Earth Week at DPNC is generously sponsored by Aquarion and StoneRidge.

Hike the Groton Reservoir

Saturday, April 20 – 9:30-11:30 am

Witness the beauty of woodlands and sparkling pristine waters on trails winding through remote and secluded sections of the Groton Reservoir watershed. This guided hike with a Nature Center naturalist explores trails on the north side of the Groton Public Utilities property, normally closed to the public. Program for adults and older, interested children.

Meet at the lookout on Sandy Hollow Road in Ledyard. (Part of this walk will be on Sandy Hollow Road.) Free for members and non-members; advanced registration required.

Gungywamp Hike

Sunday, April 21 – 1-3:30 pm

Close out Earth Week with a hike at Gungywamp, an archaeological site of natural and cultural interest. Join us on a guided hike to explore rocky ridges, glacial erratics and swamps, along with the mysterious stone shelter and structures whose use and origin are open to interpretation. Walk with us through the woods and absorb the centuries of mystery of Gungywamp.

A Gungywamp hike is for adults and families who are comfortable walking two miles of moderate difficulty over uneven terrain.

Meets in the parking area at the former Shepherd of the Sea Chapel, 231 Gungywamp Road, Groton. Space is limited, advanced sign up is required.

Members $25.50 – Non-members $30

Evening Hike & Dinner Picnic 

Monday, April 22 – 5 pm-6:30 pm

Bring the family and explore the trails at DPNC. We’ll look and listen for signs of spring and enjoy a trailside picnic out on our hike. Please bring a picnic dinner in something easy to carry. Meet at DPNC. 

FREE

Full Pink Moon Hike at the Peace Sanctuary

Tuesday, April 23 – 7-8 pm

Join us as we explore the trails of the Peace Sanctuary before watching the full moon rise above the Mystic River.

Meet at the bottom of the hill at the Peace Sanctuary on River Road in Mystic.
Free for adult members and non-members; advanced registration required.
Made possible with support from Aquarion Water Company.

Midweek Hike at Coogan Farm

Wednesday, April 24 – 5-6 pm

Mark the middle of the work week with an after-hours hike at Coogan Farm. Ascending the centuries-old farm path, you’ll learn about the significant cultural and natural history of the property. We’ll stroll through Gallup Orchard and its heirloom varieties of apples and pears, the fascinating Stillman Foundation, the high meadows overlooking the Mystic River and more. Program for adults and older, interested children.

Meets at Coogan Farm. Free for members and non-members; advanced registration required.

Favorite Plants for Wildlife

Thursday, April 25 – 5-6 pm

Just like people, wildlife has favorite foods! With a mixture of plant samples and a slide show, you’ll learn about the best plants for wildlife that you can add to your landscape. For adults.

Meets at DPNC.

Free

Earth Week Nature Trivia Night

Friday, April 26 – 6-8 pm

It’s trivia time! Amaze your friends with your awesome nature trivia knowledge at Earth Week Nature Trivia Night! Teams of up to six people compete to win incredible prizes, including a private animal encounter! BYOB and snacks. Start planning your team name now!

$10/non-members – $8.50/members

Nature Night Out

Saturday, April 27 – 5-8 pm

Enjoy an evening out while your children, ages 6 to 12, spend the evening at the Nature Center. We’ll play games, do nature activities, meet live animals and take an evening hike, followed by fireside pizza and s’mores! Dress for outdoor weather and bring a flashlight.

Ages 6-12. Meets at DPNC, advanced sign up required.

Members $29.75 per child – Non-members $35 per child

Earth Day at DPNC

Saturday, April 27 – 10am-3pm

Events are free for DPNC members!

For non-members, all Earth Day programming is free with admission to DPNC
    (Adults/$10, Seniors (65+) and children between 3-12/$7, 2 and under are free).

Join us throughout the day as we celebrate our Earth! Hikes, wildlife demonstrations, nature crafts and planting pollinator seeds are just a few of the fun activities that await as you learn tips to tread lightly on our planet.

• Meet a DPNC Animal Ambassador – all day
• Identifying Invasive Species & Native Plant table- all day
• Earth Day Scavenger Hunt- all day
• Earth Day Nature Crafts- all day
• Turtles of CT 10-10:30 am
• Owls of CT 11:30 am -12 pm
• Snakes of CT 1-1:30 pm
• Hawks of CT 2:30-3 pm
• Bird Walk (one hour) 10-11am
• Nature Hikes (45 minutes) 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm

Vernal Pool Discovery

Sunday, April 28 – 2-3 pm

From fairy shrimp to salamanders, vernal pools are teeming with life! We’ll introduce you to vernal pools and the importance of these unique habitats, and then we’ll spend time exploring them. Dress to get your feet in the water (rubber boots or old sneakers are a good idea, and we suggest bringing a change of socks and shoes!) You might even want to bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Advanced registration required. Meets at DPNC. Free for members and non-members. Program for families and adults.