One of 20 resident animals waiting to meet you!
Be one with nature. Explore our trails!
Learn about the world around you! Join us for a weekend hike or program.
One of 20 resident animals waiting to meet you!
Upcoming Programs
Spring Photography Contest and Gathering
This spring, Woodcock Nature Center is running a friendly photography contest with the goal of bringing photographers of all ages together and helping them share their work! On Saturday May 6th, entrants will have the opportunity to display their work at WNC for a community gathering in celebration of our love of photography as a form of expression! Attendees will be able to peruse this pop-up gallery and meet the photographers, as well as participate in a photography scavenger hunt on our trails! Click the button below for more information on how to participate.
This contest and the gathering are being held as part of a capstone project by 8th grade student and photography lover Owen Dunleavy.
Vernal Pool Walk at Sarah Bishop Preserve
Postponed to Saturday, April 8th from 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Have you heard the frogs calling recently? Spring is in the air and amphibians have been traveling to vernal pools to lay their eggs. Vernal Pools are temporary habitats formed in spring by rain and rising groundwater that serve as nurseries for salamanders and wood frogs. Join Woodcock staff and members of the Ridgefield Conservation Commission at the Sarah Bishop Preserve to explore the role these important habitats play in the surrounding forest food web, and discover the fascinating amphibians who rely on them for survival.
This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission and Woodcock Nature Center. Species observed will be added to the Ridgefield Natural Resource Inventory.
This event is free. Registration required.
Spring Migration Guided Bird Hike
Saturday, April 8th from 9:30 - 11:00 am
Join our bird obsessed educator Tommy for a guided walk and discover some of nature’s most charismatic creatures! Early Spring means birds are busily singing for mates and building nests. On this walk we will learn more about migratory birds and the journeys they make as we look for and identify species! If you are new to birdwatching, you are sure to learn about at least one species you have never heard of!
This event is free. Registration required.
Earth Day Event!
Yoga at Woodcock
Saturday, April 22nd from 9 - 10:00 am
and May 13th from 9 - 10:00 am
Align body, mind and spirit among the forests of Woodcock Nature Center with yoga instructor Jessica Outlaw. This hatha yoga practice for adults of all levels and abilities will be sure to fully awaken your senses and connect you more deeply to yourself and the natural world with asanas (postures), proper breathing and deep relaxation.
$25 per attendee per class. Registration required.
Earth Day Event!
Spring Ephemeral Walk at Aldrich Park, Ridgefield
Saturday, April 22nd from 9:30 - 11:00 am
Celebrate Earth Day with Spring Ephemerals, some of the earliest flowers to bloom in the Northeast. These woodland wildflowers take advantage of the full sun before the trees develop leaves and shade the forest floor. They bloom and set seed in only a few weeks before going dormant till next spring. Join NYBG-trained gardener and Master Gardener Cathy Smith as we look for these delicate plants and learn about their life cycles. Some ephemerals and other early bloomers we may see include Trillium, Dutchman’s Breeches, Trout Lily, Spring Beauty, Bloodroot and more!
This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission and Woodcock Nature Center. Plant species observed will be added to the Ridgefield Natural Resource Inventory.
This event is free. Registration required.
Earth Day Event!
Trekking Together: Peepers & Cheepers
A Spring Walk at Marble/Van Haelewyn-Richards Preserve, Wilton
Saturday, April 22nd from 10:00 - 12:00 pm
Co-hosted by the Wilton Land Conservation Trust and the Woodcock Nature Center.
This Earth Day hike is all about exploring the waking world of Spring! Listen for bird songs and amphibians calling, like spring peepers and wood frogs. We will also be looking for spring ephemerals, plants that pop up in early spring, produce leaves, flowers, and seeds but then disappear when the summer perennials are at their peak of display. You'll have the chance to spot, identify, and learn about a variety of ephemerals, including trillium, bloodroot, twin leaf, false rue anemone, and wild ginger.
This event is free. Registration required.
Frothy Forage
Saturday, April 29 (Rain date April 30)
Bring the whole family for a one-of-a-kind hiking and beer tasting experience at Frothy Forage. At secret locations along the Woodcock trails, we’ll feature a unique craft brew from Nod Hill Brewery plus new partners and soda tastings for non-drinkers! And, if that isn't enough, we'll delight the senses along your trek with everything from animal encounters and treasure hunts (with prizes!), to live music with local musicians, plus Boxed Water and food for purchase from the Redding Roadhouse food truck.
Furry family members will enjoy some sips and goodies along the trek courtesy of Ridgefield Pet! All proceeds support the nature center.
Tickets $55. Child/Non-drinker $25.
Advance purchase of a timed ticket is required.