NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE FOREST EXHIBIT

This fall, the Nature Center opened its newest exhibit on how the forest appeared some five hundred years ago and how Native Americans managed the forest to meet their needs. This exhibit completes the Changing Land and Wildlife in the Farmington Valley exhibit renovation project begun in 2006. These exhibits includes visually exciting, walk-in dioramas of forests, thickets, farms, suburban and wetland 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. Again, our exhibit has been made possible through the outstanding work of Ted Esselstyn and Appleloosa Artworks

To learn more, click here.

SUMMER DISCOVERY PROGRAM

Spaces remained in several of the Nature Center’s “Summer Discovery” programs. Nature Center 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 towards the natural world.

If there is sufficient interest, afternoon programs (1 - 4 PM) may be scheduled when morning classes fill up. To learn more about these programs and their availability, click here or contact the Nature Center at 693-0263.

Saturday
July 25th

Butterfly Count
7:30 AM

Butterfly Walk
1:30 - 3:00 PM

FARMINGTON VALLEY BUTTERFLY COUNT

The Nature Center will sponsor the sixteenth annual Farmington Valley Butterfly Count on Saturday, July 25th. Our Count is part of an annual survey sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association.

Anyone wishing to participate should meet in the Nature Center parking lot at 7:30 AM. Participants should be prepared to travel throughout the Farmington Valley to census butterflies and may stay for just a few hours or for the entire day. Participants should be in good physical condition as walking through the fields under a potentially hot summer sun is required.

In conjunction with the Count, an educational program and walk will be held on the grounds of the Nature Center and adjacent Werner’s Woods from 1:30-3:00 PM. The cost for this 90 minute program is $4.00 for members, $6.00 for nonmembers. Call the Center for additional information.

For information about last year's Butterfly Count and our native plant butterfly garden, click here.

Wednesday evenings
7:30 - 8:45 PM

July 15th
July 29th
August 12th

Wednesday Evening Walk Series

Wednesday evening walks provide a relaxing end to a busy summer day, as well as an opportunity to observe a wide range of animals that become more active in the cooler evening temperatures. In past years, we’ve seen and heard a wide range of creatures on our evening walks. What will we find this summer?!

Long sleeves, a flashlight and insect repellent are recommended; pre-registration is not required.

Cost of each walk is $3.00 for members, $5.00 for nonmembers, (children $2 members, $3 nonmembers).  

Call the Center for additional information.

Thursday Afternoons
2:00 PM

July 16th
July 23rd
August 13th
August 20th

Animal Demonstrations

Afternoon animal demonstrations for the public have been scheduled on several Thursday afternoons. Animal demonstrations begin in the Nature Center auditorium at 2:00 PM and last for approximately 45 minutes.

Featuring live and mounted animals, slide presentations, and in some cases, a brief outdoor walk, each demonstration will focus on a different theme and provide an opportunity to learn about the habits and habitats of various animal groups.

The following programs have been scheduled:

   July 16th – Animal Babies
   July 23rd – Animals Without Backbones
   August 13th – Frogs
   August 20th - Snakes Alive!

Pre-registration is not required. Admission to each demonstration is $2.00 for members, $3.00 for nonmembers. Children under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Guided
Nature Walks
for
Organized Groups

• Volunteers are needed this summer to help maintain the Porritt Wildflower Trail and the Marabeth Finn Memorial Native Plant Butterfly Garden.
  
  We will be weeding and planting on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1 - 3pm. Feel free to drop by and help out! Call Margery Winters at the Nature Center to find out more (693-0263).

• 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).

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.

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.)