Fall Foliage & Tree ID
2025-10-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Come enjoy a guided fall foliage hike with our naturalist and Master Woodland Manager, Ben Lee. Attendees will learn how to identify common trees of Connecticut through leaf and bark characteristics. Our hike will begin at the start of the red trail and traverse through a second-growth forest before returning to the patio for light refreshments and an opportunity for additional Q&As. This program is part of our Wonders of the Woods series for adults and is free for members ($20 for non-members; includes admission to all four sessions). To register please email our education director Tara.

Hollow Fest: A Fall Family Fun Day!
2025-10-25 12:00 - 15:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Come out to Great Hollow on Saturday, October 25th for our annual Hollow Fest extravaganza! There will be fun for the whole family, including cider pressing, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafting, games, and more! All the while, we’ll be making complementary apple cider for you to enjoy and take home. Entry is $5 per adult (cash only, please). Please leave your dog at home.

Meet Your Greens Event
2025-10-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Housatonic River Brewing, 30 Kent Road, New Milford, CT, 06776, United States
Join Great Hollow staff and our friends from several other local environmental organizations for an informal social gathering at the Housatonic River Brewery (30 Kent Road, New Milford). Meet Your Greens is northwestern Connecticut’s “green” happy hour, providing opportunities to make connections and exchange news about environmental issues, conservation initiatives, land use, and more. All are welcome, it’s free to attend, and no reservations are necessary. We hope to see you there!

It's Alive! The Fascinating World of the Forest Floor
2025-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Ever wonder where all the dead leaves go? Come find out on a short, guided hike with our naturalist and Master Woodland Manager, Ben Lee. Attendees will learn about some of nature’s decomposers and the vital services they provide for our ecosystem. Our hike will begin at the red trail and traverse through second-growth forest before returning to the patio area for light refreshments and an opportunity for additional Q&As. This program is part of our Wonders of the Woods series for adults and is free for members ($20 for non-members; includes admission to all four sessions). To register please email our education director Tara.

Invasive Species Walk
2025-11-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
What do spotted lanternflies, Asian jumping worms, and Japanese barberry have in common? They are just three of the 6,500+ known invasive species in the United States. But what makes a species invasive and what should we do about them? Come find out on a short, guided walk and talk with our naturalist Ben Lee and education director Tara Ewers. Attendees will learn what traits make a species invasive and how to identify common invasive plants in Connecticut forests. Our day will begin with a short introductory slideshow in the lecture room before we head out to Great Hollow’s red trail. We’ll return to the lecture room for light refreshments and an opportunity for additional Q&As. This program is part of our Wonders of the Woods series for adults. Registration is free for members and $20 for non-members for all four sessions. To register please email our education director Tara.

Kids' Crafts: Holiday Ornaments
2025-11-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Kids, join us for some holiday crafting fun! During this drop-off event children will be making three holiday ornaments: a fused glass ornament*, a decoupage oyster shell ornament, and a painted tree cookie ornament. We will discuss the science behind each of these materials while creating our holiday keepsakes. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. The cost of this program is $15 per child for family-level and above members or $20 per child for non-members. This program is open to children ages 6-12. Please contact Tara to register your child for this event.
*Please note that the glass ornaments will need to be picked up at Great Hollow the following week or at the Sherman Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 7.

Winter Birding
2025-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Grab your binoculars and join us for a guided birding walk with ornithologist, Dr. Sarah Deckel. Attendees will learn about some of the more common winter residents as well as how to identify them by sight and sound. Our day will begin with a short introductory slideshow and homemade seed cake feeder activity in the lecture room before heading outdoors. We’ll return to the lecture room for light refreshments and an opportunity for additional Q&As. This program is part of our Wonders of the Woods series for adults and is free for members ($20 for non-members; includes admission to all four sessions). To register please email our education director Tara.

Friday Wine and Holiday Wreath Night
2025-12-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Adults, join us for a relaxing evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop, you’ll decorate a pre-made balsam fir wreath with winter greens and a handmade bow. You may also bring in any of your own decorations for your wreath. No previous experience is necessary. All of the supplies you’ll need are included. Space is limited and this event regularly sells out.Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting.
The cost for a table is $200 and includes up to five attendees. Individuals may purchase an individual ticket for $40 and will be seated at a mixed-group table. Advanced registration and payment are required. Please email Tara to with any questions. *Cancellations after November 25th are non-refundable.

Saturday Wine and Holiday Wreath Night
2025-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States

Kids' Holiday Cookies & Crafts
2025-12-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Kids, join us for an evening of holiday crafting fun! During this drop-off event children will be making three holiday crafts and decorating gingerbread cookies with icing and candy. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. This program is open to children ages 8-12 and is $15 per child for family-level and above members or $20 per child for non-members. Please contact Tara to register your child for this event.

Winter Solstice Guided Hike & Spiral Celebration
2025-12-21 13:00 - 19:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Children & Families | 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Adults Only | 5:00 – 7:00 pm

As the longest night of the year approaches, we invite you to connect with nature and celebrate the return of the light during this guided hike. Discover the calming charm of the season as we walk the Great Hollow frosty trails to the waterfall while embracing the peaceful quiet of the winter woods. After our hike, we’ll gather around the winter spiral to symbolize the transition from darkness to light, and celebrate the gradual return of longer days. Folks have the option to walk the spiral path adorned with candles and other decorations while reflecting on the year past, and setting intentions for the year ahead.

This year we’ll be hosting 2 separate sessions, one for children/families (afternoon), and one that is adults only (evening). Please bring warm clothes and hiking shoes to stay cozy in the winter chill. Bring a small candle (optional, can be battery-powered) if you would like to contribute to the winter spiral. We’ll serve warm beverages to enjoy after the hike (cider, hot chocolate and tea). Space is limited (10-15 people), so please RSVP to Sarah Deckel (sdeckel@greathollow.org) by Thursday, December 19th to reserve your spot.

The cost for the program is $10 per person for members and $15 per person for non-members. Children under 10 are free for the family program.

Kids' Nature Night: Lunar Calendars
2026-01-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Kids, join us for the first full moon of the new year: The Wolf Moon. During this program we will learn about the lunar cycle, make our own lunar calendars, and go outside to view the super moon. This drop-off program is open to children ages 6-12. The cost for this program is $5 for family-level members and $10 for non-members. To register for this program please email our education director Tara.
