JANUARY / FEBRUARY

UPCOMING EVENTS

VIEW A MAP OF FLANDERS BUILDING LOCATIONS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Maple Volunteer Information Meeting

We invite all with an interest in maple sugaring to attend our volunteer information meeting. There will be an overview of the 2021 season and details on the many interesting volunteer opportunities. If you are unable to attend the session, but are interested in volunteering during the maple season, then please call the office and we will be happy to match your interests to a volunteer opportunity.
Tuesday, January 19 | 7 PM |Virtual – Meeting link will be provided after registering | Register Online or call Flanders at 203.263.3711

Maple Tapping Day

It all begins when the temperature rises above freezing during the day and falls below freezing at night. These conditions trigger the sap to begin to flow up the tree. No experience is needed for tapping and all ages and families are welcome to come to help out. Tree tapping day is all outdoors and very weather dependent. Those interested in taking part in tapping day should watch for further announcements on ourFacebook page.

Saturday, January 30 (Rain date: Saturday, February 6) | 9:30 AM |The Sugar House | Questions? Call Flanders office 203-263-3711 x12 | Register

Photography Club 2020

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.
Meetings are currently postponed. The Photo Club Chairman will contact you regarding the next meeting date & time |$20 members & $40 non per year | Register

Flanders Trail Blazers 4-H Club

Do you have a child age 5-18 that loves animals and being outdoors? Then joining the Flanders 4-H Club is the perfect fit! UCONN 4-H is a youth organization whose mission is engaging youth to reach their fullest potential with a motto “To Make the Best Better.” Members will learn all about caring for a variety of farm animals, beekeeping, responsible land care, gardening and forestry. Also, as a club member you will have the opportunity to attend educational meetings, go on field trips or show off your new skills at a 4-H Fair. In the process, you will make new friends, solve problems and make a difference in your neighborhood or even in the world!

The Van Vleck 200-acre campus with our North Barn animals presents perfect opportunities to learn the responsibilities of raising livestock and many land management challenges. For more information, please contact the Flanders office at 203-263-3711 x12.
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month | 6:30 PM | North Barn | Complimentary, but registration required | Register

CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS

MLK, Jr. Day – Flanders Adventure Day!

School’s out, Flanders is IN! On MLK Day, kids in grades kindergarten through 5th are invited to come experience a “Flanders Adventure Day.” On their day off from school they can spend time discovering the many ways animals adapt to winter. Dress for the weather because we will be taking a hike to find tracks and see who is active in the winter. This will be a fun filled day packed with exploring the great outdoors, and age appropriate stories, games and crafts.

Monday, January 18 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Available | Trail House (Grades K – 5) $30 members & $40 non per session | CLOSED

Monday, Feb 15 or Tuesday, Feb 16 |8:30 AM – 12:30 PM or 12:30 – 4:30 PM or all day 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Trail House (Grades K – 5) $30 members & $40 non per session |Pre-Registration Required | Register

Fun Nature Activities At Home

While at home with your family here are some fun nature related videos of activities that you can do right in your own backyard. From building fairy or troll houses to decorating rocks there is so much to do. So get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather and your time together creating beautiful memories! Don’t forget to post your creations to our Facebook page and Instagram – we look forward to seeing the creativity! Watch our videos!

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!

CONNECTICUT WILDLIFE SERIES

Join Flanders and Ron Blanchard, award winning wildlife photographer, certified CT Master Naturalist and Master Wildlife Conservationist, for a three part CT wildlife series.

CT Wildlife Series – Bald Eagles in Connecticut

Join Flanders and Ron Blanchard, award winning wildlife photographer, certified CT Master Naturalist and Master Wildlife Conservationist, for a three part CT wildlife series.

In this virtual program, we will learn about the history of the decline, resurgence, and current status of the Bald Eagle. The presentation will feature images and artifacts of Bald Eagles along with a discussion regarding the preservation of our nation’s most cherished symbol.

Thursday, Jan 28 | 7 PM | Virtual – Meeting link will be provided after registering| $5 members & $10 non | REGISTER

CT Wildlife Series – Bobcats in Connecticut

Join us for an insightful look at bobcats in our state. The bobcat is the only wild cat in CT. At one point, the bobcat was not protected in CT. We will learn about the history of the bobcat and how they have made a comeback and other very interesting facts.

Thursday, Feb 25 | 7 PM | Virtual – Meeting link will be provided after registering| $5 members & $10 non | REGISTER

CT Wildlife Series – Bears in Connecticut

CT has a healthy and increasing bear population. The highest concentration of bears is right in our own Northwest Region. Learn all about the Black Bear in CT in this knowledgeable and interesting presentation.

Thursday, March 18 | 7 PM | Virtual – Meeting link will be provided after registering| $5 members & $10 non | REGISTER

ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Needle Felting Virtual Class

Join Rachel Gerowe of Redbarn Originals for virtual needle felting nights! Rachel will guide confident beginners as well as needle felters with some experience through the individual steps to make their own unique needle felted sculpture out of wool. Needle felting is a simple craft in which wool is poked with a special barbed needle to shape it into anything imaginable. Participants can attend for $15 and purchase a kit for an additional fee of $25 (plus tax). Class size is limited and participants must register in advance!

The January kit is an owl kit. Kits can be picked up at the Flanders office or mailed for an additional fee.

Thursday, Jan 14 | 7 PM | Online – Virtual – link provided after registering for class | $15/per class plus $25/per kit | REGISTER

Whittemore Sanctuary Winter Bog Hike

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! Those participating in the hike should wear boots and warm clothing. Ice cleats are recommended.

Saturday, Jan 30 | 10 AM | Whittemore Parking Lot Rt. 64 Sherman Hill, Woodbury | $10 members and $15 non| REGISTER

Senior Hike With A Master Naturalist

Join Master Naturalist Dr. Ed Boisits for an easy to moderate casual walk taken on forest trails. A great opportunity to get outside, observe what’s happening in the natural world in the winter, learn something new and maybe even meet new friends. This hike is not just for seniors. This will be a small group hike.

Thursday, Feb 11 | 9 AM | The Sugar House | Complimentary/members and $5 non | Register

Flanders Letterbox Series – New Botany Trail Hike Added!

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

Make The New Year Resolution To Volunteer At Flanders!

Interested in giving back to an organization that is making a difference by preserving land and educating people on the importance of caring for the environment, meeting kindred spirits and making new friends? AND the good feeling that comes with knowing that your time is being spent in a worthwhile way that truly makes an impact?

TO LEARN MORE
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

TO REGISTER
for any programs, call 203.263.3711
or click on the registration link next to the program.