Great Hollow

Winter Ecology Walk and Talk
2021-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Did you know that when animals hibernate, they don’t really “sleep” through the winter? Join our naturalist, John Foley, for a winter ecology hike through Great Hollow where we’ll learn how specially adapted plants and animals survive the winter. John will also share some tips on how to identify some of our trees and other plants when they have no leaves. If there’s snow on the ground, we’ll look for and identify animal tracks. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars if have some so you can look for wintering birds along the way. Please dress warmly and wear proper footwear for hiking. No dogs, please. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. We are limiting attendance to only 12 people to allow for social distancing and advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Afterschool Drop-off: Wild Winter Weather
2021-01-20 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Winter is a wild time in the atmosphere that can lead to severe weather conditions. In this afterschool program, we’ll learn all about the science of winter weather: the different types of storms, how they form, and how we can predict when they will happen. We’ll also learn how to identify clouds, measure wind speeds, and observe meteorological signs in the natural world. This is a drop-off program best suited for children ages 6 – 12. Masks will be required at all times. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional details or to register.

Surveying Winter Birds
2021-01-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Calling all birders! Did you know Great Hollow has been a sponsor of the Connecticut Bird Atlas since 2018? The Bird Atlas is a massive statewide project led by UConn and DEEP to map the distribution and land-cover associations of all bird species that occur in Connecticut. Nearly all of the data that go into the project are collected by “citizen scientists” like you! Come take a hike with our naturalist, John Foley, and learn how you can conduct bird surveys for the Atlas. Those with minimal or no birding experience are welcome, as John will show us the basics of identifying birds by sight and sound. Remember to bring binoculars if you have them. Please dress warmly and wear proper footwear for mild hiking. We’ll meet in the visitors’ parking area by the main entrance. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Space is limited to allow for social distancing and advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Think Small!
2021-01-23 13:00 - 15:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
How do small mammals like chipmunks, moles, and voles survive the winter? Where do they live and what do they eat? In this Saturday drop-off program, we will learn all about the winter adaptations of small mammals. We’ll hike into the woods to learn about their habitats, experiment with insulation techniques, look for tracks if there’s snow on the ground, and (hopefully) spot a few of these creatures in action! This is a drop-off program best suited for children ages 6 – 12. Masks will be required at all times. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional details and to register.

Wolf Moon Hike
2021-01-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Enjoy a moonlit, guided hike up to Great Hollow’s waterfall with our naturalist, John Foley, and learn what this month’s “Wolf Moon” is all about. We’ll look and listen for owls and other nocturnal animals while taking in the beauty of a forest that’s bathed in moonlight. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight or headlamp (please make sure the batteries work beforehand!). The hike is weather-dependent and limited to only 12 people to allow for social distancing. Appropriate for children ages 10 and up. No dogs, please. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Wine and DIY Night: Galentines Heart Wreaths
2021-01-30 17:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Adults, join us for an evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop you’ll learn how to make your own Valentine’s Day heart rag wreath and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $35 for non-members and $30 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie Cozens.

Weekday Drop-off: Magnificent Marshes!
2021-02-03 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Let’s celebrate World Wetlands Day with an exploration of the marshes of the world, including our very own wetland here at Great Hollow. In this afterschool program, we will learn all about the wild geologic past of our swamps and wetlands, what animals call these habitats home, and why it’s so important to protect these fascinating ecosystems. Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional information or to register.

Kid's Valentine Drop-off: Heart Art
2021-02-06 13:30 - 15:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Let’s get crafty! In this drop-off program for kids, we’ll make plantable seed paper for homemade, all-natural Valentine’s Day cards. We’ll also go for a hike and learn all about some of the amazing (and occasionally bizarre!) courtship rituals of the natural world. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required at all times. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org.

Weekday Drop-off: The Sly Lynx
2021-02-10 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join us for this afterschool program all about the elusive bobcat, also known as a lynx. We’ll learn all about these curious creatures, search for signs of them in the woods, and play games and activities to better understand their behaviors and life cycles. Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Winter Tree and Shrub Identification
2021-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Identifying trees by their leaves can be easy, but how do you tell one species from another during the 6 months that trees in the Northeast have no leaves? Come down to Great Hollow on Saturday, February 13 when our naturalist, John Foley, will teach some basic skills for identifying trees and shrubs during the winter by looking at subtle details in their bark and branch structure. There will also be a discussion of invasive species and the may emerging diseases that trees in our region now face. We will be hiking some of Great Hollow’s trails, so please wear appropriate footwear and dress warmly. Meet in the visitors’ parking area by the main entrance. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. We are limiting attendance to only 12 people to allow for social distancing, and advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Weekday Drop-off: Tapping Time!
2021-02-17 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Where does syrup come from? Why do trees produce sap? In this afterschool program we will learn all about the adaptations of maple trees, how to identify them, and how to tap them for syrup. Can’t make it? Check out our weekend family version of this event on the 27th! Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Kids Nature Night: Eyes on the Skies
2021-02-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6 to 12. In this Nature Night program, we’ll take advantage of the clear winter skies to uncover the infinite mysteries of outer space! After we learn the basics of celestial navigation and astronomy, we’ll use a telescope to get a close look at the moon, identify constellations, and search for any visible planets. While we stargaze, we’ll play games, and learn how animals also use the stars for navigation and survival. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required when indoors. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org. Parents, it will be chilly and we will be outside for long periods, so please be sure to send your child with warm clothing and footwear, and gloves.

Weekday Drop-off: Groundbreaking Glaciers
2021-02-24 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Did you know that Connecticut used to be buried under miles of ice? How did geologists discover that? Join us for this afterschool program in which we learn all about the geologic history of this area, identify different rock types, and look for evidence of glacial activity on our landscape. Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

DIY and Wine Night: St. Paddy's Day String Art
2021-02-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Adults, join us for an evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop you’ll learn how to make your own St. Paddy’s Day inspired string art. No previous experience is necessary. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $35 for non-members and $30 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie Cozens.

Weekday Drop-off: Winter Survival
2021-03-03 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Do you have what it takes to survive the rest of the winter? In this program, we’ll start off by learning about the amazing adaptations of animals that allow them to survive in freezing temperatures. Then we will head into the forest and learn how to use a map and compass, how to forage for food, and how to build a fire. Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

RESCHEDULED Maple Syrup Family Event
2021-03-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Maple syrup season has arrived! Come to Great Hollow and learn all about making maple syrup right in your backyard. No fancy evaporator systems here; just a hot open fire to gather around for good conversation and to watch the process of boiling sap into syrup, or as the old-timers call it, “liquid gold.” We’ll learn how to identify and tap maple trees, hang buckets, and collect sap, and then finally, how to boil it down. Best of all, we’ll have the opportunity to taste the product of our hard work – pure 100% backyard style maple syrup! And if there’s enough, we will also have a limited number of small maple syrup bottles for you to fill and take home.
Please dress warmly and meet in the visitor’s parking area by the main entrance. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. $10 for non-members, $5 for members.

Weekday Drop-off: Wake Up!
2021-03-10 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Spring is just around the corner and many hibernators are about to come out of their long winter sleep! Join us in this after school program in which we follow the amazing journeys of bears, garter snakes, bats, and other hibernators, as they navigate the world in early spring. Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

DIY and Wine Night: Easter Wreaths
2021-03-13 17:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Adults, join us for an evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop you’ll learn how to make your own Easter burlap wreath complete with a distressed finish wooden accent. No previous experience necessary. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $35 for non-members and $30 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie Cozens.

Weekday Drop-off: Shamrock Celebration
2021-03-17 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join us as we celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with a celebration of the Irish natural world! From the astounding landscapes to the many creatures – both real and mythical! – we will explore the similarities and differences between the Connecticut landscape and the Emerald Isle. Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Weekday Drop-off: Seeds and Spring
2021-03-24 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Spring is upon us! One of the first signs of spring is the re-emergence of plants. In this after school program, we’ll learn all about the amazing adaptations of seeds, plants, and their life cycles, before trying our hand at planting some seeds of our own! Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Photography "Open Screen Night"
2021-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
The Great Hollow Photographers Club invites all local photographers to participate in a virtual “Open Screen Night” via Zoom on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7 pm. Open Screen Night is not limited to nature images. All subjects and genres are welcome, and can include street, architecture, composites, portraits, macro, still life, underwater, etc. Anything goes – show us your favorite images! (But keep in mind this is a family event, please!)
Presenting photographers will each have 7 minutes to show their photos and discuss them. You must be able to join the Zoom meeting in order to present your photos. The 7-minute time limit will be strictly enforced, so please prepare accordingly. To apply, email your photos to the event host at Info@AtelierVGI.com no later than Thursday, March 18. GHPC will present them from the event host’s computer. Photographers will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait for the deadline!
Please email Info@AtelierVGI.com with any questions.

SOLD OUT First Signs of Spring Hike
2021-03-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join our naturalist John Foley and members of Friends of the Great Swamp for a special (almost) spring hike. We’ll explore the fields and forests of Great Hollow in search of early blooming, spring ephemeral wildflowers, learn some helpful tips for spring plant and tree identification, and keep our eyes and ears open for any early spring migrant birds. Advanced registration is required and attendance will be limited to allow for social distancing. We’ll meet in the visitor parking lot by Great Hollow’s main entrance. Please, no dogs. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

SOLD OUT A Great Hollow Easter Egg Hunt!
2021-03-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join us for an Easter celebration at Great Hollow! In addition to an egg hunt, we will decorate eggs, make simple baskets, and learn all about the natural world in the spring! Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required at all times. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org.

Weekday Drop-off: Rabbit Romp
2021-03-31 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Did you know Connecticut is home to two species of rabbits and only one of them is native? Join us for this after school program in which we learn all about the invasive eastern cottontail and the threatened New England cottontail! Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Frog Frolic SOLD OUT
2021-04-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join Great Hollow and the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy for a guided hike to witness the spring migration and breeding of wood frogs. Every spring, wood frogs emerge from hibernation underground and migrate as far as a half mile to their unique and ephemeral breeding habitats known as vernal pools. We’ll hike up to the vernal pools at the top of the Towner Hill Preserve in Sherman to see wood frogs in action and listen to their chorus of mating calls. The hike is moderately difficult and includes a fairly short, but steep, uphill walk. Kid friendly and recommended! Be sure to wear proper footwear and take precautions against ticks. We’ll meet at the Towner Hill Preserve trailhead off of Route 37 in Sherman, about 0.25 miles north of the White Silo Winery (32 Rt. 37 East, Sherman, CT 06784). Parking is very limited and advanced registration is required to allow for social distancing. Sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. No dogs, please.

Woodcock Walk SOLD OUT
2021-04-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area, 190 Cornwall Hill Rd., Patterson, NY, 12563
Every April, an odd-looking migratory bird returns to the Northeast from its far-away wintering grounds to engage in one of the more bizarre mating rituals in the Animal Kingdom. It’s the American woodcock, also known as the “timberdoodle.” During the last few moments of daylight, male woodcocks perform an unusual courtship display that the famous naturalist, Aldo Leopold, called “the sky dance.” The males repeatedly spiral high up into the air and then return to the ground in a wild zig-zag, all in hopes of impressing and attracting one of the females watching and judging their performance. Join us on a guided evening walk to one of the locale places where woodcocks can often be seen engaging in their aerial displays. We will meet in Great Hollow’s visitor parking area at 7 pm and then take a short drive over to the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area off Cornwall Hill Rd. in Patterson, NY. You may also meet us there directly if you prefer (190 Cornwall Hill Rd., Patterson, NY, 12563). Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a flashlight, as we will be returning to our vehicles in the dark. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated. No dogs, please. Advanced registration is required and space is limited to allow for social distancing. Sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. *Please note that while we will do our best to see woodcocks, there is no way to guarantee it.

Afterschool Program: April Showers
2021-04-07 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
In this afterschool program, we’ll be taking a look at the science of spring, plant growth, and rainfall. We’ll hike in the woods and make observations before heading inside for a rain stick craft! Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Afterschool Program: Migration Madness!
2021-04-14 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
The birds are back! In this afterschool program, we will explore the fascinating journey of birds as they make their ways home for the summer. We’ll play games, bird watch, and learn all about the science of migration. Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Afterschool Program: Happy Earth Day!
2021-04-21 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
April 22nd is Earth Day! Join us for this after school program in which we celebrate the planet. Through games, hiking, and crafts, we will explore the importance of appreciating and looking after our common home. Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Nature Night: Spring Songs
2021-04-23 17:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
What’s all that noise?! The peepers and wood frogs are out in full force and night time is the best time to hear their singing! In this nature night, we will explore the marsh, play games, and make frog-related crafts. This program is best suited to children ages 6-12. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required when indoors. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org.
