HOME CONTACT US VISITOR INFO PROGRAMS EVENTS |
| Nature Programs, Hikes & Events |
Turkey Daze
December 10
Home for the Holidays
Until January 10
Birds in Winter
Until February 10
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Along Our Trails
Scavenger Hunts
The Nature Center posts
natu re scavenger hunts
along our trails
for your enjoyment.
Scavenger hunt maps are available
at the
front door of the Nature Center.
DONATIONS WELCOME!
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Thursday
December 21
7 - 8 pm
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Winter Solstice Celebration
Join us on one of the longest nights of the year to celebrate the winter solstice and a presentation on how people have celebrated this special day and season over millennia.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required.
Click here to register
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Saturday
December 23
2:30 - 4 pm
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Winter Solstice Hike
The winter solstice arrived at 10:27 pm EDT on Thursday, December 21. In terms of daylight, this day is 6 hours, 4 minutes shorter than on the summer solstice. Join us for a late afternoon hike to enjoy the long shadows and peace of the woods in winter. Learn how nature anticipates the upcoming lengthening of the days.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required.
To register, click here. |
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Tuesday
December 26
7 - 8:15 pm
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Cold Full Moon 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 Cold moon as this is the time of year when the cold winter air settles in and nights are long and dark.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required.
Click here to register. |
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Nature Center closed Christmas Day & New Year's Day
Trails open dawn to dusk
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Friday & Sunday
January 12 & 14
1 — 4 pm
Saturday & Monday
January 13 & 15
10 am — 4 pm |
Frozen Family Fun
Join us for some ‘Frozen’ fun. Weather permitting, look for tracks or other signs of animals who spend the winter in Werner’s Wood.
Hike the trails to find ‘Frozen’ treasures.
Winter animals & ‘Frozen’ crafts.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to pre-register.
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Sunday
January 21
2 — 4 pm |
Family Winter Survival
What do you do if you get lost in the woods in winter? Learn what basic supplies you may need to survive a night outdoors. Includes shelter construction and fire building.
Dress for winter weather.
Not geared for children under 9.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Friday
January 26
7 – 8:15 pm |
‘Wolf’ Full Moon Night Hike
Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tribes as the Full Wolf Moon. It appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. We will not hear any wolves, but we may hear owls and other creatures of the night.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Sunday
January 28
Guided hike 1:30—2:45 pm |
Coldest Day of the Year Hike
On average, the last week in January is the coldest week of the year. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying a hike in the woods. Bundle up & get your ‘outdoorphins’ (the good feelings that come with being outdoors) on this guided winter hike.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Sunday
February 4
Guided hike 1:30 — 2:45 pm
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Groundhog Day Hike
Two days late!
Learn about our largest ground squirrel and weather prognosticator. We will know if the Groundhog saw his shadow on February 2nd and learn what it means for the rest of the winter. Take our groundhog day quiz. Make your predictions on when spring will really arrive.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Saturday, February 10 anytime 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday, February 11
anytime 1 – 4 pm |
LOVE OUR ANIMALS WEEKEND
Join us as we celebrate Valentine's Day with our resident animals. Make special Valentines for our animals or your loved ones.
Crafts and special visits with the animals throughout the day.
Donations for the animals from our WISHLIST are greatly appreciated.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to pre-register.
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Sunday
February 18
2 – 3 pm |
Winter Tree ID Hike
If you look closely, the winter trees' 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.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Monday, February 19 Tuesday, February 20
9 am – Noon |
Winter Wonderers
Vacation Program for Grades K - 5
Fun with snow and ice, animal tracking and, depending upon weather conditions, maple sugaring will be part of this two-day vacation program.
Daily Rate: $50 members, $60 nonmembers.
Pre-registration with payment required.
Link coming soon.
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Friday
February 23
7 — 8:15 pm |
‘Snow’ Moon Night Hike
Join us for a guided walk under a full moon. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Snow Moon because the heaviest snows usually fell during this time of the year. Since hunting is difficult, this moon has also been known by some tribes as the Full Hunger Moon, since the harsh weather made hunting difficult. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Sunday
March 9
2 — 3 pm
SNOW DATE
Sunday
March 16
2 — 3 pm |
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: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration is not required.
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Sunday, St Patrick's Day
March 17
2 pm |
Early ‘Irish’ Spring Solstice Hike
This year the spring solstice occurs on Tue, Mar 19, 2024, 11:06 PM. Join us on St Patrick’s Day to get an early start on celebrating the beginning of astronomical spring. Look for signs of green and spring on our trails.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Friday
March 22
7:30 — 9:00 pm |
March Madness Owl Prowl & Sap Full Moon Night Hike
Listen and look for barred owls and other nocturnal creatures on 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.
Not geared for very young children.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required - space is limited.
Link coming soon.
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Sunday
March 24
1 – 4 pm
Storytime at 1:30 pm |
The 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 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 pre-register.
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Friday
April 12
7 pm |
Turn Out the Lights!
Dark Sky program
A growing body of research suggests that the glow of uncontrolled outdoor lighting is causing serious harm to nocturnal animals, migrating birds, insects, as well as our own health. Join us for an indoor presentation on the impacts of light pollution and learn what you can do to reduce light pollution around your home followed by a guided hike the Werner’s Woods meadow to view the impacts of light pollution.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-reregistration required.
Link coming soon.
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Friday, March 29
anytime 10 am — 4 pm
Saturday, March 30
anytime 10 — 4 pm
Sunday, March 31
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. (Note: this is not an Easter egg hunt)
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to preregister.
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Thursday
April 6
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: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-reregistration required.
Link coming soon.
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Monday – Friday
April 8 - April 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.
Full Week: $260 members, $300 nonmembers. Pre-registration with payment is required.
Link coming soon.
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Tuesday
April 16
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.
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Sunday
April 21
1 pm |
Earth Day Talk:
Gardening for Wildlife
Your garden is home to many wonderful creatures. Learn about their life cycles, their ecological value, and how to bring life to your garden by planting the right plants, as well as providing shelter and water.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to preregister.
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Saturdays
April 27, May 4 & 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.
Donations welcome.
Pre-registration is not required.
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Sunday
May 5
1 – 4 pm |
Turtle Derby: A Run for the Strawberries
Join us for an afternoon of turtle races as we release our resident turtles to their outdoor turtle pond enclosures. Will the winner be Tobey, the ornate box turtle; Juliette, the box turtle; or Timber, the wood turtle. Turtle crafts.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
No need to pre-register.
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MOTHER'S DAY,
Sunday, May 12
Talk 1 pm—2 pm
Walk 2 pm—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.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registration required.
Link coming soon.
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Nature Center closed for Memorial Day May 27
Trails open dawn to dusk
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Sunday
June 2
1 pm |
Gardening for Bees, Butterflies & Other Pollinators
June is National Pollinator Month! 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.
Cost: $11 each / $36 family of four.
Pre-registrtion required.
Link coming soon.
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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.
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
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. |
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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.
|
|
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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HOME CONTACT US VISITOR INFO PROGRAMS EVENTS |
| Nature Programs, Hikes & Events |
Paws, Claws & Jaws
Until August 31
The Bear Facts
Until September 31
|
Along Our Trails
Scavenger Hunts
The Nature Center posts
nature scavenger hunts
along our trails
for your enjoyment.
Scavenger hunt maps are available
at the
front door of the Nature Center.
DONATIONS WELCOME!
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|
Friday
August 4
1:30 - 3 pm
Storytime at 2 pm
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Look Whooo's Celebrating
International Owl Awareness Day
Join us at the Nature Center to celebrate International Owl Awareness Day with stories and crafts. Visit our resident owls
and listen to stories about our native owls.
Event included with paid admission to the Nature Center.
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Thursday
August 10
1:30 - 3 pm
Storytime at 2 pm
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Teddy Bear Picnic & Storytime
Bring your favorite teddy bear, make a bear craft,
learn what our local bears are doing as summer ends.
Bring a photo of the bears that
you might have seen in your yard.
Event included with paid admission to the Nature Center.
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Sunday
August 27
7:30 - 8:45 pm |
(Almost) Full Corn Harvest Moon Hike
Join us for an evening walk under the Hot Sun Moon, the Native American name for the late summer moon when the corn is ripening.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Pre-registration required
Click here to register |
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Nature Center closed for Labor Day, September
Trails open dawn to dusk
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Saturday
September 9 & 23
7:30 - 9 am
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Saturday Morning Birdwalks
Join us as we wnader 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 experience, but not for very young children.
Donations requested.
Pre-registration not required.
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Saturday
September 23
10 - 11:15 am
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First Day of Autumn Hike
Fall begins at 2:50 am EDT today. Join us for this guided family hike on the autumn equinox to look for signs offall. Discover how the abundant rain and warmth of summer has turned into a bounty of fall berries, seeds, and nuts.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required.
Registration link coming soon.
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Monday
September 25
10 am - 3:30 pm
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Going Away Party
Many animals are going away for the winter. Join us at the Nature Center to learn where they are going and how we can welcome them back next spring. Take a self-guided migration scavenger hunt hike along our trails. Crafts.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
Registration not required.
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Friday
September 29
7:30 - 8:45 pm
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Full Harvest Moon Hike
Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by the early Native American tribes as the Harvest Moon as it maked the period of time when corn was harvested.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required.
Registration link coming soon.
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Monday
October 9
anytime 10 am - 4 pm
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Awesome Autumn Scavenger Hunt &
Tree ID Hikes
Looking for something fun to doduring the height of leaf color? Drop in anytime and head out on the trail for a self-guided autumn leaf scavenger hunt. Find out what makes for the ideal fall foliage season, what happents to all those fallen leaves, why the acorn crop varies from year to year, and more. Fall crafts.
Event free with admission to the Nature Center.
Registration not required. |
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Saturday
OCtober 28
7:30 - 8:45 pm
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Full Hunter's Moon Hike
Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tries as the Hunter's 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.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required. Link coming soon.
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Tuesday
November 7
anytime 10 am - 3 pm
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A Parliament of Owls
This election day, drop in between 10 am & 4 pm - it will be a hoot! Learn about our resident owls and seee them in their enclosures at the Nature Center. Owl crafts.
Free with admission to the Nature Center.
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Sunday
November 13
1:30 pm |
Beyond Birdfeeders:
How to feed your backyard birds year-round
Birds do not live by birdseed alone. Learn what you can plant in your yard to provide food throughout the year to an even greater variety of birds, and enhance the biodiversity in your neighborhood.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required. Link coming soon.
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Sunday before Thanksgiving
November 19
Noon - 4 pm |
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Sart you holiday shopping with nature-related gifts for all ages. Handmade crafts include felted ornaments, pottery, jewelry, soaps and many other items made by local artisans.
Sponsored by
The Friends of Roaring Brook Nature CenterThe proceeds of the Fari benefit the Nature Center's programs and activities.
There is no charge to visit the Nature Center or attend the Fair on this day.
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Friday
November 24
11:30 am
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Native Americans of the Eastern Woodland
Join us the day following Thanksgving to celebrate Native American Heritage Day. Our program will discuss the wisdom and contributuions of the pre-European native people of the eastern woodlands in New England
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required Link coming soon
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Friday & Saturday
November 24 & 25
10 am - 4 pm
Guided hikes at 1:30 pm |
Turkey Daze! Scavenger Hunt
How well do you know Meleagris gallopavo, a cousin of the domesticated turkey? What is a Jake? What is a turkey snood?Do turkeys have beards? Take a self-guided turkey scavenger hunt or register for a guided hike at 1:30 pm. Turkey crafts, activities, and more.
Free with admission to the Nature Center
Hike - $11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required Links coming soon
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Monday
November 27
7 - 8:15 pm
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Under the Beaver Moon Hike
Join us for a guided hike under the full moon known by early Native American tribes as the Beaver moon. This is the time of year when beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges, having laid up sufficient food stores for the long winter ahead.
Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required Link coming soon
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Thursday
December 21
7 pm
|
Winter Solstice Celebration
Join us on one of the longest nights of the year to celebrate the winter solstice and learn how people have celebrated this special day and season over millennia.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required. Link coming soon.
|
|
|
Saturday
December 23
2:30 - 4 pm
|
Winter Solstice Hike
The winter solstice arrived arrived at 10:27 pm EDT on Thursday, December 21. In terns of daylight, this day is 6 hours, 4 minutes shorter than on the summer solstice. Join us for a late afternoon hike to enjoy the long shadows and peace of the woods in winter. Learn how nature anticipates the upcoming lengthening of the days.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required. Link coming soon. |
|
|
Saturday
December 26
7 - 8:15 pm |
Full Cold Moon 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 Cold moon as this is the time of year when the cold winter air settles in and nights are long and dark.
$11 each / $36 family of four
Registration required. Link coming soon.
|
|
|
Nature Center closed Christmas Day & New Year's Day
Trails open dawn to dusk
|
|
| |
| |
| * 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 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
|
|
|
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).
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 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 |
|
|
70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT 06019 Phone: 860-693-0263 rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org
Copyright © 2006 Roaring Brook Nature Center. All rights reserved worldwide
|
