Great Hollow

Kids' Nature Night: The Lunar Calendar
2022-01-21 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Maybe you have heard of a Harvest Moon, but have you ever heard of a Worm Moon? During this month’s Kids’ Nature Night we will learn about the phases of the moon, the lunar calendar, and its significance to Native Americans. We will observe the moon through a telescope before returning to the classroom to make an edible diagram of the lunar phases using Oreo cookies! Lastly we will make our own turtle shell lunar calendars out of paper to take home. This program is open to children ages 5-12. Registration is $10 per child for family-level members and $15 per child for non-members. Masks are required when indoors. To register your child please email our education coordinator Tara.

Winter Tree and Shrub Identification Walk
2022-01-22 10:00 - 11:00
Identifying trees by their leaves can be easy, but how do you tell one species from another during the 6 months that trees in Connecticut have no leaves? Come down to Great Hollow on Saturday, January 8th 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 many 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 visitor’s parking area by the main entrance. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is appreciated. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Kids' Craft Night: Valentine's Day Heart Art
2022-02-11 17:00 - 19:00
Kids, join us for a fun evening of Valentine’s Day crafting. We’ll spend the evening making heart string art, a heart art canvas, and handmade valentines for parents or caregivers. Between projects, we’ll also learn some interesting facts about hearts and love in the animal kingdom. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 5-12. Registration is $20 per child. Please email our education coordinator Tara to sign up.

*Canceled* Winter Ecology Walk & Talk
2022-02-12 10:00 - 11:30
*Canceled due to trail conditions *Did you know when animals hibernate, they don’t really “sleep” all winter? Join our naturalist John Foley for a winter ecology hike through Great Hollow where we’ll learn fun facts about hibernation and other adaptations plants and animals have to 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 animal tracks and interpret the animal’s behavior at the time they were left. Don’t forget to bring binoculars if you have some so you can look for wintering birds along the way. Please dress warmly and wear proper footwear for hiking. Please, no dogs. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Snow Moon Hike
2022-02-16 18:00 - 19:30
Enjoy a moonlit, guided hike up to Great Hollow’s waterfall with our naturalist John Foley and learn what this month’s “Snow Moon” is all about. We’ll also 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. The hike is weather-dependent and reservations are required. Appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Please, no dogs. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

*Canceled* Winter Birding
2022-02-19 09:00 - 10:30
*Canceled due to low enrollment* Come take a hike with our naturalist John Foley to go winter birding! 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 or a camera equipped with a long telephoto lens. 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. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

*Sold Out* Wine & Wreath Night: Woodland Rabbit Easter Wreaths
2022-03-19 18:00 - 20:00
Adults, join us for a relaxing evening of crafting and conversation with our next Wreath & Wine night. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to make a two-dimensional preserved moss rabbit, attach it onto a dried grapevine wreath, and create your own handmade bow. No previous experience is necessary. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $30 per person and includes all of the supplies you’ll need. Space is limited to allow for social distancing indoors, and face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated attendees. Advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator, Tara, to register. *Cancellations after March14th are non-refundable.

*Postponed* Kids' Drop-off: Hikin' with Lichen
2022-03-26 16:00 - 18:00
**Due to the threat of rain and thunderstorms, today’s hike has been postponed** What exactly is lichen? Is it a fungus? Is it algae? What if we told you it was both?! Kids, join us for a fun hike along the trails of Great Hollow where we’ll be on the hunt for lichen, moss, and fungi. We’ll then observe them under magnification and discuss the differences between the three. We’ll end our day by rewarding our hard work with s’mores by the firepit. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 5-12. Registration is $10 per child for family-level members and $15 for non-members and must be paid in advance. Masks are required when indoors. *Cancellations after March 24th are non-refundable. To join our waitlist, please email our education coordinator Tara.

Woodcock Walk
2022-04-01 19:00 - 20:30
It’s that time of year again when American woodcocks return from their far-away wintering grounds to engage in one of the more bizarre mating rituals of any animal in our area. 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 local places where woodcocks can often be seen engaging in their aerial displays. We’ll 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 $10 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated. No dogs, please. Advanced registration is required; please sign up by emailing John. *Please note that while we will do our best to see woodcocks, there is no way to guarantee it.

Spring Break Drop-in: Celebrate Spring!
2022-04-20 09:00 - 15:00
This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 5-8. Kids, join us for a day of fun as we explore all things spring. We’ll learn about spring rains, the water cycle, bird migration, and check on the status of our veggie garden seedlings. We’ll also have some time for crafting and exploration of our hiking trails. Advanced registration and payment are required. Space is very limited. Registration is $45 per child for family-level members and above, and $55 for non-members. To register your child, please email our education coordinator Tara. *Cancellations after April 18th are non-refundable.

Spring Break Drop-in: Spring Ecology
2022-04-21 09:00 - 15:00
This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 7-12. During this full day program children will learn what our local plants and animals are up to in the spring. We’ll learn about salamanders, turtles, and spring bird migration, and look for spring wildflowers. We’ll also have some time for crafting and exploration of our hiking trails. Advanced registration and payment are required. Space is very limited. Registration is $45 per child for family-level members and above, and $55 for non-members. To register your child, please email our education coordinator Tara. *Cancellations after April 18th are non-refundable.

Spring Break Drop-in: Earth Day Art
2022-04-22 09:00 - 15:00
This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 7-12. During this full day program children will learn how to make various “upcycled” art projects, make handmade recycled paper, and get to play with watercolor paints to create nature-inspired mini-masterpieces. We’ll talk about why each of these activities is good for our planet and spend time between projects hiking the trails. Advanced registration and payment are required. Space is very limited. Registration is $45 per child for family-level members and above, and $55 for non-members. To register your child, please email our education coordinator Tara. *Cancellations after April 18th are non-refundable.

Spring Ephemeral Hike
2022-05-07 14:00 - 15:00
Trout lily, trillium, blood root and Dutchman’s breeches are among the many native wildflowers found in Northeastern forests. Did you know they are one of the only wildflower guilds that is primarily dispersed by ants? Or that even though they only produce leaves for a few weeks a year, they still live for decades underground? Come join Great Hollow research scientist, Dr. Rob Clark, on a guided hike to learn about the biology of these fascinating and beautiful plants. We’ll meet in front of the Merritt House and then hike up to the waterfall and back. The hike will be about 1 hour round trip and is family-friendly. Registration is free for members and a suggested donation of $5 for non-members. Please email Rob at rclark@greathollow.org to sign up.

Online Art Show
2022-05-20 18:30 - 2022-06-30 16:00
The annual Great Hollow Juried Painting and Photography Show returns for its 5th year with 105 selected works of art by 40 different artists that depict beautiful scenes of nature within and near our preserve. The show is a fundraiser for Great Hollow, with 25% of all sales going to support our environmental education, research, and conservation initiatives. The in-person show is over but you can still view the show and purchase works online until June 30. Be sure to check it out!

(Pictured above: 2021 first-place winner “Eastern Bluebird,” by Christina Maschke, in colored pencil)

Hike the Hollow for Connecticut Trails Day
2022-06-04 10:00 - 12:00
Celebrate Trails Day with our naturalist John Foley on a guided tour through Great Hollow Nature Preserve and the neighboring Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area. We’ll first pay a visit to Great Hollow’s resident birds of prey and then trek up the Green Trail to the Tucker’s Run waterfall. There, we’ll take a short snack break and learn about the history of the “Hollow,” and why it has become one of the area’s most ecologically significant protected areas. We’ll continue our hike through a hemlock forest while learning some basic tree identification tips and searching for migrant birds (bring binoculars if you own a pair). The hike will be moderately challenging in some areas and feature both steep uphill and downhill terrain, so wear sturdy footwear. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 or more for non-members is appreciated. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted.

Guided Paddle of the Great Swamp
2022-06-11 09:00 - 11:00
Safely enjoy the outdoors with us on a naturalist-guided paddle of the Great Swamp in Patterson, New York. The Great Swamp is a regionally significant wetland that is home to a wide diversity of plant and animal life, including threatened and endangered species. During our paddle, we are likely to see herons, kingfishers, colorful songbirds, painted turtles, a variety of dragonflies, and perhaps a beaver, among other wildlife. The paddle will be fairly easy and last approximately 2 hours round-trip. Please bring your own canoe or kayak if you have one. A very limited number of canoes can be provided upon request. Please be prepared to portage over short distances in the case of fallen trees or low water. Attendees should have previous paddling experience and be comfortable operating their boats without any instruction or assistance. PFDs (life vests) are encouraged and you should bring your own if you have one. Please email John Foley at jfoley@greathollow.org to register or request additional information. Please note in your email how many people will be in your party and whether or not you need to borrow a canoe/kayak. Space is very limited. Open to people ages 13 and up. A suggested donation of $20/person or more for non-members and $10/person or more for members is greatly appreciated.
We will meet at the Patterson Environmental Park at 9:00 am. Directions: Take Route 311 into downtown Patterson and turn south onto Front Street near the Metro-North railroad crossing. Head south a few blocks to the access road just past the Patterson Recreation Center. Turn left onto Marble Rd. at the railroad crossing (Caution – Be careful, there are no traffic control devices) and follow the dirt road to the end. **Rain date – Sunday, June 12th, same time**
Photo credit: Justin Goodhart

Strawberry Super Moon Hike
2022-06-14 21:00 - 22:30
Enjoy a moonlit, guided hike up to Great Hollow’s waterfall with our naturalist John Foley and learn what this month’s “Strawberry Moon” is all about. We’ll also 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. The hike is weather-dependent and reservations are required. Appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Please, no dogs. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5or more per person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org

Plein Air Art Day
2022-06-18 16:00 - 19:00
Join accomplished artist and teacher, Sharon Nakazato, for a plein air art day at Great Hollow. All artists are invited to capture the beauty of Great Hollow through drawing, painting, or photography. Great Hollow provides an array of subjects for plein air artists, including open wetlands, a babbling brook, forested trails, and historic barns and homes. Artists of all media and abilities are invited. Free for members and non-members. **Participants are responsible for bringing all of their own supplies/equipment.** Please email or call Sharon at sharon_nakazato@comcast.net or (845) 612-1046 to register.

*CANCELLED - Music on the Lawn featuring Don Lowe
2022-07-01 18:30 - 20:00
*Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled

*Cancelled - Firefly Walk
2022-07-02 21:00 - 22:30
**Due to forecasted rain for tonight, this event has been cancelled**

The firefly walk last week filled up so fast that we have decided to offer a second one. Please join us this Saturday for another special outing to witness these wondrous insects in action. We’ll first learn a bit about firefly biology, the roles fireflies play in our environment, and what we can do to encourage them living in our backyards, and then head out to find some. Please wear sturdy footwear, pants, and long-sleeve shirts because mosquitos will be out. Flashlights or headlamps with red light capability are highly recommended because white light will displace the fireflies. The hike is weather-dependent and reservations are required. Appropriate for children ages 8 and up. No dogs, please. 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.

Guided Hike at Pawling Nature Reserve
2022-07-09 10:00 - 12:00
Join our naturalist John Foley for a special guided hike at The Nature Conservancy’s Pawling Nature Reserve, one of the area’s best kept secrets. We’ll begin our hike viewing an impressive hemlock gorge and cascading stream, and then make our way past vernal pools, through mountain laurel thickets, and onto a section of the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the reserve. We’ll keep our eyes out for birds, bears, and other critters, and the many rare plants that can be found at the reserve, such as Devil’s Bit. Due to limited parking, advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. We will meet directly at the Pawling Nature Reserve trailhead located at 74 Quaker Lake Road, Pawling, NY 12564. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated.

"Buck Moon" Guided Hike
2022-07-13 21:00 - 22:30
Enjoy a naturalist-guided hike at Great Hollow under July’s full moon, known as the “Buck Moon.” Please wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Appropriate for children ages 8 and up. No dogs, please. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. We’ll meet at 9 pm in the visitors’ parking area by Great Hollow’s main entrance.

Music on the Lawn: Echoes of Sinatra
2022-07-22 18:00 - 20:00
**NOTICE: Ticket sales for this event will end at 12 pm on Friday, July 22 (or sooner, if sold out first). No walk-ins will be allowed. No exceptions. Please do not call the office to request extra tickets or arrive at the event without a ticket.**

Come to Great Hollow to hear the “Echoes of Sinatra,” an exciting show based on the life of the great American icon, Frank Sinatra. Show creator, Steve Kazlauskas, and the Tony T. Orchestra pay tribute to this legendary performer with stories and songs that bring back the golden era, when swing was king! The group includes professional musicians who’ve performed on Broadway and TV, recorded on major record labels, and toured with international acts. Together they present a musical tribute to one of the greatest performers of all time.
This event is BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything), so bring a blanket or camping chairs to sit on, and bring your own food and refreshments (alcohol permitted for those 21 and over). Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance here. No walk-ins will be allowed. Children under the age of 10 are free and do not require a ticket. Rain date is Sunday, July 24 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

This event is generously sponsored by Edward Jones Investments in Brewster, NY and all proceeds will benefit Great Hollow’s land conservation, ecological research, and environmental education initiatives.

Astronomy Night
2022-08-19 20:00 - 22:00
**REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY FULL**
Join us for a starry introduction to astronomy from the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club. They’ll tell us all about “how the sky works” and then take us out for some planet- and star-gazing with their high-power telescopes. No prior knowledge of astronomy is required – just curiosity. If you have your own telescope or binoculars, you are welcome (encouraged) to bring them. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated. Please email John at jfoley@greathollow.org to register in advance; space is limited. Rain date is Saturday, August 20 (same time).

Harvest Moon Hike **SOLD OUT**
2022-09-10 19:30 - 21:00
**REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL**

Enjoy a moonlit, naturalist-guided hike at Great Hollow while learning what this month’s “Harvest Moon” is all about. We’ll also look and listen for owls and other nocturnal animals as we trek up to the Tucker’s Run waterfall. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight or headlamp. The hike is weather-dependent. Appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Please, no dogs. 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. We’ll meet at 7:30 pm in the visitor’s parking area by Great Hollow’s main entrance.

Hunter Moon Hike
2022-10-09 19:00 - 20:30
Take a moonlit hike with Great Hollow’s naturalist, John Foley, and learn about this month’s “Hunter Moon”. We’ll look and listen for owls and other nocturnal animals as we trek up to the Tucker’s Run waterfall. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight or headlamp. The hike is weather-dependent. Appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Please, no dogs. 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. We’ll meet at 7:00 pm in the visitors’ parking area by Great Hollow’s main entrance.

*SOLD OUT* Kids’ Nature Night: Fall Foliage
2022-10-14 17:45 - 19:45
Why do leaves change color in the fall? What’s the difference between an oak leaf and a maple leaf? Why are fallen leaves good for forests? Kids, join us for an evening of fall foliage exploration. We’ll start with a short hike to view the fall forest up close and then head inside to discuss the science behind leaves changing colors. We’ll also inspect leaves of different tree species and do some leaf rubbings. Finally we’ll finish up with a fall foliage-inspired craft. Registration is $10 per child for family-level members and above, and $15 for non-members. Space is limited and advance payment and registration are required. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6-12. *Cancellations after October 12th are non-refundable. This event is sold out. Please contact our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org to join our waitlist.

*SOLD OUT* Kids’ Nature Night: Halloween Hike
2022-10-28 18:00 - 20:00
Kids, bring your flashlights and join us for an early evening hike. We’ll hike along the red trail looking for hidden facts about Halloween along the way. When we’re done we will return to the lecture room to decorate pumpkins and roast s’mores. Registration is $15 per child for family-level members and above, and $20 for non-members. Space is limited and advance payment and registration are required. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6-12. *Cancellations after October 26th are non-refundable. Please contact our education coordinator, Tara, at tewers@greathollow.org to join our waitlist.

*SOLD OUT* DIY & Wine Night: Natural Grapevine Wreaths
2022-11-04 18:00 - 20:00
Adults, join us for a relaxing evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop, we’ll use dried and preserved natural materials to decorate grapevine wreaths. No previous experience is necessary. Registration is $30 per person and includes all of the supplies you’ll need. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Space is limited and advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator Tara to be added to our waitlist. *Cancellations after October 31st are non-refundable.

*SOLD OUT* Kids’ Drop-off Program: Turkey Talk
2022-11-19 13:00 - 15:00
Kids, join us for an afternoon of turkey-tastic fun! First we’ll go on a short hike to see the places where wild turkeys live. Then we’ll head indoors to learn some fun facts about turkeys and make a turkey-inspired craft. Finally, we’ll end our day with a game of turkey tag. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Space is limited and advance payment and registration are required. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6-11. *Cancellations after November 16th are non-refundable. Please contact our education coordinator Tara to join our waitlist.
