Join us afterschool this winter!
Explore our trails any day!
Enjoy our trails!
Join us afterschool this winter!
Upcoming Programs
FrogWatch Volunteer Training
Wednesday, March 11 from 6:30 - 8 pm at Ridgefield Library
FrogWatch is a citizen science program that teaches volunteers to identify frogs and toads by the sounds they make! Attendees will learn to pick a wetland site for monitoring, listen for amphibians, and upload their observations to a database that is used by scientists to track the populations of these charismatic creatures. Citizen science can be a fulfilling way to enhance the time you already spend outside, so come by and get trained as a Certified FrogWatch volunteer!
This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Library.
Registration is free, but required. This program is for adults and families; older high school students could attend on their own.
Email tmccarthy@woodcocknaturecenter.org with questions.
Nighttime Wonders - Amphibians After Dark Drop-Off Program
Friday, March 20 from 6 - 8 pm
Experience Woodcock after dark! Educators will lead students on a night hike where we will look for and learn about amphibians. We'll listen and look for frogs by our vernal pools and search for salamanders underneath logs and on the forest floor. To end the evening, we will gather around a campfire and make s'mores before heading home! This program is for children in grades 3-6.
Registration is required. $45 per child.
Turtley Awesome Paint and Sip
Saturday, March 21 from 9:30 am - 12 pm
Spend the morning being creative! Led by Director of Education (and artist) Sarah Breznen along with Educator (and artist) Jen Meikle, you will be guided through a step-by-step painting of your very own masterpiece: a charming Box Turtle!
Plus meet three of our resident turtles and discover fascinating turtle facts while we learn and paint together beside a cozy fire. Whether you're an experienced artist or just here for the turtles, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Coffee, tea, and mimosas provided.
Registration is required. $75 per person. Recommended for ages 13+
Signs of Spring Guided Hike
Saturday, March 21 from 4:30 - 6 pm at Aldrich Park, Ridgefield
Join us for a signs of spring guided hike at Ridgefield's Aldrich Park! Tommy McCarthy and a member of the Ridgefield Conservation Commission will lead this walk. As we explore, we will take notice of and learn about some of the first signs of spring, whether it be the thawing of vernal pools, the growth of plants on the forest floor, or the singing of migratory birds that are just beginning to arrive from down south!
This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission.
Registration is required.
Fantastic Frogs Drop-Off Program
Saturday, March 28 from 10 am - 12 pm
Calling all frog lovers!! Come meet and learn about some of Woodcock's resident frogs, make an adorable frog craft, and head out to our vernal pools to search for frogs. This program is for children in grades K-2.
Registration is required. $45 per child.
Ribbit Rhapsody
Saturday, March 28 from 10 am - 12 pm at New Canaan Land Trust (Still Pond/Fowler)
Welcome spring with an outdoor adventure! We’ll hunt for red-backed salamanders, get an up-close look at frog egg masses, and tune our ears to the calls of wood frogs and spring peepers. This fun, hands-on experience will be led by Sarah Breznen.
This program is in partnership with the New Canaan Land Trust.
Registration is required.
History of the Land Guided Hike
Saturday, March 28 from 1:30 - 3 pm
Have you ever wondered what life was like decades and centuries ago? Come travel through time and learn about the story of the land at Woodcock Nature Center. On this guided hike you will learn about who lived here and how the land was used before it was a nature center. Local history enthusiast, metal detector and archaeologist Elijah Crehan will show some of the amazing things he has found buried beneath our feet.
Registration is required.
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Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Saturday, March 28 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Wilton High School Little Theater
The second annual community fundraising event is here! Join us for a program packed full of thought-provoking, funny, entertaining, and informative films centered around the environment, wildlife and the enduring human spirit. Enjoy short films, refreshments, and an opportunity to learn more about the hosting organizations.
This program is in partnership with Norwalk River Valley Trail, Norwalk River Watershed Association, Pollinator Pathway, Trout Unlimited, Wilton Go Green and Wilton Land Trust.
Registration is required. $25 per adult/$20 for student/senior.
Nature Crafting with Ms. Jen
Thursday, April 2 from 7 - 8:30 pm
Thursday, May 21 from 7 - 8:30 pm
Enjoy an evening out crafting with Ms. Jen. Participants will learn about various nature themes/topics and create a beautiful springtime craft. Choose 1 or both dates
Registration is required. $42 per person. This program is for adults.
Storytime: On The Trails
Friday, April 3 from 10 - 11 am
Friday, May 1 from 10 - 11 am
Friday, June 5 from 10 - 11 am
There's no better time than spring for Storytime: On the Trails program! Each session, we will enjoy a walk on our trails led by an educator, pointing out the wonders of nature and sharing fascinating facts about the season, before gathering around for a story. The perfect way to connect with nature and your child as spring awakens. This program is for ages 2-6 with a caregiver.
Registration is free, but required.
Nature Center Open House
Saturday, April 4 from 12:30 - 2:30 pm
A Woodcock team member welcomes you to the nature center for a chance to meet and learn about our ambassador animals. The Nature Center building will be open to guests during the dates/hours listed above.
No registration needed.
Lunch Break Hike and Hang
Monday, April 6 from 12 - 1 pm
Monday May 11 from 12 - 1 pm
Looking for an active way to enjoy your lunch break? Join us for a free short 45-minute hike on our trails. Bring a lunch to enjoy on the grounds afterward, or head home to finish up your workday. This group will meet the third Monday of every month, so add it to your calendar going forward. Meet at the trailhead kiosk along the main driveway.
We will cancel for rain or snow.
Registration is requested, but not required. Walk-ins welcome.
Frothy Forage
Saturday, April 25 from 12 - 8 pm
Trek, taste and discover with us! Bring the whole family for a one-of-a-kind hiking and tasting experience! At secret locations along the Woodcock trails we'll delight your senses with all new craft brews and sweet sips for all ages plus animal encounters, treats, treasure hunts and live music.
Registration is required. Ticket prices vary.
Exploring Tea with Tommy
Saturday, May 2 from 10 am - 12 pm
Did you know that black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea all come from the same plant? Learn about how these different teas are made and what gives them their unique, subtle flavors and characteristics! Woodcock educator Tommy McCarthy will lead the group on a short guided hike along the Woodcock trails and then through a relaxing tasting session of 3 or more different types of loose leaf tea including Japanese green tea, Taiwanese oolong tea, and Chinese black tea, brewed in traditional tea ceremony style in our pavilion.
Registration is required. $55 per person. Recommended for ages 13+
Incredible Insects Drop-Off Program
Saturday, May 2 from 2 - 4 pm
Do you have a child who loves finding rolly pollies and caterpillars? In this program, we will learn about the many insects you could find in your own backyard. We will scoop in the swamp to see what critters we can find, meet WNC's resident insects, and make a cool bug craft. This program is for children in grades K-2.
Registration is required. $45 per child.
Moth Madness Drop-Off Program
Saturday, May 22 from 8 - 10 pm
Let's uncover the wonderful world of moths! While these primarily nocturnal insects are seldom seen, we will embark on a night hike to visit light traps and baited trees to see what we can find. This should attract different moth species so we can learn and identify together what we see. With over 1,000 species of moth that live in New England, we are always excited to discover more of them! This program is for children in grades 3-6.
Registration is required. $45 per child.