Woodcock Nature Center

Register Now for Impressionist Workshop at Weir Farm – June 8

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:59:15 +0000

There has been a tradition of Impressionist painting at Weir Farm National Historic Site since Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionism, acquired this rural, rustic retreat in Branchville, Connecticut in 1882. To honor as well as to continue this tradition, Weir Farm National Historic Site will be offering a one-day Spring Impressionist Painting Workshop on Saturday June 8th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced art students and artists interested in learning more about the science and poetry of Impressionist landscape painting. Participants must have a basic understanding of their selected art form and be able to handle their own equipment for plein air fieldwork as well as for the studio workshop environment. Workshops will include introductory classroom lectures, field demonstrations, and critique of the participant’s artwork. Registration for this workshop is free, but space is limited to twelve artists, so please call early to secure a spot! First choice will be given to artists who have not participated in a previous Impressionist Painting Workshop at Weir Farm National Historic Site. However, for those artists who wish to return, names will be placed on a wait-list and be considered as space allows. To register or for more information, please call 203-834-1896 ext. 28.

This workshop is just one in a series that will be offered at Weir Farm National Historic Site. The How to be an Impressionist Painter Workshop Series will be taught by Impressionist artist and educator Dmitri Wright, of Greenwich, Connecticut. Mr. Wright seeks to continue the Impressionist discipline through his preservation and progress of American Impressionism as the Artist-in-Residence of the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich and as an instructor of Impressionist drawing and painting at the Greenwich Art Society, Silvermine School of Art, and Weir Farm National Historic Site.

“Evening Under the Stars” Gala Event – JUNE 1

admin — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:14:30 +0000

Join us June 1 at 7 pm for our magical Evening Under the Stars Gala Event.

Click here for more information

Tickets are $60 each

Register online by following this link

This is an event that is not to be missed!

May 5 Run Race Results

admin — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:42:01 +0000

Click on this link and then go to Where the Wild Things Run at the top of his page.

Racers who joined on race day may find their names misspelled (or may find their gender incorrect). Sorry about that!

“Wildman” Steve Brill at WNC on Sept. 21

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:47:54 +0000

Join renowned forager Wildman Steve Brill in a rare local appearance on September 21, 2013 at 3 pm. Tickets will be $20 / adult and $10 for children under the age of 10. You must call 914 – 835 – 2153 at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a place. For more information, go to www.wildmanstevebrill.com

Discover Outdoor Wilton – Guided hikes each month through September

admin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:20:14 +0000

The Town of Wilton Conservation Commission & The Wilton Garden Club Conservation Committee invite you to DISCOVER OUTDOOR WILTON In a series of guided walks

Bring your Camera and Enter the 2013 Photo Calendar Contest!

Town Forest: Sat. June 1, 2013 9AM-10AM. At the parking area on Branch Brook Road - With 190.8 acres, the Town Forest is Wilton’s largest open space park. This walk will follow the picturesque streamside trail of Barrett’s brook that flows through the forest from Sheep’s Wash fall to Branch Brook.

Cherry lane Park: Sat. July 6, 2013 9AM-10AM. Near the intersection of Cherry Lane and Bank Drive – This park features a pond, stream and red Maple swamp. Owls have been observed in the large planted stand of white Pine and Spruce.

Schenck’s Island: Sat. Aug 3, 2013 9AM-10AM. At the north parking area off River Road – A beautiful oasis in the heart of Wilton, the only town owned open space not primarily a woodland. Its open fields and meadow-like areas provide a habitat for Wildflowers, which bloom continuously from spring to fall.

Bradley Park: Sat. Sept 7, 2013 9AM-10AM. At the end of Oak Ledge Lane – Just above Wilton Center, Bradley Park features a boardwalk trail that allows walkers into the heart of a red maple swamp. A variety of ferns and shrubs, including tall cinnamon ferns, fragrant sweet pepperbush and showy swamp azalea may be observed.

All walks are easy, open to all ages and free

Friendly dogs on leash are welcome too. Your hike will be led by a Wilton Conservation Commissioner or other expert.

For more information call: (203) 761-9846 or (203) 762-7287

RAINDATE: SUNDAY FROM 10 AM TO 11 AM

Andean Explorer to Speak: May 21

admin — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:58:32 +0000

Wilton Go Green (WGG) is pleased to announce the following speaker event to be held at the Wilton Library on May 21st as part of the WGG 2013 speaker series……

In April 2008, Gregg Treinish became one of the the first two people to trek the length of the Andes Mountains, south of the equator, a journey that lasted nearly two years and 7,800 miles. Following the spine of the longest mountain chain in the world, he and Deia Schlosberg created a new route, often times off-trail and even off-map. Along the way they were forced to battle crippling illnesses and highly unforgiving terrain. Traveling to remote and often never-before-visited villages in the Andes, they experienced first hand the lives of a people who have been living for centuries using sustainable methods. They see a tremendous value in sharing the lessons learned from a people who have been living harmoniously with the land for generations. Through intimate journal entries, stunning video, and captivating slides, Gregg will bring the Wilton Library attendees along for the journey. Gregg will be interviewed by international documentary photographer and former television producer/host Daryl Hawk.

Gregg and Deia were named National Geographic Adventurers of the Year for the endeavor. Today, Gregg is the Founder and Executive Director of Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation (www.adventureandscience.org), a nonprofit organization focused on bringing the adventure and science communities together. Gregg believes firmly that it is the responsibility of those who recreate in natural areas to protect those same areas.

Gregg has worked as a wildlife biologist, a backcountry guide, and a supervisor in wilderness therapy programs in Colorado and Montana. Gregg was recently named to the Christian Science Monitor’s 30 under 30 list in January of 2012. He is headed to Mongolia in March of 2013 to study wolverines in the Darhad region. This represents the first wildlife survey of the region and is funded through National Geographic.

Construct a new lid for the bass tank!

admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:16:26 +0000

Our largemouth bass currently has a cobbled-together lid made up of 6 discrete screens. Occasionally they get jostled and then one falls in and we have to reach in for it, risking life and limb! ( Have you seen this fish eat??)

Create a Kid’s Treasure Map!

admin — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:20:44 +0000

We are looking for someone to develop a map of WNC specifically geared towards kids! In other words, a map of suggestion. It could say things like “Cool Rocks here – great for climbing and exploring! Get out your magnifying glass and look for crystals!” “Boardwalk here – lie down and look for… under the water!” “Biggest Tree Here – How many people can get their arms around it?” “Otter scat usually found here!” “Old rusty wagon here”

It can go on and on, but it would turn a hike into almost a nature treasure hunt. We can suggest hiking games to do on a walk. There can be a different one for different seasons.

Natural Playground / Vertical Tree Hike

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:27:24 +0000

We are looking for a professional to design, create and work with us to create a natural playground and a vertical tree climb. We envision walking bridges and a canopy cargo net among other things.

Here are some links to things we think are really cool.

Link one – from Concord, Mass

Link two – from Bridgeport, CT

Trail Signage

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:17:56 +0000

Some of our trails have official names, but others are known by colors. We would like to have some help improving our signage and adding it where currently none exists.

Re-do Ropes on Floating Boardwalk

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:16:47 +0000

We have a new floating boardwalk which is awesome but we need to finish up the side ropes and could use your help!

Wood Splitting

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:15:54 +0000

You know what they say about heating with wood – it warms you 3x – once when you cut the tree down, once when you split the wood and once when you burn it in your stove. Well we need help with the second step - splitting wood! We welcome your burly strength and hope you will add us to your workout circuit!

Clearing Trails

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:11:56 +0000

We can use the wood that is currently on the forest floor for firewood in our pavilion, but we need the wood brought to the pavilion.

Re-Blazing Trails

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:10:42 +0000

Our trail blazes are in need of freshening up. They’ve faded or in some cases, fallen off the trees. We provide the paint!

Moving Large Logs from the Forest

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:09:47 +0000

In the recent storms, large trees fell over. We would like to use the wood to build our Natural Playground but we need to have the logs moved from the woods to the center without cutting them up too small.

National Trails Day – June 1- 2 – Two great options!

admin — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:09:03 +0000

On Sunday, June 2, at 2 PM, join the Norwalk River Watershed Alliance and Woodcock Nature Center for a guided walk and discussion of the area’s amphibians, aquatic life, wildflowers and invasive species. Hike leaves from Woodcock Nature Center. Bring cameras, field glasses, boots and questions.

To register or for more information call Woodcock at 203-762-7280 or NRWA at 877-NRWA-INFO ( 877-679-2463) or info@norwalkriver.org.

Lace up your hiking boots on Saturday June 1 too celebrate National and Connecticut Trails Day! Join us for a guided walk from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, sponsored by Weir Farm National Historic Site, the Norwalk River Watershed Association, and the Ridgefield Conservation Commission. This informative three mile hike through National Park Service, Town of Ridgefield, and State of Connecticut property will discuss the natural history of the area, and how people historically used the land! The trail passes through old field, wetlands, mountain laurel groves, and towering rocky ledges.

Questions About Injured Animals?

admin — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:08:54 +0000

Every week we field questions from concerned neighbors about fledgling birds, injured animals or wild animals that somehow got into the house. Woodcock is not licensed to rehabilitate animals and so we cannot take your baby birds, etc. We always refer people to nearby Wildlife in Crisis. They are located in Weston, and are great. Their website is very complete, with lots of information that may alleviate fears and answer your questions. Call them at 203-544- 9913 or follow this link to their home page.

For the 2013 guide to CT Rehabilitators, follow this link: 2013 rehab directory.

N2N Energy Challenge

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:08:48 +0000

We are very excited to announce that the Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge recently revamped our Community Group Rewards competition and now every organization has a chance to earn cash rewards when their members complete home energy upgrades. We are offering $200 for every upgrade valued at over $1,000. It’s a great way for the Woodcock Nature Center to earn money and help your community.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at (860) 372-4406 or neighbors@ctenergychallenge.com.

And go to this link to sign up for your assessment and be sure to mention Woodcock Nature Center!!

Turtle in Your Driveway? On Your Street?

admin — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:50:03 +0000

It is egg-laying time for female turtles, so they are on the move! Don’t be surprised to see these amazing reptiles in your garden or crossing the street.

Please use caution, especially with snapping turtles, as they have powerful jaws. Never pick up a snapping turtle by the tail, as it can dislocate and seriously harm the turtle.

If turtles are in the road, please use a shovel to push the turtle out of harm’s way, preferably in the direction she was headed.

If turtles are in your garden, watch from a safe distance and perhaps in a month or so, baby turtles will hatch!

2013 Summer Camp

admin — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:55:21 +0000

Follow this link to the new schedule!

Credit Card Checkout

admin — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:02:33 +0000

Woodcock Nature Center current uses Paypal for processing payments for Registrations.

We accept Credit Card and Paypal payments via Paypal.

If you plan to use a credit card for payment, please note the following steps:

Step1:

Select Credit Card as your payment option.
On the next screen, completeyour credit card details

Step 2:

If you have ever had a Paypal account in the past, you will have the option to login and pay with your Paypal account.
If you do not wish to use your Paypal account and choose to still pay with your credit card, select the “Continue without logging in” option circled in red below.

Step 3:

Be sure to click the “Pay Now button” on the final screen to confirm your payment.
If your payment has been successful, you will receive a payment confirmation from Paypal.

Blue-Trail Bridge

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:15:56 +0000

A low spot on our blue trail often floods and becomes impassable for the groups of children who visit WNC regularly. We need someone with carpentry skills to build and place a small overland bridge.

Signage for Our Birds

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:13:40 +0000

We need more permanent signs for our birds of prey – to let visitors know their official names, their unofficial names, their breed, the nature of their injuries, etc. Signage needs to be completely weather proof and sturdy.

WNC Promotional DVD

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:09:32 +0000

Great project for an aspiring film maker! We would love someone to shoot footage of the center, the grounds, the animals and of some of our programs that would be used in a promotional dvd (5-15 minutes long).

Prepping for the Wreath Festival

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:06:23 +0000

Our Wreath Festival begins after Thanksgiving, but we begin prepping for it in the early fall. We need volunteers to spray paint dried materials, tie ribbons, prepare cardboard boxes for storing materials during the event (wrapping them in festive paper or spray painting the boxes gold or silver) and then, close to the event, organizing and setting up the facility. This could include decorating our pavilion, stringing lights, etc.

Craft Organization

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:03:41 +0000

Here at Woodcock Nature Center, we go through a lot of craft supplies and with all the different programs we run, our craft supplies sometimes end up in disarray. If you are a person who loves to restore order, we have a job for you! We need someone to go through our supplies and give us a rough estimate of what we have and what we need. Then we need that person to make sure that the supplies are organized and easily accessible. If this sounds like a great job for you, give us a call!

Build us a Tool Shed!

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:57:43 +0000

We have two existing tool sheds that are in bad shape and not big enough for all our stuff. We’d love to have those either rebuilt or replaced with a water tight, weather proof tool shed or sheds with shelving, hooks, proper locks, etc.

Invasive Plant Clean up

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:56:52 +0000

We would love a team of volunteers to come eradicate some of the bittersweet and wine berry vines that surround our buildings.

Tree Work

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:56:22 +0000

We are looking for professional tree workers who can’t get enough of their chosen profession. We have dead and dying trees adjacent to our road and parking area. It would be great to get these cleaned out. Trees could just be dropped or cut into small sections and we’ll burn the wood later in the year in our fireplace!

Gutter Repair & Maintenance

admin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:22:08 +0000

Our rain gutters have an unusual design – for whatever reason, one dumps vast quantities of water directly in front of the main door to the nature center. We’d love a redesign or at least a temporary fix that might alleviate this problem.

In addition, the gutters frequently become blocked by leaves; in addition to cleaning them out, we need a helpful handyperson to fix/finish/re-route them to help prevent future build-up. The blockage has resulted in water going where it shouldn’t and making a trench / huge puddle right where we need to walk.