Seasonal Splendor: October - December 2026

Be the first to enter the historic Van Vleck House and enjoy shopping for unique gifts in this year’s Artisan’s Marketplace. Over 70 local artisans will have one of kind items for sale at what has become one of the most anticipated Flanders events of the year. Be the first to see and shop at this year’s Artisan Marketplace, opening on November 7! Join us for a Wreath Making program or other fall / winter scheduled programs.

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

Holiday Artisan Marketplace

Sat, Nov 7 - Wed, Dec 23 - Start your holiday shopping at the Flanders Holiday Artisan Marketplace at the historic Van Vleck House in Woodbury. Featuring the work of more than 70 local artisans, the Marketplace offers a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, holiday décor, soaps, fine art, local honey and maple syrup, and more

Private Wreath Making & Decorating Parties

Flanders offers private wreathmaking (daytime hours only) and decorating parties, held exclusively at Flanders Sugar House

Children & Youth Programs

Nature’s Little Explorers

Mon, Nov 9 & 23 - Early Childhood Education (ECE) are designed for ages 2–5, these seasonal caregiver‑and‑me classes spark curiosity, engage the senses, and nurture safe outdoor exploration

Become A Climate Champion

A 12‑session climate-science centered after school program to empower youth action and environmental courage, while engaging in fun activities and projects to learn the science behind our rapidly changing planet

Summer Camp

Flanders’ summer camp offers more than 70 programs to keep children ages 3 to 13 entertained! Great spaces, great programs – for all ages!

Adventure Days

Tues, Nov 3 & Wed, Nov 11, Mon, Jan 18 - Flanders offers a camp-like day of adventures. Enrich time out of school with nature-based learning!

Seasonal Trail Hike Series

Whittemore Bog Winter Hike

Sat, Jan 30 - Kyle Turoczi will guide participants across this frozen wetland to learn about the plants and animals that thrive in this unique habitat

Fall Hikes With Arthur and Kathy

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

Black Friday Gratitude Hike

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.

Adult & Family Programs

Private Wreath Making & Decorating Parties

Flanders offers private wreathmaking (daytime hours only) and decorating parties, held exclusively at Flanders Sugar House

Wreath Making Workshops at Flanders

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

Fermi-culture: The Art and Science of Vegetable Fermentation

Tues, Nov 10 - Discover how fermentation can nourish both your kitchen and your garden in this engaging, hands‑on workshop

What is Permaculture?

Wed, Nov 4 & Dec 9 - Explore the foundations of permaculture, a holistic and sustainable design system rooted in ecology, community resilience, and regenerative land stewardship

Flanders Clubs

Become A Climate Champion

Photography Club 2026

Our focus is outdoor nature photography “to foster understanding and appreciation of nature, art and the wonders of the natural world . . .”

Flanders Trail Blazers 4-H Club

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.”

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.

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!