Family & Weekend Programs
Yarnbalmer Art Installation
Now through summer 2021.
Beginning in April hikers can expect a bit more color on the trees at Woodcock Nature Center. An artist known only as the “Yarnbalmer” has installed crocheted yarn art along a familiar section of Woodcock trail. Visitors will enter the main trail head located across from the nature center building and, only a short distance in, will be greeted by a grove of 14 brightly wrapped trees.
Spring Guided Hike - Trekking Together on the Harrison Smith Preserve with Wilton Land Conservation Trust
Saturday May 15 - 11:30-1:30
Saturday May 22 - 9:00-10:30
Our hour and a half guided nature tour will be led by staff naturalists from Wilton Land Conservation Trust and Woodcock Nature Center and illuminates the diverse wildlife, native plants, invasive plants, and Wilton’s rural beauty along the Harrison Smith Preserve. Throughout the tour, hikers will learn about forest, meadow, and riparian ecosystems. Participants will gain amazing sights and insights into Wilton's land-use history, native plants, and possibly spot some wildlife.
***This event is free. If you feel inclined to give, we recommend a $25 donation per family: all donations support both organizations***
Please email Sam at with any questions
Little Forest Folk Club
Saturday, May 22 10:00-11:30 AM
Join Ms. Jen for a Saturday morning Free Play!! Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination as well as, their physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Ages 2-4 years old.
This event is for families not currently registered for Pre-K programs at Woodcock or those that are new to the area.
Registration required for each adult/child attending, only one adult per child may attend. Limited spots available.
This event is Free, but donations are always welcome!
Mindful Forest Spring Hike with Cindy By Nature
Wednesday, May 26 4:30-6:00
Join Mindful Outdoor Guide, Cindy Olsen of Cindy By Nature for a mindful walk in the forests of Woodcock Nature Center. The natural world is waking up and starting to stretch out for the busy months ahead. The human world seems to pick up the pace as well. It’s a perfect time to hit pause, let yourself unwind and reflect on the beauty and energy in the natural world that we can connect to when we approach it slowly and gently.
Cindy will provide seat cushions and warm forest tea to share. She will offer mindful invitations that you can lean into to open your awareness and deepen your connection.
Cindy Olsen is an award-winning certified guide with the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and a guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy She is a meditation teacher at Pause To Be Present Meditation and certified with Mindful Schools. Additionally, Cindy is an environmental educator with Sheldrake Environmental Center and The Rewilding School.
$20 per attendee
Please email Sam at with any questions
Guided Bird Hike
Saturday, May 29 9:30-11:00
Join local bird enthusiast Tommy McCarthy for a guided walk and discover some of nature’s most charismatic creatures! Spring means birds are busy singing for mates, building nests and raising young. On this walk we will explore some of the different types of habitat at Woodcock and learn to look and listen for the birds that live there. If you are new to birdwatching, you are sure to learn about at least one species you have never heard of!
**Geared more towards adults, although kids are still welcome.**
Bringing binoculars is recommended.
Tommy is a recent college graduate with a degree in environmental science who has spent the past year studying and photographing Connecticut’s many bird species.
**This event is free but a $25 donation is recommended per group**
Please email Sam at with any questions