NOTE: The Farm Trail at the Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary is temporarily closed.

Become Involved

More than fifty years ago, Natalie Van Vleck had a singular vision: to preserve what was known throughout the region as Flanders Nature Center in order that others could experience beauty in nature, learn about the importance of protecting the environment, sustain rural traditions of the land, and most importantly, take part in educational activities that unite nature, art, farming, and the environment.

Today, her legacy is a vision become reality. Flanders is a treasure… a first-class land trust and nature center, and an invaluable and irreplaceable community asset. Its 2,300 acres of preserves and sanctuaries, including the 200-acre Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary, offer seemingly endless opportunities for exploration, education, discovery, and recreation.

Flanders relies on dedicated friends, members, and volunteers to fulfill its mission.  By becoming involved, you’ll take pride in knowing that you are supporting important land preservation efforts and exceptional environmental education programming for young and old alike.

Become a member
Make a donation
Volunteer your time

Basic Memberships & Opportunities

Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust relies on dedicated members to fulfill its mission.  As a member of Flanders, you’ll take pride in knowing that you are supporting important land preservation and stewardship efforts, as well as exceptional environmental education programming for young and old alike.

Become a member of Flanders

Individual – $35

  • Discounts on classes, other programs and specific events
  • Invitation to Annual Meeting and election privileges
Join Now

Family – $65
(2 adults and children under age 21)

  • Discounts on classes, other programs and specific events
  • Discounts on summer camp
  • Invitation to the Annual Meeting and election privileges
  • Opportunity to host a children’s birthday party at Flanders
Join Now

Sustaining Memberships

  • Cedar $100
  • White Birch $250
  • Hickory $500
Join Now

Orchid Society

  • Chestnut $1,000
  • Sugar Maple $3,000
Join Now

Volunteer

Volunteer Your Time

A gift of your time and talent is a very important contribution. Flanders offers regular opportunities for members and friends to share their skills and interests with the organization and community. Seasonal events at Flanders, such as Maple Sugaring, Flanders Festival, Field & Forest 5K, Flanders Annual Benefit & Auction, and our holiday wreath making workshops depend upon the work of hundreds of dedicated volunteers to make them successful. From a Land Trust perspective, Flanders relies on its volunteers to carry on its mission of preserving and caring for more than 2,400 acres of protected property in the region. Whether you would like to volunteer regularly or just help when you have the time, Flanders needs you!

Consider Joining a Committee

Ready to get more involved with Flanders and share your expertise? Join one or more of our volunteer lead committees to help us meet our goals and objectives and further our mission and vision. By being a committee member you will help grow Flanders and make a deep impact! Here is a list of our committees with a brief description:  (More Information)

  • LEARN Committee—Promoting and teaching the understanding and appreciation of art, farming, and nature to adults and families.
  • Art Committee—Organize art related programs and conserve founder Natalie Van Vleck’s history and archives.
  • Land Management Committee—Managing Flanders 2,400+ acres of open space.
  • Land Acquisition Committee—Acquiring important open space lands.
  • Development/Fundraising Committee—Help with raising funds for supporting Flanders Mission.
  • Historic Van Vleck Committee—Ensure Flanders facilities are properly maintained and/or restored.

Want to Lead a Hike, Program or Class?

Do you have a talent that you would like to share?  Flanders is always looking for new instructors!

For more information about all our volunteer and committee opportunities please contact Program Coordinator, Ana Jordan by email or by calling 203.263.3711 x14.

Fill out your information below or download a volunteer form and mail to:
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
Attn: Ana Jordan
5 Church Hill Road
Woodbury, CT 06798