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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.  ► LEARN MORE

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.  ► LEARN MORE

8th Annual Haunted Hikes!

A Wild Ghost Chase!

The forest comes alive in October — and this year, it’s calling you back for our 8th annual Haunted Hikes. As dusk settles over Flanders, the Hermit Guides step out from the shadows, ready to lead brave hikers on A Wild Ghost Chase, a roaming adventure where ghostly legends, strange sightings, and woodland surprises unfold around every bend.

From 4 PM to 6 PM, families can enjoy a not‑so‑scary walk through the woods, perfect for younger explorers who love autumn magic without the chills. But once the sun disappears, the forest changes. The trails grow darker, the stories deepen, and the Hermit Guides take you on a spine‑tingling nighttime hike designed for those who crave a little more suspense. These later walks are not recommended for children under 12 — or anyone who prefers their woods without whispers.

Whether you choose the gentle glow of the early hike or the eerie thrill of the after‑dark adventure, be prepared for a night of discovery. Dress for the worst of conditions, bring a flashlight, and step into the woods for an unforgettable evening where nature, folklore, and mystery collide.

Fridays, Oct 23 & 30 from  5 PM – 7:30 PM and Saturday, Oct 24 from 4 – 7:30 PM at the South Barn | $9 per person | REGISTER

Sat, Oct 3 - Sun, Oct 18 - 5th Annual Exhibition of Art
Wed, Oct 7, Nov 7 & Dec 9 - Explore the foundations of permaculture, a holistic and sustainable design system rooted in ecology, community resilience, and regenerative land stewardship
Thurs, Oct 8 - Discover the fascinating world of Connecticut’s growing black bear population
Fri, Oct 9 - Monday, Oct 12 and Friday, Oct 16 - Flanders offers a camp-like day of adventures. Enrich time out of school with nature-based learning!
Fri, Oct 9 - Explore how moss grows, why it’s far tougher than it looks, and the important role it plays in keeping ecosystems healthy
Sat, Oct 10 - Learn how to grow your own gourmet mushrooms at home in this hands‑on workshop

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, honey or a hiking map!
Hours: Thurs – Sat | 10AM – 2 PM  or as otherwise posted and/or by appointment

Thank you to our generous sponsors!