Audubon Center Sets Two Workshops In Early December

SOUTHBURY –– Elementary school children and their parents are invited to join educator Ellen Turner of the Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury in decorating a Christmas tree for the birds. The workshop takes place on Sunday, December 5, from 2 to 3:30 pm.

After a search for natural bird foods on the River Trail, the children will make cranberry and popcorn garlands and colorful ornaments to hang on the tree. Hot drinks will be provided.  Reservations required; call the Bent office at 264-5098 to register.

On Monday, December 6, from 9 to 11 am, there will be an adult nature walk featuring winter tree identification with Audubon Center Director John Longstreth. Participants will spend a morning walking the trails of the Bent of the River nature preserve.

Now that the leaves have fallen, a tree’s structure and its unique ecosystem are more clearly visible. Studying bark, buds, outline, and shape will tell all that is needed for an observer to determine a tree’s identity.  Mr Longstreth will provide some simple tree ID hints that he learned at the Yale School of Forestry, and he will hand out a list of trees at the Bent.

The Audubon Center at Bent of the River is at 185 East Flat Hill Road in Southbury. Take Exit 14 off I-84 and turn left onto Route 172 north. Go through the light into South Britain and watch for East Flat Swamp Road on the left (after the Country Store and before the Congregational Church). The Audubon Center entrance and parking area is a short distance on the left. Trails are open to public 7 days a week during daylight hours. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Call: 203-264-5098. No fees unless otherwise noted.