e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
SPRING HAPPENINGS
Hi Everyone,
April is an interesting month. Warming temperatures, spring rains, and lengthening daylight hours are signals to many animals and plants that it is time to awaken from their winter sleep and begin a new season.
One of the first native bees to be seen during this month are the queen bumblebees. You will recognize them because of their large size compared to bumblebees seen later in the season. After spending the winter hibernating alone, a queen’s first action is to locate early spring flowers. Within these flowers, the found nectar will give her much needed energy while the pollen provides the protein she needs so her ovaries will develop. After a short while, she can be seen flying low over the grass or ground in a zig-zag style pattern as she hunts for a suitable nest. It is usually found within an underground chipmunk or mouse hole; occasionally it is placed above ground in dried leaves. Inside this nest, she creates a “honeypot” from wax secreted by her body. Once this honeypot is filled with nectar and pollen, she will lay her first set of eggs for the season.
These insects are great pollinators of native plants such as blueberries, tomatoes, and squash. This is accomplished by a process called buzz pollination. Smithsonian has a great short video that shows the process better than I can explain it… check it out at this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7q9Kn1rhRc. It is said that this type of pollination allows plants to produce more fruit. Bring on the bumblebees!
Spring rains, that April is famous for, are needed by all. They provide a healthy start for plants so buds expand into new leaves and flowers – both obvious and subdued. The rains trigger slumbering frogs, salamanders, and snakes to awaken and mate and provide us with much needed moisture to replenish ground water for our region.
This awakening should also get us outside – into the yard or garden, onto a local rails-to-trails or forest path, wandering through a local park, or fishing along some waterbody shore. This newsletter issue should help by providing you with lots of ideas and many opportunities to explore nature with family and friends or by yourself for some quiet downtime.
Last, yet not least, Nature’s Porch has lots to offer this spring as we celebrate our 5th year of operation. Check out the listing found on page 3 to see what’s happening. Among the offerings, there is a great volunteer opportunity on April 8th and 9th to help us build fish habitats that will be used on property. Let me know if you’d like to help.
Look forward to seeing you out and about! Miss Judy
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
SCROLL DOWN THROUGH THE NEWSLETTER TO FIND THESE SECTIONS: • WINDING TRAILS NATURE EVENTS • NATURE’S PORCH OPEN HOURS & THEMED WEEKEND TOPICS • HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH • COMING NEXT MONTH • NIGHT SKY WATCHING • OTHER NATURE EVENTS IN CONNECTICUT
WINDING TRAILS NATURE EVENTS
Registration is required 3 days prior to event. If not enough people signup, the program is cancelled.
DATE/TIME EVENT
• Thursdays, April 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th Walk, Talk, and Gawk – Adult Nature Walks 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fee-based Program for Public / Free for Members Open to the Public and Winding Trails’ Members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=716
• Saturday, April 8th Saturday Morning Family w/ Young Children Nature Walk – Vernal Pools 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fee-based Program for Public / Free for Members Open to the Public and Winding Trails’ Members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=685
• Saturday, April 8th Saturday Afternoon Family Nature Walk – Vernal Pools in Spring 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fee-based Program for Public / Free for Members Open to the Public and Winding Trails’ Members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=686
• Saturday, April 8th Explore the Night Walks – Vernal Pools 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fee-based Program Open to the Public and Winding Trails’ Members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=687
• Tuesday, April 12th Spring Luncheon – Bears of Connecticut 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free for Members / Fee-based Program for Guests Open to Winding Trails’ Members & Their Guests Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=653
• Wednesday, April 19th & 26th Mommy & Me at Nature for 2’s & 3’s 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Fee-based Program Open to the Public and Winding Trails’ Members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=684
• Wednesday, April 19th & 26th Nature Rangers for 4’s & 5’s 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Fee-based Program Open to the Public and Winding Trails’ Members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=709
• Saturday, April 29th Natural Lawn Care 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Free Program Open to the Public and Winding Trails’ Members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=717
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
NATURE’S PORCH OPEN HOURS & THEMED WEEKEND TOPICS Nature’s Porch is celebrating its 5th Anniversary during 2017. Its grand opening event in 2013 was celebrated by over 350 people. The Porch is located on the east shore of Walton Pond and offers “drop-in” activities during open hours. The large front porch and its inviting chairs are available anytime during park hours. The Viewing Shed, next to the Porch, offers an opportunity to see some of the native animals found on the property. Come visit us, attend a nature program, and explore this portion of the property!
Saturdays & Sundays Holidays April 8th to October 8th 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. May 29th & September 4th 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday June 26th to August 18th 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
APRIL THEMED WEEKEND TOPICS April 8th & 9th Fishing Season Begins Opening day of the Connecticut trout fishing season! Start the day with the 70th Annual Winding Trails’ Children’s Fishing Derby which is limited to children aged 5 to 15 that are Winding Trails’ members, their guests, or Town of Farmington residents.
After the Derby, wander to the Porch to help us build some fish habitat structures and try your hand at fishing in Walton Pond.
April 15th & 16th Vernal Pools – The Frogs Return Join us to learn about the wood frogs and their visit to vernal pools in the spring. Check out the theme barn door and settle into a theme activity table to learn how frogs make their calls, why eggs “grow” in the water, and complete a frog life cycle.
Take a short walk to the Porch’s vernal pool to view the new informational kiosk and look for egg masses and possibly some tadpoles. Other pools are around the property.
April 22nd & 23rd Bluebirds & Nesting Come to learn about bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds. Inside activities will have you learning about the Cornell NestWatch program and how to become a citizen scientist in your yard or neighborhood.
Take a walk through the Birdhouse Trail along Pond Trail to learn about local birds and their nest boxes.
April 29th & 30th Safe Ground Water Water is a necessary need for all living things. Learn a bit about how it travels through the water cycle and the waterways in Connecticut. Discover some ways that we test water to figure out its quality.
Join us on Saturday morning for the Natural Lawn Care program presented by the Farmington River Watershed Association or join Miss Judy for an interactive walk.
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH • GREAT PARK PURSUIT 2017 CT STATE PARKS FAMILY ADVENTURE It's back! Come out and celebrate our 12th Annual No Child Left Inside® Great Park Pursuit (GPP): CT State Parks Adventure. We will be kicking off another series of exciting adventures beginning on Saturday. May 13, 2017 at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth. We hope you can join us to discover all the fabulous CT State Parks and Forests and the wonderful recreational opportunities they provide. You will establish new friendships
and create new memories along the way.
Registration for the Great Park Pursuit 2017 opened on Friday, March 24th and closes on Friday, May 5th.
• THURSDAYS, APRIL 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th WALK, TALK, AND GAWK – ADULT NATURE WALKS At Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington Come join Miss Judy for a casual exploration as we walk along some of our many trails. We’ll talk about what we see or some nature topics in the news. Sometimes we’ll stop to gawk at an interesting find alongside a trail. A different route and topic is planned for each day. Always dress for the weather and wear a good pair of walking shoes. Open to the public and Winding Trails members. Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=716
• SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH 70TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY At Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington
PARTICIPATION IS LIMITED TO WINDING TRAILS MEMBERS, THEIR GUESTS, AND FARMINGTON RESIDENTS ONLY. Get your casting arms ready! Children ages 5 to 15 are eligible to participate in this awesome annual event. Prizes will be awarded in two age groups and several different categories. Prizes in past derbies have included a bike, fishing rods and reels, camping gear, tackle boxes, and more. Registration will be handled at the event upon arrival. Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Fee: No Charge (Food and worms will be available for a nominal fee)
• SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH SATURDAY MORNING FAMILY WALK W/ YOUNG CHILDREN – VERNAL POOLS At Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington Join Miss Judy, Winding Trails’ naturalist, for a morning family nature walk. This walk is geared toward families with young children, six years and younger. Each month, the walk will take your family to a different location so a new topic can be explored. Be prepared to watch for animals and listen for fun sounds. Come dressed for all kinds of weather with play clothes and outdoor shoes or boots. Open to the public and Winding Trails members. Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=685
• SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY WALK – VERNAL POOLS At Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington Join Miss Judy, Winding Trails’ naturalist, for an afternoon family nature walk. This walk is geared toward families with children that enjoy exploring all around the property. Each month, the walk will take you to a different area to explore. Be prepared for all kinds of weather with play clothes and outdoor shoes or boots. Open to the public and Winding Trails members. Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=686
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
• SATURDAY, APRIL 8th EXPLORE THE NIGHT WALK – VERNAL POOLS At Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington Join Miss Judy on this Saturday evening to explore an April spring night. We’ll be visiting some vernal pools to check on the status of the tadpoles and what bugs are swimming about. A dessert will be baked in the fireplace as we tell stories. Dress so you can explore outside and wear comfortable shoes. Open to the public and Winding Trails members. Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=687
• TUESDAY, APRIL 12th SPRING LUNCHEON – BEARS OF CONNECTICUT At Garmany Hall, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington Join us for an early spring luncheon and enjoy the company of your fellow members. We will begin with a presentation on bears by our very own Park Naturalist, Judy Witzke. Bears have made a huge comeback right here in the Farmington Valley. Learn some interesting facts about these animals. A delicious lunch will be provided that you will surely enjoy. Open to Winding Trails members and their guests. Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=653
• WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 19th & 26th MOMMY & ME AT NATURE FOR 2’s & 3’s At Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington First discoveries with nature are meant to be an exploration using one’s senses in the outdoors. Join Miss Judy, Winding Trails naturalist, as you and your child take a short expedition outside to explore. A story with nature objects to touch will be part of the activity. Dress with good walking shoes and clothes that can get a little dirty so we can explore, rain or shine. Invite other moms and their young ones along to share in the fun. Open to the public and Winding Trails members. Register the child only, adult registration is not needed* Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=684
• WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 19th & 26th NATURE RANGERS FOR 4’s & 5’s At Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington Miss Judy takes your children on a journey of active outdoor exploration to new places. Learn about spring flowers, wood frogs and tadpoles, trees, and more. Dress them in good walking shoes, bring water boots, and choose clothes that can get dirty so we can explore, rain or shine. Invite your children’s friends along to share in the fun. Open to the public and Winding Trails members. Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=709
• SATURDAY, APRIL 29th NATURAL LAWN CARE At Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington The Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) and Winding Trails are teaming up for this timely workshop. Aimee Petras, the Education & Outreach Coordinator at the FRWA, will present this program that covers how to manage your lawn without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We will outline the steps you need to take include getting a soil test through mowing techniques. Additionally, we’ll delve into common lawn problems such as grubs and thatch. Open to the public and Winding Trails members. Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=717
COMING NEXT MONTH
• SATURDAY, MAY 6th C.A.R.E. MOM & ME FISHING CLASS AND PRACTICE At Nature’s Porch at Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington, CT Fishing is fun for MOMS and KIDS!!! So, Mom bring your kids and learn a fun life skill that will have you and your kids spending time together this summer. Spread the word to other moms in your network to make this a day of fun and socializing. This free class will teach you all you’ll need to know. After the indoor classroom introduction, an outdoor fishing practice is held at Walton Pond. Bring your own lunch to enjoy between the class and practice. Please register by Monday, May 1st at this link: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=692
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
• SATURDAY, MAY 13th NCLI FREE FAMILY FISHING DAY
• SATURDAY, MAY 20th C.A.R.E. FAMILY FISHING CLASS AND PRACTICE At Nature’s Porch at Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington, CT This class is for families with children from 9-years-old and up and individuals that want to learn the basics of fishing. It is provided jointly by the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (C.A.R.E.) program, the CT B.A.S.S. Nation, and Winding Trails. This free class and practice introduces you, your family, and friends to the wonders of water, fish, and fishing. The C.A.R.E. program has taught over 200,000 people since 1986. State certified volunteer instructors will pass along their knowledge and expertise. Learn all the skills of where to fish, how to identify fish, what bait to use, and how to stay safe around the water. Please register by Monday, May 15th at this link: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=693
• SUNDAY, MAY 21st C.A.R.E. BASS FISHING CLASS AND PRACTICE At Nature’s Porch at Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington, CT This fishing class is for families with girls and boys that are 9-years and older and individuals that already have some fishing experience and want to learn how to target bass. It is provided jointly by the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (C.A.R.E.) program, the CT B.A.S.S. Nation, and Winding Trails. This free class expands your knowledge of large- and small-mouth bass and provides techniques needed to catch these predator fish. This all-day program offers classroom instruction in the morning to get you ready for the fishing practice held that afternoon. Certified volunteer instructors will work with participants throughout the day. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite fishing rod and reel for the event. Please register by Monday, May 15th at this link: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=694
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
NIGHT SKY WATCHING
FULL MOON INFORMATION
APRIL FULL MOON The full moon for April is known as the Full Pink Moon because it heralds the appearance of wild ground phlox – one of the first spring wildflowers. Another name for this plant is moss phlox because it creates moss-like mats on the ground of pink to purple flowers.
This month’s full moon will occur on Tuesday, April 11th at 2:08 a.m. EDT in the Hartford area.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS THIS MONTH INCLUDES:
• Mercury As April begins, it is still visible quite low in the west during twilight. By about the 10th, it will sink out of sight. • Venus Look for it above the due-east horizon at dawn. It will rise a bit higher each week as the month progresses. • Mars It is found just above the western horizon to the far upper left of Mercury at twilight. • Jupiter It will be at its brightest in the southeast within the constellation Virgo after dusk for the entire month. • Saturn Rises after midnight in the southeast to be seen in the south at first light of dawn.
CELESTIAL EVENTS • April 3rd Moon phase – first quarter • April 7th Moon phase – waxing gibbous • April 10th Looking east-southeast about 1 hour after sunset, Jupiter will join the almost full moon • April 11th Moon phase – full moon at 2:08 a.m. EDT • April 15th Moon phase – waning gibbous • April 19th Moon phase – last quarter • April 22nd Moon phase – waning crescent • April 22nd to 24th Peak of the Lyrid meteor shower – look toward the east for the star Vega within the Lyra constellation • April 26th Moon phase – new moon • April 30th Moon phase – waxing crescent
Sources: Old Farmer’s Almanac – Astronomy http://www.almanac.com/astronomy Sky Watch 2017 Sky & Telescope Publishing Lunar Calendar 2017 Universe Publishing A Year of the Night Sky Calendar 2017 Ziga Media
Visit this website to obtain The Evening Sky Map (PDF); a 2-page monthly guide to the current month’s night sky. http://skymaps.com/downloads.html
AT WINDING TRAILS Join Miss Judy on the evening of Saturday, April 8th at Winding Trails for the Explore the Night Walk. The sun will be setting at 7:24 p.m. EDT and the twilight will last till 7:52 p.m. EDT. The waxing gibbous moon will rise at 4:57 p.m. EDT with an illumination of 93%. If the sky conditions are clear, we will look at the moon and the asterism of the Big Dipper within the Big Bear constellation.
AT WHITE MEMORIAL IN LITCHFIELD Join the members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society on Friday, April 21st at 8:00 p.m. in the A.B. Ceder Room for their indoor program. The topic this month is THE MOON. Weather permitting that night, there will be star gazing at the Observatory in Sawmill Field. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars.
Full details can be found on their website at http://www.whitememorialcc.org/whats-happening/calendar/ to check out their calendar for more information or call The Conservation Center for more details at 860-567-0857. Page 7 of 14
e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
AT THE COPERNICAN OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM IN NEW BRITAIN The Copernican Observatory and Planetarium at the Central CT State University in New Britain has regularly scheduled programs listed in their calendar that is posted on their website. The planetarium and observatory offers free monthly programs that are open to the public.
Planetarium Shows and Events: On Saturdays, April 1st & 15th at 8 p.m., they will have their regularly scheduled free show in their planetarium.
For planetarium shows, seating is first come, first served. The planetarium is in Copernicus Hall. Convenient parking is in the Copernicus (South) garage (An interactive map is located at this link: http://www2.ccsu.edu/campusMap/).
Observatory Events: On Saturdays, April 1st & 15th, join them for a free observing session directly after the planetarium show (observing is weather permitting: they need a clear sky). The observatory is located on the roof of Copernicus Hall. Take the elevators to the 5th or 6th floor and follow the signs.
For additional information, visit this link: http://web.ccsu.edu/astronomy/
AT THE WESLEYAN VAN VLECK OBSERVATORY IN MIDDLETOWN The Wesleyan Van Vleck Observatory in Middletown offers Saturday night public observations and family programming.
Monthly Saturday Night Observing (runs all year long) April 29th 8:15 to 11:00 p.m. NOTE TIME CHANGE Nights Topic: The Moon
Organized and hosted by the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford (ASGH), this is a great opportunity to view the sky through our beautiful 20" refractor. Re-furbished in recent years in honor of Walter Scott "Scotty" Houston who used this instrument many nights, we can now share this telescope with the public on regular occasions. For parking, please note that we are NOT permitted to park at the observatory building on observatory hill. Please use Lot V on Vine Street and walk up the hill to the observatory.
The session will be cancelled should the weather not permit observing, such as cloud cover, high wind, or threat of precipitation. Cancellation notices will be posted on their website by 6:00 p.m. the day of the observing event. For up-to-date details, please visit the http://asgh.org/public-observing/.
For parking, use Lot V on Vine Street and walk up the hill to the observatory. The campus map is available at this link: http://www.wesleyan.edu/about/images/CamMap_0824_WEB.pdf.
Kids’ Nights for Observing Aimed at Elementary School Ages, Yet Open to Anyone 1st & 3rd Friday of the Month at 8:00 p.m. (April 7th & 21st)
Kid-friendly space-related activities, led by our graduate and undergraduate students, which include observing with our telescopes when it’s clear.
For parking, use Lot V on Vine Street and walk up the hill to the observatory. The campus map is available at this link: http://www.wesleyan.edu/about/images/CamMap_0824_WEB.pdf.
Space Night Aimed at Adults & High School Students, Yet Open to Anyone Every Wednesday of the Month at 8:00 p.m. (April 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th)
Each program begins with a half-hour interactive presentation by one of our astronomy majors or masters’ students, on some topic of space news or recent discoveries in astronomy, followed by observing through the telescopes if the sky is clear. The program occurs at the Van Vleck Observatory at 96 Foss Hill in Middletown, CT.
For parking, use Lot V on Vine Street and walk up the hill to the observatory. The campus map is available at this link: http://www.wesleyan.edu/about/images/CamMap_0824_WEB.pdf.
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Wesleyan Astronomy Night Mailing List To get on their mailing list for a once a week email to find out what events are happening, scroll to the bottom of the page at this link, http://www.wesleyan.edu/astro/events/index.html, and enter your email address.
SPACE STATION OBSERVING NASA’s Spot the Station service gives you a list of upcoming sighting opportunities based on your zip code through an interactive map for thousands of locations worldwide, and will let you sign up to receive notices of opportunities in your email inbox or on your cell phone. The space station looks like a fast-moving plane in the sky and is bright enough that it can even be seen from the middle of a city! It can traverse the entire sky in 3 to 7 minutes. The notice gives the date, time, duration of visibility, and direction of travel. Enter in the town closest to your viewing location. Do note that there can be a series of dates during the year that it is not visible over Connecticut. The link for further information is http://spotthestation.nasa.gov.
To learn more about the space station, its international crew, how they live and work in space, and some great views of Earth, please visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html.
OTHER NATURE EVENTS IN CONNECTICUT
ANSONIA NATURE & RECREATION CENTER – Upcoming Events – Preregistration is Required!
· Saturdays, April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th Creature Feature… A Visit with Our Resident Animal Ambassadors · Sundays, April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th Sunday Guided Hike · Mondays, April 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 21st Monday Night Trails Run · Tuesdays, April 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th Fiber Arts Group · Thursdays, April 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th Spring Term Junior Rangers… Afterschool Program · April 8th Spring Cleanup · April 9th Ansonia Community Organic Gardeners · April 10th through 13th Spring Nature Days for Children Ages 5 to 11 · April 11th Pet Loss Grief Support Group · April 12th Friends of Ansonia Nature Center Monthly Meeting · Tuesday, April 18th & 25th Family Organic Garden Program · Wednesdays, April 19th, 26th & May 3rd, 10th Nature Explorers for Children Ages 2 to 5 · April 22nd Full Pink Moon Hike · April 29th Earth Day Celebration · April 29th Audubon Bird Habitat Assessment
Visit their website for more details and additional events at this link during the month of April! http://ansonianaturecenter.org/programs-events/calendar-of-events/
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CT DEEP Events in CT – Upcoming Events – Preregistration is Required!
TO LEARN MORE INFORMATION, HOVER OVER PROGRAM TITLE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS:
History of Making Charcoal in Connecticut 4/1/2017 10:00 am -12:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Movie Screening: Plight of the Grassland 4/1/2017 2:00 pm-3:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center
Birds Hampton
Long Distance Guided Hike 4/2/2017 12:00 pm-3:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Informational Evening: The Coverts 4/3/2017 6:30 pm-7:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center
Project Hampton
The Audacity of Migration 4/4/2017 6:30 pm-7:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Air Quality and Citizen Science 4/5/2017 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fort Trumbull New London What’s New? Environmental Exploration 4/7/2017 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Connecticut Forest & Park Association for Youth Group Leaders Rockfall
Goodwin Conservation Center Volunteer 4/8/2017 1:00 pm-3:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center
Orientation Hampton
Alien Invaders!!! Invasive Species of 4/8/2017 10:00 am -11:30 am James L. Goodwin Conservation Center
Connecticut Hampton
Vernal Pools 4/8/2017 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Senior Walk 4/12/2017 12:00 pm-2:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Senior Walk 4/13/2017 10:00 am -12:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Nature Immersion: The Art of Sit Spot 4/14/2017 10:00 am -11:30 am James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Gardeners Roundtable 4/15/2017 10:00 am -11:30 am James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Lagomorphs and Rodents, a Spring 4/15/2017 10:30 am Kellogg Environmental Center
Program Derby
Fly Fishing: How and Why? with Trout 4/15/2017 2:00 pm-3:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center
Unlimited Hampton
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Nature Tech Talk 4/17/2017 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
How Flowers are Affected by Climate 4/17/2017 6:30 pm-7:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center
Change Hampton
Spring Bird Watching 4/19/2017 11:30 am - 1:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Creating a Medicinal Herb Garden 4/22/2017 2:00 pm-3:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Soil Science 4/22/2017 10:00 am -12:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Goodwin Book Club 4/26/2017 3:00 pm-4:00 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
Connecticut Women Cultivating 4/29/2017 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Kellogg Environmental Center
Confidence Derby
DATE CHANGE 4/30/2017 10:00 am -11:30 am James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Survival Series: Fire Starting Hampton
The Apiary Series: Springtime for Bees 4/30/2017 2:00 pm-3:30 pm James L. Goodwin Conservation Center Hampton
CT Forest & Park Association – Upcoming Events
· April 4th CFPA Ramble: Fabulous Frogs with Lisa Liesener At Palmer-Taylor Preserve, 285 Middle Haddam Road, Portland Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-fabulous-frogs-lisa-liesener-0
· April 7th CFPA Ramble: Fabulous Frogs with Emma Kravet At Highlawn Forest, 16 Meriden Road, Middlefield Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-fabulous-frogs-emma-kravet
· April 8th Mushroom Cultivation Workshop! At CFPA Headquarters, 16 Meriden Road, Middlefield Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/mushroom-cultivation-workshop
· April 13th CFPA Ramble: Fabulous Frogs with Emma Kravet At CFPA Headquarters, 16 Meriden Road, Middlefield Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-fabulous-frogs-emma-kravet-0
· April 22nd CFPA Ramble: Earth Day Sunset Hike At Braemore Preserve, 4860 Durham Road, Guilford Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-earth-day-sunset-hike
· April 23rd CFPA Ramble: Fabulous Frogs with Lucy Meggs At Wadsworth Mansion, 421 Wadsworth Street, Middlefield Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-fabulous-frogs-lucy-meigs-0
· April 29th Traprock Field Trip with Peter LeTourneau At CFPA Headquarters, 16 Meriden Road, Middlefield Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/traprock-field-trip-peter-letourneau
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
· April 29th CFPA Ramble: An Introduction to Shinrin-Yoku At Highland Forest, 16 Meriden Road, Middlefield Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-introduction-shinrin-yoku
· April 30th CFPA Ramble: Risley Park Hike At Risley Park, Lake Street, Vernon Link: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-risley-park-hike-1
Visit their website for more details and additional events at this link! http://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events
CT River Watershed Council – Upcoming Events · April 18th Launch Party – Discover Exciting Changes for CRWC In Middletown CT
Visit their website to check out their calendar at this link http://www.ctriver.org/news-events/.
CT State Museum of Natural History & Archaeology Center at UConn – Upcoming Events • April 15th Day Trip – Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA Link: http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html#plimoth_plantation
• April 19th Teale Lecture: The Nile Project… Musical and Cultural Performance Link: http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html#nile_project
• April 22nd Special Series: Exploring Connecticut’s Towns – Whitneyville! Link: http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html#whitneyville
• April 29th People and Oceans: From Robust Frontiers to Fragile Environments Link: http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html#oeans
• April 30th Army Ants and Their Associated Guests Exhibit – Public Opening Link: http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html#army_ants Visit their website to check out for calendar updates at this link: http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar.html
If you would like to be added to their mailing list to receive a printed copy of their programs, please email [email protected] or call 860-486-4460.
Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut – Upcoming Events • April 14th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Link: http://elcct.org/event/annual-easter-egg-hunt/ • April 22nd Earth Day Weekend Open House Link: http://elcct.org/event/earth-day-weekend-open-house-10a-2p/
Visit their website to check out their calendar at this link http://elcct.org/.
Farmington River Watershed Association – Upcoming Events • April 17th Forest Stewardship Forum Link: http://frwa.org/newsroom-blog/forest-stewardship-forum-april-17-600-pm-simsbury-public-library/
• April 29th Natural Lawn Care at Winding Trails in Farmington Register here: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=717
Visit their website to check out their calendar at this link http://frwa.org/programs-and-events/.
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
Friends of American Legion & Peoples State Forests (FALPS) – Upcoming Events Use this link for a map of the Forest Trails - http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/stateparks/maps/peoples.pdf Visit their Facebook page to check out their calendar at this link: https://www.facebook.com/ctfalps/events?ref=page_internal
• April 1st FALPS Spring All Trails – All Seasons Group Hike… Robert Ross Blue-Blaze Trail Location: Peoples State Forest at Matthies Grove Picnic Area Pavilion 10:00 a.m. to noon
• April 8th FALPS Spring All Trails – All Seasons Group Hike… Falls Cut-Off & Jesse Gerard Blue-Blaze Trail Location: Peoples State Forest at Barkhamsted Lighthouse parking area 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• April 9th Vernal Pool Presentation by Winding Trails Naturalist, Judy Witzke Location: Barkhamsted Highway Garage Community Room, 33 New Hartford Road (RT 44), Pleasant Valley 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• April 15th FALPS Spring All Trails – All Seasons Group Hike… Elliott Bronson Blue-Blaze Trail Location: Peoples State Forest at Matthies Grove Picnic Area Pavilion 10:00 a.m. to noon
• April 23rd FALPS Field Trip to Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument with Ed Kirby Location: Peoples State Forest at Matthies Grove Picnic Area Pavilion to carpool 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• April 29th FALPS Spring All Trails – All Seasons Group Hike & Wildflower Walk on Henry Buck Blue-Blaze Trail Location: Old Bridge Site on West River Road just 2.5 miles north of Pleasant Valley
• April 30th Town of Barkhamsted 4th Annual Earth Day Nature Festival Location: Peoples State Forest at Matthies Grove Picnic Area 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
FALPS Fundraiser – James L. Goodwin Canoe Raffle Tickets Over this past winter, a 1938 Wood / Canvas canoe has been restored and is being raffled as a fund raiser by FALPS and the Friends of Goodwin Forest (FGF). This canoe was owned by James L. Goodwin who was a leading conservationist during the last century. His legacy in part was his donation of the James L. Goodwin State Forest in Hampton and the Great Pond State Forest in Simsbury. Tickets are selling for $20. and only 500 have been printed. Tickets will be available at many FALPS events and the canoe will be on display at the Barkhamsted Nature Festival on April 30. Plan to buy a ticket to support programming for FALPS and FGF. Canoe valued at $4,000 comes with new paddles.
Available at these local events: Saturday, April 8th at the Riverton Fishing Derby The canoe will be on display in front of the old Hitchcock Chair Factory. Sunday, April 30th at the Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival
Roaring Brook Nature Center – Upcoming Events • April 2nd Maple Sugaring in Your Own Backyard • April 6th Vernal Pool Walk and Amphibian Program • April 10th to 14th Spring Fever! School Vacation Program for Grades K to 5th • April 12th to 16th Eggs, Eggs, Eggs! Spring Scavenger Hunt • April 18th Flatbread Pizza Night Fundraiser for Roaring Brook Nature Center • April 20th Earth Day Talk… Saving Our Wild Areas, One Yard at a Time Page 13 of 14
e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - April 2017
• April 29th Weekend Bird Walks
Visit their website to check out their calendar at this link for more information! http://www.roaringbrook.org/events/events.html
Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, CT – Upcoming Events • April 30th Talons! A Birds of Prey Experience
For additional information about a program, click on the description or call their office at 860-424-3011. Visit their website to obtain their trail map: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/wildlife/pdf_files/maps/maps_other/swtrail.pdf
Sharon Audubon Center in Sharon, CT – Upcoming Events · No Events Scheduled at Time of Publication
Visit their website for other events at this link: http://sharon.audubon.org/events. Or call the Audubon Center for information at (860) 364-0520 For a copy of their trail maps, visit: http://sharon.audubon.org/trail-maps
White Memorial Conservation Center – Upcoming Events
• April 1st CARE Family Freshwater Fishing Class • April 1st Art Show Opening: The Avian Photography of Nick Hawvermale • April 8th Impressionist Spring Trees: Water Color Workshop with Betsy Rodgers-Knox • April 10th to 13th “Sense”sational Spring Break Camp for Grades 1st to 3rd • April 10th to 13th “Sense”sational Spring Break Camp for Grades 4th to 6th • April 14th Museum Closed for Good Friday • April 15th & June 24th Marlow Shami: Waking Up is Hard to DO! Series • April 16th Museum Closed for Easter • April 20th to 26th Museum Children Free Week • April 21st Star Party! – The Moon • April 22nd Early Morning Walk to Mallard Marsh with Marlow Shami • April 25th to 26th Give Local! • April 29th Early Morning Beaver Walk to Little Pond with Gerri Griswold
Visit their website to check out their calendar and register at this link for more information! http://www.whitememorialcc.org/whats-happening/calendar/ Or call The Conservation Center for more details at 860-567-0857. For a copy of their trail maps, visit: http://www.whitememorialcc.org/plan-visit/trail-maps-2/
Look forward to seeing you out and about! Miss Judy Judy Witzke, Park Naturalist Winding Trails, Inc. 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington, CT 06032 Office: (860) 677-8458 ext. 33 Fax: (860) 676-9407 E-mail: [email protected]
Fostering a Love for the Outdoors/Creating a Sense of Community/Developing Leadership and Life Skills
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