Free Programs For All Ages At Environmental Center

DERBY — Kellogg Environmental Center, a facility of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Outdoor Recreation Division, is dedicated to providing wildlife and general conservation education to youth and adults. The center is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue, just off Route 34.

The environmental center has a number of programs coming up for many ages and interests.

Registration is suggested but not required; call 203-734-2513 to register or for more information. Programs are free, but donations for future programs are always welcome. Check for future program announcements at www.ct.gov/dep/kellogg.

*Saturday, October 16, 10–11:30 am: In Search of Squirrels.

Learn about the exciting lives of squirrels and chipmunks and their importance to the environment. As winter approaches animals begin to prepare for the cold days and nights ahead. Energetic squirrels are by far one of the creatures most frequently observed. They are one of the few animals that have adapted to humans and learned to coexist with them.

Their acrobatics are a wonder for young and old to behold. Participants will take a look and track both tree and ground squirrels as they prepare for winter.

*Saturday, October 23, 10–11:30 am: Family Nature Walk.

It is the perfect time of year to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends. The leaves have become vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. The air is clear and crisp and the sweet smell of autumn floats on the breeze.

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the grounds of Kellogg Estate and throughout Osbornedale State Park. Look for the late fall foliage, blowing seeds, and the final birds heading south for the winter.

*Saturday, November 20, 10 am–11:30 am: Identify Trees in Winter.

Trees can usually be identified by their leaves, but trees can also be identified through other senses. Participants will study textures of familiar objects and the bark of different Connecticut tree species to learn how to use bark texture in tree identification. Other topics will include a tree’s life cycle, the structure and function of winter twigs, and how twigs can be used to identify trees.

Participants will begin indoors, and then head outside to observe bark and create a “bark book” of rubbings using crayons. Reminder: Dress for cold weather.

*Friday, December 17, 6–7:30 pm: Family Night Hike.

Enjoy a quiet nighttime discovery walk in the fields and forest of Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park.

Animals have a variety of adaptations that help them to survive at night, in the dark. Participants of this program will venture outside into the evening to experience some of these adaptations through interactive games. Work on sharpening all of your senses as you explore nature in the dark.

There will also be time to learn about the upcoming lunar eclipse and the winter solstice, both of which happen the same night.

*Saturday, December 18, 10–11:30 am: Animals in Winter.

Join Kellogg Center staff for a walk in the fields and forest of the environmental center and state park.

When winter comes around, most animals do not have such luxuries as a warm house, a roaring fire, and a cup of hot chocolate or a snuggly warm blanket. They have found their own ways to survive the cold, snowy winters in Connecticut.

Learn about hibernation, migration, and different animal adaptations for surviving the winter months. Then, venture outside to look for animal signs in nature. Investigate a variety of habitats in search of tracks and any other clues that animals have been around recently.

*Saturday, January 15, 10–11:30 am: Snow Exploration.

Participants will learn about the secret life of snowflakes as they catch, observe, and classify the seven basic varieties of snowflakes.

Beginning in the 1880s, Wilson A. “Snowflake” Bentley of Jericho, Vt., made some 5,300 microphotographs of snowflakes. Some of his work will be available for viewing.

Dress warmly as most of this activity will be outside. This program will take place snow or no snow.

Kellogg Environmental Center, a facility of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Outdoor Recreation Division, is dedicated to providing wildlife and general conservation education to youth and adults. The center is at 500 Hawthorne Avenue, just off Route 34.

Check for future program announcements at www.ct.gov/dep/kellogg.