Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust

Flanders Letterbox Series
2026-12-31 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Flanders has planted several letterboxes on the family friendly trails at their preserves and sanctuaries. Combining art and nature in a fun interactive way, letterboxing is a popular treasure hunting activity done world-wide.
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Manville Kettle Hike
2026-09-19 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
Join Flanders’ Land Management Volunteer, Cameron Gardella, on a late summer hike of the first property held in trust by Flanders. This unique property contains an open field, mixed trees and a swamp. Located in the center of town the preserve is known as a “kettle” because geologists believe the depression was formed during the last ice age and filled with water from melting ice. The hike is an easy, 60 minutes, 1 mile out and back.

Autumn Foraging: Talk, Walk and Tasting
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Sugar House, 48 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Join The 3 Foragers as they teach the flavors of autumn foraging for wild plants and mushrooms with an educational slideshow of all-original photos. We will take a hands-on walk on the property to touch, smell, and examine some of the living specimens. The program will end with a tasting of the seasonal bounty, prepared by Karen and Robert using fresh plants and mushrooms, and sharing goodies from their pantry and preserved stash. Come taste the wild!

Designing Asrological Totems
2026-09-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Studio, 5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
In this hands-on workshop, participants will create a small artwork representing their astrological birth sign using collage, watercolor, colored pencil, and acrylic paint. We’ll explore the four elements—fire, earth, air, and water—and how they relate to the zodiac. Participants will leave with a personal totem on a small canvas and a deeper understanding of the gifts and tendencies associated with their sun sign. No prior knowledge of astrology is required. Materials are provided; participants are welcome to bring meaningful personal items.

Flanders Summer Soiree
2026-08-30 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Van Vleck House, 5 Church Hill Rd, WOODBURY, CT, 06798, United States
Join us for an unforgettable late-summer golden-hour gathering at the Van Vleck Sanctuary. For more information & tickets!

Farm Past & Present: An Assessible Trail Experience
2026-08-15 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Van Vleck House, 5 Church Hill Rd, WOODBURY, CT, 06798, United States
Enjoy a leisurely hike along our new accessible trail, designed for visitors of all abilities. Along the way, Alex Thomson will share insights into Flanders’ collection of antique tractors, highlighting their history and role on the farm. The walk also includes a visit to the North Barn with a talk and live introduction to our resident farm animals by Heather Kokinchak. This relaxed, engaging program offers a closer look at Flanders’ agricultural past and present in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Introduction to Stone Carving
2026-06-27 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Van Vleck House, 5 Church Hill Rd, WOODBURY, CT, 06798, United States
Led by sculptor Justin Perlman, this beginner level workshop introduces the materials and methods of stone carving. Designed for those curious about this ancient art form, the four hour workshop serves as an accessible primer. Through discussion and live demonstration, Justin will introduce a range of stone carving techniques, covering both classic hand tools and modern diamond tools. Participants will also have the opportunity to carve their own piece of limestone with guided instruction. This workshop takes place outdoors; please dress accordingly. Participants are encouraged to wear boots, bring leather garden or work gloves, and carry their own water bottle. This program is in collaboration with the Green Feather Foundation.

Leaf Printing
2026-06-20 09:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Studio, 5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Join local artist Joan Anthony as she demonstrates the technique of leaf printing, shows examples of leaf printing, and leads adult participants in learning how to print with leaves. Participants will make several cards and a small artwork using leaves and acrylic paint to create a leaf print. All materials will be supplied. Participants may bring fresh leaves, special papers, jars of acrylic paint, or rubber stamps.

Introductory Tai Chi for All Levels
2026-06-18 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Van Vleck House, 5 Church Hill Rd, WOODBURY, CT, 06798, United States
This class will review fundamental ideas and movements of Tai Chi, catering to beginners while also providing challenging practice for intermediates. All will gain the benefits of increased balance, calm, and concentration. The movements will improve stability, coordination, and energy. The class will entail Qi Gong movements for general well-being, followed by a series of Tai Chi postures from the traditional forms.

Summer Camp
2026-06-08 - 2026-08-28
In our popular summer camp series, children can explore nature, art, agriculture, and ecology in a fun healthy and stimulating outdoor environment. From farming fun to outdoor explorations, art adventures or creating cooking, Flanders’ summer camp offers more than 70 programs to keep children ages 3 to 13 entertained! Great spaces, great programs – for all ages!

Nature Observed and Imagined
2026-06-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Van Vleck House, 5 Church Hill Rd, WOODBURY, CT, 06798, United States
Woodbury-born artist Marc Chabot presents Nature Observed and Imagined in the Van Vleck House Galleries. The exhibition features landscape monotypes and imaginative drawing caprices, along with figure studies from life, including a suite of monotypes shown together for the first time in 26 years. The opening reception is Saturday, June 6th at 6:00 PM in the galleries with a brief talk and walk through the exhibition by Marc Chabot. The exhibition will then be open to the public until the end of July, Monday Through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM.

CT Trails Day – Leavenworth Preserve Hike
2026-06-06 10:30 - 12:00 UTC
Join Flanders volunteer, Mike Carlo, for a guided hike of our Leavenworth Preserve. This 126-acre property contains former logging roads that have been developed into a low-impact trail system. The hike is an easy to moderate, 60 to 90 minute, 1.5 mile loop.

Field & Forest Trail Run
2026-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Sugar House, 48 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
The Flanders Field & Forest 5K is an all-age walk/run, officially timed by Fast Track Timing. Enjoy the picturesque nature sanctuary and entertainment! This race is open to all levels of runners and walkers, with awards given to the top male and female finishers in each age division and the overall male and female winners. This event is rain or shine; however Flanders reserves the right to cancel in the event of lightning. We apologize, due to the terrain this event cannot accommodate strollers or pets on the course. Registration fees are non-refundable.
DIVISIONS: under 19 / 20 – 29 / 30 – 39 / 40 – 49 / 50 – 59 / 60-69 / 70-79 / 80+
GO GREEN: We are earth friendly at Flanders. Water stations will have paper cups OR bring your own reusable bottle!
Post race party includes live music, food and drinks from local food trucks! (food & beverages are additional purchases)
Online registration closes on June 4 at 11:59 PM
$32.80 (incl. 2.80 fee) ages 10+ & $22.80 (incl. 2.80 fee) ages 0 – 10
(Same day registration in person only | $40 All Ages)
Register by May 5th to receive a FREE race shirt!
All proceeds from the Field & Forest 5K will benefit Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust

Goat Yoga
2026-05-31 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | North Barn
Connect with nature—and adorable Nigerian dwarf goats—at Goat Yoga! Led by experienced instructor Sharon Poarch, this one?hour gentle class is suitable for all levels. Practice outdoors as playful goats frolic and cuddle alongside you on the scenic farm grounds. Dress comfortably for an outdoor class with live animals, bring a yoga mat or towel, and be ready for a little messiness—and a lot of silliness.

Colonial Flanders Festival
2026-05-16 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Van Vleck House, 5 Church Hill Rd, WOODBURY, CT, 06798, United States
The United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial this year and Flanders is celebrating as well! We are honoring our nation’s 250th birthday with many exciting programs and events. This year’s festival will have a unique focus on the colonial era in our history. By spotlighting our legacy, we also look forward to all the future has to hold! Save the date to celebrate with us! LOCAL ARTISANS & EXHIBITORS – COLONIAL OPEN HEARTH COOKING – DEMONSTRATIONS – LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS – CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES & GAMES – PERCHERON HORSE DRAWN – CARRIAGE RIDES & WAGON RIDES – (WEATHER PERMITTING) – LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES – BY REGION 14 STUDENTS & SWEETCAKE MOUNTAIN BAND – FARM TOURS & LIVE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS – RIBBON CUTTING & DEDICATIONS. FUN FOR ALL! Check out other 250th Tri-bury Area Celebrations!

Senior Hikes With Arthur
2026-05-12 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Join retired Flanders Executive Director, Arthur Milnor and Flanders volunteer, Kathy Haven for easy to moderate casual walks taken on forest trails. A great opportunity to get outside, observe what’s happening in the natural world in winter and early spring, learn something new, and maybe even meet new friends. These hikes are not just for seniors. All are welcome!

Flanders Artist Day 2026
2026-05-09 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
CALLING ARTISTS IN ALL MEDIA! Spend a day creating plein air artwork inspired by the scenic grounds of Flanders, followed by a group exhibition of finished work. The show opens Friday, October 2 with a public artist reception and runs through Sunday, October 11.

Trail Work Days
2026-05-09 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Van Vleck House, 5 Church Hill Rd, WOODBURY, CT, 06798, United States
Join our monthly trail work party! Help us remove invasive plants from our trails at the Van Vleck Sanctuary. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands dirty and have fun. Flanders volunteer, Sandy Carlson, is leading this initiative and will provide instruction. Bring pruners and loppers, if you have them and make sure to dress appropriately. Long pants, shirts and sturdy closed toe shoes are recommended.

Trail Work Days
2026-05-09 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Join our new Fall monthly trail work party! Help us remove invasive plants from the Botany Trail. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands dirty and have fun. Bring pruners and loppers, if you have them and make sure to dress appropriately. Long pants, shirts and sturdy closed toe shoes are recommended.

Wildflower Walks
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Sugar House, 48 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Celebrate spring with a guided wildflower walk on Flanders’ award-winning Botany Trail, led by a member of the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club. Established in 1965, the trail features wildflowers rescued from the proposed path of I-84 and other development projects. Dress for walking in the woods; rain will cancel the hike.

Whittemore Sanctuary Hike
2026-05-02 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Whittemore Sanctuary, Rte 64, Sherman Hill Rd, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Flanders Land Management Volunteer, Karen Esslinger, will lead this spring hike of the Whittemore. The extensive 8-mile trail system winds through a wide range of ecological habitats, including woodlands, streams, ponds, and a large bog. The bog and wetlands support endangered, threatened, and rare plants. The forest on the property is, historically, one of the oldest privately managed forests in Connecticut, containing planted white pine, regenerated oak, and several large laurel and tulip tree stands. The hike is moderate, 90 to 120 minutes, and a 3-mile loop.

Firefly Hill Farm Programs
2026-05-02 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York)
Spring Migration Guided Birding Walk
Saturday, May 2 | 8:00–9:00 AM
Join us for a guided birding walk to witness the wonder of spring migration in full swing! Led by Mike McAloon, a birdwatcher and biologist, you will learn basic birding skills to help you spot warblers, thrushes, sparrows, flycatchers, and more. Mike has extensive experience in environmental and general biology teaching, research, and fieldwork. He currently teaches at Taft School, and we are honored that he is sharing his knowledge and passion for this event. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the avian world, all are welcome! Bring binoculars and water (tick and insect repellent are available at the trailhead).
The Enchanted Forest: Faeries, Fables, and Fairytales
May 23–24 and May 30–31 | Open access 11 AM–3 PM | The Princeton Center, 27 Siemon Company Drive, Watertown
Back by popular demand, this free beloved magical exhibition returns to Firefly Gallery. Step into a whimsical indoor world of artful installations made from antique treasures and forgotten artifacts. Perfect for dreamers of all ages—faerie wings encouraged! Cross the pedestrian bridge, take the elevator to the 3rd floor, and follow the arrows.
Walk In The Woods
June – July – August | Open access 10 AM–6 PM
Join us for a free, interactive outdoor experience for all ages. Enjoy Secret Lives of Forest Creatures, a 32-sign scavenger hunt; Gifts of the Forest, a 12-banner Story Walk along the trail; mindfulness prompts to encourage reflection, and art installations celebrating the beauty of nature

Community Service Day: Earth Day
2026-04-22 09:30 - 12:00 UTC
Help us make a positive and lasting impact by joining us for a day of service! Volunteers will remove non-native plant species on a Flanders property. The goal is to reduce, minimize, or eliminate the invasive plants, clearing the way for local species to reclaim their territory. Community service hours can be provided for this event. Meeting location, what to pack, what to wear and what to bring will be sent to those who have signed up to volunteer. Please leave all furry friends at home.

Vernal Pools: Amphibian Habitat
2026-04-11 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Sugar House, 48 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Come learn about vernal pools and then explore these amphibian breeding places! Vernal pools are fishless temporary spring ponds that form in the forest essential to many amphibians and other aquatic creatures. During this program, Flanders Environmental Educator Hailey Horan will discuss the importance of vernal pools. Then the group will venture out into the night to discover some of our pools and investigate firsthand what their nocturnal inhabitants are up to! (Weather Permitting)

Summer Foraging: Talk, Walk and Food Tasting!
2026-04-09 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join The 3 Foragers to learn about the edible wild plants and mushrooms of Summer that can be found all around us. The program begins with a slideshow of original images, and then a hands-on walk and talk in the woods surrounding the Sugar House. We will finish the day with a tasting of prepared items made from wild foods. We will use all of our senses, including taste, to explore edible wild foods. Bring a camera and your sense of adventure, we provide the food!

Annual Meeting
2026-04-08 18:30 - 20:00 UTC
Please join us as we conduct our annual meeting. We will elect directors, reflect on 2025 accomplishments and share plans for 2026. We will also celebrate our volunteers and announce the 2025 Volunteer of the Year! This is a good opportunity to meet our Board and share ideas. Refreshments will be served. More Information

Full Pink Moon Hike
2026-04-01 22:00 - 23:00 UTC | Studio, 5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Join Board Member and Land Management Committee Chair, John Trainor, for a guided spring evening hike of the Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary. This is a unique opportunity to explore the trails at night and see the sanctuary in a new way under the Full Pink Moon.

Beekeeping Series
2026-03-14 10:00 - 2026-04-18 11:30 UTC | Studio, 5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Learn to be a beekeeper! Take our popular introductory beekeeping course on the art and science of beekeeping. Led by Al Avitabile, Emeritus Professor in the Biology Department at UCONN, co-author of The Beekeeper’s Handbook, and noted beekeeper and researcher. The workshops will promote the importance of pollinators to our environment and show students how to start and keep a hive, as well as brainstorm new ideas to help keep our pollinators alive and thriving. This series will consist of three classes and two field trips to an apiary. Some basic beekeeping equipment will be provided.

Nature’s Little Explorers
2026-03-09 14:30 - 2026-05-18 16:00 UTC
Join us for one or all four of our engaging programs that are specifically designed for caregivers and toddlers to bond together in nature!
Who’s Tracking at Flanders?
Go on a journey to seek out animal tracks at Flanders and signs of animal movement in the landscape. Then make your own tracks with us just like the animals do!
New Shoots, New Growth
Around this time, the hardiest of green plants begin to emerge on the landscape. Join us on a new shoot scavenger hunt where we’ll hike together in exploration. Nature craft and story included.
Seeds, Seeds, Seeds
Discover and play with seeds large and small from corn kernels to broccoli seeds. Plant a vegetable or flower seed with your little one and take home a planted pot to watch grow!
Finding Wildflowers
Join a flowery adventure seeking out and enjoying early spring ephemeral wildflowers! Connect with your little one and the landscape in a guided hike and a wildflower craft.
Baby Animals
Join us for these interactive sessions at our North Barn where baby chicks, baby goats and baby rabbits arrive in spring. Delight in visiting animals, learn their parts, help with tasks, and enjoy a sensory farm experience!

Pancake Breakfast
2026-03-01 08:00 - 12:00 UTC
Join us for our Annual Pancake Breakfast, featuring all you can eat pancakes and sausage, served with Flanders’ maple syrup, butter and a beverage (coffee, tea and/or orange juice). All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Flanders’ education programs.
