Trek, taste and discover with us this spring!
Join us after school this spring for some nature art!
Explore our trails dawn to dusk daily.
Trek, taste and discover with us this spring!
Upcoming Programs
Frothy Forage
Saturday, April 25 from 12 - 8 pm
Trek, taste and discover with us! Bring the whole family for a one-of-a-kind hiking and tasting experience! At secret locations along the Woodcock trails we'll delight your senses with all new craft brews and sweet sips for all ages plus animal encounters, treats, treasure hunts and live music.
Registration is required. Ticket prices vary.
Storytime: On The Trails
Friday, May 1 from 11 am - 12 pm
Friday, June 5 from 11 am - 12 pm
There's no better time than spring for Storytime: On the Trails program! Each session, we will enjoy a walk on our trails led by an educator, pointing out the wonders of nature and sharing fascinating facts about the season, before gathering around for a story. The perfect way to connect with nature and your child as spring awakens. This program is for ages 2-6 with a caregiver.
Registration is free, but required.
Exploring Tea with Tommy
Saturday, May 2 from 10 am - 12 pm
Did you know that black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea all come from the same plant? Learn about how these different teas are made and what gives them their unique, subtle flavors and characteristics! Woodcock educator Tommy McCarthy will lead the group on a short guided hike along the Woodcock trails and then through a relaxing tasting session of 3 or more different types of loose leaf tea including Japanese green tea, Taiwanese oolong tea, and Chinese black tea, brewed in traditional tea ceremony style in our pavilion.
Registration is required. $55 per person. Recommended for ages 13+
Incredible Insects Drop-Off Program
Saturday, May 2 from 2 - 4 pm
Do you have a child who loves finding rolly pollies and caterpillars? In this program, we will learn about the many insects you could find in your own backyard. We will scoop in the swamp to see what critters we can find, meet WNC's resident insects, and make a cool bug craft. This program is for children in grades K-2.
Registration is required. $45 per child.
Nature Center Open House
Saturday, May 9 from 10 am - 12 pm
Saturday, June 6 from 10 am - 12 pm
A Woodcock team member welcomes you to the nature center for a chance to meet and learn about our ambassador animals. The Nature Center building will be open to guests during the dates/hours listed above.
No registration needed.
The Magic of Moss Guided Hike at Hemlock Hills Preserve, Ridgefield
Saturday, May 9 from 10 - 11:30 am
Relish the morning exploring the mosses of the beautiful Hemlock Hills preserve. Join environmental educator Tommy McCarthy as he leads us on a walk, sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of these wonderful, often overlooked primitive plants.
This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commision.
Registration is required.
History of the Land Guided Hike
Saturday, May 9 from 1:30 - 3 pm
Part of Ridgefield CT Commemorates America at 250.
Have you ever wondered what life was like decades and centuries ago? Come travel through time and learn about the story of the land at Woodcock Nature Center. On this guided hike you will learn about who lived here and how the land was used before it was a nature center. Local history enthusiast, metal detector and archaeologist Elijah Crehan will show some of the amazing things he has found buried beneath our feet.
Registration is required.
Lunch Break Hike and Hang
Monday May 11 from 12 - 1 pm
Looking for an active way to enjoy your lunch break? Join us for a free short 45-minute hike on our trails. Bring a lunch to enjoy on the grounds afterward, or head home to finish up your workday. This group will meet the third Monday of every month, so add it to your calendar going forward. Meet at the trailhead kiosk along the main driveway.
We will cancel for rain or snow.
Registration is requested, but not required. Walk-ins welcome.
Amphibians at Woodcock Guided Hike
Saturday, May 15 from 1 - 2:30 pm
With spring well underway, there is a lot of amphibian activity! Frogs and salamanders have laid their eggs and tadpoles are starting to grow their hind legs. Join educator Kevin Andros to search for and learn about these amazing creatures on a guided hike perfect for the whole family.
Registration is free, but required. This program is for adults and families.
Nature Crafting with Educator Jennifer Bradshaw
Thursday, May 21 from 7 - 8:30 pm
Enjoy an evening of crafting with educator Jennifer Bradshaw. Participants will learn about various nature topics and create a beautiful springtime craft.
Registration is required. $42 per person. This program is for adults.
Moth Madness Drop-Off Program
Friday, May 22 from 8 - 10 pm
Let's uncover the wonderful world of moths! While these primarily nocturnal insects are seldom seen, we will embark on a night hike to visit light traps and baited trees to see what we can find. This should attract different moth species so we can learn and identify together what we see. With over 1,000 species of moth that live in New England, we are always excited to discover more of them! This program is for children in grades 3-6.
Registration is required. $45 per child.
Pre-K Open House
Saturday, May 30 from 10-11:30 AM
Have you ever wondered what our preschool programs are like? Join Ms. Jen and Ms. Jennifer, our preschool program teachers, for a morning of play and exploration! This open house is for children 16 months to 4 years old and their parents or caregivers. Throughout the morning you will have the chance to see all of our teaching rooms, view all of our animals, play on the playground and ask any questions you may have.
Registration is requested, but not required. Walk-ins welcome.
Moths at McKeon Farm, Ridgefield
Saturday, June 6 from 8:30 - 10 pm
Welcome to the wonderful world of moths! Many species are seldom seen and underappreciated for their strikingly beautiful patterns and interesting range of adaptations. We will set up a light sheet to attract moths and other insects, and will learn about what we see and identify! There are over 1,000 species of moth that live in New England, and we are always excited to discover more of them!
This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission and is part of CT Trails Day, organized by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.
Registration is free, but required. This program is for adults and families.
Night Flight: Exploring Bats & Tequila
Saturday, August 29 from 5:30 - 8 pm
Dive into a one-of-a-kind bat presentation and experience that shines a spotlight on these fascinating creatures and their vital role in our ecosystem. Get up close with a live ambassador bat and discover what makes these nighttime flyers so incredible. Your evening will include educational programming, light bites and tequila tasting in our picturesque pavilion.
Proceeds from this program support Woodcock's community outreach programs.
Registration is required. $65 per person. This program is for adults 21+.