Visit our Changing Land and Wildlife Exhibit

The Nature Center officially opened its new exhibit on Changing Land and Wildlife in the Farmington Valley this September. This exhibit includes visually exciting, walk-in dioramas of forests, thickets, farms and suburban habitats for our resident live animals and mounts. These new exhibits will set the stage for our visitors, helping to explain what can be found along our trails or their own backyards.

To learn more, click here.

NEW EXHIBIT CONSTRUCTION

Early 2008

NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE FOREST EXHIBIT TO OPEN IN SPRING

This spring, the Nature Center will officially open its new exhibit on how the forest appeared some five hundred years ago and how Native Americans managed the forest to meet their needs.

Again, our exhibit will take shape through the outstanding work of Ted Esselstyn and Appleloosa Artworks.

We apologize for any inconvenience to our visitors during the construction period. It is anticipated that the renovations will be complete this spring.

Stop by to see our progress!

Mondays
1:00-2:00 PM
May 12th
June 2nd

Spring Story Hour

Story hour returns in spring with one hour programs on the second Monday of the month. Geared for children ages 2-5, program may include a craft and/or a short nature walk. No charge, but reservations are requested. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hunt for Wild Food with "Wildman" Steve Brill 

On Saturday, June 7 th Roaring Brook Nature Center will present world-famous naturalist “Wildman” Steve Brill, who will provide both a one hour morning lecture and an afternoon hike through Werner’s Woods in search of wild edibles. Brill is best known for having been handcuffed and arrested by undercover park rangers for eating a dandelion in Central Park!

He is the author of Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not-So-Wild) Places and The Wild Vegetarian Cookbook and stars in Wild Edible Basics, the first of a video/DVD series on foraging .

Brill will offer a lecture in the Center’s auditorium beginning at 10:30 AM. One hour afternoon walks will begin at 12:30 and 2:00 PM. The cost for both lecture and one of the walks is $5.00 per person. Pre-registration with payment is required.

This program is co-sponsored by the Canton and Simsbury Land Trusts. Additional information is available by calling the Nature Center at (860) 693-0263.

Spring Discovery Days

Discovery Days, the Nature Center's enrichment series for children in pre-school and in grades K-3, continues through the winter season with a brand new series of programs.

To learn more about these programs, click here.

NATURE CENTER 2008 SUMMER PROGRAMS

We are taking registrations for our Summer 2008 Discovery Days Programs - click here to see our program schedule. If you would like to receive a summer program brochure, please call us at (860) 693-0263 or send us a short e-mail at rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org

Saturdays
June 7th
9:00-2:00 PM
at Simsbury Farms
100 Old Farms Road
West Simsbury

Simsbury Spring Market and Tag Sale

The Friends of Roaring Brook Nature Center invite you to visit our booths at the Simsbury Spring Market and Tag Sale. We will be selling plants, tag sale items, and merchandise from the Nature Center gift shop.

All proceeds will go to benefit the programs and activities at the Nature Center.

Saturdays
7:00-9:00 AM
May 10th and 24th

Saturday 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: Members $2, nonmembers $3. 

Sundays
2:00-3:30 PM

May 11th
June 1st

Sunday Family Nature Walks

A series of guided walks geared for all ages.

May 11th – Spring Wildflowers (Moms admitted free!)

June 1st – Butterflies, Dragonflies & other unusual insects

Cost: Members $3, nonmembers $5; children 12 and under are $2.00 members $3.00 nonmembers. Pre-registration is not required.

Guided Nature Walks for Organized Groups

• Volunteers are needed this spring and summer to help maintain the Porritt Wildflower Trail and the Marabeth Finn Memorial Native Plant Butterfly Garden. Please call Margery Winters at (860) 658-5416.
  
• 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

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. Parties include a live animal demonstration, nature walk, and use of our auditorium for holding the party. Cost of a party is $100 for members, $125 for nonmembers. Call the Center for additional information.

For more information, click here. To make a reservation call the Center at (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. Winter programs include the “Frosty Fun” badge for Juniors.

(For more information on Scout programs, call the Center at 693-0263.)