Ongoing Programs
FLANDERS LETTERBOXING 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 worldwide. At Flanders, the letterboxing clues include educational comments about the natural world. Anyone who hikes at least twelve of the letterboxing trails at Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, stamps the letters from those trails in their passport and presents their passport at the Flanders office will be given the opportunity to sign their Trail Name on our Letterboxer “Hall of Fame” board and will receive a small prize. More information.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT FLANDERS
We offer birthday parties for members on Saturdays or Sundays year round! Affordable and fun there is 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 the new flyer or call us for more information to brainstorm what will make for an unforgettable party for your birthday child! For more information please call 203-263-3711.
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. We will create our own community of nature lovers and photographers! Membership per year – $20 Members/ Non- members $40. Register for this program. Please call (203) 263-3711 x 10 for the next meeting date.
MAPLE SUGARING
Volunteer Opportunities
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. A healthy tree can produce a gallon of sap a day on a good day. It takes 40 gallons to make 1 gallon of syrup. 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 Flanders’ website and Facebook page in January – February.
MAPLE SYRUP DEMONSTRATIONS
Feb – March: Flanders welcomes small groups to reserve their time to visit the Sugar House as 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 suggested donation which will go to support Flanders future maple sugar programming.
Annual Events
Annual Meeting
Thursday, April 9 – Our annual meeting is held each year. All members are invited to attend the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust Annual Meeting. A review of the past year’s accomplishments in the areas of education, community outreach, fundraising, land preservation and stewardship is presented by Flanders’ executive staff and members of the Board of Directors. In addition, the highest volunteer recognition award, the J. Warren Upson Volunteer Of The Year Award is presented, recognizing a volunteer who is distinguished by meritorious service on behalf of Flanders. Our 2023 recipient was Richard Bartkus, Congrats Richard!
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, March 3 – Keeping the tradition alive guests enjoyed our Annual Pancake Breakfast! The menu featured a full stack of pancakes and sausage for $9 or a short stack and sausage for $7. All served with Flanders’ very own maple syrup, butter and beverage of choice (coffee, tea and/or orange juice). All proceeds from the breakfast benefits Flanders’ education programs. Thank you for all who attended!
Flanders 60th Anniversary Farm Festival
Saturday, May 20 at the Van Vleck Farm & Sanctuary – Flanders Festival takes place on the beautiful and picturesque grounds of our Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary. Mark your calendars as you will not want to miss this exciting and fun event. There will be something for everyone at the Flanders Festival! Admission is only $7 per person with ages 2 and under free. All proceeds help support Flanders mission to acquire, preserve, and manage land; and use the land to promote the understanding and appreciation of nature, art, and the environment. Like us on Facebook to keep up with all the details on this special day!
Flanders Field & Forest 5K
Friday, June 7 at the Sugar House – The Field & Forest 5K , held in June, is an all-age walk/run through the woods and fields of Flanders’ Van Vleck property officially timed by Fast Track Timing. Enjoy the picturesque nature sanctuary and a post-race celebration with local food trucks and live entertainment.. All proceeds go toward Flanders’ educational and conservation efforts. Thank you to all who participated! Here are some photos from last year’s event.
Holiday Artisan Marketplace
November – December – Our Van Vleck house is decked out in festive style and was a popular destination for shoppers seeking out “one of a kind” handcrafted gifts for the special people on their shopping list. Proceeds from the marketplace benefited local artisans and Flanders land conservation and educational programs.
