Spring Break Drop-in: Celebrate Spring!
2022-04-20 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | 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 “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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
*Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled

*Cancelled - Firefly Walk
2022-07-02 21:00 - 22:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
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 | 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, 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 | 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 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.

**Sold Out** Family Wreath Workshop
2022-12-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join us for an afternoon of crafting and fun for the whole family. 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 that you would like to add. No previous experience is necessary. Children will be given a holiday ornament to decorate. S’mores and hot cocoa will be served by our firepit. Registration is $45 per family (5 people max) and includes all of the supplies you’ll need. Space is limited and this event typically sells out, so advanced registration and payment are required. To join our waitlist please email our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org. *Cancellations after November 25th are non-refundable.

**Sold Out** Wine and Wreath Night: Holiday Wreaths
2022-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | 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 that you would like to add. No previous experience is necessary. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $40 per person and includes all of the supplies you’ll need. Space is limited and this event regularly sells out, so advanced registration and payment are required. Small groups may be seated at mixed tables. To join our waitlist pease email our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org. *Cancellations after November 25th are non-refundable.

Kids' Drop-off: Holiday Cookies & Crafts
2022-12-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Kids, join us for an afternoon of crafting and fun. You’ll decorate a large gingerbread man from American Pie Company with icing and candy and also get to create two ornaments and a holiday bell door hanger to take home with you. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6-12. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Price includes the gingerbread house and all decorating supplies. Space is limited and advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator Tara to reserve your space. Cancellations after December 10th are non-refundable.

DIY & Wine Night: Gingerbread House Decorating
2022-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 | 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-assembled gingerbread house with icing and candy, and any additional décor you may wish to bring. Please also feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $40 for non-members and $35 for members. Price includes the gingerbread house and all decorating supplies. Space is limited and advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator Tara to reserve your space. Cancellations after December 10th are non-refundable.

Kids' Nature Night: Hoo Goes There?
2023-01-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Did you know that Connecticut is home to eight owl species? Or that owls lack a sense of smell and swallow their prey whole? Come join us for this Nature Night program where we’ll learn all about these nighttime predators, listen to owl calls, dissect owl pellets, and visit our resident barred owls and screech owls. This is a drop-off program that is open to children ages 6-12. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for family-level members and above. To register your child, please email our education coordinator Tara. *Cancellations after January 18th are non-refundable.

**SOLD OUT** Winter Birding & Introduction to eBird
2023-01-28 09:00 - 10:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
** SOLD OUT** Come take a hike with our naturalist John Foley to go winter birding and learn how to use the citizen science platform, eBird. eBird is an online database of bird observations that provides scientists and birders with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. 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) and a smartphone capable of downloading apps. 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. Join our waitlist by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Snow Moon Hike **CANCELLED**
2023-02-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**This event has been cancelled due to dangerously cold temperatures**
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. Please sign up in advance by emailing John

Great Backyard Bird Count
2023-02-18 09:00 - 22:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Come take a winter hike with our naturalist John Foley to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. This bird count is a worldwide event that takes place over four days in February each year! 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. Photo by Tim White/Macauley Library

Eagle Viewing Field Trip to the Shepaug Dam
2023-02-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Shepaug Dam, 2150 River Road, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
Join our naturalist John Foley for a special field trip to a significant bald eagle observation area near the Shepaug Dam, on the Housatonic River in Southbury. The movement and temperature of the water released by the hydroelectric station below the dam prevents the water from freezing and creates an attractive opportunity for bald eagles to catch fish. Just a few weeks ago, monitors from the Connecticut Audubon Society, which manages the observation station, counted a new record of 35 eagles in just one morning! Aside from eagles, we can also expect to see various waterfowl, hawks, and great-blue herons. John will be there to discuss interesting facts about bald eagles and their remarkable comeback from the threat of extinction, and to help identify other birds we are likely to see. Spotting scopes will be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own binoculars if you have a pair. There is no fee for this program, but reservations must be made in advance and space is limited. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to the site, located at 2150 River Rd., Southbury, CT. Email John at jfoley@greathollow.org to register and for directions. Pets are not allowed.
