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Nature Programs, Hikes & Events |
Birds in Winter
Until March 30
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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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'VISIT & WIN' Contest
Each time Members visit Roaring Brook Nature Center
or The Children's Museum
during the month of March,
you will be entered into the 'Visit & Win ' contest.
One entry per day, per family
Win a family opossum encounter
at either the Nature Center or
The Children's Museum
(as determined by the winner)
The winner will be announced on April 7
FREQUENT FLYER CONTEST
Our top “frequent flyer ” family will receive
a $25 Gift Certificate that can be used in our Gift Shops
at either the Nature Center or Children's Museum!
Visit more frequently and improve your chances!
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Sunday
March 19
Hike at 2 pm |
Spring is Coming Hike
This year the spring equinox occurs on Monday, March 20 at 5:24 pm EDT. Join us for a guided hike along the trails as we look for signs of spring.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Pre-registration required
To register click here |
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Sunday
March 26
10 am — 1 pm
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Marching Forward
With Our Members
Event at Roaring Brook
MEMBERS APPRECIATION EVENT
Join us for a morning of hands-on activities, crafts, STEAM and animal demonstrations, nature hikes, and bird talks in the courtyard.
Watch an Electricity demonstration with Ian,
join the Paint Pouring demonstration to create your own work of art, or if the weather allows,
take a hike on the trails!
Activities are subject to change
Refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the day.
Attendance to the member's event counts towards the 'Frequent Flyer' and 'Visit & Win' contests. (See above)
Pre-registration required
To register click here
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Sunday
March 26
Program at 2 pm |
The First Frogs of Spring
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 at 2 pm for a short program on our amphibians followed by a short hike to local vernal pool to listen to their spring ‘quacking.’ Frog crafts.
Free with admission
to the Nature Center
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Friday
March 31
7:30 — 9:00 pm |
Owl Prowl
Listen and look for barred owls and other nocturnal creatures along our trails.
Not geared for very young children
$11 each / $36 family of four
Pre-registration required - space is limited
To register click here |
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Friday, April 7 anytime
10 am — 4 pm
Saturday, April 8
anytime 10 — 4 pm
Sunday, April 9
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. Crafts all day.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to pre-register. |
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Monday – Friday
April 10 - April 14
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
Full Week: $250 members, $295 nonmembers Pre-registration with payment is required
To register click here |
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Saturday, April 15
Dark Sky program at 1 pm
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Turn Out the Lights!
Dark Sky Event
International Dark Sky Week (April 15 - 22) draws attention to the problems associated with light pollution. A growing body of research suggests that the glow of uncontrolled outdoor lighting is causing serious harm to nocturnal animals, migrating birds, and insects. Learn what you can do to reduce light pollution around your home.
Program free with admission to the Nature Center. No preregistration required.
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Tuesday
April 18
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 Shops at the Farmington Valley.
A percentage of the pizza sales supports the Nature Center.
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Saturday mornings
April 29
May 6
May 20
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 & dress for wet ground
Donations welcomed
Pre-registration is not required |
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Sunday
May 7
1 – 4 pm |
Turtle Derby:
A Run for the Strawberries
Join us for an afternoon of turtle races as we celebrate the opening of our turtle ponds for the summer season. Will the winner be Toby, the ornate box turtle; Juliette, the box turtle; or Timber, the wood turtle. Turtle crafts/activities.
Free with admission to the Nature Center
No need to pre-register
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MOTHER'S DAY
Sunday, May 14
Talk 1 —2 pm
Walk 2 —2:30 pm |
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.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Pre-registration required
To register click here |
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Sunday
May 21
1:30 pm |
Gardening for the Bees and Other Pollinators
World Bee Day
May 20 is World Bee Day. Join us (one day late) to 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.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Pre-registration required
To register click here
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Nature Center closed for Memorial Day May 29
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 2021brochure
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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).
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 |
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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