Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs offered by the New Canaan Nature Center feature talented, professional educators utilizing interpretive techniques such as hands-on science, storytelling, humor and live animals and artifacts demonstrations.

We have offered hundreds of Outreach programs and provide programming for summer camps, libraries, scout groups, nature center and environmental groups, corporate meetings and special events throughout Connecticut and New York. Programs can be held at the New Canaan Nature Center or at your location and are 60 - 90 minutes in length and can be modified for the specific needs of your group or organization.

Programs Available:

• Birds of Prey Programs
• Live Animals Programs
• Natural Science Programs
• Registration Information

Birds of Prey Programs

Birds of Prey
Observe hawks, owls, falcons or other species up close as we learn about the adaptations of these winged wonders! Touch raptor artifacts and a lucky volunteer may get to help with some of the demonstrations. Our most popular program is recommended for all ages and group sizes.

The Natural History of Owls
Owls fascinate kids and adults alike. This program gives audiences a chance to discover the lives of these amazing birds. Meet three live owls and investigate owl artifacts from feathers to pellets. Smaller groups can meet two live owls and dissect owl pellets to take home. This program is recommended for all ages and group sizes. Owl pellet dissection is for ages five and up.

Birds in Native American Culture
Live birds, along with artifacts and pictures, will bring to life many traditional Native American stories. Discover why a raven is considered a trickster or why the owl has big eyes. We'll meet four live birds throughout our program. This program is recommended for older groups and mixed audiences.

Live Animal Programs

Amazing Animals
An all-around furry, scaly and feathery experience! Meet six live animals and discover the many wonders of the animal world. This program is one our most popular and is recommended for all ages.

Slimy and Scaly
Discover the ecology of slimy frogs and salamanders and scaly snakes, turtles and lizards. We'll meet one live amphibian and five live reptiles to get an eyeball-to-eyeball experience with these awesome creatures. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Create-a-Critter Workshop
Meet live animals and create your own stuffed animal! Visit with 3 live animals and then each child will hand-stuff an animal to take home! Numerous critter choices available. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

The Animals of Harry Potter
Be transported to the world of Hogwarts as we meet magical creatures, such as a snake, rat, dragon, raven or owl. One of our "professors" will introduce the magical history of these critters. Recommended for all ages.

Wild, Weird & Wonderful
Explore the wild and wonderful world of animals! Meet live animals who have odd adaptations and behaviors and learn about some of the weird creatures of the world through artifacts and pictures. Recommended for all ages.

Native American Storytelling
Live animals, along with artifacts and pictures, will bring to life many traditional Native American tales. Discover how opossum got a naked tail or how turtles flew south for the winter. Meet four to five animals and participate in stories. Recommended for all ages.

From Rainforest to Our Forests
Explore connections between tropical rainforests and the forest in our backyards. Meet exotic rainforest animals and forest critters native to our neck of the woods. Recommended for all ages.

Natural Science Programs

Habitat Field Study
Offered at the New Canaan Nature Center or at your site, this program can be adapted to any topic. Explore pond or forest, study insects and more. Recommended for all ages.

Edible Insects
Discover why insects are used as a food source in this unique, fun program. Meet live edible bugs, learn which insects are edible and meet some insect-eating animals. Participants will have a chance to try an edible insect food too. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Slimy, Icky Science
Explore some basic science principles as we make things foam and fly, get slimed and more! A very hands-on, somewhat messy program. Recommended for all ages.

The Science of Harry Potter
Enroll in Wand Making, try your hand at Potions class and meet three live animals in Introduction to Magical Creatures. Recommended for all ages.

Junk Food Geology
Discover the collisions and divisions that created our geology using ice cream and other junk food. Learn rock types and start a rock collection. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Junior Field Biologists at Devil's Den
Learn identification, research and collection methods of field biologists while exploring the 1,746 acre preserve. Catch and release critters, practice identification, learn natural history and more. Choose from reptiles and amphibians or insects and inverts. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Wildlife CSI at Devil's Den
A natural who-done-it as participants gather clues about a woodland "crime". Put together evidence such as tracks and scat to solve the puzzle. Recommended for all ages.

Guided Hike at Devil's Den
Visit various habitats in the preserve as we hike to Godfrey Pond, Deer Knoll Vista or areas. Discover the natural history and ecology of the den. Recommended for all ages.

Registration Information

Program Lengths and Times
Birds of Prey, Live Animal and Natural Science programs are 60 minutes in length. Programs held at Devil's Den are 90 minutes in length. Programs can be broken up into shorter segments to accommodate different ages. Programs are available weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Package Discounts
We can offer discounted rates for multiple programs (3 or more) booked for an organization. We can work with groups to develop curricula and multiple visits for your youth group or camp. Discounted rates may be available for not-for-profit organizations.

Private and Corporate Functions
We can provide programming for your next family or corporate event. Inquire about rates.

*Destinations beyond a 20-mile radius of New Canaan will be charged an additional 40¢ per mile, round trip in addition to the prices listed above.

Please have the following information available when you call:

• Name of program(s)
• First and second date preferences
• Age and size of audience
• Outdoor or indoor location
• Program at the Nature Center or at your location.

Cancellations and Refund Policy: Please notify the New Canaan Nature Center at least four weeks in advance of your scheduled visit or your payment will be forfeited.The New Canaan Nature Center will charge a 25% administrative fee and the remaining 75% reservation fee will be refunded only for cancellations made at least four weeks prior to the originally scheduled visit. Payments are transferable if you reschedule a program within 60 days of the cancellation.

To book your program call (203)966-9577, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.