Great Hollow

Kids' Drop-off: Turkey Talk & Walk *Sold Out*
2021-11-20 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Kids, join us for an afternoon of turkey-tastic fun! First we’ll play a game of turkey tag before learning all about these once endangered birds. We’ll finish up our day with a short hike and turkey inspired craft. This program is open to children ages 5-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Space is limited to allow for social distancing. Masks are required when indoors and when social distancing cannot be maintained outdoors. To be added to the waitlist for this program please email our education coordinator Tara.

Holiday Wreath & Wine Night *Sold Out*
2021-12-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-12-04 18:00 - 20:00
Adults, join us for a relaxing evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to wire boughs of fresh cut greens, arrange them 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, and face coverings will be required when indoors. Advanced registration and payment are required and a minimum of three people are needed to reserve a table. Please email our education coordinator, Tara, to be added to our waitlist. *Cancellations after December 1st are non-refundable.

Family Holiday Wreath Making *Sold Out*
2021-12-04 13:00 - 16:30
Families, join us for a festive afternoon of holiday wreath making. In this workshop, you and up to three family members will learn how to wire boughs of fresh cut greens, arrange them onto a dried grapevine wreath, and add decorations such as a bows, pinecones, and bells. No previous experience is necessary! We’ll have our firepit going for s’mores (weather permitting) and be serving hot chocolate. Kids will also be given an ornament to paint and take home. Registration is $45 and includes all of the materials to make one wreath per family. Additional wreath kits can be purchased for $15. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings will be required when indoors. *Cancellations after December 1st are non-refundable. Please e-mail our education coordinator, Tara, to join our waitlist.

Kids' Drop-off: Holiday in the Hollow Craft Night
2021-12-10 17:30 - 19:30
Kids join us for a festive evening of holiday crafting. Everyone will get to make 5 different holiday crafts. In between crafts, we’ll enjoy some hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, and listen to some classic holiday tunes. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 5-11. Registration is $20 per child and must be paid in advance. Masks are required when indoors. *Cancellations after December 7th are non-refundable.To register your child please email our education coordinator, Tara.

Winter Break Drop-in Day: Winter Weather *Sold Out*
2021-12-28 09:00 - 15:00
Kids, join us for a day of fun as we explore winter weather. We’ll learn about winter meteorology, the different states of water, and why two snowflakes actually can be alike. We’ll also have some time for crafting and exploration of our hiking trails. This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 5-10. Masks are required when indoors. Advanced registration and payment are required. 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 December 24th are non-refundable.

Winter Break Drop-in Day: Winter Animals *Sold Out*
2021-12-29 09:00 - 15:00
Kids, come to Great Hollow and learn all about how animals cope with the cold New England winters. We’ll start our day learning all about winter birds: what they eat, how they stay warm, and how to spot them using binoculars. In the afternoon, we’ll learn all about animals that survive winter by hibernating. We’ll also get to create some crafts and play games outdoors. This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 5-10. Masks are required when indoors. Advanced registration and payment are required. 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 December 26th are non-refundable.

Winter Break Drop-in Day: Winter Survival **Sold Out**
2021-12-30 09:00 - 15:00
Kids, join us for a day of fun as we learn about winter survival. We’ll cover topics such as cold weather first aid, shelter building, and fire building. We’ll also get to make crafts, explore the trails, and make s’mores. This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 7-12. Masks are required when indoors. Advanced registration and payment are required. Registration is $45 per child for family-level members and above, and $55 for non-members. To join our waitlist, please email our education coordinator Tara. *Cancellations after December 27th are non-refundable.

*Canceled* Wolf Moon Hike
2022-01-15 18:00 - 19:30
**This event has been canceled due to current weather conditions** Enjoy a moonlit, naturalist-guided hike at Great Hollow while learning what this month’s “Wolf 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 6:00 pm in the visitor’s parking area by Great Hollow’s main entrance.

Kids' Nature Night: The Lunar Calendar
2022-01-21 17:00 - 19:00
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.
