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.
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: PLEASE CALL 860-455-9534 |
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, gardening, etc.
Teaching experience helpful but not required. For more information, contact Jasper Sha.
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, gardening, etc.
Teaching experience helpful but not required. For more information, contact Jasper Sha.
CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS AFTER ANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY.
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
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.
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.
Scientific Illustration Workshop: Summer Flowers and Pollinators
Friday, June 22nd
1:00pm-4:00pm
The summer offers artists and illustrators amazing flowers and related pollinators to explore. The art of drawing nature accurately comes from observation and practice. Join Virge Kask, Scientific Illustrator in the Biology Department at UConn, for a scientific illustration workshop. Look closely at flower parts and a variety of insects using microscopes and the naked eye. Ms. Kask will teach the best techniques to convey the essence of their form using pencil and paper, and provide tips for drawing from mounted specimens and live subjects. In this workshop you will learn ways scientific illustrators observe and draw from nature. Basic anatomy of plants, insects, and other pollinators will be covered as well as drawing techniques. Paper and pencils will be supplied along with a packet of information that is yours to keep.
Friday, June 22nd
1:00pm-4:00pm
The summer offers artists and illustrators amazing flowers and related pollinators to explore. The art of drawing nature accurately comes from observation and practice. Join Virge Kask, Scientific Illustrator in the Biology Department at UConn, for a scientific illustration workshop. Look closely at flower parts and a variety of insects using microscopes and the naked eye. Ms. Kask will teach the best techniques to convey the essence of their form using pencil and paper, and provide tips for drawing from mounted specimens and live subjects. In this workshop you will learn ways scientific illustrators observe and draw from nature. Basic anatomy of plants, insects, and other pollinators will be covered as well as drawing techniques. Paper and pencils will be supplied along with a packet of information that is yours to keep.
Discover Goodwin Forest Youth Series: Turtles
Saturday, June 23rd
1:00pm-3:00pm
Registration is Required
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Bill Powers as we explore the world of painted turtles. Bill will help you learn how to identify turtles and their habitat.. He will also discuss diet, predation, and some turtle behaviors that might surprise you! Weather permitting, we will go to the pond to view painted turtles in the wild. Bring your binoculars if you have them.
Bill Powers is a Goodwin Master Naturalist and volunteer. His painted turtle studies are published in the Fall 2017 issue of Connecticut Woodlands magazine. He is a retired college and high school teacher and counselor.
Lynn Kochiss is an environmental educator who has been a CFPA volunteer since 2007. She is a certified elementary teacher, a Project Learning Tree Facilitator, and a Goodwin Conservation Center Master Naturalist. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Saturday, June 23rd
1:00pm-3:00pm
Registration is Required
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Bill Powers as we explore the world of painted turtles. Bill will help you learn how to identify turtles and their habitat.. He will also discuss diet, predation, and some turtle behaviors that might surprise you! Weather permitting, we will go to the pond to view painted turtles in the wild. Bring your binoculars if you have them.
Bill Powers is a Goodwin Master Naturalist and volunteer. His painted turtle studies are published in the Fall 2017 issue of Connecticut Woodlands magazine. He is a retired college and high school teacher and counselor.
Lynn Kochiss is an environmental educator who has been a CFPA volunteer since 2007. She is a certified elementary teacher, a Project Learning Tree Facilitator, and a Goodwin Conservation Center Master Naturalist. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Soils: The World beneath Our Feet
Sunday, June 24th
2:00pm-4:00pm
Registration is Required
Learn how Connecticut's past, present, and future are shaped by its soils! Join conservation scientist Kip Kolesinskas as he walks us through the world beneath our feet. Connecticut is home to a rich diversity of soil resources which impact our state in various ways from land use patterns to forest vegetation. Learn about some basic soil properties, how the use and management of our soil resources will shape our future, and what steps you can take to better manage soils in a changing climate . This is an indoor presentation followed by a short walk to explore the soils, land use history, and vegetation of Goodwin. Dress comfortably and in layers for indoor/outdoor learning.
Kip Kolesinskas has worked for the USDA as a soil scientist for Connecticut and Rhode Island, bringing his expertise and knowledge to numerous state, regional, and national projects and initiatives. He has also worked closely with American Farmland Trust and other partners. He is an avid fisherman, cook, gardener, and local foods advocate.
Sunday, June 24th
2:00pm-4:00pm
Registration is Required
Learn how Connecticut's past, present, and future are shaped by its soils! Join conservation scientist Kip Kolesinskas as he walks us through the world beneath our feet. Connecticut is home to a rich diversity of soil resources which impact our state in various ways from land use patterns to forest vegetation. Learn about some basic soil properties, how the use and management of our soil resources will shape our future, and what steps you can take to better manage soils in a changing climate . This is an indoor presentation followed by a short walk to explore the soils, land use history, and vegetation of Goodwin. Dress comfortably and in layers for indoor/outdoor learning.
Kip Kolesinskas has worked for the USDA as a soil scientist for Connecticut and Rhode Island, bringing his expertise and knowledge to numerous state, regional, and national projects and initiatives. He has also worked closely with American Farmland Trust and other partners. He is an avid fisherman, cook, gardener, and local foods advocate.
Dragons and Damsels
Saturday, June 30th
12:00pm-2:00pm
Dragonflies have been alive since the Carboniferous period. Now they are a fraction of their original size, and and ready to be netted up and observed. These impressive predators are nothing short of amazing. Come join Michael Grady as we soar into the world of dragonflies.
Saturday, June 30th
12:00pm-2:00pm
Dragonflies have been alive since the Carboniferous period. Now they are a fraction of their original size, and and ready to be netted up and observed. These impressive predators are nothing short of amazing. Come join Michael Grady as we soar into the world of dragonflies.
Edible Wild Plants and Fungi of Summer: Lecture and Walk with The 3 Foragers
Saturday, July 7th
10:00am-12:30pm
$5 FGF or CFPA members/$10 non-members
Registration Required
The summer months are a bounty of ripe berries, nectar-laden edible flowers, amazing edible plants along the seashore, and edible mushrooms carpeting the forest floor after warm, rainy days. Learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare the wild foods of summer, from beach plums to invasive wineberries, including some of the choice summer fungi like chanterelles and the myriad of pored Boletes.
Join The 3 Foragers as they teach the edible plants and fungi of summer with their original photos and recipe ideas featured in an educational slideshow, and finish with a walk outside to put some of your newly learned skills to the test.
Saturday, July 7th
10:00am-12:30pm
$5 FGF or CFPA members/$10 non-members
Registration Required
The summer months are a bounty of ripe berries, nectar-laden edible flowers, amazing edible plants along the seashore, and edible mushrooms carpeting the forest floor after warm, rainy days. Learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare the wild foods of summer, from beach plums to invasive wineberries, including some of the choice summer fungi like chanterelles and the myriad of pored Boletes.
Join The 3 Foragers as they teach the edible plants and fungi of summer with their original photos and recipe ideas featured in an educational slideshow, and finish with a walk outside to put some of your newly learned skills to the test.
Canoeing in Pine Acres Pond
Saturday, July 7th
4:00pm-6:00pm
Registration Required, Space is Limited
Dale and Kate May, long-time Friends of Goodwin volunteers, will be leading a paddle around Pine Acres Pond. Learn a little bit about nature while enjoying a pleasant trip around the pond. Lifejackets, canoes, and paddles will be supplied.
Adults must accompany children.
Saturday, July 7th
4:00pm-6:00pm
Registration Required, Space is Limited
Dale and Kate May, long-time Friends of Goodwin volunteers, will be leading a paddle around Pine Acres Pond. Learn a little bit about nature while enjoying a pleasant trip around the pond. Lifejackets, canoes, and paddles will be supplied.
Adults must accompany children.
Long Distance Guided Hike
Sunday, July 8th
1:00pm-3:00pm
Enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Goodwin Guide June Powell is an active AMC hiker and has led many hikes throughout Connecticut. This hike will be approximately 5 miles in length.
Sunday, July 8th
1:00pm-3:00pm
Enjoy the company of fellow hikers and get some great outdoor exercise. Goodwin Guide June Powell is an active AMC hiker and has led many hikes throughout Connecticut. This hike will be approximately 5 miles in length.
Senior Walks
Wednesday, July 18th
10:00am-12:30pm
Thursday July 19th
12:00 - 2:30 pm
These are easy to moderate walks taken on forest trails. They are a great opportunity to get outside, learn something new and maybe even meet a few new friends. These walks are very popular, and not just for seniors! All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow.
Wednesday, July 18th
10:00am-12:30pm
Thursday July 19th
12:00 - 2:30 pm
These are easy to moderate walks taken on forest trails. They are a great opportunity to get outside, learn something new and maybe even meet a few new friends. These walks are very popular, and not just for seniors! All are welcome. Hiking sticks are available to borrow.
Gardener’s Roundtable
Saturday, July 21st
10:00am-11:30am
This meeting 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 stories of success and failure in your gardens.
Saturday, July 21st
10:00am-11:30am
This meeting 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 stories of success and failure in your gardens.
Breeding Bird Studies in Connecticut
Saturday, July 21st
2:00pm-3:00pm
Learn about field methods used in Connecticut forests to study breeding birds and common nest predators like crows and raccoons. Join ecology graduate student Eliza Grames to hear about how to measure bird territories, how to find bird nests, and what to look for in bird behavior to know if they're breeding. Find out how to get involved in a citizen science project mapping breeding birds across Connecticut. This is an indoor presentation.
Eliza Grames is a PhD student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on ovenbird nesting success and food availability in Connecticut forest fragments.
Saturday, July 21st
2:00pm-3:00pm
Learn about field methods used in Connecticut forests to study breeding birds and common nest predators like crows and raccoons. Join ecology graduate student Eliza Grames to hear about how to measure bird territories, how to find bird nests, and what to look for in bird behavior to know if they're breeding. Find out how to get involved in a citizen science project mapping breeding birds across Connecticut. This is an indoor presentation.
Eliza Grames is a PhD student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on ovenbird nesting success and food availability in Connecticut forest fragments.
Why Waterfalls?
Sunday, July 22nd
1:00pm-3:00pm
How are waterfalls created? How many types are there? Why are we so drawn to these majestic works of natural aquatic art? DEEP employee and Goodwin Master Naturalist Lance Hansen will teach you all about waterfalls. Learn things you did not know about the wet wonders you love watching. Lance will share information from his research at Burr Pond State Park.
Lance is a Master Naturalist, DEEP employee of 20+ years in the Wildlife division, and a prolific volunteer as a CFPA ramble leader and CFPA trail manager for Walcott Trail. He also founded Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forest in 2015.
Sunday, July 22nd
1:00pm-3:00pm
How are waterfalls created? How many types are there? Why are we so drawn to these majestic works of natural aquatic art? DEEP employee and Goodwin Master Naturalist Lance Hansen will teach you all about waterfalls. Learn things you did not know about the wet wonders you love watching. Lance will share information from his research at Burr Pond State Park.
Lance is a Master Naturalist, DEEP employee of 20+ years in the Wildlife division, and a prolific volunteer as a CFPA ramble leader and CFPA trail manager for Walcott Trail. He also founded Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forest in 2015.
Connecticut Conservation: Amphibians and Reptiles
Saturday, July 28th
10:00am-12:00pm
Registration required, space is limited.
Join fellow herp-lovers for a fascinating info session and hands-on lab led by Hank Gruner, herpetologist. Participate in various activities designed to introduce you to Connecticut’s amphibians and reptiles. Learn all about frog call identification, snake identification, and so much more.
Hank Gruner has more than 30 years of experience in the field of herpetology and conservation biology. Working with state, municipal agencies, environmental organizations, and private developers, Hank’s work has furthered the conservation of New England’s amphibians and reptiles. He has worked for the Connecticut Science Center and Metropolitan Conservation Alliance.
Saturday, July 28th
10:00am-12:00pm
Registration required, space is limited.
Join fellow herp-lovers for a fascinating info session and hands-on lab led by Hank Gruner, herpetologist. Participate in various activities designed to introduce you to Connecticut’s amphibians and reptiles. Learn all about frog call identification, snake identification, and so much more.
Hank Gruner has more than 30 years of experience in the field of herpetology and conservation biology. Working with state, municipal agencies, environmental organizations, and private developers, Hank’s work has furthered the conservation of New England’s amphibians and reptiles. He has worked for the Connecticut Science Center and Metropolitan Conservation Alliance.
Discover Goodwin Forest Youth Series: Pollinators
Sunday, July 29th
1:00pm-3:00pm
Registration is required.
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Caroline Driscoll as they explore the world of pollinators. What is pollination? Why is it important? How does it happen? Learn the answers to these questions and more! Following a brief presentation in the museum, participants will observe and photograph the pollinators at work at Goodwin.
Back in the museum, we will also make “bee condos” to take home that can attract pollinators to our yards.
Caroline Driscoll is a Goodwin Master Naturalist and serves on the CFPA Board of Directors. She has taught at both preschool and college levels while also consulting at the Connecticut College Arboretum.
Lynn Kochiss is an environmental educator who has been a CFPA volunteer since 2007. She is a certified elementary teacher, a Project Learning Tree Facilitator, and a Goodwin Conservation Center Master Naturalist.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, July 29th
1:00pm-3:00pm
Registration is required.
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Caroline Driscoll as they explore the world of pollinators. What is pollination? Why is it important? How does it happen? Learn the answers to these questions and more! Following a brief presentation in the museum, participants will observe and photograph the pollinators at work at Goodwin.
Back in the museum, we will also make “bee condos” to take home that can attract pollinators to our yards.
Caroline Driscoll is a Goodwin Master Naturalist and serves on the CFPA Board of Directors. She has taught at both preschool and college levels while also consulting at the Connecticut College Arboretum.
Lynn Kochiss is an environmental educator who has been a CFPA volunteer since 2007. She is a certified elementary teacher, a Project Learning Tree Facilitator, and a Goodwin Conservation Center Master Naturalist.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
SPECIAL EVENT: SAVE THE DATE
TUESDAY, JULY 31
Pollinator Garden Workshop
This workshop is made possible by a grant through the New England Wildflower Society (NEWFSS) as part of the Pollinate New England initiative.
1:00-4:00 pm – Garden Installation Workshop for up to 12 novice gardeners (age 16 and up).
This workshop is designed for novice gardeners who may need help getting started with tools, site preparation, plants, planting methods, plant care, etc. The 150 sq. ft. rain garden will be installed during this time. (Professionals and master gardeners are discouraged from participating in this introductory workshop, but are encouraged to attend the evening lecture.) RESERVATION REQUIRED
REGISTER HERE (page will open in a new window)
6:00-8:30 pm – Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Lecture
The evening lecture will feature professionals Annie White, and either Mark Richardson from NEWFSS. they will cover strategies for choosing the best plants for pollinators, plus how to use and manage them effectively to create beautiful pollinator habitats. A tour of the newly planted pollinator garden will be offered. This lecture is appropriate for master gardeners, professionals, or the general public with some gardening experience. Space is limited. RESERVATION REQUIRED
REGISTER HERE (page will open in a new window)
TUESDAY, JULY 31
Pollinator Garden Workshop
This workshop is made possible by a grant through the New England Wildflower Society (NEWFSS) as part of the Pollinate New England initiative.
1:00-4:00 pm – Garden Installation Workshop for up to 12 novice gardeners (age 16 and up).
This workshop is designed for novice gardeners who may need help getting started with tools, site preparation, plants, planting methods, plant care, etc. The 150 sq. ft. rain garden will be installed during this time. (Professionals and master gardeners are discouraged from participating in this introductory workshop, but are encouraged to attend the evening lecture.) RESERVATION REQUIRED
REGISTER HERE (page will open in a new window)
6:00-8:30 pm – Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Lecture
The evening lecture will feature professionals Annie White, and either Mark Richardson from NEWFSS. they will cover strategies for choosing the best plants for pollinators, plus how to use and manage them effectively to create beautiful pollinator habitats. A tour of the newly planted pollinator garden will be offered. This lecture is appropriate for master gardeners, professionals, or the general public with some gardening experience. Space is limited. RESERVATION REQUIRED
REGISTER HERE (page will open in a new window)
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 Jasper Sha at jasper.sha@ct.gov.
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 Jasper Sha at jasper.sha@ct.gov.
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