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Where You Go To Grow

Art

Art at Flanders is more than something to admire — it’s part of how visitors experience the land. Our trails, farms, and forests have inspired generations of local artists, and their work helps guests see the landscape with fresh eyes. Inside the Van Vleck House, three gallery rooms and the Welcome Center Gift Shop showcase paintings, photography, and mixed‑media pieces that interpret the beauty of our preserves. These works deepen connection, celebrate local ecology, and honor Natalie Van Vleck’s artistic legacy.  

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Farm

The farm at the Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary is one of the most charming, historically rich parts of Flanders—where New England heritage and hands-on learning come together. At its heart is the 19th-century North Barn, a hub for agricultural education and home to our beloved farm animals. Here, visitors of all ages can gather eggs, walk goats, learn beginner veterinarian skills, and experience the timeless rhythms of real farm life.  

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Education

Central to our mission is to provide opportunities to learn about the natural world–Flanders is devoted to provide high quality NGSS-aligned field trip programs, enriching summer camp, certificate-level adult learning programs as well as casual in-person and virtual lectures and demos for all ages. 

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Nature

As an accredited land trust, Flanders stewards and manages 56 properties which are designated to be forever “open space” in the towns of Woodbury, Middlebury, Southbury and Bethlehem. Its 7 preserves have walking trails open to the public dawn to dusk, year-round. 

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Fall Family Fun Day – Saturday, Oct 3

8 AM – 4 PM Tag Sale.  Come treasure hunt at our Harvest Hauls Tag Sale and support the Colonial Flanders Capital Campaign!

12 – 4 PM Fall Family Fun Day!  Bring the whole family to enjoy a day full of laughter and fun fall activities!  Admission is Free!

  • Pumpkin Patch & Carving ($10 per pumpkin)
  • Apple Cider Making Demos
  • Live Show by Riverside Reptiles at 2 PM
  • Local Artist Exhibition
Thurs, Nov 5 - Gain a greater understanding about what is changing in our natural environment here in Connecticut
Sun, Nov 8 - Experience the magic of the Marsh at dusk as beavers begin their evening activities
Tues, Nov 10 - Discover how fermentation can nourish both your kitchen and your garden in this engaging, hands‑on workshop
Thurs, Nov 12 - Explore how Indigenous communities of Quinnetukut have long cared for the land and waterways of this region
Sat, Nov 21 - Use the forest as your craft store as you learn to make natural ornaments and decorations for the holiday season
Wed, Dec 2 - Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an inspiring program on one of our nation’s most iconic species

Flanders Welcome Center & Gift Shop

Open Year Round at the Van Vleck House!

Stop by and pick up  some nature products,  our very own maple syrup
or a hiking map!
Hours: M – F | 10AM – 4 PM  & Saturday | 10AM – 2PM | Closed Sunday

Thank you to our generous sponsors!