Look and register for DEEP events at CT Parks.com!
Enjoy interesting talks and fun programs this March at Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Education Center!
Friday, March 6th – Skeleton Sleuths, 2pm:
Animal skulls and tracks hold clues to an animal’s diet, habits, and habitat. Come and investigate our collection of animal skulls and track replicas to piece together the clues and learn about the adaptations, survival skills, and food chain interactions of our local wildlife!
Saturday, March 7th – Fun with Phylogeny, 11am & 2pm:
Nature is full of diversity, but sometimes even distantly related animals can look similar. Come join us as we explore the wonderful and often surprising world of convergent evolution! By playing an indoor matching game, we will discover how a species’ habitat can influence its appearance and behavior.
Friday, March 13th – Winter Camouflage, 2pm:
Join us as we discover how animals use camouflage generally and specifically during winter. We will play a fun game that illustrates the advantages of camouflage and end with an outdoor camouflage scavenger hunt!
Saturday, March 14th – Black Bears in Connecticut, 2pm:
Step into the world of black bears, Connecticut’s only native bear species, with a guest-led presentation! Join Ginny Apple, a graduate of the Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist Program and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist, as she shares with us the history of black bears in Connecticut and an overview of black bear habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. Ginny will also provide practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our black bear population.
Friday, March 20th – Water Wonders, 2pm:
To celebrate World Water Day, we’re diving deep into the wonders of water! We will first take a short walk to Pine Acres Lake to view the largest waterbody in the forest and then participate in an interactive demonstration to learn more about watersheds and the importance of keeping our watersheds healthy. We will end the day by playing the Water Cycle Game and making our own Water Cycle bracelets to learn about Earth's water cycle!
Saturday, March 21st – Eastern Box Turtle Crossing!, 11am & 2pm:
Eastern box turtles are one of many species native to Connecticut who depend on a variety of habitats for different life stages. This need for diverse and connected habitats makes eastern box turtles a vulnerable species. Come join us as we discover the life cycle and needs of eastern box turtles and how we can positively contribute to their environmental challenges. Then, meet Olivia, a real-life eastern box turtle!
Friday, March 27th - Consequences of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation on Forest Dynamics in Connecticut, 6pm:
Did you know a small insect from thousands of miles away has killed millions of trees in North America? Join Jack Hatajik, Forest Health Technician with The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and Yale School of the Environment graduate, as he shares the impact of emerald ash borers on Connecticut's forests. This presentation is free and geared towards adult, though all ages are welcome to attend.
Presentation description: The emerald ash borer (EAB) has killed millions of ash trees in North America, driving multiple native ash species towards functional extinction. With many areas experiencing ≥ 99% ash mortality, predicting how forests will regenerate is challenging. Here, we assess the relationships between EAB-induced ash mortality and groundstory plant cover and tree regeneration by sampling ash-dominant forests across Connecticut. Our results suggest that these forests are shifting towards a higher abundance of non-native plants and a reduction in native tree regeneration, particularly in nutrient-rich sites. These results highlight a need for proactive management to sustain forest health and productivity in stands at high risk for species invasions.
Saturday, March 28th – Whoo’s for Dinner?, 11am & 2pm:
Uncover the secret life of Connecticut’s nocturnal hunters in this owl-some presentation and interactive activity. An introduction to owls – their habits, habitats, and hunting skills – will be presented through a slideshow. Then, roll up your sleeves to investigate what’s left behind... by dissecting real owl pellets (aka, owl hairballs)!
We are switching to our late fall schedule at the James L. Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Education Center:
See our Connecticut State Parks and Forests events page for ALL upcoming activities: Park Events | Connecticut State Parks and Forests
Our registration form can be found within the event or on Goodwin’s website- just click on “Goodwin Center Program Signup.”
Enjoy interesting talks and fun programs this March at Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Education Center!
Friday, March 6th – Skeleton Sleuths, 2pm:
Animal skulls and tracks hold clues to an animal’s diet, habits, and habitat. Come and investigate our collection of animal skulls and track replicas to piece together the clues and learn about the adaptations, survival skills, and food chain interactions of our local wildlife!
Saturday, March 7th – Fun with Phylogeny, 11am & 2pm:
Nature is full of diversity, but sometimes even distantly related animals can look similar. Come join us as we explore the wonderful and often surprising world of convergent evolution! By playing an indoor matching game, we will discover how a species’ habitat can influence its appearance and behavior.
Friday, March 13th – Winter Camouflage, 2pm:
Join us as we discover how animals use camouflage generally and specifically during winter. We will play a fun game that illustrates the advantages of camouflage and end with an outdoor camouflage scavenger hunt!
Saturday, March 14th – Black Bears in Connecticut, 2pm:
Step into the world of black bears, Connecticut’s only native bear species, with a guest-led presentation! Join Ginny Apple, a graduate of the Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist Program and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist, as she shares with us the history of black bears in Connecticut and an overview of black bear habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. Ginny will also provide practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our black bear population.
Friday, March 20th – Water Wonders, 2pm:
To celebrate World Water Day, we’re diving deep into the wonders of water! We will first take a short walk to Pine Acres Lake to view the largest waterbody in the forest and then participate in an interactive demonstration to learn more about watersheds and the importance of keeping our watersheds healthy. We will end the day by playing the Water Cycle Game and making our own Water Cycle bracelets to learn about Earth's water cycle!
Saturday, March 21st – Eastern Box Turtle Crossing!, 11am & 2pm:
Eastern box turtles are one of many species native to Connecticut who depend on a variety of habitats for different life stages. This need for diverse and connected habitats makes eastern box turtles a vulnerable species. Come join us as we discover the life cycle and needs of eastern box turtles and how we can positively contribute to their environmental challenges. Then, meet Olivia, a real-life eastern box turtle!
Friday, March 27th - Consequences of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation on Forest Dynamics in Connecticut, 6pm:
Did you know a small insect from thousands of miles away has killed millions of trees in North America? Join Jack Hatajik, Forest Health Technician with The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and Yale School of the Environment graduate, as he shares the impact of emerald ash borers on Connecticut's forests. This presentation is free and geared towards adult, though all ages are welcome to attend.
Presentation description: The emerald ash borer (EAB) has killed millions of ash trees in North America, driving multiple native ash species towards functional extinction. With many areas experiencing ≥ 99% ash mortality, predicting how forests will regenerate is challenging. Here, we assess the relationships between EAB-induced ash mortality and groundstory plant cover and tree regeneration by sampling ash-dominant forests across Connecticut. Our results suggest that these forests are shifting towards a higher abundance of non-native plants and a reduction in native tree regeneration, particularly in nutrient-rich sites. These results highlight a need for proactive management to sustain forest health and productivity in stands at high risk for species invasions.
Saturday, March 28th – Whoo’s for Dinner?, 11am & 2pm:
Uncover the secret life of Connecticut’s nocturnal hunters in this owl-some presentation and interactive activity. An introduction to owls – their habits, habitats, and hunting skills – will be presented through a slideshow. Then, roll up your sleeves to investigate what’s left behind... by dissecting real owl pellets (aka, owl hairballs)!
We are switching to our late fall schedule at the James L. Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Education Center:
- Please visit the Museum for history about Mr. Goodwin’s legacy and explore in our Discovery Room (both located in the white farmhouse) on Thursdays – Saturdays, 10am-3:30pm.
- Programs will be offered at 2:00 pm on Fridays, and 11:00am and 2:00 pm on Saturdays.
See our Connecticut State Parks and Forests events page for ALL upcoming activities: Park Events | Connecticut State Parks and Forests
Our registration form can be found within the event or on Goodwin’s website- just click on “Goodwin Center Program Signup.”
2026 Goodwin Forest Trail Run
Sunday, June 7th
The 12th Goodwin Forest Trail Run happens on the first FULL weekend of June and coincides with the national celebration of Trails Day. DETAILS!
Sunday, June 7th
The 12th Goodwin Forest Trail Run happens on the first FULL weekend of June and coincides with the national celebration of Trails Day. DETAILS!