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 minutes in length and can be modified for the specific needs of your group or organization.

Programs Available:


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.


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.

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 Culture & Lore
Live animals, along with artifacts and pictures, will bring to life many traditional Native American tales. Meet four to five animals and participate in stories. 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.


Devil's Den Preserve

New Canaan Nature Center runs programs at Devil's Den Preserve, a 1,700+ acre facility in Weston operated by the Nature Conservancy. It is the perfect place for our high-quality education programs which have included "Den"drology Tree Study, Forest Exploration and Guided History, History Walks. Programs can also be tailored to fit your specific needs. Call (203) 966-9577 x41 for details. Costs are $175 for 90 minute programs at $210 for 2 hour programs.

Registration Information

Program Lengths and Times
Birds of Prey, Live Animal and Natural Science programs are 60 minutes in length. Programs can be broken up into shorter or longer 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.

Program Group Size     Within 10 miles of New Canaan
Birds of Prey Programs up to 49 $185.00
  50-99 $225.00
  100-149 $260.00
  150+ Call for pricing
       
Program Group Size     Within 10 miles of New Canaan
Live Animal Programs
Natural Science Programs
Up to 25 $145.00  
26 to 50 $205.00  
51-75 $230.00  
       
 

*Destinations beyond a 10-mile radius of New Canaan will be charged an additional fee per mile, round trip. The first 10 miles will be at to charge; each mile thereafter will be charged at the current IRS rate at the time of booking.

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 x20, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.