DISCOVER GOODWIN FOREST
A Free Series for Youth and Their Families
sponsored by : CT DEEP, CFPA and the Friends of Goodwin Forest
Children of all ages, it’s time to get outdoors!
Bring your families and caregivers with you!
Come explore Goodwin Forest with Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest experts as your guides. Each program will present a unique glimpse of what can be hiding in our forests.
Join us for science, nature, and fun!
For Questions and to Register
call 860-455-9534 or email jasper.sha@ct.gov
Spring and Summer 2018
1:00 -3:00 pm each date
1:00 -3:00 pm each date
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Regan Stacey as we explore the Wonderful World of Lichens! Come discover the patches of green that grow on trees and rocks, the beards that hang from branches, and the soft pillows of lichen tucked in the grass or along stone walls. A talk and touch session will introduce the three basic kinds of lichen you can find among our forests. We’ll then take a discovery walk to find as many as we can!
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Regan Stacey is a participant in the Master Naturalist II Program at Goodwin Forest. She is a practicing artist who holds a B.S. in biology, an M.F.A in visual studies, and is a self-proclaimed forest whisperer. A lover of the mesic forest, she embraces the rock, lichen, moss, ferns, trees, and the light that moves through it. When she is not in the forest, you can find her in the studio making art or in the kitchen dusting off her chef hat.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Regan Stacey as we explore the Wonderful World of Lichens! Come discover the patches of green that grow on trees and rocks, the beards that hang from branches, and the soft pillows of lichen tucked in the grass or along stone walls. A talk and touch session will introduce the three basic kinds of lichen you can find among our forests. We’ll then take a discovery walk to find as many as we can!
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Regan Stacey is a participant in the Master Naturalist II Program at Goodwin Forest. She is a practicing artist who holds a B.S. in biology, an M.F.A in visual studies, and is a self-proclaimed forest whisperer. A lover of the mesic forest, she embraces the rock, lichen, moss, ferns, trees, and the light that moves through it. When she is not in the forest, you can find her in the studio making art or in the kitchen dusting off her chef hat.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Join Master Naturalists Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Jim Bancroft on a vernal pool quest! After a brief indoor show featuring frogs, salamanders, fairy shrimp and their habitats, we’ll venture outside to explore the amphibian pools next to the Goodwin Forest Conservation Center. Equipped with nets, buckets, and magnification devices, we’ll collect and examine a variety of critters. In addition to wood frog tadpoles and salamander eggs, likely discoveries will include damselfly larvae, diving beetles, green frogs and bullfrogs.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Jim Bancroft is a Master Naturalist and a Goodwin Conservation Center volunteer. He is also an outdoor program volunteer for the Appalachian Mountain Club, monitors bluebird and kestrel nest boxes throughout Connecticut, and is on the advisory board for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Sparrow Swap research project. He is a civil engineer with an environmental consulting firm.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Join Master Naturalists Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Jim Bancroft on a vernal pool quest! After a brief indoor show featuring frogs, salamanders, fairy shrimp and their habitats, we’ll venture outside to explore the amphibian pools next to the Goodwin Forest Conservation Center. Equipped with nets, buckets, and magnification devices, we’ll collect and examine a variety of critters. In addition to wood frog tadpoles and salamander eggs, likely discoveries will include damselfly larvae, diving beetles, green frogs and bullfrogs.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Jim Bancroft is a Master Naturalist and a Goodwin Conservation Center volunteer. He is also an outdoor program volunteer for the Appalachian Mountain Club, monitors bluebird and kestrel nest boxes throughout Connecticut, and is on the advisory board for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Sparrow Swap research project. He is a civil engineer with an environmental consulting firm.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest Michelle Poudrette as we examine invasive plants growing at Goodwin Forest. What makes a plant invasive? How did it get here? How do we get rid of it? Why should we care? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered in this presentation. There are a number of invasive plant species currently found in Connecticut’s land and water ecosystems. We will focus primarily on those impacting Goodwin State Forest, such as Japanese barberry, Winged euonymus, and Multiflora rose, and learn what control techniques have been used for these species. Discussion will be followed by a hike to identify invasives on the property.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Michelle Poudrette says that a common thread throughout her career has always been engaging and empowering youth through citizen science and environmental stewardship. In 2013 she became a certified TX Master Naturalist for the Capital Area (Austin) chapter and subsequently became that chapter’s Curriculum Chair. She returned to Connecticut 2 years ago and has since joined the Master Naturalist Program at Goodwin and become a member of Eastford’s Conservation Commission. She enjoys volunteering and sauntering through the woods trying to broaden her knowledge of our environment.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest Michelle Poudrette as we examine invasive plants growing at Goodwin Forest. What makes a plant invasive? How did it get here? How do we get rid of it? Why should we care? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered in this presentation. There are a number of invasive plant species currently found in Connecticut’s land and water ecosystems. We will focus primarily on those impacting Goodwin State Forest, such as Japanese barberry, Winged euonymus, and Multiflora rose, and learn what control techniques have been used for these species. Discussion will be followed by a hike to identify invasives on the property.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Michelle Poudrette says that a common thread throughout her career has always been engaging and empowering youth through citizen science and environmental stewardship. In 2013 she became a certified TX Master Naturalist for the Capital Area (Austin) chapter and subsequently became that chapter’s Curriculum Chair. She returned to Connecticut 2 years ago and has since joined the Master Naturalist Program at Goodwin and become a member of Eastford’s Conservation Commission. She enjoys volunteering and sauntering through the woods trying to broaden her knowledge of our environment.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Bill Powers as we explore the world of painted turtles. These turtles have long been important to Native American cultures and fascinating to scientists. Bill will help you learn how to identify them, what habitat they prefer, and where you can find them here at Goodwin Forest. He will also explain what they eat and what creatures prey upon them, and some behaviors they have 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.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Bill Powers is a Master Naturalist and a Goodwin Conservation Center 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. He also regularly volunteers in his neighborhood elementary school helping with science and reading.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Bill Powers as we explore the world of painted turtles. These turtles have long been important to Native American cultures and fascinating to scientists. Bill will help you learn how to identify them, what habitat they prefer, and where you can find them here at Goodwin Forest. He will also explain what they eat and what creatures prey upon them, and some behaviors they have 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.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Bill Powers is a Master Naturalist and a Goodwin Conservation Center 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. He also regularly volunteers in his neighborhood elementary school helping with science and reading.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Caroline Driscoll to 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, we will be in the field observing and photographing the pollinators at work at Goodwin.
On our return to the classroom, we will have a chance to share our photos and discuss what we saw and learned. We will also make “bee condos” to take home for attracting pollinators to our yards.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Caroline Driscoll has served on the CFPA Board of Directors since 2005 and serves on the Education and Land, and Finance Committees. She has taught at both preschool and college levels. Her love of the outdoors and teaching led to a position at the Connecticut College Arboretum where she continues to consult while she works toward a certificate in horticultural illustration at the New York Botanical Garden and her Master Naturalist certification at the Goodwin Conservation Center. She also serves on the New London Beautification Committee and is the Connecticut Associate to the National Wildlife Association.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Caroline Driscoll to 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, we will be in the field observing and photographing the pollinators at work at Goodwin.
On our return to the classroom, we will have a chance to share our photos and discuss what we saw and learned. We will also make “bee condos” to take home for attracting pollinators to our yards.
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Caroline Driscoll has served on the CFPA Board of Directors since 2005 and serves on the Education and Land, and Finance Committees. She has taught at both preschool and college levels. Her love of the outdoors and teaching led to a position at the Connecticut College Arboretum where she continues to consult while she works toward a certificate in horticultural illustration at the New York Botanical Garden and her Master Naturalist certification at the Goodwin Conservation Center. She also serves on the New London Beautification Committee and is the Connecticut Associate to the National Wildlife Association.
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
There’s Always Time For LNT!
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Katherine Hamilton for our series finale. Katherine will lead the group through some activities and a hike that will explore ethics, practicality, and skills wrapped up in the principles of Leave No Trace. No matter the age, outdoor ethics can be investigated! Come join us for an exciting outdoor adventure, which even the hesitant outdoor explorer can enjoy!
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Katherine Hamilton is a recent graduate of Northern Vermont University-Johnson campus, where she studied organic chemistry and outdoor experiential education. She was certified by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator in winter of 2016. Her passion for the outdoors lands her outside often!
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
There’s Always Time For LNT!
Join Master Naturalist Lynn Kochiss and guest expert Katherine Hamilton for our series finale. Katherine will lead the group through some activities and a hike that will explore ethics, practicality, and skills wrapped up in the principles of Leave No Trace. No matter the age, outdoor ethics can be investigated! Come join us for an exciting outdoor adventure, which even the hesitant outdoor explorer can enjoy!
All children must be accompanied by an adult for this program.
Katherine Hamilton is a recent graduate of Northern Vermont University-Johnson campus, where she studied organic chemistry and outdoor experiential education. She was certified by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator in winter of 2016. Her passion for the outdoors lands her outside often!
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. Lynn was recognized as a National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2013 for her work in environmental education. Her most recent endeavors for CFPA have focused on programming designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
