The Return of the Black Bear
2025-11-06 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Black bears are back in Connecticut—and they’re closer than you think. Once a rare sight, these powerful and intelligent animals are now making regular appearances in neighborhoods, parks, and backyards across the state. Curious, adaptable, and increasingly common, black bears are capturing the public’s attention and raising important questions about safety, conservation, and coexistence.

Black Friday Gratitude Hike
2025-11-28 10:00 - 17:00 UTC
Get outside on Black Friday and join us for a Gratitude Hike. Former board president, Anne Westerman, will lead this hike as we give thanks and enjoy some time out in nature. This hike will traverse our main campus. The natural habitats of the sanctuary, including fields, meadows, forests, wetlands, marshes, streams, and ponds, support a great diversity of wildlife species. Open to ALL!

Beavers: Nature’s Master Engineers
2025-12-04 18:30 - 20:30 UTC
Dive into the world of beavers—Connecticut’s incredible, industrious mammals. Learn how these fascinating creatures shape our landscapes, create wetlands, and support biodiversity through their dam-building talents. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a backyard observer, or simply curious about local wildlife, this program will offer surprising insights into the lives of beavers: how they build, where they live, what they eat, and why they’re vital to healthy ecosystems.

Fall Senior Hikes with Arthur & Kathy!
2025-12-09 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Join retired Flanders Executive Director, Arthur Milnor, and volunteer Kathy Haven for easy to moderate casual walks taken on forest trails. These hikes are a great opportunity to get outside, observe what’s happening in the natural world, learn something new, and maybe even meet new friends! Not just for seniors—all are welcome!

Photography Club 2026
2026-01-01 08:00 - 2026-12-31 17:00 UTC
Want to join the Flanders Photography Club? Our focus is outdoor nature photography “to foster understanding and appreciation of nature, art and the wonders of the natural world . . .” The Club’s purpose is to promote the development of photographic skills and the art of photography. Meetings will include instruction on the basics of outdoor photography, camera operation, features, techniques and tips as well as presentations, forums, and guest speakers. Plus there will be outdoor exercises and projects, such as macro, wildlife and bird photography.

Adventure Days
2026-02-16 08:30 - 2026-06-01 16:30 UTC
Enrich time out of school with nature-based learning! During school vacation days, Flanders offers a camp-like day of adventures outside, ecological learning, crafts & activities and student-interest driven fun. Journeys on the land together are led by our experienced nature mentors, together exploring hidden brooks, farm pastures, open meadows, amphibian-loving marshes, pine forests and more across Flanders’ 200-acre main campus. Now enrolling for grades K–5 winter and spring vacation days! Pre-registration required.

Natalie Van Vleck – Views of a Timeless Nature
2026-02-20 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Studio, 5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Join Flanders Curator, Marc Chabot, for a a brief discussion about the art included in the new art exhibition themed “Natalie Van Vleck – Views of a Timeless Nature.” This exhibition highlights the enduring beauty and perspective found in Natalie’s art. Due to limited space, prior registration is requested. After the discussion, attendees will be guided into the Van Vleck House Galleries for a viewing of the featured works. The exhibition will then be open Thursdays through Saturdays 10 AM to 2 PM until the end of May. Please call the office for more information.

Fleming Preserve Hike
2026-02-21 11:00 UTC
Join us for a hike on our Fleming Preserve, which is the site of the original Flanders sap house. This beautiful property also includes a former apple orchard, stone walls, and a spectacular scenic overlook. Hike is easy to moderate, 45 to 60 minutes, 1.25 mile out and back.

Maple Syrup Demonstrations
2026-02-21 18:00 - 2026-04-05 15:00 UTC | Sugar House, 48 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, CT, 06798, United States
Reserve your time to visit the Sugar House as staff and volunteers demonstrate turning sap into syrup with an entertaining mix of science, stories and humor. The entire family will be fascinated by the maple sugar-making process. There is a $5 per person donation suggested, which supports Flanders future maple sugar programming. *Special Early American Maple Demonstrations

Bald Eagles at the Shepaug Dam
2026-02-22 09:15 - 11:00 UTC | Shepaug Dam Rec Area, 2225 River Rd, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
The bald eagle embodies one of Connecticut’s best conservation success stories. Nesting bald eagles disappeared from our state in the 1950s. Today, through cooperative work between wildlife biologists and landowners, eagles are thriving! Take a field trip with Flanders to the Shepaug Dam Recreation Area in Southbury for an eagle watch! Representatives will be on hand to help with the viewing and to answer questions about America’s national symbol. There is a limited number of spotting scopes available at the site, so feel free to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. Space is limited on this group visit and you must preregister.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.
