Join the Housatonic Valley Association for a pond exploration program at The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm in New Milford, CT! From 10 am to 12 pm, discover the interesting critters that live in the waters of this beautiful Connecticut property and learn about their habits, life cycles, and what we can do to keep these ecosystems healthy. 

Families and participants of all ages are welcome! Nets and buckets will be available for the collection of specimens who will be observed and safely released at the end of the program. We encourage participants to wear rubber boots and rain pants/waders. 

Join us for our bi-monthly Garden discussion group. 

Bring your questions, seeds, & plants to share!

Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist, Lori Lichtenauer (CT Licensed  

Forester) will present on the practices of silviculture. Learn about managing woodlands for diverse needs of people and wildlife. She will explain a brief history of forestry in New England and share details of how foresters create land management plans for wildlife, biodiversity and recreation. 

Free; Suggested Donation $10 

A zoom link will be sent once registered.

Our community garden is bursting with delicious vegetables -- let's use them! Join us for Garden Club on alternate Wednesdays June through August for Garden to Table, where we'll take vegetables from the community garden and use them to create delicious bites. On June 25th we'll be making Rainbow Wraps using lettuce, kale, and even radishes from the garden. 

Learn the history of honey harvest, the history of purposeful beekeeping, hives of past and present, the composition of honey and why honey crystallized. What makes honey so dark or so light? How many varietals of honey are there? Why does honey crystallize? Why doesn't honey need to be pasteurized? Learn the answers to these questions and much more during this engaging talk and taste five varietals of honey from The Humble Bee Honey Company!

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

Learn about and see forest management practices at Deer Pond Farm with Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist and CT certified forester Lori Lichtenauer. The history of Connecticut’s forests will be discussed and how past land management has impacted the forests of today. We will hike about 4 miles to some of our management areas where we will discuss how sustainable forestry practices can increase wildlife biodiversity and overall health of forested landscapes. 

Register at https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/05/registration-deer-pond-farm-bird-nature-walk/ 

This program meets at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT 06784 

$5 members, $10 non-members   

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

Discover the magic of backyard mushroom growing! Join our master gardener, Mark, in this eye-opening workshop where you'll learn the ins and outs of cultivating three easy-to-grow mushroom varieties: Shiitakes, Oysters, and Wine Caps. Not only will you learn about the life cycle and needs of these fungi, but you'll also discover the benefits of using straw or wood chips as a growing media and how to utilize every part of a tree for mushroom cultivation.

Our Volunteer Guides will lead this easy to moderate 2-to-3-mile hike at Deer Pond Farm. Enjoy birdsong, summer blooms, and good company on this casual hike.  

Register at https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/05/registration-deer-pond-farm-2nd-saturday-hike/ 

This program meets at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT 06784 

FREE 

Enjoy a shady stroll along the trails of Deer Pond Farm and discover the various ferns common to the Northeast. CT Audubon Society Volunteer Naturalist Diane Nizlek will lead this walk and share the basics of fern identification and reproduction. Join us as we learn a few fun facts about some of the oldest plants on Earth and how they support local wildlife. 

Register at https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/05/registration-deer-pond-farm-fern-id-walk/ 

This program meets at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT 06784 

$5 members, $10 non-members   

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

Have you ever wondered how birds survive the “dog days” of summer? Join us at Deer Pond Farm for our Summer Bird Behaviors program. Starting in the classroom, avian expert Lori Lichtenauer will discuss how parent birds care for fledglings, bird molting patterns, when and how birds prepare for their long-distance migratory journeys! We will hit the trails for the last hour of the program. 

Register at https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/05/registration-deer-pond-farm-sumer-bird-behaviors/ 

This program meets at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT 06784 

$5 members, $10 non-members 

Guided art adventures and self-expression—indoors and outdoors

Ages: 9–11

Dates: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Teaching Artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Fee: $350

Your child will discover endless inspiration in this hands-on, exploratory program that bridges art and nature. Gathering inspiration from the world around them, they will use tactile materials and natural elements to create artwork. Each open-ended project sparks creativity and self-expression while fostering a deep connection to nature.

Over five enriching days, young creators will:

• Create eco-friendly sculptures from natural and upcycled materials.
• Transform found objects into 3D artworks.
• Learn the art of botanical printing.
• Make their own earth-based pigments and paints.
• Sketch and journal in nature.
• Design wind chimes for the garden. 
• Build textured pathways using natural elements. 
• Share their artistic discoveries with newfound friends.

In Dabble, every nature walk becomes an artistic adventure, and every artwork tells a story of discovery.

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

Registration is now open for Dabble!

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Scholarships may be available. Learn more.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.

Guided art adventures and self-expression—indoors and outdoors

Ages: 9–11

Dates: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Teaching Artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Fee: $350

Your child will discover endless inspiration in this hands-on, exploratory program that bridges art and nature. Gathering inspiration from the world around them, they will use tactile materials and natural elements to create artwork. Each open-ended project sparks creativity and self-expression while fostering a deep connection to nature.

Over five enriching days, young creators will:

• Create eco-friendly sculptures from natural and upcycled materials.
• Transform found objects into 3D artworks.
• Learn the art of botanical printing.
• Make their own earth-based pigments and paints.
• Sketch and journal in nature.
• Design wind chimes for the garden. 
• Build textured pathways using natural elements. 
• Share their artistic discoveries with newfound friends.

In Dabble, every nature walk becomes an artistic adventure, and every artwork tells a story of discovery.

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

Registration is now open for Dabble!

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Scholarships may be available. Learn more.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

Guided art adventures and self-expression—indoors and outdoors

Ages: 9–11

Dates: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Teaching Artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Fee: $350

Your child will discover endless inspiration in this hands-on, exploratory program that bridges art and nature. Gathering inspiration from the world around them, they will use tactile materials and natural elements to create artwork. Each open-ended project sparks creativity and self-expression while fostering a deep connection to nature.

Over five enriching days, young creators will:

• Create eco-friendly sculptures from natural and upcycled materials.
• Transform found objects into 3D artworks.
• Learn the art of botanical printing.
• Make their own earth-based pigments and paints.
• Sketch and journal in nature.
• Design wind chimes for the garden. 
• Build textured pathways using natural elements. 
• Share their artistic discoveries with newfound friends.

In Dabble, every nature walk becomes an artistic adventure, and every artwork tells a story of discovery.

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

Registration is now open for Dabble!

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Scholarships may be available. Learn more.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

Guided art adventures and self-expression—indoors and outdoors

Ages: 9–11

Dates: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Teaching Artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Fee: $350

Your child will discover endless inspiration in this hands-on, exploratory program that bridges art and nature. Gathering inspiration from the world around them, they will use tactile materials and natural elements to create artwork. Each open-ended project sparks creativity and self-expression while fostering a deep connection to nature.

Over five enriching days, young creators will:

• Create eco-friendly sculptures from natural and upcycled materials.
• Transform found objects into 3D artworks.
• Learn the art of botanical printing.
• Make their own earth-based pigments and paints.
• Sketch and journal in nature.
• Design wind chimes for the garden. 
• Build textured pathways using natural elements. 
• Share their artistic discoveries with newfound friends.

In Dabble, every nature walk becomes an artistic adventure, and every artwork tells a story of discovery.

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

Registration is now open for Dabble!

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Scholarships may be available. Learn more.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.

Guided art adventures and self-expression—indoors and outdoors

Ages: 9–11

Dates: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Teaching Artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Fee: $350

Your child will discover endless inspiration in this hands-on, exploratory program that bridges art and nature. Gathering inspiration from the world around them, they will use tactile materials and natural elements to create artwork. Each open-ended project sparks creativity and self-expression while fostering a deep connection to nature.

Over five enriching days, young creators will:

• Create eco-friendly sculptures from natural and upcycled materials.
• Transform found objects into 3D artworks.
• Learn the art of botanical printing.
• Make their own earth-based pigments and paints.
• Sketch and journal in nature.
• Design wind chimes for the garden. 
• Build textured pathways using natural elements. 
• Share their artistic discoveries with newfound friends.

In Dabble, every nature walk becomes an artistic adventure, and every artwork tells a story of discovery.

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

Registration is now open for Dabble!

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Scholarships may be available. Learn more.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.

Creative explorations of nature, science, and art

Ages: 7–11

Dates: Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Fee: $350

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Teaching artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Eco-STEAM invites curious minds to engage with the natural world around them through hands-on creative projects. They’ll discover how the sun powers our planet, experiment with art and science, and investigate nature—using all their senses.

Over five discovery-filled days, young creators will:

• Explore texture, build with natural materials, and create tactile art.
• Play with sound mapping—and turn the sounds of nature into artwork.
• Make plant-based crafts using herbs.
• Design kinetic sculptures powered by the wind.
• Craft musical instruments from natural materials and compose music.
• Experiment and cook delicious, nature-based recipes.
• Share their discoveries in an interactive exhibit—where science, nature, and art meet. 

Through creative play and collaboration, kids will forge lasting friendships. Along the way, they'll discover new passions and gain essential life skills. No experience needed—just a love for exploring. Watch their world expand!

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.

Creative explorations of nature, science, and art

Ages: 7–11

Dates: Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Fee: $350

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Teaching artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Eco-STEAM invites curious minds to engage with the natural world around them through hands-on creative projects. They’ll discover how the sun powers our planet, experiment with art and science, and investigate nature—using all their senses.

Over five discovery-filled days, young creators will:

• Explore texture, build with natural materials, and create tactile art.
• Play with sound mapping—and turn the sounds of nature into artwork.
• Make plant-based crafts using herbs.
• Design kinetic sculptures powered by the wind.
• Craft musical instruments from natural materials and compose music.
• Experiment and cook delicious, nature-based recipes.
• Share their discoveries in an interactive exhibit—where science, nature, and art meet. 

Through creative play and collaboration, kids will forge lasting friendships. Along the way, they'll discover new passions and gain essential life skills. No experience needed—just a love for exploring. Watch their world expand!

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.

New Milford Youth Agency presents Nature Unplugged. Promoting friendship, team building, kindness and self esteem. Activities include: kickoff at club getaway, various hiking trips, state park explorations, beach time, ice cream, etc

Kids entering 6th - 8th grades

$15 / week

Discover the flowers, birds, and butterflies of Deer Pond Farm with Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer. Starting in our pollinator garden, we will discuss the phenology (seasonal cycles) of native flowering plants and how this impacts the insect and bird communities. Then we will explore the life in and around our nature preserve! 

Register at https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/05/registration-deer-pond-farm-bird-nature-walk/ 

This program meets at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT 06784 

$5 members, $10 non-members   

Creative explorations of nature, science, and art

Ages: 7–11

Dates: Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1

Time: 8:30am–3pm

Fee: $350

Partnership: Arcari Floral

Teaching artist: Meredith Arcari Luciano

Eco-STEAM invites curious minds to engage with the natural world around them through hands-on creative projects. They’ll discover how the sun powers our planet, experiment with art and science, and investigate nature—using all their senses.

Over five discovery-filled days, young creators will:

• Explore texture, build with natural materials, and create tactile art.
• Play with sound mapping—and turn the sounds of nature into artwork.
• Make plant-based crafts using herbs.
• Design kinetic sculptures powered by the wind.
• Craft musical instruments from natural materials and compose music.
• Experiment and cook delicious, nature-based recipes.
• Share their discoveries in an interactive exhibit—where science, nature, and art meet. 

Through creative play and collaboration, kids will forge lasting friendships. Along the way, they'll discover new passions and gain essential life skills. No experience needed—just a love for exploring. Watch their world expand!

This is a small group program. Space is limited.

AMP’s summer programs are made possible in part by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Explore more Summer @AMP programs.