Hikes & Events
Our trails are open every day from dawn to dusk — explore on your own with our trail map, or join one of our guided hikes to discover even more!
Family Event
Family Winter Survival
Sunday, January 11 | 2 PM — 3:30 PM
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.
Rooted in Nature Lecture Series
Plant Communication: Let's Listen In
Thursday, January 15 | 7 PM – 8 PM
Location: Canton Public Library 40 Dyer Ave. Canton, CT 06019
Scientists are learning more about how plants communicate with each other. Learn how they get their messages to each other, what they are saying, and why we should rethink some of our gardening practices. Please join us for this informative lecture presented by Margery Winters.
This lecture is part of a series in memory of Marcia Reid Marsted. The lecture series has been designed by the Roaring Brook Nature Center and presented in cooperation with the library and the Gallery on the Green.
Free Admission
Family Event
Squirrel Appreciation Day
Monday, January 19 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Storytime at 11 AM and 1PM
Drop in anytime during open hours
Join us on what is often the coldest time of the year to celebrate (a few days early) National Squirrel Appreciation Day and learn why these creatures are so important. Learn how our local squirrels survive the winter. Create a squirrel craft. Listen to squirrel stories
Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to preregister.
Family Event
Groundhog Day Hike-One Day Early!
Sunday, February 1 | 1:30 – 2:45 pm
Learn about our legendary wildlife weather prognosticator. Learn what other flora and fauna have been used to predict the weather and whether we are due for six more weeks of winter.. Take our groundhog day quiz. Make your predictions on when the wood frogs awaken to tell us when spring will truly arrive at the Nature Center.
Registration required for guided hikes: $11 per person / $36 for family of four
Evening Hike
Under the 'Snow' Moon Night Hike
Sunday, February 1 | 7:00 – 8:15 pm
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.
$11 each / $36 family of four | Registration required.
Rooted in Nature Lecture Series
Critters in the Garden
Thursday, February 5 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Canton Public Library 40 Dyer Ave. Canton, CT 06019
Chipmunks, rabbits, and deer-oh my! These and many other animals can wreak havoc in our gardens. Learn how to humanely co-exist with these furry creatures.
This lecture is part of a series in memory of Marcia Reid Marsted. The lecture series has been designed by the Roaring Brook Nature Center and presented in cooperation with the library and the Gallery on the Green.
Free Admission
Family Event
Love Our Animals Weekend
Saturday, February 14 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday, February 15 | 1 PM – 4 PM
Drop in anytime during open hours
Join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with our wonderful animals. Make special Valentines for our animals & 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 preregister.
Family Event
Winter Tree ID Hike
Sunday, February 22 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm
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.
Registration required for guided hikes: $11 per person / $36 for family of four
Family Event
Maple Sugaring in your Own Backyard
Sunday, March 1 | 2 PM – 3 PM
SNOW DATE Sunday, March 8 | 2 PM – 3 PM
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 required.
Rooted in Nature Lecture Series
Beyond Flower Gardens: Native Woody Plants in a Pollinator Garden
Thursday, March 19 | 7 PM – 8 PM
Location: Roaring Brook Nature Center
Native shrubs and trees are often overlooked source of nectar & pollen in a pollinator garden. Learn why these plants provide even more than flowering perennials.
This lecture is part of a series in memory of Marcia Reid Marsted. The lecture series has been designed by the Roaring Brook Nature Center and presented in cooperation with the library and the Gallery on the Green.
Free Admission
Family Event
The Frogs Say It's Spring!
Sunday, March 22 | 1 PM – 4 PM
Drop in anytime during open hours
This year the spring solstice occurs on March 20 at 5:01 am. Join us to celebrate the beginning of astronomical spring. Look and listen for signs of spring on our trails. Spring crafts are available throughout the day.
Free with admission to the Nature Center. No need to preregister.
