SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

   COMMUNITY EVENTS

Maple Syrup Demonstrations

Everyone is welcome to drop by the Sugar House as Flanders staff and volunteers demonstrate turning sap into syrup with an entertaining mix of science, stories and humor. The entire family will be fascinated by the maple sugar-making process. There is a $3/ person donation suggested which will go to support Flanders future maple sugar programming.
Saturdays,  February 22, 29 & March 7 | 1 – 4 PM | Sugar House
Sundays, February 23 & March 1, 8 | 1 – 4 PM | Sugar House

Pancake Breakfast

Bring the family and join us for our Annual Pancake Breakfast! The menu features all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausages, coffee, orange juice and Flanders’ very own maple syrup. The cost for the breakfast is $7 for adults, and $5 for ages 5 to 11. Children under 5 are free. All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Flanders’ education programs.
Sunday, March 1 | 8 AM – Noon | Woodbury Emergency Service Building

Maple Syrup Magic:  Field Trip Information

Bring your group or class to Flanders and receive a full sensory experience! Participants learn how to identify sugar maples, see where maple syrup comes from and how sap is collected from trees and cooked in a working sugar house. They will also learn the history and folk-lore of how Native Americans and early settlers made maple products. Discover maple math and finish with a taste of the final sweet product. This is a special 1-hour program. $6 per attendee ($120 minimum)
Late February through March

Annual Meeting

Join us as we conduct our annual meeting, celebrate our volunteers, including announcing the 2019 Volunteer of the Year, and hear from a fabulous keynote speaker. A short business meeting will precede the presentation. Refreshments will be served.
Thursday, April 2 | 7 PM | Woodbury Sr. Center, 265 Main St South, Woodbury | Complimentary, but registration required | Register

Community Service Day

Join fellow community members for a day of service on Earth Day! Volunteers will work to remove non-native plant species on a Flanders preserved property.  Non-native or invasive plants have a negative effect on native plants and wildlife communities. The goal is to reduce, minimize, or eliminate
the invasive plants. Clearing the way for local species to reclaim their territory and creating a healthy environment for the plants and animals that call Connecticut home. Please bring lots of water, snacks, lunch. Also, please wear closed-toe footwear, long pants and work gloves. Bring shovels, pruning shears/loppers/clippers to this event.  We ask that you leave all furry friends at home. Community service hours can be provided for this event. Meeting location will be sent to
those who have signed up to volunteer. Help us make a positive and lasting impact on a Flanders preserved property by joining us for this very important Community Service Day!
Wednesday, April 22 | 9:30 AM | On A Flanders Preserved Property | To sign up and volunteer call 203.263.3711 x 14 or email
Program Coordinator, Ana Jordan

Flanders Farm Tea

To celebrate Flanders first beginnings as a working farm, the Flanders Art Committee will host its Fourth Annual 1920s-themed Farm Tea in the original Flanders farmhouse. The Farm Tea will feature a selection of teas as well as jams, homemade cakes, scones, sandwiches and cookies. A highlight will be a raffle for a basket filled with locally sourced items.
The Farm Tea will include a short talk by Jim Frey, owner of Walker Road Vineyards in Woodbury and a member of Flanders Art Committee. He will give a brief history of his winery. The talk will be held in the Natalie Van Vleck Studio, which is situated a few steps away from the farmhouse. Natalie’s artwork will be on display in her Studio.  We look forward to taking you back in time to the 1920s, to when farm teas were commonplace, and to when a young New York artist fell in love with the beautiful landscape, subsequently making it her home where she painted, then went on to farm those original 200 acres and purchased more land, now accessible to all as the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust.
Sunday, May 3 | 4 PM | Van Vleck House | $25 p/ ticket | Register

   CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS

February Break:  Amazing Animal Adventures

Are you looking for a great opportunity for your children, grades kindergarten through 5th, to get some outdoor exercise.  Spend some time discovering the wonderful world of animals.  Hike the trails and learn how to track animals active in winter.  Visit the animals that make their home at Flanders’s North Barn and learn new facts about farmyard animals.   We will care, entertain  and educate your children while giving them a memorable day.  Dress for the weather,  pack a lunch for full day and a snack for half days.
Friday,  February 14, Monday & Tuesday, February 17 – 18 | 9 AM – 1 PM or 1 – 5 PM or All Day | Trail House | Register

Teacher Professional Learning Day:  Maple Fun!

Are you looking for a great opportunity for your children, grades kindergarten through 5th, to get some outdoor exercise.  Children will learn where maple syrup comes from and see how sap is collected from trees and cooked in a working sugar house.  Learn how Native Americans and early settlers made maple products.  Discover maple math and finish with a taste of the final sweet product.  Dress for the weather,  pack a lunch for full day and a snack for half days.
Friday,  March 6 | 9 AM – 1 PM or 1 – 5 PM or All Day | Trail House | Register

April Break:  Spring Is In The Air At Flanders!

Are you looking for a great opportunity for your children, grades kindergarten through 5th, to get some outdoor exercise. Each day will bring a different learning adventure.  Children will get a chance to hike the trails, observe wildlife, explore pond life and discover baby animals at the farm.  Choose a single day or sign up for the whole week!  Dress for the weather,  pack a lunch for full day and a snack for half days.
Friday,  April 10, Monday – Friday, April 13 – 17 | 9 AM – 1 PM or 1 – 5 PM or All Day | Trail House | Register

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! Download a flyer or call us for more information to brainstorm what will make for an unforgettable party for your birthday child!

   HIKING SERIES

Hiking With An Average Jill Series

Hiking As Exercise – I like to get exercise as a byproduct of an activity I enjoy. For me, that’s hiking. Since cooler temps under a bright sunny sky present the best conditions for being active outdoors, the winter months can offer some of the best hiking conditions. Join me on a mid-week day hike as I adventure through the more challenging trails within Flanders Nature Preserve. This is a hike, not a run, but we’ll keep a steady cadence, stopping only occasionally. 3 – 5 miles
Tuesday, March 24 (rain date: March 31) | 1 PM |Whittemore Sanctuary Parking Lot, Rt 64 Woodbury |  Register

Discover the Beauty of Flanders – No matter how many times I frequent a trail, there are always new things to see, and the winter months are no exception. From critter tracks in the freshly fallen snow; to the amazing ice formations that form along rivers and brooks. The winter dresses nature in a simple elegance. Follow me as I guide hikers along scenic trails within Flanders’ Whittemore Nature preserve, while I point out interesting landmarks and share quirky observations. 2 – 3 miles
Sunday, February 23 (rain date: March 22) | 10 AM| Whittemore Sanctuary Parking Lot, Rt 64 Woodbury | Register

Trail Photography – Solo hikes with my camera have become one of my favorite pastimes. Without distractions, I can spot the unusual leaf, a face in a tree, or the feather gracefully blowing in the wind. On this hike, I’ll try to replicate that solo experience, but in a small group that will introduce those to the experience who may not be comfortable hiking alone. The group size will be limited, and conversation will be kept at a minimum to allow for a more personal experience. We’ll maintain a slow, but steady pace, to allow individuals to pause and capture trailside photos. Beginner photographers are encouraged and welcome. 2 – 3 miles
Hike 1 – Sunday, March 8 (rain date: March 15) | 1 PM| Studio Parking Lot | Register
Hike 2 – Tuesday, April 21 (rain date: April 28) | 1 PM |Whittemore Sanctuary Parking Lot, Rt 64 Woodbury |  Register

Hiking Under the Moon – If you’ve never hiked in the woods at night, I encourage you join me for a hike under the night sky. Experience the spell of the moon’s magical iridescence, while you thrill over the unique sounds of nature at night. We’ll make a short trek to a wide clearing that offers views of the sky. There, we’ll take in the brilliance of the majestic moon before we hike back under the stars. It’s an exhilarating experience.  1 – 2 miles
Wednesday, April 8 (rain date: April 9) | 7:30 PM | Studio Parking Lot | Register

Trail Hike Series

Whittemore Bog Winter Hike – Weather permitting, join us for some fresh air, exercise and insight into bog ecology in the winter. Wetland ecologist and soil scientist, Kyle Turoczi, will guide a group to explore bog ecology while the water is frozen, so we can safely go out and learn about the plants and animals that live there. All interested parties encouraged to attend; please wear boots and warm clothing. Ice cleats are recommended.
UPDATE:  Due to bog conditions this hike has been postponed to Saturday, February 29 at 10 AM  February 1  | 1 PM|  Whittemore Sanctuary Parking Lot, Rt 64 Woodbury | $10 members & $15 non | Register

Old Sap House Hike – with nature and learn some Flanders history at the same time! Former Flanders Executive Director, Arthur Milnor, will lead a hike on our Fleming Preserve, which is the site of the original Flanders sap house. This guided hike will give attendees fascinating information about the beginnings of our maple sugaring production as it traverses the forest land containing sugar maples. This beautiful property also includes a former apple orchard, stone walls, and a spectacular scenic overlook. Those participating in the hike should wear boots and warm clothing.
Saturday, March 7 | 10 AM| Fleming Preserve, Cowles, Rd, Woodbury| Complimentary members & $5 non | Register

Hike The Hetzel – Solo hikes with my camera have become one of my favorite pastimes. Without distractions, I can spot the unusual leaf, a face in a tree, or the feather gracefully blowing in the wind. On this hike, I’ll try to replicate that solo experience, but in a small group that will introduce those to the experience who may not be comfortable hiking alone. The group size will be limited, and conversation will be kept at a minimum to allow for a more personal experience. We’ll maintain a slow, but steady pace, to allow individuals to pause and capture trailside photos. Beginner photographers are encouraged and welcome. 2 – 3 miles
Saturday, April 4 | 10 AM| Hetzel Refuge, Breakneck Hill Rd, Middlebury | Complimentary members & $5 non | Register

Earth Day Hike  – Let’s celebrate Earth Day together with a hike through the beautiful and historic Flanders’ Van Vleck Sanctuary. Master Naturalist Dr. Edward Boisits will be leading the leisurely Earth Day walk pointing out the signs that signify the change of the season. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with fresh air, camaraderie, and exercise in a lovely Flanders environment? This walk is suitable for all ages and hiking levels.
Saturday, April 25 | 9 AM | Sugar House Parking Lot | Complimentary members & $5 non | Register

  ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS

“Winterscape” Photography Contest

Test your skills and join in on the winter fun by participating in Flanders 2020 “Winterscape” Photography Contest! Prizes will be awarded for the best submissions based on composition, image quality, originality and the story the image tells. The “Winterscape” photo contest is an invitation to capture the spirit and beauty of the winter season in all of its splendor with images that might include landscapes, or wildlife pictured in a wintry context. The photos do not need to be taken on a Flanders property, but instead can be taken anywhere that provides the photographer inspiration. All proceeds benefit Flanders programming.  DETAILS: Entries must be in digital JPEG format. JPEGs can be submitted via email flandersphotocontest@flandersnaturecenter.org.  All submitted images will be judged by Flanders staff and experienced photography associates. Winners will be announced on March 10 and shared in a special gallery on the Flanders website and on social media.
January 15 – February 28| (1) pic – $5 / (2)pics – $7 / (3) pics – $10 and up |  Register

“Natalie Van Vleck:  Her Legacy and Lost Works of Art

One year after our important retrospective dedicated to the modernist art and land conservation legacy of Flanders founder, Natalie Van Vleck, at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT; in 2020, The Year of the Woman for museums across our nation, it is time to revisit Natalie’s work, share ongoing research and our hopes and aspirations for her future. We will speak about her role in early 20th century American Modernist art, some challenges we face in unearthing or verifying new information, (the Other Natalie Van Vleck!), and discuss tantalizing “Lost Works” yet untraced by our founder, known only from cryptic catalogue entries or tiny archival photos. Please join Flanders Curator Marc Chabot and Flanders Art Committee for this fascinating lecture and presentation of her work and life both on screen, and on exhibition in Natalie’s historic studio.
Friday, February 21| 7 PM at the Studio| $10 members & $15 non |  Register

Bald Eagle Viewing

Flanders has reserved a time slot for a group to visit the Shepaug Dam Recreation Area in Southbury for an eagle watch. A docent will be on hand to help with the viewing and to answer questions about America’s national symbol. There are a limited number of spotting scopes available at the site, so feel free to bring binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras. Space is limited; you must preregister. Those registered meet in the commuter lot at Exit 14 off I-84 at 9:15 AM.
Saturday, February 22 | 9:30 AM | Commuter lot at Exit 14, off I-84 |$5 members & $10 non |  SOLD OUT!

Needle Felting With Rachel Gerowe

Rachel Gerowe of Redbarn Originals will lead a workshop on needle felting an easy-to-learn craft that involves using a barbed needle to sculpt wool.  People also have the option of choosing from a large variety of other available kits ranging in price from $15 to $35. Most kits include enough materials to make one sculpture in class and another at home. Participants can save $5 if they bring their own needles and foam. Have your own needle felting project going? For $10 bring it to class and receive guidance and support on it.

Thursday, February 27 (sleepy foxes kit)
Thursday, March 26 (sheep kit)
Thursday, April 30 (goats kit)
7 PM | Van Vleck House | Cost varies from $25-$35 depending on kit chosen or
bring your own project and receive guidance for $10 | Call Flanders at (203) 263-3711 x12

Beekeeping Series

Learn to be a beekeeper! Take our popular introductory beekeeping course on the art and science of beekeeping. Led by Al Avitabile, Emeritus Professor in the Biology Department at UCONN, co-author of The Beekeeper’s Handbook and noted beekeeper and researcher, the workshops will promote the importance of pollinators and show
students how to start and keep a hive, as well as brainstorm new ideas to help keep our pollinators alive and thriving. This series will consist of three classes and two field trips to an apiary.
Friday, March 13, 20 & 27 | 7 PM | Studio | $85 members & $120 non | Register
Includes Saturday April 4 & 11 (field trips to local Apiary) | 10 AM | Field Trips to Local Apiary (TBD)

Vernal Pools

Come discover and learn about Flanders’ vernal pools and amphibian breeding places! Vernal pools are fishless temporary spring ponds that form in the forest essential to many amphibians and other aquatic creatures. During this program, Ph.D. biologist and DEEP Certified Master Naturalist Edward Boisits will discuss the importance of vernal pools. Then the group will head into the night to try to get a glimpse of some pools and see what their nocturnal inhabitants are up to!
Saturday, March 21 | 18 PM | Sugar House | $5 members & $10 non |  Register

Back By Popular Demand!  Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Building

Environmental Educator Karli Drda will provide background on the history of the Eastern Bluebird and discuss the role of the nest box initiative in helping to increase the populations of the beautiful birds to sustainable levels. Following the presentation, participants will build their own nest box using kits provided.
Saturday, March 28 | 2 PM | Studio | $20 per bluebird box kit | Register

Flanders Art Excursion

Join the Flanders Art Committee for a docent-guided tour of the Yale Center for British Art (YCBA) in New Haven, including their new exhibit: Victorian Radicals: From the Pre-Raphaelites to the Arts and Crafts Movement. “Victorian Radicals will bring together approximately 145 paintings, works on paper, and works of decorative art—many never shown outside the UK—to illuminate this most dynamic period of British art in an exhibition of unparalleled historical and visual richness. These artists’ attention to detail, use of vibrant colors, and engagement with both literary themes and contemporary life will be illustrated through a selection of paintings, drawings, and watercolors presented alongside superb examples of decorative art.” Participants are to meet in the lobby of the museum. The tour will be one hour and then all are free to wander the museum or visit the gift shop. All interested parties encouraged to attend; however, registration is requested.
Tuesday,  April 7 | 10 AM | Yale Center for British Art – 1080, Chapel St, New Haven |No Charge, but registration is requested |  Register

Geology Trip to O&G Quarry

Have you wondered about Connecticut’s mysterious volcanic past?  Join Flanders on one of two scheduled tours of O&G’s Southbury trap rock quarry for a field trip highlighting some fascinating geological facts and views of ancient volcanic rocks and minerals. O&G Industries has generously offered to open their quarry to Flanders field trip participants for a special geology program led by Dr. Thomas Fleming, Professor of Geology and the Chairperson of the Earth Science Department at Southern Connecticut State University. Appropriate for all ages, a fun and informative slide lecture will be followed by a guided tour of the quarry to identify ancient rocks and minerals.
Saturday, April 18 | 10 AM or 1:30 PM | O &G Traprock Quarry, 236 Roxbury Rd, Southbury | $10 members & $15 non|  Register 10 AM  | Register 1 PM

 FLANDERS’ CLUBS

Environmental Book Club

Announcing the first Flanders Environmental Book Club! Join reading enthusiast and book club leader, Sara Kovack, in discussing current, historical and future environmental issues through books! Readers will come together once a month to share and discuss texts that help connect us to nature. Fiction and nonfiction books with be included with a focus on conservation and the outdoors. The first book is The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben (members are on their own for acquiring the book). Everyone is welcome to join us for an engaging discussion with like-minded individuals, and snacks! The book club will meet the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Wednesdays, February 26 , March 25 & April 22 | 5:30 PM | Studio | Register

Flanders Photography Club

The Flanders Photography Club focuses on outdoor nature photography. The club is open to all. It meets monthly at the Studio with its purpose being to promote the development of photographic skills and the art of photography with a spotlight on nature, flora, fauna and the landscape. Meeting content will include fundamental instructions on the basics of outdoor photography, camera operation, features and techniques as well as various photographic tips. Meetings will include presentations, forums, and guest speakers as well as exercises and projects, such as macro, wildlife and bird photography. Join our community of nature lovers and photographers!
$20 Members/ Non- members $40 |Become a Member

Become A Flanders Ambassador!

Do you love Flanders?  Enjoy coming to Flanders programs and events?
Then why not sign-up to be a Flanders Ambassador?

Flanders’ Ambassadors serve as the “The Face of Flanders” helping us to communicate all that Flanders has to offer to our visitors. Serving as our hosts for adult and family education programs these volunteers are asked to help with set up and closing down of the program venue as needed, greeting and checking in of attendees and introduction of the guest speaker. New Ambassadors will participate in an orientation and train with experienced Ambassadors so no prior experience needed! Programs take place at our main campus , the Van Vleck Sanctuary in Woodbury. The proposed time commitment i s 2 to 3 hours per program once a month.

As an Ambassador you attend the program for free!  Please contact Flanders’ volunteer coordinator Ana Jordan to learn more about becoming a Flanders ambassador or other available volunteer opportunities today!

Flanders Wish List!

Flanders’ mission is to foster the understanding and appreciation of nature, art, and the wonders of the natural world through land preservation, stewardship and education.  To help reduce  expenses,  the donation of supplies, services and/or equipment that are used for fulfilling our mission are greatly appreciated! >Learn more