We are welcoming a new naturalist, Amber O’Regan, to help at the Conservation Center for the rest of the season. Make sure to say hello if you see her around Goodwin! Our annual native plant sale is still running with plenty of plants left. If you haven’t yet, make sure to stop by and see what’s on offer. The plant sale is run on an honor system and will be open from sunrise to sunset. The mural on the back of the museum is being updated by Master Naturalist and Professor of Art, Amanda Lebel. Portions of our Orange, Blue/White, and Blue Trails are still closed due to the continued harvesting of dead tree stands. Please hike carefully and check the Friends of Goodwin Forest website for updates on trail closures.  

Monthly Programs

August 5 Nature Journaling for Kids 2 – 3PM

Join mother, artist and Professor of Art Amanda Lebel for this class designed for children ages 5 – 12, to learn to document what we see in the natural word through simple prompts.

August 11 Intro to Nature Journaling: Focus on Birds 5 – 6:30PM

Learn to document your surroundings with Nature Artist and Professor of Art, Amanda Lebel. Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and pencils; drawing supplies will also be supplied at the event.

August 12 Women in the Woods Hike 9 – 11AM

We will explore Goodwin Forest on this hike, taking time to admire the beauty around us and experiencing some quiet time in nature.

August 13 Connecticut Butterflies 10AM – NOON

A 45 minutes presentation from UConn’s Pamm Cooper, followed by a walk in search for nearby caterpillars and butterflies and the plants that are important nectar sources for them.

August 13 Natures Alphabet Series: What’s in the Woods? 1-2:30PM

Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join Naturalists Eoin Horning-Kane and Lynn Kochiss for this series of nature walks at Goodwin Forest.

August 18 iNaturalist – Community Science at its Best! 4 – 5PM

Join Goodwin’s new educator, Amber, for a hands-on introduction to the iNaturalist app. You will need a mobile device or a camera and a computer.

August 20 Birding 101 8 – 10AM

Join Naturalist Eoin Homing-Kane for a morning walk in search of Goodwin’s winged wildlife. Journals and binoculars will be provided, but you may bring your own.

August 24 Long Distance Hike 9:30AM – NOON

Join Naturalist, Eoin Horning-Kane and avid hiker June Powell, for a four mile, long-distance hike through Goodwin State Forest.

August 25 Intro to Nature Journaling: Focus on Mammals 5 – 6:30PM

A discussion on Nature Journaling will be followed by a short walk to record our observations through drawing and writing.

August 27 Stargazing with the Connecticut Science Center 8 – 10PM

Staff from the Connecticut Science Center will be joining us with their telescopes to allow us a close-up look at Goodwin’s beautiful nighttime skies.

Registration is required for all listed programs at ctwoodlands.org