Earth month is every month!
All are welcome at Woodcock. Hike anytime dawn to dusk.
Enjoy discoveries on our 152 acre preserve.
Earth month is every month!
Upcoming Programs
Self-Guided Earth Day Activity for Girl Scouts
April 5 - June 7 on the Orange Trail
Girl Scouts can earn their Earth Day patch for exploring the flora and fauna at the Woodcock Nature Center! This is a letter boxing scavenger hunt set up on our trails from April to June! Click "Learn More" to find the printable guide. Girl Scouts will find hidden stamps and learn fun facts along the way to a secret stash of Earth Day patches!
This event was created by Lily Zezula, a 9th grader at Ridgefield High School and Senior Girl Scout in Ridgefield Troop 50177.
All About Amphibians!!
Saturday, May 24 from 9:30 - 11:30 am (Grade K-2)
Join us for this special drop-off program for grades K-2 which will focus on Connecticut's amazing Amphibians! Educators will lead students on a hike, along which we will look for and learn about amphibians that live in local forests. We'll listen and look for frogs by our vernal pools and search for salamanders underneath logs on the forest floor. To end the program we will head inside the nature center to meet two amphibian ambassador animals!
Registration is $45. Program is for Grade K - 2.
Create your own Terrarium
Friday, May 30 from 6 - 8 pm (Grade 3 - 6)
In this program for students in grades 3 - 6, we will create our own closed terrariums inside glass mason jars! These terrariums will be modeled after our native forest floors - they will come out as cool living decorations that will remind you of nature and change over time! A closed system terrarium shouldn't need any watering or maintenance once created either - everything that it needs will be contained in the jar and recycled.
Registration is $45. Program is for Grade 3 - 6.
Charlotte's Web at The Ridgefield Playhouse
Sunday, June 1 from 9:30 am - 2 pm
Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.
Swing by before the shows to meet Rosa and Ms. Jen from Woodcock in the lobby to learn more about our 8 legged friends!
Tickets are $19 and are required to attend the show. Recommended ages 4 - 10 years old.
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Wilton Pride Festival at Wilton Town Green
Sunday, June 1 from 11 am - 3 pm
Come enjoy the day at Wilton's 3rd Annual Pride Day. Swing by the Woodcock Nature Center table to say Hi and to meet one of our animal ambassadors.
No registration required.
Ridgefield Pride in the Park at Ballard Park
Sunday, June 1 from 12 - 3 pm
Come enjoy the day at Ridgefield's Pride in the Park. Stop by the Woodcock Nature Center table to say Hi and to meet one of our animal ambassadors.
No registration required.
Moth Madness
Thursday, June 5 from 8:30 - 10:30 pm (Grade 7 - 10)
In this special evening program, we will uncover the wonderful world of moths! These primarily nocturnal insects are seldom seen and underappreciated for their strikingly beautiful patterns and interesting range of adaptations and behaviors. Educators will lead students in visiting light traps and baited trees which will attract different moth species, and we will learn together about what we end up seeing and identifying! There are over 1,000 species of moth that live in New England and we are always excited to discover more of them!
Registration is $45.
Connecticut Trails Day Hike 2025
Saturday, June 7 from 11:30 am - 1 pm
Join us for a free guided hike in honor of CT Trails Day - a two-day national event on the first weekend in June every year. Educator Kevin Andros will lead hikers of all ages and abilities through the varied and picturesque terrain of Woodcock Nature Center in honor of this special day. We'll enjoy the flora and fauna and answer questions along the trail as they arise. Dress for the weather as the event will be held rain or shine.
This event is in partnership with the CT Forest & Park Association.
Registration is free but required. This program is appropriate for adults and families. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Moths at McKeon Farm in Ridgefield
Saturday, June 7 from 8:30 - 10:30 pm
Come uncover the wonderful world of moths! Many species of these primarily nocturnal insects are seldom seen and underappreciated for their strikingly beautiful patterns and interesting range of adaptations. We will set up a light sheet to attract moths and other insects, and we will learn together about what we end up seeing and identifying! There are over 1,000 species of moth that live in New England, and we are always excited to discover more of them!
This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission.
Registration is free but required. This program is appropriate for adults and families.
Nature Center Open House
Saturday, June 14 from 9 - 11 am
Sunday, July 13 from 10 am - 12 pm
Saturday, August 2 from 9 - 11 am
Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 9 - 11 am for a chance to speak with one of our educators and to meet our resident animals.
No registration required.
Story Hike with Summer Trekking Program
Saturday, July 19 from 2 - 3 pm
Families with children of all ages are invited to a storytime and short hike! Join Ms. Kathleen from the Ridgefield Library and Educator Kelly Donahoe for this active storytime celebrating outdoor adventures. We'll start at the Pavillion for a story, meet an ambassador animal and then take a guided hike on the nearby trails.
This event is in partnership with the Friends of the Ridgefield Library and the Ridgefield Conservation Commission.
Registration required and opens July 5.
Family Campfire!!
Sunday, July 20 from 5 - 7 pm
Friday, August 1 from 5 - 7 pm
Come and enjoy a classic summer treat by the fire at Woodcock Nature Center. Enjoy the grounds, play on the playground, roast a marshmallow by the fire or just sit and enjoy the pond.
This program is in partnership with ASML.
Registration required. Suggested family donation $25.