Apple Cider Making*
Students will learn first-hand all about the traditional making of cider from picking and pressing apples as they help us pick apples from our orchard and use our old-fashioned cider press to squeeze the final product. Students will even have the opportunity to taste pasteurized apple cider.
- CT Curriculum Standards: Social Studies Curriculum Framework; Content Standards 1) Historical Thinking, 2) Local History, 3) Historical Themes, 4) Applying History
- NY Curriculum Standards: Social Studies; Standard 1) History of the United States and New York
*Program available at New Canaan Nature Center from September to October.
Maple Syrup Making*
As we move from maple tree to Sugar Shack, your class will discover how trees make their own food, how we extract this food (in the form of sap) and what we do to the sap to turn it into maple syrup. We'll even sample the finished product!
- CT Curriculum Standards: Social Studies Curriculum Framework; Content Standards 1) Historical Thinking, 2) Local History, 3) Historical Themes, 4) Applying History
- NY Curriculum Standards: Social Studies; Standard 1) History of the United States and New York
*Program available at New Canaan Nature Center from February to March.
Birds of Prey
Observe several raptor species up close, while learning about their adaptations, behavior, ecological importance and natural history. Demonstrations, games, and museum specimens will help illuminate the fascinating lives of these animals. Availability for this program is limited.
- CT Curriculum Standards: Core Sciences; A INQ 1, A INQ 3, A INQ 4, A INQ 5, B INQ 1, B INQ 3, B INQ 6
- NY Curriculum Standards: Standard 4 Science; Living Environment; 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7
*Program available at New Canaan Nature Center from February to March.
Night Hike Adventure
Night is a magical time in nature that people often never experience! Dispel your fears of the woods a night with this fun and interactive program that takes place on the Nature Center grounds after dark! No flashlights allowed as your naturalist guides you through the woods with a series of exciting activities designed to help students explore nature with all of their senses. If we are quiet enough we might even hear some wild nocturnal animals! A visit by one of our nocturnal animal ambassadors, such as an owl or opossum, will give the group an up-close look at these night-time animals and their adaptations.
Low Ropes Course / Team Building
"Teamwork doesn't seem like work when it helps to make the dream work."
Your adventure guide will lead and motivate your group through our low ropes initiatives and team building exercises designed to build cooperative spirit and confidence while creating a sense of connection with everyone in the group regardless of skill, ability or strength. This program can be tailored for groups of all ages and skill levels from kindergarten students to a corporate retreat.
Orienteering (Compass & Map Skills)
There is nothing more fun than wandering in the woods - IF you know where you are! Students will learn about different types of maps and how to read then in order to successfully navigate the wonders of our world. Younger students will use skills to complete a series of fun map-related challenges and tasks. Older students will also learn how to use a compass and combine their new-found map and compass skills on an outdoor orienteering adventure!
Nature Education Initiative at Devil's Den
Join us at the largest tract of protected land in Fairfield County, Devil's Den in Wilton, for a variety of nature-based classes. Courses can be tailored for your needs or you can choose from classes like DEN-drology (a study of trees at the Den), Living History of Devil's Den, Discover Walks and more! Please note that Devil's Den has limited handicap accessibility and no public restrooms (although a free-standing restroom can be arranged for longer day programs at an additional charge). Additionally, due to the unique nature and often intensive staffing structure of our programs at Devil's Den (Living History has four staff working at one time), there is an additional charge per program that is determined with the registration process.
