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EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! |
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Nature Programs, Hikes & Events |
Autumn Leaves
Until September 30
The Fungus Amoung Us
Until October 16
Spook-tacular Animals
Until October 31
All Abut Owls
Until November 15
Native American of the Eastern Woodlands
Until November 30
Birds in Winter
Until January 5
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Along Our Trails
Scavenger Hunts
The Nature Center is posting
a series of nature scavenger hunts
along our trails to add to your enjoyment.
Scavenger hunt maps are available at the
front door of the Nature Center.
DONATIONS WELCOME!
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Saturday morning
September 18
7:30 — 9 am |
Saturday Morning Bird Walks
Join us as we wander the trails through Werner’s Woods during the fall migration season.
Binoculars and footwear for wet ground conditions are all you will need.
Geared for all levels of birding expertise, but not for very young children.
Members free;
Nonmembers $10 per person per hike
MASKS REQUIRED
Pre-registration not required
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Sunday
September 19
1 - 2:15 pm |
Last Hike of Summer
Fall begins at 3:20 PM on Wednesday, September 22. Join us for this guided family walk on one of the last days of summer to look for signs of fall.
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Guided hike requires registration:
Members $5 each / $15 famiy of four
Nonmembers $10 each / $30 family of four
Click here to register for the hike
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Monday
September 20
7:30 – 8:45 pm |
Full 'Harvest" Moon Hike
Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tribes as the Harvest Moon as it marked the period of time when corn was harvested.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
$10 each / $30 family of four
Click here to register for the full moon hike
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Nature Center will be closed Friday, September 24
for fall cleaning
Trails open dawn to dusk
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Monday, October 11
Guided Autumn Leaf ID Hikes at 11 am and 1:30 pm
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Awesome Autumn Scavenger Hunt & Hikes
Looking for something to do on a lovely fall day during the height of leaf color? Drop in anytime between 10 am and 4 pm and head out on the trails for a self-guided fall leaf scavenger hunt or take a guided hike at 11 am or 1:30 pm to learn more.
Self-guided hike free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to pre-register.
MASKS
REQUIRED
IN THE NATURE CENTER
MASKS & RESERVATIONS
REQUIRED FOR GUIDED HIKES
AND NATURE CENTER
Guided hikes require registration:
Members $5 each / $15 famiy of four
Nonmebers $10 each / $30 family of four
Click here to register for the 11 am
guided Autumn Leaf hike
Click here to register for 1:30 pm
guided Autumn Leaf hike |
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Saturday
October 16
2:30 pm |
Mushrooms with "Mushroom Marlene"
Join Marlene Snecinski of the Connecticut Valley Mycological Society for a talk and stroll along the trails of Werner’s Woods. Learn fascinating facts about fungi, which ones are sought after as delicacies and which ones not to touch.
Photography is encouraged.
$10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Click here to register for mushroom hike |
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Wednesday
October 20
7:30 pm – 8:45 pm |
Under the 'Hunters' Moon Hike
Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tribes as the Hunters Moon. This time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fattening up for winter.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
$10 each / $30 family of four
Click here to register for full moon hike
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Saturday, October 30
Rain Date: Sunday, Oct 31
9:30 – 10:30 am
11 am - Noon
1 - 2 pm
2:30 - 3:30 pm
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HOBGOBLIN FAIR
What "critters" will appear on our trails this Halloween? Join us for our annual Hobgoblin Fair held the Saturday before Halloween.
The Fair is hosted by
The Friends of Roaring Brook Nature Center
Children are encouraged to wear costumes
IF suitable for walking in the woods and participating in the craft activities.
Parents should plan to stay with their children
Please note that there are no refunds and participants should attend the session
for which they register.
$10 per person
Fee includes our featured 'Track & Treat' walk, take-home craft bags, Hunt in the Leaves, picture taken with "Hoot the Owl”.
Suitable for children ages 3 - 8
Pre-registration with payment is required
Please specify session
Click here for registration form
(link coming soon)
COVID MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED |
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Tuesday
November 2
anytime 10 am — 4 pm
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A Parliament of Owls?
This election day, drop in between 10 am and 4 pm – it will be a hoot! Vote for your favorite owl, watch an owl documentary, pick up a take-home craft bag, go on a self-guided owl scavenger hunt. Learn about our resident owls and see them in their enclosures at the Nature Center.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
MASKS REQUIRED IN THE NATURE CENTER
No need to pre-register
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Sunday
November 10
Guided hike at 1:30 pm |
Beyond Birdfeeders Hike:
How to feed your backyard birds year-round
Learn what you can plant in your yard to provide food to an even greater variety of birds throughout the year while promoting biodiversity in your neighborhood.
Members $5 each / $15 famiy of four
Nonmembers $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Click here to register for the guided hike
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Friday
November 19
7:30 pm – 8:45 pm |
Under the ‘Beaver’ Moon Night Hike
Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tribes as the Full Beaver Moon. This is the time of year when native hunters trapped beavers before the swamps and ponds froze.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
$10 each / $30 family of four
Click here to register for the full moon hike |
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Sunday before Thanksgiving
November 21
Noon - 4 pm
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Holiday Craft Fair
Start your holiday shopping with nature-related gifts for all ages. Handmade crafts include felted ornaments, pottery, jewelry, soaps & many other items made by local artisans.
The Craft Fair is hosted by the
Friends of Roaring Brook Nature Center
MASKS
REQUIRED
IN THE NATURE CENTER
Admission will be limited to
25 attendees at a time
Proceeds from the Fair benefit the Nature Center’s programs and activities
There is no charge to visit the Nature Center
or attend the Fair on this date
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Nature Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day November 25
Trails open dawn to dusk
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Friday, November 26
anytime 10 am — 4pm
Guided hike at 1:30 pm
Saturday, November 27 anytime 10 am — 4pm
Guided hike at 1:30 pm
Sunday, November 28
anytime 1 pm — 4pm
Guided hike at 1:30 pm
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Turkey Daze!
Scavenger Hunt & Guided Hikes
How well do you really know Meleagris gallopavo, the wild turkey, a cousin of the domesticated turkey? What is a turkey’s snood? What is a Jake? Do turkeys have beards? Take a self-guided turkey scavenger hunt or register for a guided hike at 1:30 pm. crafts, quiz and more.
MASKS
REQUIRED
IN THE NATURE CENTERFree with admission to the Nature Center
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
FOR GUIDED HIKES
Members $5 each / $15 famiy of four
Nonmembers $10 each / $30 family of four
To register for Friday guided hike, click here
To register for Saturday guided hike, click here
To register for Sunday guided hike, click here
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Saturday
December 18
7:00 – 8:15 pm |
Full ‘Cold’ Moon Night Hike
Bundle up and join us for a guided woodland hike under December’s full moon. This month’s moon is known by early Native American tribes as the Full Cold Moon because this is the time of year when the cold winter air settles in and the nights become long and dark.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
$10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Click here to register for the full moon hike
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Sunday
December 19
3 - 4:15 pm |
Early Winter Solstice Hike
The Winter Solstice arrives Tuesday December 21 at 10:59 am in Hartford. In terms of daylight, this day is 6 hours, 4 minutes shorter than on June Solstice. Join us for a late afternoon hike to learn how nature anticipates the upcoming lengthening of the days.
Members $5 each / $15 famiy of four
Nonmembers $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Click here to register for the hike
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Monday
December 20
7 - 8 pm |
Winter Solstice Celebration VIRTUAL Presentation
Join us on one of the longest nights of the year to celebrate the arrival of the winter season and learn how people have celebrated this special day and season over the millennia.
Click here to register for this ZOOM program.
Cost: $5
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Nature Center closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day (Saturdays)
Trails open dawn to dusk
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| * Family rates apply for two adults and two children (over two years of age) |
Click here to learn about more events and programs offered by
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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.
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Roaring Brook Nature Center's
SUMMER 2021 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 2020 brochure
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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 |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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Sunday
before Thanksgiving
Noon - 4:00 pm
Note: Due to COVID, this Fair
will not be held in 2020 |
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 |
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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. |
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70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT 06019 Phone: 860-693-0263 rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Copyright © 2006 Roaring Brook Nature Center. All rights reserved worldwide
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Click here to learn about
events and programs offered by
The Children's Museum in West Hartford |
Nature Programs, Hikes & Events |
All About Owls
Until March 31
Eggs, Eggs, Eggs
Until April 15
Bird Nests
Until April 30
Spring Wildflowers
Until May 15
Frog & Toad in CT
Until May 31
The Bear Facts
Until June 15
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Along Our Trails
Scavenger Hunts
The Nature Center is posting
a series of nature scavenger hunts
along our trails to add to your enjoyment.
Scavenger hunt maps are available at the
front door of the Nature Center.
DONATIONS WELCOME!
|
|
|
Frogs of Spring
VIRTUAL Program
The wood frogs are waking up from their long winter’s frozen nap and other amphibians will soon be waking up as well. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable creatures. Listen to stories about frogs and salamanders.
Program is free. Donations appreciated.
Click here at 11 am on March 19 to join this program.
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Saturday
March 20
10 am |
Spring Equinox Hike
In Hartford, the spring equinox occurs on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 5:37 am. Join us to celebrate the beginning of astronomical spring. Look for signs of spring on our trails.
Cost: $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
To register for this hike, click here
Groups limited to 12 people
Program may be subject to change or cancellation
if conditions require
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Friday
March 26
7:30 — 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: $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
To register for this hike, click here
Groups limited to 12 people
Program may be subject to change or cancellation
if conditions require
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Sunday
March 28
7:30 pm — 8:45 pm
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Under the ‘Sap’ Moon 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.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Cost: $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
To register for this hike, click here
Groups limited to 12 people
Program may be subject to change or cancellation
if conditions require
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Friday - Sunday
April 2 - 4
Regular admission hours |
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.
Hike the trails looking for the scavenger hunt signs. Complete the scavenger hunt and win a small prize.
Craft bags will be available for children.
All activities will be outdoors.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to preregister.
Donations appreciated.
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Sunday
April 11
2 pm |
Gardening with Frog & Toad VIRTUAL PROGRAM
A garden filled with the peeps, trills, quacks, or croaks from our native frogs and toads is one of the fastest ways to judge the health of your local ecosystem. Learn how to garden to help the amphibian populations in your yard and beyond.
Program is free. Donations appreciated.
Click here at 2 pm on April 11 to attend.
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Monday – Friday
April 12 - April 16
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.
Dress for the weather – classes will be held outdoors.
Students are required to wear masks.
Daily Rate: $50 members, $60 nonmembers
Full Week: $200 members, $250 nonmembers
Pre-registration & Masks required.
Click here to register.
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Tuesday
April 20
5 pm – 8 pm
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Flatbread Pizza Night
Fundraiser for the Nature Center
Support your local Flatbreads and Roaring Brook Nature Center with your TAKE OUT purchase of a pizza or two (or more) pizza from Flatbread’s at The Shoppes at the Farmington Valley. A percentage of the pizza sales supports the Nature Center.
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Thursday
April 22
7 pm |
Earth Day VIRTUAL Presentation: Seeing Red (Why Friends Don't Let Friends Plant Burning Bush)
Nationwide, three million acres are lost each year to alien plants. Removal is expensive & time consuming. Learn what makes these plants so damaging and how gardeners can restore ecological balance to our neighborhoods.
Program is free. Donations appreciated.
Click here at 7pm on April 22 to attend program.
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Saturdays
April 24
May 1
May 15
7 — 9 am
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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: $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
To register for these hikes:
Click here for April 24
Click here for May 1
Click here for May 15
Groups limited to 12 people
Program may be subject to change or cancellation
if conditions require
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World Frog Day Hike
Join us on a guided hike on World Frog Day. See who lives in our woods and wetlands. Learn about their interesting life cycles, where they are laying their eggs, and how to identify their spring calls.
Cost: $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
To register for this hike, click here
Groups limited to 12 people
Program may be subject to change or cancellation
if conditions require
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Spring Wildflowers
VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Connecticut has a myriad of spring wildflowers. Discover why they bloom in the spring, where to find them, how they got their names and what makes these plants so special.
Program is free. Donations appreciated.
Click here at 7 pm on May 6 to attend.
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MOTHER'S DAY
Sunday
May 9
Hike 2 - 3 pm |
Mother's Day Wildflower Hike
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 guided walk through our native plant gardens and woods looking for wildflowers. Bundle
Cost: $10 each / $30 family of four
MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
To register for this hike, click here
Groups limited to 12 people
Program may be subject to change or cancellation
if conditions require
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Thursday
May 27
7 pm |
Gardening for Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators
VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Pollinators play a critical role in in the production of most fruits and vegetables and they need our help. Learn about our many native pollinators, their important role in keeping our ecosystems healthy, and how you can manage your garden to provide just what they need.
Program is free. Donations appreciated.
Click here to participate at 7pm on May 27
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Sunday
May 23
1 – 4 pm |
World Turtle Day
Join us in our outdoor turtle enclosure to celebrate World Turtle Day. Visit with Tobey, the ornate box turtle; Juliette, the box turtle; Timber, the wood turtle, and others.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to preregister. Masks required.
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Nature Center closed for Memorial Day May 31
Trails open dawn to dusk
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| * Family rates apply for two adults and two children (over two years of age) |
|
Click here to learn about more events and programs offered by
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Roaring Brook Nature Center's
SUMMER 2020 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 2020 brochure
|
|
|
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 |
|
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
Note: Due to COVID, this Fair
will not be held in 2020 |
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 rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Copyright © 2006 Roaring Brook Nature Center. All rights reserved worldwide
|
