Seasonal Splendor: October - December 2025

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

Wreath Making Workshops

Learn to build and decorate a beautiful holiday wreath from scratch! Enjoy a morning or an afternoon session together as a family taking a hike to gather evergreens.

Farm to Flanders: Annual Benefit & Auction

This important annual fundraiser will bring together a devoted group of Flanders advocates for a fun send-off to summer!

Children & Youth Programs

Nature’s Little Explorers

Join us for one or all four of our engaging programs that are specifically designed for caregivers and toddlers to bond together in nature!

Supervised Agricultural Experience

Our North Barn, under the guidance of our Farm Manager, offers an excellent opportunity to learn and apply knowledge about the care of livestock.

Scout Programs

We can help your Boy and Girl Scouts earn badges and complete community service projects! Programs can be tailored to the needs of individual troops.

Birthday Parties at Flanders!

Affordable and fun there are a variety of nature themed parties to choose from including animals and art to fairy fun.

Fall Trail Hike Series

Black Friday Gratitude Hike

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.

Hike the Hetzel

Everyone is invited to come out and explore the Hetzel Refuge in Middlebury. The Hetzel is a pristine wooded refuge of 66 acres and offers prime observation areas for both birds and animals.

Fall Senior Hikes with Arthur & Kathy!

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!

Adult & Family Programs

Beavers: Nature’s Master Engineers

Learn how these fascinating creatures shape our landscapes, create wetlands, and support biodiversity through their dam-building talents.

The Return of the Black Bear

Once a rare sight, these powerful and intelligent animals are now making regular appearances in neighborhoods, parks, and backyards across the state.

Needle Felting Nights

Come and explore the magic! Needle felting is an easy-to-learn craft in which you are able to sculpt wool fiber into anything imaginable simply by poking it with a single barbed needle.

Fall Trail Work Days

Join our new Fall monthly trail work party! Help us remove invasive plants from the Botany Trail.

Flanders Clubs

Photography Club 2025

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!