Natural Encounters

Help your family learn about the natural world, and how we can protect it, through these events, museums, aquariums, programs, and more.

ANNUAL EVENTS

CT Folk Festival and Green Expo
www.ctfolk.com/ctff/greenexpo.html
The aim of Green Expo is to connect people with products (including yummy food samples), businesses, services, and resources for living green. An interesting and educational stop on your way to hear the wonderful music!

Date: Saturday of the Folk Festival, which is usually the weekend after Labor Day

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride
www.RocktoRock.org
This huge Earth Day fundraising bike ride between West Rock and East Rock includes celebrations on both sides of the city and tasty food, great music, and wonderful sites and camaraderie along the way. The event accommodates all ages and cycling abilities and includes opportunities for environmental service projects and exploration of New Haven’s parks and neighborhoods. The ride in 2011 raised $50K for 14 environmental groups!

Date: April 21, 2012

PROGRAMS

Common Ground Environmental Education Center (New Haven)
www.nhep.com/

Nature Pals @Edgewood Park (New Haven)
www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks/ranger/edgewood.asp#naturePals

New Haven Bioregional Group (various locations)
newhavenbioregionalgroup.org/
The New Haven Bioregional Group sponsors walks, films, canoe trips, potlucks, and other events to help residents of the Quinnipiac Bioregion connect with their natural and built environment. Check the website or see announcements of kidHaven for family-friendly activities.

Summer Nature Days with the Friends of Ansonia Nature Center (Ansonia)
www.ansonianaturecenter.org/
Week-long segments on the theme of Earth Education beginning in July. Five-day morning programs available for three to five year-olds and four-day programs until 2:30 available for six to ten year-olds. See the website or call 203-736-1053 for more information.

Two Coyotes Wilderness School (various locations)
www.twocoyotes.org/
This not-for-profit organization offers a variety of programs around the state teaching naturalist skills, wilderness survival, and wildlife tracking in support of building a strong connection with nature. Programs are offered for families, adults, and children of all ages on weekends, during the summer, and afterschool. Homeschooling programs are also offered.

PLACES

Ansonia Nature Center (Ansonia)
www.ansonianaturecenter.org/

Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport)
www.beardsleyzoo.org/

CT Audubon Society’s Coastal Center at Milford Point (Milford)
www.ctaudubon.org/coastal-center-at-milford-point/

Dudley Farm Museum & Gardens (Guilford)
www.dudleyfarm.com/farm_garden.htm

East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center (New Haven)
www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/ranger/eastRock.asp#calendar

Kellogg Environmental Center (Derby)
www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2691&q=322550

Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk)
www.maritimeaquarium.org/home.asp

Meigs Point Nature Center (Madison)
www.hammonasset.org/Nature%20Center.html

Mystic Aquarium (Mystic)
www.mysticaquarium.org/

Smart Living Center (Orange)
www.UInet.com

Stamford Museum and Nature Center (Stamford)
www.stamfordmuseum.org/