Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is part environmental education center, part natural history museum, and part wildlife sanctuary. The nature center states its mission is "to inspire and nurture appreciation of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic." The nature center's wildlife sanctuary includes eight miles of hiking trails on 300 acres. The museum includes animal exhibits, eco-system exhibits and videos. The center also runs a preschool and has different programs and events for all ages throughout the year. The nature center motto is: "environmental education for all ages."
Hazel Lutz started this museum with the help of the local PTA in 1953. It moved to its current location in 1982. Its mission is self discovery and exploration along with kids having fun. Exhibits change frequently and special programs are offered daily. The museum also hosts parties, concerts, special events and is associated with the Oak Grove Nature Center.
The New Britain Youth Museum is a non-profit educational facility with animal exhibits and nature to explore all around. Natural science programs and classes for children are held throughout the school year. A number of special events for the public are also held all year. Inside, animals, such as ferrets, exotic birds, snakes, fish and more, are exhibited. Outside, you will find the barnyard animals, such as goats, ducks, geese, wild turkeys, chickens and owls. Some of the animals were rescued and need rehabilitation. The museum is open to the public, and you are able to take self-guided tours around the museum and nature trail.
The Audubon Center in Greenwich opened in 1942 on land donated by Eleanor Clovis Reese and H. Hall Clovis. It was the first of the National Audubon Society's environmental education centers in the country.
The organization's main sanctuary on Riversville Road is also the largest, comprised of 285 acres, with 7 miles of walking trails and the shallow Mead Lake.
Perhaps best known for as the site for the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch, the Center provides one of the best locations in New England to view the fall migration of raptors.
The Kimberlin Nature Education Center building, home to the children's learning center, gallery, nature gift store and wildlife viewing window, is also located on the property. The space is available for rentals.
Audubon Greenwich is comprised of 11 other sanctuaries (seven of which are accessible by the public) totaling 686 acres of woodlands, meadows and wetlands, and 15 additional miles of hiking trails.
Admission fee for non-members is $3 adults, $1.50 children/seniors.
The Connecticut Audubon Society at Glastonbury is one of four educational centers established by the Connecticut Audubon Society, which was founded in 1898. The independent organization is committed to conservation through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state's bird populations and their habitats.
The Glastonbury center has the use of the adjoining town-owned 48-acre wooded Earle Park, which has a pond and a creek and extends to the Connecticut River. The facility offers programs for children and adults.
Hammonasset Beach State Park is Connecticut's largest public beach park, featuring 550 campsites, a boardwalk, a nature center, picnic shelters, walking and biking trails, showers and a car top boat launch.
The Connecticut Audubon Society is a conservation organization that provides environmental education and outdoor activities here at its Coastal Center. This is a picturesque and peaceful place where visitors can climb up the spiral stairs of an observation deck to view birds soaring in the sky or having lunch in a bird feeder. Visitors can walk along a boardwalk toward the water to take photographs of birds, butterflies and plant life. Birthday parties can also be held at the center. No pets, fires, picnics, alcohol, collecting or swimming allowed. Walking on the sand dunes is also prohibited.
One good reason to visit Stamford Museum and Nature Center is simply to appreciate the beauty of the nature trails, tree specimens and farm animals juxtaposed with old world sophistication. Once the country estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel, the property opened as a nature center to the public in 1955. Surprisingly large at 118 acres, the park includes an impressive lake (Bendel's Pond) with a waterfall at the majestic entrance and an otter pond. An organic vegetable garden is seasonally maintained by staff members. Hekscher Barn, just next door, is a farm animal mecca with goats, chickens, turkeys and other fowl. There is also a planetarium on the premises, which has a public show each 2nd Sunday of the month at 3pm.
This is the perfect place to bring the whole family, or just yourself, to explore history, art and nature.
