PLEASE NOTE: ALL VIRTUAL PROGRAM LINKS WILL BE E-MAILED BY NOON, DAY OF PROGRAM
You may be videotaped or photographed when attending events / programs and may appear in publications and social media
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Bringing Natalie Home: An Exhibit of Natalie Van Vleck’s Art
After many years of being kept in storage, Natalie’s art will be on display in the newly renovated Van Vleck Gallery! In 1926, Natalie urged her parents to buy the saltbox house, which dates back to 1786 along with the accompanying farm land. She then built her art studio next door in 1928. This is the first comprehensive exhibit of Natalie’s artwork in the newly established gallery located inside the historic house. The exhibit opens on Friday, February 7 and her artwork will be on display throughout the year.
Exhibit Hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10 AM to 2 PM |Van Vleck House
Annual Meeting
Please join us as we conduct our annual meeting. During the meeting we will elect directors, reflect on 2024 accomplishments and share plans for 2025. We will also celebrate our volunteers including announcing the 2024 Volunteer of the Year! This is also a good opportunity to meet our Board and share ideas and thoughts. Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, April 9 | 6:30 PM | PLACE: TBD | Complimentary, but registration required | REGISTER
Community Service Day: Earth 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.
Tues, April 22 | 9:30 AM | Meeting location will be sent to those who have signed up | REGISTER
CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS
Flanders Adventure Days!
Are you looking for a great opportunity for your children, grades kindergarten through 5th, to get some outdoor exercise, learn more about the animals that make up their world and bring their science books to life on their days off from school?! Each of the days will be packed with exploring the great outdoors, as well as age appropriate stories, games and art projects! We will care for them, entertain them and educate them while giving them a memorable day!
Fri, March 21: Region 14 Professional Development Day – Call to Register
Mon, April 14 – Fri, April 18: Spring Break – Call to Register
Mon, June 2: Region 15 Professional Development Day – Call to Register
Trail House | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM OR 12:30 – 4:30 PM OR ALL DAY or 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | HALF DAY: $36 members & $46 non OR FULL DAY: $72 members & $92 non
K – 5 Next Generation Science Standards – Aligned Programs
Flanders offers an exceptional collection of field-based K-5 learning experiences to complement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These 2-hour immersive programs are fun, engaging, and authentic in a classroom of nature’s design.
Each NGSS program focuses on grade-specific standards, helping to prepare students to meet key grade-level performance expectations. Each can be incorporated into a teacher’s unit plans, or can stand as a self-contained experience. >> For More Information
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! Call Amber McDonald at (203) 263-3711 x12 for more information to brainstorm what will make for an unforgettable party for your birthday child! For more information, download a new Birthday Flyer!
Scout Programs
We can help your Boy and Girl Scouts earn badges and complete community service projects! Programs can be tailored to the needs of individual troops. Eagle Scout and Gold and Silver Award projects have been done at Flanders. For a list of ideas which we feel would benefit Flanders—or with an idea of your own, email Program Coordinator, Ana Jordan, at ana@flandersnaturecenter.org.
Supervised Agricultural Experience
Do you know (or are you) an agricultural education student searching for placement in an organization to complete your Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)? Look no further, Flanders is the perfect place to obtain those SAE hours! We welcome students from the local area agricultural education programs. Our North Barn, under the guidance of our Farm Manager, offers an excellent opportunity to learn and apply knowledge about the care of livestock. Our sanctuary with its forest, fields, trails and ponds is a superb location to further your understanding and utilize your skills in environmental systems! Contact flanders@flandersnaturecenter.org for more information.
WINTER SPRING TRAIL HIKE SERIES
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FOR ALL HIKES DRESS FOR THE WEATHER AND WEAR TERRAIN-APPROPRIATE FOOTGEAR
Senior Hikes with Arthur
Join retired Flanders Executive Director, Arthur Milnor, 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 winter and early spring, learn something new and maybe even meet new friends. These hike is not just for seniors. All are welcome!
Tues, April 8 | 10 AM | Good Hill Farm Preserve Rt. 371 (478 Good Hill Rd), Woodbury | Complimentary members & $ non | REGISTER
Hike the Hetzel
Come out and explore the Hetzel Refuge, 66 pristine wooded acres which offer prime observation of both birds and animals. The guided hike by Mike Carlo traverses woodlands, hayfields, conifer plantations, swamps, and several man-made ponds, all of which provide a haven for wildlife. The hike is a moderate, 60 minutes, 1.5-mile loop.
Sat, March 15 | 11 AM | Hetzel Refuge, Breakneck Hill Rd., Middlebury | Complimentary members & $6 non | REGISTER
Full Pink Moon Hike
Join Board Member John Trainor for a spring evening hike of the Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary. This is a unique opportunity to explore the trails at night and see the sanctuary anew under the Full Pink Moon.
Sat, April 12| 8 PM | Van Vleck Sanctuary, Studio Parking Lot, 5 Church Hill Rd., Woodbury | Complimentary members & $6 non | REGISTER
Ecological Home Landscaping Series
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This four-part series is tailored for homeowners seeking to manage their properties in alignment with ecological principles. Each workshop features practical advice from leading experts on creating sustainable and visually appealing landscapes, while contributing to ecological balance. Key topics include support for wildlife, water conservation, soil erosion control, water quality enhancement, biodiversity promotion, invasive removal, reduced reliance on toxic pesticides, and minimal use of non-renewable resources. By adopting these practices, homeowners can cultivate gardens that are both environmentally responsible and a joy to experience. Flanders would like to thank our speakers, who have offered their knowledge and experience at no charge to our organization. We are deeply grateful for their participation and willingness to share their time and expertise.
Managing Invasive Plants
CT Agricultural Experiment Station Diagnostician, Rose Hicks, leads this class on how managing invasive species is essential to creating and preserving healthy environments for ourselves and future generations. Invasive species threaten biodiversity by driving native plants and animals toward extinction, degrading ecosystems, and diminishing wildlife habitats. Their spread also has far-reaching negative impacts, affecting the environment, economy, and the health and safety of both humans and wildlife.
Mon, March 24 | 6:30 PM | Studio | $36 members and $51 non | REGISTER
Designing Native Gardens and Reducing Lawn Area
In the final class, we will learn from Sarah Bailey, Master Gardener Coordinator, University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, how to approach new and existing garden areas to incorporate ecological landscape design principles to create pollinator-friendly gardens. We will also learn about the movement to reduce lawn areas and replace them with eco-friendly gardens that support the ecosystem around us.
Mon, April 7 | 6:30 PM | Studio | $36 members and $51 non | REGISTER
Land Trust Hot Topics Series
Are you currently a land trust volunteer and want to hear ways to improve your stewardship work? Are you interested in getting more involved in stewardship activities, helping to keep our lands preserved for future generations?
Join Flanders as we explore the important roles we play as stewards of land trust properties. This 3-part series covers important areas of land trust work and will provide an opportunity for discussion and sharing. Register for one or all three!
Monitoring Water Courses and Wetlands
Join HVA Watershed Conservation Director, Mike Jastremski, for a walk and talk about monitoring wetland areas, especially areas that may have erosion control issues. The discussion will focus on identifying areas of concern or potential concern when monitoring with water and wetlands. Examples of prevention and restoration efforts will also be noted.
Thurs, March 27 | 1 PM | Upper Bantam River Preserve, Litchfield Land Trust | $11 members & $16 non | REGISTER
JUST SHRUBS! Sorry, No Trees
CT DEEP and CT Botanical Society are hosting this program on all things shrub related. This full day program will include presentations by experts as well as field instruction. Topics covered are winter shrub identification, shrub ecology, shrub products and management, habitat value of shrubs and native shrub plantings. Attendees receive 2 CEU’s by CT DEEP Forestry. (Bring lunch and water.) For more information
Tues, April 1 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | South Barn | Complimentary members & $35 non | REGISTER
ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Needle Felting
Curious about needle felting? Come and explore the magic! Needle felting is an easy-to-learn craft in which you are able to sculpt wool fiber into anything imaginable simply by poking it with a single barbed needle. Participants will learn to achieve the desired form, firmness, and surface quality in the process. The featured kit includes all materials needed. Choose to bring your own materials for guidance and support on your own project. Other kits will be available for purchase by cash or check.
Thursday, March 20 (Sleepy Fox) | 6:30 PM | Studio | $21 per class plus cost of kit and tax | REGISTER
Thursday, April 24 (Owl) | 6:30 PM | Studio | $21 per class plus cost of kit and tax | REGISTER
Instances of Seeing – A Reading of Poems Inspired by Art
Join us for poetry readings from the recently published book of poems, Instances of Seeing Volume Two. These poems were inspired by the artwork included in the Flanders Art & Photography Exhibition, which was held in October of 2024. The readings will be accompanied by a slide presentation of the art that
Sat, March 15 | 6:30 PM | Studio | Complimentary members & $6 non | REGISTER
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 to our environment 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.
Classes: Saturdays, March 15, 22 & 29 | 10 AM | Studio – Field Trips: Saturdays, April 5 & 12 | 10 AM | Local Apiary | $86 members & $121 non | REGISTER
Cyclones and Climate Change
CT has a history of cyclonic storms (hurricanes and nor’easters) which cause serious flooding. Recent storms have introduced atmospheric rivers and bombogenesis to the mix. As the ocean warms, storms will get stronger and the possibility of coastal damage will grow. Join Dr. Mitch Wagener, professor of ecology and climate ecology at Western Connecticut State University, as he discusses cyclones and how this is an important issue surrounding our changing climate.
Wed, March 19 | 7 PM | Virtual – Online | $6 members & $12 non | REGISTER
Vernal Pools: Amphibian Habitat
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, Prof. Henry Schwendler 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! (weather permitting)
Sat, March 22 | 7 PM | Sugar House | $6 members & $12 non | REGISTER
Rhythm of the Elements
Create rhythms and melodies that invoke fire, water, air, earth, and ether through drumming and vocal play. Connect to each other and the nature that surrounds us in this electrifying workshop. Anitra Brooks, a CT-grown musician and teaching artist, will demonstrate basic technique and rhythms on the djembe and other hand percussions to create a drum circle groove. Participants will learn songs from different countries, sing in multiple languages, and engage in vocal improvisation. Build community, nurture joy, and have fun! In collaboration with the Green Feather Foundation.
Sat, April 12 | 6 PM | Sugar House | $11 members & $16 non | REGISTER
Fish & Flow Workshop
Join Heather Henson (Founder of Green Feather Foundation and a second-generation puppet artist) and friends in connecting to your local body of water. Through kinetic learning, embodied movement, crafting with natural materials, and place-based meditations, participants of all ages will find new connections with their place within the great flow of the world’s water and the beings that live within them. This is an intergenerational experience, as much for adult participants as for younger folks. Recommended Ages 10+, but all are welcome.
Sat, April 26 | 2 PM | Sugar House | $11 members & $16 non | REGISTER
Please Note: Program processing fees are non-refundable
Flanders Letterbox 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 world-wide. GET MORE INFORMATION
FLANDERS CLUBS
Flanders Garden Club
Calling all green thumbs!!! Join the newly formed Flanders Garden Club dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the gardens surrounding our historic 1786 Van Vleck House and Natalie Van Vleck Studio both located at 5 Church Hill Rd in Woodbury. The garden club will meet regularly to discuss garden projects, conduct adult and children’s garden programs, visit notable gardens, and tend to the Flanders Van Vleck House & Studio Gardens. Professional gardener, Fabienne Audette, is heading up the club. Fabienne earned her Master’s degree in Horticulture from The Ohio State University. She has worked at both the Cleveland and New York Botanical Gardens. We are very lucky to have her!
FOR MORE INFORMATION and to join, please email program coordinator Ana Jordan at ana@flandersnaturecenter.org or call the office at 203.263.3711.
Flanders Environmental Book Club
Join reading enthusiasts and book club leaders, Adele Falco and Ingrid Manning, in discussing reading that will focus on mostly non-fiction books about nature and the environment. The club would like to investigate and remain open to all aspects of these subjects from science-based teachings to cultural and political influences. It is our hope to have the opportunity to delve deeply into aspects of these topics that affect our community directly, particularly the environmental and natural history of our region, its agrarian history and current trends. The group collectively decides on future titles. We welcome anyone interested in sharing and learning more about these topics to join us for a friendly, educational and hopefully, enlightening discussion on a monthly basis. The next book is Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir Trail by Joan M. Griffin
Every 4th Tuesday, Dec 3 | 7 – 8:30 PM | Studio | Complimentary, but registration required | REGISTER
Upcoming Books:
Jan 28 – Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
Feb 25 – The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Mar 25 – Total Garbage by Edward Humes
Flanders Trail Blazers 4-H Club
Do you have a child age 7-18 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! More information.
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.
Meetings are Once a Month | Date, Time & Location to be Announced | Complimentary, but registration required | REGISTER
Photography Club 2025
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.
Third Wednesday of the Month | 5:30 PM | Studio |$20 members & $40 non per year | REGISTER
FOREVER CONNECTED
Volunteer Your Time – A gift of your time and talent is a very important contribution. Flanders offers regular opportunities for members and friends to share their skills and interests with the organization and community. Seasonal events at Flanders, such as Maple Sugaring, Flanders Festival, Field & Forest 5K, Flanders Annual Benefit & Auction, and our Holiday Wreath Making Workshops depend upon the work of hundreds of dedicated volunteers to make them successful. From a Land Trust perspective, Flanders relies on its volunteers to carry on its mission of preserving and caring for more than 2,400 acres of protected property in the region. Whether you would like to volunteer regularly or just help when you have the time, Flanders needs you!
Consider Joining A Committee – Ready to get more involved with Flanders and share your expertise? Join one or more of our volunteer lead committees to help us meet our goals and objectives and further our mission and vision. By being a committee member you will help grow Flanders and make a deep impact! Here is a list of our committees with a brief description:
» LEARN Committee—Promoting and teaching the understanding and appreciation of art, farming, and nature to adults and families.
» Art Committee—Organize art related programs and conserve founder Natalie Van Vleck’s history and archives.
» Land Management Committee—Managing Flanders’ 2,400+ acres of open space.
» Land Acquisition Committee—Acquiring important open space lands.
» Development/Fundraising Committee—Helping raise funds to support Flanders’ Mission.
» Historic Van Vleck Committee—Ensuring Flanders facilities are properly maintained and/or restored.
Want To Lead A Hike, Program Or Class? Do you have a talent that you would like to share? Flanders is always looking for new instructors.
TO LEARN MORE – Contact Flanders’ volunteer coordinator Ana Jordan to learn more about becoming a Flanders ambassador or other available volunteer opportunities today!
Flanders Wish List!
To help reduce expenses, the donation of supplies, services and/or equipment that are used for fulfilling our mission are greatly appreciated! >Learn more
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