Seasonal Splendor: April - September 2026

Be the first to enter the historic Van Vleck House and enjoy shopping for unique gifts in this year’s Artisan’s Marketplace. Over 60 local artisans will have one of kind items for sale at what has become one of the most anticipated Flanders events of the year. A limited number of tickets will be pre-sold for Friday, November 7th then from 5–7pm be the first to see and shop at this year’s Artisan Marketplace.

Please note: all virtual program links will be e-mailed by noon, day of program.
You may be videotaped or photographed when attending events / programs and may appear in publications and social media.

Community Events

Field & Forest Trail Run

June 6 - Join us for a beautiful run (or walk!) through Flanders’ scenic trails, fields, and forest paths while supporting our mission to preserve and care for local open space. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or cheering on friends and family, this community favorite has something for everyone.

Colonial Flanders Festival

Sat, May 16 - The United States will celebrate its semi-quincentennial this year and Flanders is celebrating as well!

Children & Youth Programs

Flanders Trail Blazers 4-H Club

Make new friends, solve problems and make a difference in your neighborhood or even in the world!

Summer Camp

Jun 8 thru Aug 28 - Flanders’ summer camp offers more than 70 programs to keep children ages 3 to 13 entertained! Great spaces, great programs – for all ages!

Adventure Days

Flanders offers a camp-like day of adventures. Enrich time out of school with nature-based learning!

Nature’s Little Explorers

March thru May - Join us for one or all five of our engaging programs that are specifically designed for caregivers and toddlers to bond together in nature!

Seasonal Trail Hike Series

Firefly Hill Farm Programs

Sat, May 2, 23-24 & 30-31 - Join us for a free, interactive outdoor experience for all ages!

Manville Kettle Hike

Sat, Sept 19 - Join Flanders’ Land Management Volunteer, Cameron Gardella, on a late summer hike of the first property held in trust by Flanders

Farm Past & Present: An Assessible Trail Experience

Sat, Aug 15 - Enjoy a leisurely hike along our new accessible trail, designed for visitors of all abilities.

CT Trails Day – Leavenworth Preserve Hike

Sat, June 6 - Join Flanders volunteer, Mike Carlo, for a guided hike of our Leavenworth Preserve.

Adult & Family Programs

Autumn Foraging: Talk, Walk and Tasting

Sat, Sept 12 - Join The 3 Foragers as they teach the flavors of autumn foraging for wild plants and mushrooms with an educational slideshow

Designing Asrological Totems

Sat, Sept 12 - create a small artwork representing their astrological birth sign using collage, watercolor, colored pencil, and acrylic paint

Introduction to Stone Carving

Sat, June 27 - Led by sculptor Justin Perlman, this beginner level workshop introduces the materials and methods of stone carving

Leaf Printing

Sat, June 20 - Join local artist Joan Anthony as she demonstrates the technique of leaf printing

Flanders Clubs

Photography Club 2026

Our focus is outdoor nature photography “to foster understanding and appreciation of nature, art and the wonders of the natural world . . .”

Flanders Trail Blazers 4-H Club

UCONN 4-H is a youth organization whose mission is engaging youth to reach their fullest potential with a motto “To Make the Best Better.”

Flanders Environmental Book Club

Join reading enthusiasts and book club leaders, Adele Falco and Ingrid Manning, in discussing reading that will focus on mostly non-fiction books about nature and the environment.

Flanders Garden Club

The garden club will meet regularly to discuss garden projects, conduct adult and children’s garden programs, visit notable gardens, and tend to the Flanders Van Vleck House & Studio Gardens.

Forever Connected

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:

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—Helping raise funds to support Flanders’ Mission.
Historic Van Vleck Committee—Ensuring 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.

To Learn More

Contact Flanders’ volunteer coordinator Ana Jordan to learn more about becoming a Flanders ambassador or other available volunteer opportunities today!