out to the Butterfly Garden for iced tea, lemonade, & cookies!

Look for butterflies & caterpillars , make a butterfly craft, visit with “Maisy” our monarch butterfly and her cousins, and more....

Cost: Admission to the Nature Center (members free)..
Wednesday
July 17
2—2:45 pm

Snakes Alive! — Animal Demonstration

Join Nature Center staff to learn about these fascinating creatures.

This special 45-minute programs feature live and mounted animals and a brief power point presentation. Each program will focus on a different theme, with an up-close opportunity to learn about various animal groups.

Cost: $4 children, $6 adults. Pre-registration not required.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. .
Saturday
July 27
7:30 am
Meet in Nature Center parking lot

Farmington Valley Butterfly Count

The Nature Center will host the Farmington Valley Butterfly Count, a part of an annual survey sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association.
To take part in the Butterfly Count meet in the Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 am.

Participants in the Count should be prepared to travel throughout the Farmington Valley and be in good physical condition.

Not geared for young children.

Pre-registration required. No cost to attend Butterfly Count.
Wednesday evenings
July 24
August 7 & 21
7:30—8:30 pm

Trails @ Twilight

Many animals become more active in the cooler twilight hours. In past years we’ve seen and heard a wide range of creatures on our evening walks.

What will we find this summer?!

Cost: $3 members; $6 nonmembers;
        (children: $2 members, $3 nonmembers).

Flashlight & long sleeves recommended (It will be buggy!)
.
Friday
July 26
1:30—3 pm

Lady Bug Lunch & Story Time

Bring a bag lunch or snack and enjoy an afternoon at the Nature Center learning about ladybugs and other insect helpers.

Lady bug crafts & stories, lemonade and cookies.

Costumes welcome.

Cost: Admission to the Nature Center (members free). .
Thursday
August 1
2—2:45 pm

Turtles BIG & small — Animal Demonstration

Turtles come in many shapes and sizes. Join us as we visit with these ancient animals.

This special 45-minute programs feature live and mounted animals and a brief power point presentation. Each program will focus on a different theme, with an up-close opportunity to learn about various animal groups.

Cost: $4 children, $6 adults. Pre-registration not required.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesday
August 6
1:30—3 pm

Teddy Bear Tea Party & Story Time

Bring your favorite teddy bear & a bagged lunch/snack for a picnic in our butterfly garden — we will supply the lemonade and cookies.

Make a bear craft, learn what our local bears are doing this time of the year, and more....


Cost: Admission to the Nature Center (members free). .
Wednesday
August 14
1:30—3 pm

Winged Jewels

Celebrate the end of our summer season with an afternoon at the Nature Center. Learn about our beautiful dragonflies and damsel flies.

Hike the trail to the pond to find them.

Make a dragonfly craft and visit with “Jewel,” our Dragonfly.

Cost: Admission to the Nature Center (members free). .
Monday—Saturday
August 19—24
10 am—4 pm

Houses & Homes for Fairies & Gnomes

What ‘magical’ creatures are living in our woods & gardens?

Drop in and, using only natural materials (we will provide some but feel free to bring your own) and your imagination, create your own dwelling for the ‘wee folk’.

Costumes encouraged.

Cost: Admission to the Nature Center (members free).

Thursday
August 22
2—2:45 pm

 

Ancient Reptiles—Animal Demonstration

Brian Kleinman from Riverside Reptiles will present his program on ancient reptiles.

Crocodilians and turtles have been around for more than 100 million years, but they have changed little in their appearance. In this program you will learn about how these fascinating reptiles adapted and evolved into the animals we see today.

We will learn about their size, power, and hunting strategies, as well as conservation issues that affect their preservation. You will meet a Crocodile and Alligator, along with turtles, tortoises, and an 80 lb. SWAMP MONSTER!

This special 45-minute programs feature live and mounted animals and a brief power point presentation. Each program will focus on a different theme, with an up-close opportunity to learn about various animal groups.

Cost: $4 children, $6 adults. Pre-registration not required.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.


 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 

Click here to learn about more events and programs offered by

Classes

 
DISCOVERY DAYS PROGRAMS

Discovery Day Programs

Registration is open for the upcoming Discovery Days, the Nature Center’s enrichment series for children. Four week programs are offered for pre-schoolers and a parent, for students in kindergarten and kindergarten readiness programs and for elemantary age students. For more details, click here.

The cost of each four-week session is $40.00 for members, $50.00 for nonmembers. A $10 discount is extended to families with a second child attending during the same time period. Portions of the program are held outdoors, please dress accordingly.

Register by mail or in person during regular Nature Center hours. 
For a printable form, click here.

Please call the Nature Center at (860)693-0263 for additional information and to determine if there are class openings prior to mailing your registration.
SUMMER 2019 PROGRAMS

 

Roaring Brook Nature Center's SUMMER 2019 Programs
offer your child a unique blend of education and recreation
that takes advantage of the curiosity and sense of wonder
that all children feel toward the natural world.  

Click here to learn more and to register online

Click here for our SUMMER PROGRAMS 2019 brochure



Home School Programs

 

The Nature Center can create special programs for your home school group. 

Explore the wonders of our woods, fields, and stream.

Each class will investigate a different aspect of a central theme, complete with hands-on experiments & plenty of time outdoors.

Classes comply with CT State Sceince Standards for Pre-K to Grade 2

To learn more or to schedule a program,
email us at rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org or call 860.693.0263

Click here to learn about Homeschool programs offered by
The Children's Museum in West Hartford

Email us at rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org or call 860.693.0263

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.

 
Volunteers Needed!
  • 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.

 

Sunday before Thanksgiving
Noon - 4:00 pm

Holiday Craft Fair

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS! 
Are you interested in being a part of our 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

 

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.

 
70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT  06019
Phone: 860-693-0263
Email: rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Copyright © 2006 Roaring Brook Nature Center. All rights reserved worldwide.