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

Invasive plants threaten biodiversity and degrade habitats for native wildlife. Learn what makes invasives so harmful, how to identify many common species and methods to control their spread during this active talk and walk around Coogan Farm with habitat restoration volunteer Lydia Pan. 

Meets at the JX Art Barn at Coogan Farm, Advance registration is required. This program is free of charge and is offered in partnership with the Mountain Laurel Chapter of Wild Ones, a group supporting native plants and natural landscaping.

Spring is a great time of year to get a full view of the land that makes up Gungywamp, an archaeological site of natural and cultural interest. Explore the 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 best suited 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. Advanced registration is required.

Members $12.75; non-members $15

Start Earth Week off with a morning hike for adults at the Peace Sanctuary in Mystic. Search for spring ephemerals and admire spectacular views of the Mystic River and the historic landscape as we wander up the hill and on the trails. 

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.

Our science-based curriculum introduces students 4-13 years to the wonders of the natural world. New topics are covered each week through hands-on activities, meeting live animals and games, with plenty of time for nature play and socialization. Ages 13- 15 will work with our animal care department to learn how to care for our resident animals. Sign up for one or all of the classes. Classes are limited to 12 students. Please bring a snack, water bottle to every class and be prepared to go outside in all weather conditions!

Sign up by the following age groups:
Explorers (ages 4 to 6)
Scientists (ages 7 to 9)
Eco Engineers (ages 10-13)
Animal Curators (13-15)

Turtle species are in decline around the world, but as humans we can help right in our own backyards! In this hands-on program for adults and families, you’ll learn about our local turtle species, and how we can help keep turtle eggs and hatchlings safe by building a turtle nest box cover. We provide the instruction, tools and supplies, please register by the number of boxes you would like to make during the program.

 $20/box

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 Stillman foundation, the high meadows overlooking the Mystic River and more. Program for adults and older, interested children.

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

If you’re like us and trying to use less plastic around the house, come learn how to make beeswax wraps to reduce your plastic use! We’ll show you easy techniques to create wraps to take home. Meets at DPNC. Program for adults and older, interested children accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration required. Members $8.50; non-members $10

Meet DPNC’s resident hawks and owls and learn about Connecticut’s incredible raptors, their important role in the ecosystem and what we can do at home to help protect them. Program for adults and families.

Free for members and non-members; advanced registration required.

From litter clean-up on Pequotsepos Rd to invasive species removal, we’ll have Earth Day volunteer projects for everyone! Come one, come all: adults or families with kids, this is a great opportunity to volunteer together and make a difference to the world around you. Advance registration required.

Celebrate Earth Day the DPNC way! Meet our resident animals, learn ways you can help to protect our planet, and spend time on the trails completing an Earth Day Scavenger hunt. Program for adults and families.

Free for members and non-members.

From fairy shrimp to salamanders, vernal pools are simply 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.

Meets at DPNC. Program for adults and families. Free for members and non-members, advance registration is required.

This nature program welcomes preschool children with special needs, along with their caregiver. Each month participants explore nature through activities, circle time, live animals and outside play. Children and caregivers have plenty of time to socialize and enjoy the outdoor world! Advanced registration is required. Meets at DPNC.

Discovery is free for members and non-members through support from the EK Bunting Fund for Nature and the Arts.