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Where You Go To Grow

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. ► LEARN MORE

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

Tues, Nov 10 - Join retired Flanders Executive Director, Arthur Milnor and Flanders volunteer, Kathy Haven for easy to moderate casual walks taken on forest trails
Tues, Nov 10 - Discover how fermentation can nourish both your kitchen and your garden in this engaging, hands‑on workshop
Thurs, Nov 12 - Explore how Indigenous communities of Quinnetukut have long cared for the land and waterways of this region
Fri, Nov 27 - Sat Nov 14, 21, 28 & Dec 5, 12 - Sun, Nov 15, 22 & Dec 6, 13 - Join us for our festive wreath workshops, where you’ll learn to design and decorate your own beautiful holiday wreath from scratch
Sat, Nov 21 - Use the forest as your craft store as you learn to make natural ornaments and decorations for the holiday season
Fri, Nov 27 - Get outside on Black Friday and join us for a Gratitude Hike. Former board president, Anne Westerman, will lead this hike as we give thanks and enjoy some time out in nature.

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.  ► LEARN MORE

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.  ► LEARN MORE

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

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!