Spring programming is provided to you by
the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection,
in partnership with
Connecticut Forest & Park Association and
the Friends of Goodwin Forest.
the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection,
in partnership with
Connecticut Forest & Park Association and
the Friends of Goodwin Forest.
We make every effort to accommodate our guests. Courses that require registration fill up very quickly so please register early to avoid disappointment. If the class is full, we will put you on a waiting list and notify you when the class is repeated. Thank you.
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PREREGISTRATION IS
REQUESTED FOR MOST PROGRAMS. Find us at 23 Potter Road, Hampton, CT 06247 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call: 860-455-9534 Email: Deep.Goodwin@ct.gov |
Have you attended programs at the Goodwin Conservation Center?
We'd love your feedback so we can improve our logistics and content.
Clicking the link will open a new window. Thank you!
PROGRAM SURVEY
We'd love your feedback so we can improve our logistics and content.
Clicking the link will open a new window. Thank you!
PROGRAM SURVEY
CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS AFTER ANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY.
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GEOCACHING
If you love mixing technology and the outdoors, geocaching may be the perfect activity for you. It involves searching for hidden objects in the landscape with coordinates and clues. Goodwin State Forest is home to a few geocaches. Try and find the secret treasure! Go to https://coord.info/GC19ZHE |
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Have you heard about our Master Naturalist led Meetup Group?
The group is for anyone interested in learning more about Connecticut state parks and forests and are led by Master Naturalists who trained at the Goodwin Conservation Center. All details are found on the Meetup site. |
Earth Day Full Moon Night Hike and Campfire
Friday, April 19th
cancelled due to weather
Come experience the shift in seasons and let the full moon guide your path as you take a night hike at Goodwin State Forest. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Program will be followed by a campfire and s’mores. Inclement weather cancels.
Friday, April 19th
cancelled due to weather
Come experience the shift in seasons and let the full moon guide your path as you take a night hike at Goodwin State Forest. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Program will be followed by a campfire and s’mores. Inclement weather cancels.
Family Woods Walk
Saturday, April 20th
10:00-11:00am
Join Goodwin Naturalist, Lena Ives, on a slow ramble through our trails where stops sparked by curiosity are welcome and encouraged! Kids of all ages and all families are encouraged to attend.
Saturday, April 20th
10:00-11:00am
Join Goodwin Naturalist, Lena Ives, on a slow ramble through our trails where stops sparked by curiosity are welcome and encouraged! Kids of all ages and all families are encouraged to attend.
Fairy Houses and Strategies for Inspiring the Wonder of Nature in Kids and in Our Inner Kids
Saturday, April 20th
12:00-2:00pm
Cost of program for Non-Master Gardeners: $50; Registration required through the UConn Master Gardener Program, which can be done here.
We will explore the concept of fairy houses – tiny structures made with natural materials and placed in the environment so as to be a surprise to the viewer. We will cover the concepts of outdoor classrooms. A growing body of research tells us that time spent in nature can provide children with many benefits – improving physical and mental health, boosting learning performance, and developing social- emotional skills. We intend to have participants work on constructing a house and leave with ideas of creating spaces/activities for outdoor exploration. We also intend on a short walk to view the Fairy House Trail installation at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, CT.
Saturday, April 20th
12:00-2:00pm
Cost of program for Non-Master Gardeners: $50; Registration required through the UConn Master Gardener Program, which can be done here.
We will explore the concept of fairy houses – tiny structures made with natural materials and placed in the environment so as to be a surprise to the viewer. We will cover the concepts of outdoor classrooms. A growing body of research tells us that time spent in nature can provide children with many benefits – improving physical and mental health, boosting learning performance, and developing social- emotional skills. We intend to have participants work on constructing a house and leave with ideas of creating spaces/activities for outdoor exploration. We also intend on a short walk to view the Fairy House Trail installation at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, CT.
Women In Nature (WIN) Hike
Thursday, April 25th
4:00-5:30pm
Come to Goodwin for a WIN! These monthly hikes are designed especially for folks who identify as women and want to get outdoors with the company and support of others. Hikes are easy to moderate. Led by Program Director Beth Bernard, these hikes include time to explore, share a conversation and learn something new.
Thursday, April 25th
4:00-5:30pm
Come to Goodwin for a WIN! These monthly hikes are designed especially for folks who identify as women and want to get outdoors with the company and support of others. Hikes are easy to moderate. Led by Program Director Beth Bernard, these hikes include time to explore, share a conversation and learn something new.
Pre-migration Bird Walk
Saturday, April 27th
9:00-11:00am
Come join avid bird watcher and conservationist Allison Black as we take inventory of the bird species that are here at Goodwin prior to the big rush of migration in early May!
Saturday, April 27th
9:00-11:00am
Come join avid bird watcher and conservationist Allison Black as we take inventory of the bird species that are here at Goodwin prior to the big rush of migration in early May!
Gardener’s Roundtable
Saturday, April 27th
1:00pm-3:00pm
This workshop is intended for gardeners of all experience levels. We share best practices and pitfalls for gardening in eastern Connecticut. These monthly workshops cover a wide-range of topics, so please come with your questions, your expertise, and your own stories of success and failure in your gardens.
Saturday, April 27th
1:00pm-3:00pm
This workshop is intended for gardeners of all experience levels. We share best practices and pitfalls for gardening in eastern Connecticut. These monthly workshops cover a wide-range of topics, so please come with your questions, your expertise, and your own stories of success and failure in your gardens.
What's Making All That Noise? Backyard Amphibians & Vernal Pool Habitats
Sunday, April 28
1:00-3:00 pm
Join Master Naturalist Deb Field for an exploration of our local amphibian species. Amphibians are indicators of healthy ecosystems. Learn how to identify common species and why protecting vernal pool habitats is critical to their survival. Weather
and time permitting, there may be a short walk.
Sunday, April 28
1:00-3:00 pm
Join Master Naturalist Deb Field for an exploration of our local amphibian species. Amphibians are indicators of healthy ecosystems. Learn how to identify common species and why protecting vernal pool habitats is critical to their survival. Weather
and time permitting, there may be a short walk.
Phenological Walk with Carrie Crompton
Sunday, April 28th
1:00-3:00pm
It’s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the “firsts” of the season. We’ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees and shrubs and bird arrivals on a weekly basis.
Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist and a volunteer at the Goodwin Conservation Center.
Sunday, April 28th
1:00-3:00pm
It’s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the “firsts” of the season. We’ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees and shrubs and bird arrivals on a weekly basis.
Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist and a volunteer at the Goodwin Conservation Center.
The Apiary Series: Spring to Fall Hive
Sunday, April 28th
1:00pm-2:30pm
Continuing on with what you learned in the winter ones, learn “what’s next” for your hive. This program is part of a year-long series that will teach you all you need to know about keeping bees. Dave Gilbert joins us again as he teaches you spring and fall management of your hive.
Sunday, April 28th
1:00pm-2:30pm
Continuing on with what you learned in the winter ones, learn “what’s next” for your hive. This program is part of a year-long series that will teach you all you need to know about keeping bees. Dave Gilbert joins us again as he teaches you spring and fall management of your hive.
Relaxed Ramble
Wednesday, May 1st
11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday, May 16th
1:00-3:00pm
Join Goodwin Guide Jack Griffin on an easy to moderate walk taken on forest trails. All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow.
Wednesday, May 1st
11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday, May 16th
1:00-3:00pm
Join Goodwin Guide Jack Griffin on an easy to moderate walk taken on forest trails. All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow.
Global Bird Day: Migration Bird Walk
Saturday, May 4th
8:00-9:30am
Join Naturalist Lena Ives in participating in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Global Big Day. We’ll start out into the field, e-bird device in hand, to ID as many birds as we can and contribute to ongoing research while we’re at it! Bring your own binoculars, or borrow ours, and a camera if you’d like. A smartphone is helpful, but not required!
Saturday, May 4th
8:00-9:30am
Join Naturalist Lena Ives in participating in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Global Big Day. We’ll start out into the field, e-bird device in hand, to ID as many birds as we can and contribute to ongoing research while we’re at it! Bring your own binoculars, or borrow ours, and a camera if you’d like. A smartphone is helpful, but not required!
Edible Plants Walk
Saturday, May 4th
10:00am-12:00pm
Are you intrigued by the abundance in New England’s plant life? Would you like to learn more about which plants are edible, which are medicinally useful, and which are historically important? If so, join hobby botanist Liz Sangree for a talk, hike, and taste test of these majestic denizens of the New England landscape!
Saturday, May 4th
10:00am-12:00pm
Are you intrigued by the abundance in New England’s plant life? Would you like to learn more about which plants are edible, which are medicinally useful, and which are historically important? If so, join hobby botanist Liz Sangree for a talk, hike, and taste test of these majestic denizens of the New England landscape!
Phenological Walk with Carrie Crompton
Sundays, May 5th and May 12th
1:00-3:00pm
It’s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the “firsts” of the season. We’ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees, and bird arrivals.
Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist and a volunteer at the Goodwin Conservation Center.
Sundays, May 5th and May 12th
1:00-3:00pm
It’s exhilarating to hear the first returning migrant birds in our area, to see the first fiddleheads unfurling, and the first ephemeral wildflowers blooming. Come out to Goodwin to discover the “firsts” of the season. We’ll be looking for fresh wildflower blooms, bud break in various trees, and bird arrivals.
Carrie Crompton is a Master Naturalist and a volunteer at the Goodwin Conservation Center.
Predator Series: Eastern Coyote
Wednesday, May 8th
6:30-8:30 pm
Predatory wildlife species serve a very important role in ecosystem structure and function. The Predator Series highlights the mammal and avian predators that can be found in Connecticut and discuss their role in the ecosystem and how we can better coexist with them. Eastern Coyotes have an incredible impact on the ecosystem they inhabit, and many of us have had experiences with them. Come learn more about this incredibly adaptable species from Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn.
Wednesday, May 8th
6:30-8:30 pm
Predatory wildlife species serve a very important role in ecosystem structure and function. The Predator Series highlights the mammal and avian predators that can be found in Connecticut and discuss their role in the ecosystem and how we can better coexist with them. Eastern Coyotes have an incredible impact on the ecosystem they inhabit, and many of us have had experiences with them. Come learn more about this incredibly adaptable species from Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn.
Long Distance Hike
Thursday, May 9th
11:00-2:00pm
Enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Each hike will be around 3 hours and 5-6 miles on our trails. To join us meet in our main parking lot at 23 Potter Road.
Thursday, May 9th
11:00-2:00pm
Enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Each hike will be around 3 hours and 5-6 miles on our trails. To join us meet in our main parking lot at 23 Potter Road.
30K Training Run
Saturday, May 11
8:00 am - 11:00 am
NipMuck Dave will lead a run from Goodwin Conservation Center on Potter Rd in Hampton. We will run the first and last quarter of the Goodwin 30K which is held in early June. We'll run at a 16 to 18-minute mile pace over 9.3 miles. Hopefully, we will all stay together. If you want to go faster you can do short out and backs from the group that I'll be in. If you don't think you can keep up a 16 to 18 minute pace over this terrain with technical footing, it would be appreciated that you don't show up for this or take responsibility and run on your own.
Saturday, May 11
8:00 am - 11:00 am
NipMuck Dave will lead a run from Goodwin Conservation Center on Potter Rd in Hampton. We will run the first and last quarter of the Goodwin 30K which is held in early June. We'll run at a 16 to 18-minute mile pace over 9.3 miles. Hopefully, we will all stay together. If you want to go faster you can do short out and backs from the group that I'll be in. If you don't think you can keep up a 16 to 18 minute pace over this terrain with technical footing, it would be appreciated that you don't show up for this or take responsibility and run on your own.
Butterfly Farming
Sunday, May 12th
1:00-3:00pm
Deb Field, Goodwin Master Naturalist & 25 year environmental educator, describes how a quest to protect black swallowtail caterpillars from marauding catbirds turned into a full scale backyard butterfly farm. Tips & techniques for how to do this with several common species will be discussed. An overview of Project Monarch Watch will also be presented.
Sunday, May 12th
1:00-3:00pm
Deb Field, Goodwin Master Naturalist & 25 year environmental educator, describes how a quest to protect black swallowtail caterpillars from marauding catbirds turned into a full scale backyard butterfly farm. Tips & techniques for how to do this with several common species will be discussed. An overview of Project Monarch Watch will also be presented.
Goodwin Homeschool Series: Mini Jungle Safari
Tuesday, May 14th
10:00am-12:00pm
Right here, at Goodwin forest, there is a hidden jungle teeming with incredible life. Perhaps you’ve seen it. You may have even walked through it without even realizing you were there. Come explore the mystery of what is hiding under the grasses in the Goodwin meadow and discover what secrets this mini-jungle holds with Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and Master Naturalist and author Katherine Hauswirth. This program is specifically for homeschooled students and families.
Tuesday, May 14th
10:00am-12:00pm
Right here, at Goodwin forest, there is a hidden jungle teeming with incredible life. Perhaps you’ve seen it. You may have even walked through it without even realizing you were there. Come explore the mystery of what is hiding under the grasses in the Goodwin meadow and discover what secrets this mini-jungle holds with Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and Master Naturalist and author Katherine Hauswirth. This program is specifically for homeschooled students and families.
White-tails in Connecticut
Thursday, May 16th
7:00-8:30pm
Join Ray Hardy, Wildlife Artist, Naturalist, DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist and Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator as he leads you through the four seasons of Connecticut’s White-tail Deer. Ray will draw upon his research and field experiences covering a period in excess of 40 years of his fascination with this common but often poorly understood resident of Connecticut’s forests, fields and backyards
Thursday, May 16th
7:00-8:30pm
Join Ray Hardy, Wildlife Artist, Naturalist, DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist and Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator as he leads you through the four seasons of Connecticut’s White-tail Deer. Ray will draw upon his research and field experiences covering a period in excess of 40 years of his fascination with this common but often poorly understood resident of Connecticut’s forests, fields and backyards
Full Moon Night Hike and Campfire
Friday, May 17th
8:00pm-10:00pm
Come experience the shift in seasons and let the full moon guide your path as you take a night hike at Goodwin State Forest. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Program will be followed by a campfire and s’mores. Inclement weather cancels.
Friday, May 17th
8:00pm-10:00pm
Come experience the shift in seasons and let the full moon guide your path as you take a night hike at Goodwin State Forest. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Program will be followed by a campfire and s’mores. Inclement weather cancels.
Black Spruce Pond Plant Inventory
Saturday, May 18th
10:00am-12:00pm
Join Master Naturalist Deb Field for a hike around Goodwin’s Black Spruce Pond. We’ll be looking for spring wildflowers, unusual marsh plants, and any wildlife that happens to pop up. Moderate hike, approximately 2.5 miles. Parts of the trail may be wet.
Saturday, May 18th
10:00am-12:00pm
Join Master Naturalist Deb Field for a hike around Goodwin’s Black Spruce Pond. We’ll be looking for spring wildflowers, unusual marsh plants, and any wildlife that happens to pop up. Moderate hike, approximately 2.5 miles. Parts of the trail may be wet.
Family Woods Walk
Saturday, May 18th
11:00am-12:00pm
Join Goodwin Naturalist, Lena Ives, on a slow ramble through our trails where stops sparked by curiosity are welcome and encouraged! Kids of all ages and all families are encouraged to attend.
Saturday, May 18th
11:00am-12:00pm
Join Goodwin Naturalist, Lena Ives, on a slow ramble through our trails where stops sparked by curiosity are welcome and encouraged! Kids of all ages and all families are encouraged to attend.
Gardener’s Roundtable
Saturday, May 18th
1:00pm-3:00pm
This workshop is intended for gardeners of all experience levels. We share best practices and pitfalls for gardening in eastern Connecticut. These monthly workshops cover a wide-range of topics, so please come with your questions, your expertise, and your own stories of success and failure in your gardens.
Saturday, May 18th
1:00pm-3:00pm
This workshop is intended for gardeners of all experience levels. We share best practices and pitfalls for gardening in eastern Connecticut. These monthly workshops cover a wide-range of topics, so please come with your questions, your expertise, and your own stories of success and failure in your gardens.
The Apiary Series: Spring to Fall Hive
Saturday, May 18th
1:00pm-2:30pm
Curious about what expert Dave Gilbert’s beekeeping set up looks like? Visit his “bee yard” to check it out for yourself! This program is part of a year-long series that will teach you all you need to know about keeping bees. Dave Gilbert joins us again as he teaches you spring and fall management of your hive. Inclement weather cancels. Program will meet at Dave’s bee yard, RSVP for address.
Saturday, May 18th
1:00pm-2:30pm
Curious about what expert Dave Gilbert’s beekeeping set up looks like? Visit his “bee yard” to check it out for yourself! This program is part of a year-long series that will teach you all you need to know about keeping bees. Dave Gilbert joins us again as he teaches you spring and fall management of your hive. Inclement weather cancels. Program will meet at Dave’s bee yard, RSVP for address.
Critters at the Pond
Sunday, May 19th
1:00-3:00pm
Seeing critters in their natural habitat is wonderfully exhilarating and memorable. Learn about the many animals you can observe above, below, and near the shores of Pine Acres Pond. This 135 acre pond is accessible by boat launch, with trails bordering the pond and observation platforms while visiting the James L. Goodwin Forest and Conservation Center. Master Naturalist Bill Powers will share his experience paddling and observing pond life. The program will be indoors and outdoors on foot. All ages welcome!
Sunday, May 19th
1:00-3:00pm
Seeing critters in their natural habitat is wonderfully exhilarating and memorable. Learn about the many animals you can observe above, below, and near the shores of Pine Acres Pond. This 135 acre pond is accessible by boat launch, with trails bordering the pond and observation platforms while visiting the James L. Goodwin Forest and Conservation Center. Master Naturalist Bill Powers will share his experience paddling and observing pond life. The program will be indoors and outdoors on foot. All ages welcome!
The Bats of Goodwin
Wednesday, May 22nd
8:00-9:30 pm
RSVP required, space is limited.
Join UConn professor Laura Cisneros on a night adventure to learn about and survey bats around the Goodwin Conservation Center. Participants will learn to use acoustic monitoring devices to learn about bat echolocation calls, discover what species are present, and learn about their activity patterns within their habitat! Please bring a headlamp or flashlight and bug spray. All are welcome. Rain cancels.
Wednesday, May 22nd
8:00-9:30 pm
RSVP required, space is limited.
Join UConn professor Laura Cisneros on a night adventure to learn about and survey bats around the Goodwin Conservation Center. Participants will learn to use acoustic monitoring devices to learn about bat echolocation calls, discover what species are present, and learn about their activity patterns within their habitat! Please bring a headlamp or flashlight and bug spray. All are welcome. Rain cancels.
Women In Nature Hike
Thursday, May 23rd
5:00-6:30pm
Come to Goodwin for a WIN! These monthly hikes are designed especially for folks who identify as women and want to get outdoors with the company and support of others. Hikes are easy to moderate. Led by Program Director Beth Bernard, these hikes include time to explore, share a conversation and learn something new.
Thursday, May 23rd
5:00-6:30pm
Come to Goodwin for a WIN! These monthly hikes are designed especially for folks who identify as women and want to get outdoors with the company and support of others. Hikes are easy to moderate. Led by Program Director Beth Bernard, these hikes include time to explore, share a conversation and learn something new.
A walk among the ashes
Wednesday, May 29th
6:00-8:00pm
Goodwin recently had three patches of our property managed by a prescribed burn done by DEEP’s Division of Forestry. Come take a walk through the burn sites with DEEP Foresters Kevin Grady and Rich Schenk to learn more about how prescribed burns are done, why and where they are recommended, and what the beneficial results are.
Wednesday, May 29th
6:00-8:00pm
Goodwin recently had three patches of our property managed by a prescribed burn done by DEEP’s Division of Forestry. Come take a walk through the burn sites with DEEP Foresters Kevin Grady and Rich Schenk to learn more about how prescribed burns are done, why and where they are recommended, and what the beneficial results are.
SAVE THE DATES!
JUNE 1ST AND 2ND
Trails day weekend brings a lot of exploration opportunities in the Goodwin Forest.
We will have our annual plant sale - mostly natives but this year, we'll have some houseplants and perennial favorites to share!
There will be other activities, including our annual trail run and a mountain biking event as well as hikes and tours. Stay tuned for details!
JUNE 1ST AND 2ND
Trails day weekend brings a lot of exploration opportunities in the Goodwin Forest.
We will have our annual plant sale - mostly natives but this year, we'll have some houseplants and perennial favorites to share!
There will be other activities, including our annual trail run and a mountain biking event as well as hikes and tours. Stay tuned for details!
Give back to Goodwin and enrich someone’s life.
If you have a passion about a conservation, environmental, ecologically -related topic of your choice that you want to share, this is your opportunity. We here at Goodwin would like you to present that knowledge to your peers!
Host a hike, give a presentation, do some outdoor activities or experiments, or just have an open ended discussion.
Goodwin Conservation Center is looking for volunteers who have knowledge about various conservation-related topics and the ability and desire to share that knowledge with others. We are looking for with knowledge in all conservation topics including birding, rocks, invasive species, survival skills, pollution, photography, nature technological equipment, etc. etc.
Teaching experience helps but is not required. For more information, contact Beth Bernard.
If you have a passion about a conservation, environmental, ecologically -related topic of your choice that you want to share, this is your opportunity. We here at Goodwin would like you to present that knowledge to your peers!
Host a hike, give a presentation, do some outdoor activities or experiments, or just have an open ended discussion.
Goodwin Conservation Center is looking for volunteers who have knowledge about various conservation-related topics and the ability and desire to share that knowledge with others. We are looking for with knowledge in all conservation topics including birding, rocks, invasive species, survival skills, pollution, photography, nature technological equipment, etc. etc.
Teaching experience helps but is not required. For more information, contact Beth Bernard.
For announcements of upcoming events, subscribe to the Goodwin Conservation Center Listserv
To subscribe to the Listserv:
Send an email to listserv@list.ct.gov
In the email, leave the subject line blank and in the body of the message type:
Subscribe DEP-Goodwin YourFirstName YourLastName
To subscribe to the Listserv:
Send an email to listserv@list.ct.gov
In the email, leave the subject line blank and in the body of the message type:
Subscribe DEP-Goodwin YourFirstName YourLastName