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
Please Note: Program processing fees are non-refundable
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Natalie Van Vleck Art Exhibition – Views of a Timeless Nature
The Van Vleck Art Galleries are open and feature works from our founder. This year’s exhibition is themed “Natalie Van Vleck, Views of a Timeless Nature,” highlighting the enduring beauty and perspective found in Natalie’s art.
Open Now thru Sept. 30 Thursdays – Saturdays | 10 AM to 2 PM | Van Vleck House
Marc Chabot Art Exhibition – Nature Observed and Imagined
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 was help on Saturday, June 6th at 6:00 PM in the galleries with a brief talk and walk through the exhibition by Marc Chabot. The exhibition is open to the public until the end of July, Monday Through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM.
Rochambeau’s March: A Historic Walk through the Whittemore Sanctuary
Join Flanders Board Member, Jeff Sherman, and Southbury Town Historian, John Dwyer, for a unique collaborative hike exploring the intersection of local history and natural beauty. This guided walk will focus on the historic East-West Road an abandoned thoroughfare that once served as a vital path through the region. Participants will follow the footsteps of General Rochambeau and his French troops, who marched through this very landscape in June 1781 on their decisive journey toward Yorktown. This hike offers a rare glimpse into the “march that won the war” and the early industries, like charcoal and timber, that shaped the character of the land we see today.
Saturday, July 11 | 9 AM | Whittemore Sanctuary (Parking off Rt. 64, Woodbury) | Complimentary for ALL, but registration required | REGISTER
Flanders Summer Soirée – Gather. Celebrate. Support Flanders
The celebration begins with an exclusive VIP Hour from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, featuring elevated bites, specialty drinks, and early access to the silent auction. The main event opens at 5:00 PM, welcoming all guests for a warm, nature-filled gathering with hearty season appetizers, refreshing beverages, and live music drifting through the sanctuary. Stroll the grounds, connect with friends and neighbors, and explore a curated silent auction filled with unique experiences and local treasures—all in support of Flanders’ mission to protect land, inspire environmental learning, and strengthen our community. Come together for a joyful evening of conservation, connection, and celebration at Flanders! For more information
Sunday, Aug 30 | VIP Hour 4 PM & Main Event 5 PM | Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary
CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS
K – 5 Next Generation Science Standards – Aligned Programs
Flanders offers an exceptional collection of field-based K-5 learning experiences to complement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These 2-hour immersive programs are fun, engaging, and authentic in a classroom of nature’s design.
Each NGSS program focuses on grade-specific standards, helping to prepare students to meet key grade-level performance expectations. Each can be incorporated into a teacher’s unit plans, or can stand as a self-contained experience. >> For More Information
Birthday Parties at Flanders!
We offer birthday parties on Saturdays or Sundays year round! Affordable and fun there are a variety of nature themed parties to choose from including animals and art to fairy fun. Hiking, games and stories, live animals and even tractor rides can all be made a part of the celebration! Call Amber McDonald at (203) 263-3711 x12 for more information to brainstorm what will make for an unforgettable party for your birthday child! For more information, download a new Birthday Flyer!
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. Eagle Scout and Gold and Silver Award projects have been done at Flanders. For a list of ideas which we feel would benefit Flanders—or with an idea of your own, email Program Coordinator, Ana Jordan, at ana@flandersnaturecenter.org.
Supervised Agricultural Experience
Do you know (or are you) an agricultural education student searching for placement in an organization to complete your Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)? Look no further, Flanders is the perfect place to obtain those SAE hours! (for more information) We welcome students from the local area agricultural education programs. Our North Barn, under the guidance of our Farm Manager, offers an excellent opportunity to learn and apply knowledge about the care of livestock. Our sanctuary with its forest, fields, trails and ponds is a superb location to further your understanding and utilize your skills in environmental systems! Contact flanders@flandersnaturecenter.org for more information.
SPRING SUMMER TRAIL HIKE SERIES
Farm Past & Present: An Accessible Trail Experience
Enjoy a leisurely hike along our new accessible trail, designed for visitors of all abilities. Along the way, Alex Thomson will share insights into Flanders’ collection of antique tractors, highlighting their history and role on the farm. The walk also includes a visit to the North Barn with a talk and live introduction to our resident farm animals by Heather Kokinchak. This relaxed, engaging program offers a closer look at Flanders’ agricultural past and present in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Saturday, Aug 15 | 9 AM | Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary, 5 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury | Complimentary, but registration required | Call to Register
Senior Hikes With Arthur and Kathy
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!
Tuesday, September 8 | 10 AM | Bassett Preserve, 350 Turrill Brook Dr, Southbury | Complimentary, but registration required | Call to Register
Manville Kettle Hike
Join Flanders’ Land Management Volunteer, Cameron Gardella, on a late summer hike of the first property held in trust by Flanders. This unique property contains an open field, mixed trees and a swamp. Located in the center of town the preserve is known as a “kettle” because geologists believe the depression was formed during the last ice age and filled with water from melting ice. The hike is an easy, 60 minutes, 1 mile out and back.
Saturday, Sept 19 | 10 AM | Manville Kettle: School St and Judson Ave., Woodbury | Complimentary, but registration required | Call to Register
FOR ALL HIKES DRESS FOR THE WEATHER AND WEAR TERRAIN-APPROPRIATE FOOTGEAR
Firefly Hill Farm Programs
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
ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Goat Yoga
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. This class takes place outside and is therefore weather dependent. Registration in advance is strongly recommended. Online registration closes the day before the class.
Sundays, July 12, Aug 23, and Sept 13 | 6 PM | North Barn | Adults: $21 members & $26 non and Ages 15 under $11 | REGISTER
Introductory Tai Chi for All Levels
This class will review fundamental ideas and movements of Tai Chi, catering to beginners while also providing challenging practice for intermediates. All will gain the benefits of increased balance, calm, and concentration. The movements will improve stability, coordination, and energy. The class will entail Qi Gong movements for general well-being, followed by a series of Tai Chi postures from the traditional forms.
Thursdays, June 18, July 16, Aug 13 & Sept 10 | 6 PM | Pavilion | $11 members & $16 non | REGISTER
Leaf Printing
Join local artist Joan Anthony as she demonstrates the technique of leaf printing, shows examples of leaf printing, and leads adult participants in learning how to print with leaves. Participants will make several cards and a small artwork using leaves and acrylic paint to create a leaf print. All materials will be supplied. Participants may bring fresh leaves, special papers, jars of acrylic paint, or rubber stamps.
Saturday, June 20 | 9:30 AM – 12 PM | Studio | $41 members & $46 non | Call to Register
Introduction to Stone Carving
Led by sculptor Justin Perlman, this beginner level workshop introduces the materials and methods of stone carving. Designed for those curious about this ancient art form, the four hour workshop serves as an accessible primer. Through discussion and live demonstration, Justin will introduce a range of stone carving techniques, covering both classic hand tools and modern diamond tools. Participants will also have the opportunity to carve their own piece of limestone with guided instruction. This workshop takes place outdoors; please dress accordingly. Participants are encouraged to wear boots, bring leather garden or work gloves, and carry their own water bottle. This program is in collaboration with the Green Feather Foundation.
Saturday, June 27 | 9 AM – 1 PM | Pavilion | $65 members & $75 non-members | REGISTER
Designing Astrological Totems
In this hands-on workshop, participants will create a small artwork representing their astrological birth sign using collage, watercolor, colored pencil, and acrylic paint. We’ll explore the four elements—fire, earth, air, and water—and how they relate to the zodiac. Participants will leave with a personal totem on a small canvas and a deeper understanding of the gifts and tendencies associated with their sun sign. No prior knowledge of astrology is required. Materials are provided; participants are welcome to bring meaningful personal items.
Saturday, Sept 12 | 9 AM | Studio | $41 members & $51 non | Call to Register
Autumn Foraging: Walk, Talk, and Tasting!
Join The 3 Foragers as they teach the flavors of autumn foraging for wild plants and mushrooms with an educational slideshow of all-original photos. We will take a hands-on walk on the property to touch, smell, and examine some of the living specimens. The program will end with a tasting of the seasonal bounty, prepared by Karen and Robert using fresh plants and mushrooms, and sharing goodies from their pantry and preserved stash. Come taste the wild!
Saturday, Sept 12 | 10 AM | Sugar House | $21 members & $26 non | Call to Register
Flanders Letterbox Series
Flanders has planted several letterboxes on the family friendly trails at their preserves and sanctuaries. Combining art and nature in a fun interactive way, letterboxing is a popular treasure hunting activity done world-wide. GET MORE INFORMATION
LAND TRUST HOT TOPICS SERIES
Are you currently a land trust volunteer and want to hear ways to improve your stewardship work? Are you interested in getting more involved in stewardship activities, helping to keep our lands preserved for future generations? Check back for upcoming programs!
FLANDERS CLUBS
Flanders’ Van Vleck House Gardeners
Calling all green thumbs!!! Join the newly formed Flanders Garden Club dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the gardens surrounding our historic 1786 Van Vleck House and Natalie Van Vleck Studio both located at 5 Church Hill Rd in Woodbury. 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. Professional gardener, Fabienne Audette, is heading up the club. Fabienne earned her Master’s degree in Horticulture from The Ohio State University. She has worked at both the Cleveland and New York Botanical Gardens. We are very lucky to have her!
FOR MORE INFORMATION and to join, please email program coordinator Ana Jordan at ana@flandersnaturecenter.org or call the office at 203.263.3711.
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. The club would like to investigate and remain open to all aspects of these subjects from science-based teachings to cultural and political influences. It is our hope to have the opportunity to delve deeply into aspects of these topics that affect our community directly, particularly the environmental and natural history of our region, its agrarian history and current trends. The group collectively decides on future titles. We welcome anyone interested in sharing and learning more about these topics to join us for a friendly, educational and hopefully, enlightening discussion on a monthly basis.
Every 4th Tuesday | 7 – 8:30 PM | Studio | Complimentary, but registration required |REGISTER
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, June 30 | Book is The Power of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
Flanders Trail Blazers 4-H Club
Do you have a child age 7–18 who loves animals, hands-on learning, teamwork and being outdoors?
UCONN 4-H is a youth organization whose mission is to engage youth in reaching their fullest potential with the motto “To make the best better!” This winter and spring, the Flanders 4-H club will focus on hands-on skills in the areas of natural sciences, environmental conservation, sustainability and community engagement. Interactions with farm animals and agriculture-themed activities will take place during warmer months at Flanders North Barn under the guidance of new Farm and Land Manager Heather Kokinchak. As a club member, you’ll have a voice at group educational meetings, go on unique field trips and strengthen your leadership skills! FOR MORE INFORMATION: please contact the Flanders office at 203.263.3711, x12.
Date, Time & Location to be Announced | Complimentary, but registration required | REGISTER
Photography Club 2025
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.
Third Wednesday of the Month | 5:30 PM | Studio |$20 members & $40 non per year | REGISTER
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!
Flanders Wish List!
To help reduce expenses, the donation of supplies, services and/or equipment that are used for fulfilling our mission are greatly appreciated! >Learn more
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