Maple Syrup Demonstration
2023-03-05 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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 bottles for you to fill and take home. Please dress warmly and meet in the visitor parking area by the main entrance. There is a suggested donation of $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Advanced registration is required; please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

"Worm Moon" Hike
2023-03-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Did you know there are about 30 different species of earthworms in New England and only one of them is native?! Most of the earthworms that you see are non-native, invasive species that have been introduced from other continents. Come enjoy a moonlit, guided hike up to Great Hollow’s waterfall with our naturalist, John Foley, to learn more about these fascinating creatures and what this month’s “Worm Moon” is all about. We’ll talk about invasive earthworms and the dramatic effect they are having on our forests. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight or headlamp. 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

Seminar: Vernal Pool Ecology & Conservation *Cancelled*
2023-03-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**Please note this event has been cancelled. Please check our events calendar for information about the trip to the Towner Hill Preserve’s vernal pools tentatively scheduled for April 1**
It’s that time of year when vernal pools are on the brink of buzzing with life. Join us for this first part of our 3-part series on the ecology of vernal pools and the critters that call them home. We’ll begin the series with this indoor presentation about the characteristics of vernal pools, how to identify them, and the natural history of the unique species that depend on them. We’ll also discuss the conservation challenges facing these special habitats and how to adequately protect them from development and other threats. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated. To register, email John jfoley@greathollow.org.

First Signs of Spring *Rescheduled due to rain*
2023-03-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**Due to forecasted rain for the 25th, this event will be rescheduled. Please check back here for a new date**
Join naturalist, John Foley, and our partners from 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. 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. Advanced registration is required; please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Frog Frolic w/ Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy
2023-04-01 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. We will meet at the White Silo Winery in Sherman (32 Route 37) and then carpool just up the street to the Preserve. The hike is somewhat steep in some sections. Kid friendly and recommended! No dogs, please. Reserve a space and sign up to receive updates about the date and time by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. Free for both members and non-members.

Please note – This date is just tentative and will be determined based on weather conditions.

Woodcock Walk
2023-04-02 19:00 - 20:30 | CT
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 at 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. 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.

Deadline to Enter 2023 GHPC Art Show
2023-04-15 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Calling all painters and photographers who love nature and would like to participate in the sixth annual Great Hollow Photographers Club Juried Painting and Photography Show. Over the past five years, we have raised more than $7,000 for Great Hollow Nature Preserve and we hope you will join us for this sixth year of fundraising.
The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2023. For a prospectus, click here.
The Opening Reception is on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The show will be open for viewing and sales from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday May 20 and Sunday May 21, 2023. The show will also be online from May 19 to June 30, 2023

Spring Break Drop-off: Spring Ecology
2023-04-19 09:30 - 15:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
During this full-day program, children will learn what our local wildlife is 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. This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 7-12. Advanced registration and payment are required. Space is very limited. Registration is $50 per child for family-level members and above, and $60 for non-members. To register, please email our education coordinator Tara. *Cancellations after April 17th are non-refundable.

Spring Break Drop-off: Earth Day Art
2023-04-20 09:30 - 15:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
During this full-day program, children will learn how to make various “upcycled” art projects and 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. This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 7-12. Advanced registration and payment are required. Space is very limited. Registration is $50 per child for family-level members and above, and $60 for non-members. To register your child, please email our education coordinator Tara. *Cancellations after April 17th are non-refundable.

Kids' Drop-off Program: Mother's Day Bouquet
2023-05-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Mother’s Day is coming up and we’ve got you covered! In this program, we’ll be making a faux-flower bouquet and card for a special adult in your child’s life. In between crafting we will learn all about nature’s most famous animal mothers. Registration is $15 per child for family-level members and $20 per child for non-members. All supplies included. Space is limited and advance payment and registration are required. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 5-12. To register your child, please email our education coordinator, Tara.

Guest Seminar: Moose on the Loose!
2023-05-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
It is unclear whether moose ever historically occurred in Connecticut, but they sure do now! Moose have been gradually colonizing Connecticut from neighboring Massachusetts over the past few decades, with the first confirmed evidence of reproduction in the state occurring as recently as 2000. A small population has since become established, mainly in towns bordering Massachusetts. Join us for a talk by Andrew LaBonte, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection moose and deer biologist, about the history and status of moose in Connecticut, and future expectations for the species in our state. Discover where you might be able to catch a glimpse of this illusive and rare animal in Connecticut, and what you should do if you’re lucky enough to see one! And if you’re wondering what on Earth is going on in this photo, Andrew says you’ll just have to come to the talk to find out!
Free for members; a suggested donation of $5 per person for non-members is greatly appreciated.

Spring Migration Bird Walk
2023-05-14 08:00 - 09:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
**Rescheduled from 4/29 due to rain**
They’re heeere! Join us for a guided walk as we look for migratory songbirds that are currently making their arduous journeys from the Neotropics all the way to northern North America. We’ll show you the best places to find them and share tips on how to identify the many species that can pass through Great Hollow this time of year. We’ll also talk about some of the research Great Hollow is doing on the effects of invasive plants on birds and the quality of their habitat. Remember to bring binoculars and wear sturdy footwear for walking on trails. A suggested donation of $5/person is greatly appreciated. We’ll meet in Great Hollow’s visitor parking area by the main entrance at 8 am. No dogs, please. Advanced registration is required. Please email John Foley to sign up.

*DATE CHANGED* Live Music on the Lawn: An Original Take on the Beach Boys Songbook
2023-08-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
*Rescheduled from August 19th*
Unfortunately, due to an illness in the band, this event has been postponed to Saturday, August 26th. If you are unable to attend and would like a refund for tickets you purchased for the originally scheduled date, please email us at info@greathollow.org. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

Celebrate endless summer with award-winning jazz composer, Charley Gerard, and his Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet, who will perform unique reinterpretations of the brilliant music of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys — with a little injection of humor too. Charley Gerard, a local resident of Sherman, CT, is a recipient of the prestigious New Jazz Works award from Chamber Music America and has performed with the Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet throughout New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut, as well as Austria. This event is BYOE (“bring your own everything,” such as food, drinks, lawn chairs or blankets). And don’t forget to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt or other Beach Boys attire! Tickets are only $10 and must be purchased online, in advance. No walk-ins will be allowed. Children under the age of 10 do not need a ticket.
Please either print or take a screen shot of your order confirmation to show staff upon entry.
Tickets purchased on or after August 25th are non-refundable. All sales final.
Purchase tickets here

Jazz Night on the Patio
2023-09-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join us for the return of an annual favorite – Jazz Night on the Patio. Our friends from the BnB Jazz Trio will be back to provide an intimate night of great music by the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Duke Ellington, alongside a roaring outdoor fire. The event is BYOE (bring your own everything), so pack yourself whatever food and beverages you would like to enjoy during the show (alcohol permitted for those 21 and over). Tickets are $15 per person and must be purchased in advance, below. Children under the age of 12 are free and do not need a ticket.
*Rain date September 30th, 6pm*

Foraging for Autumn Wild Edibles
2023-09-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join local farmer, forager, educator, and special guest Sarah Lucas of Harlem Valley Homestead to learn how to forage for wild edible plants and mushrooms of the late summer/early autumn. Wild foods can be rich in antioxidants, electrolytes, anti-bacterials, and phytonutrients that industrial foods increasingly fail to provide. Whether for health, hunger, convenience or curiosity, come and meet some of your backyard resources as Sarah shows us how to find, identify, and responsibly harvest wild edibles this time of year. We will be hiking Great Hollow’s trails, so be sure to wear proper footwear. No dogs, please. Registration is $15 per person and you must sign up in advance by emailing Sarah at sl3026@utsnyc.edu

Kids’ Nature Night: Alien Invaders!
2023-09-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
What do Japanese Knotweed, Red Swamp Crayfish, and Spotted Lanternflies have in common? They are all non-native, invasive species that are now found right here in Connecticut. During this program we’ll learn about the differences between native and non-native species, how invasive species spread, and what can be done to control them. Afterwards we’ll take a hike to find some of these alien species that have invaded Great Hollow. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6-12. Registration is $10 per child for family-level members and $15 per child for non-members. Space is limited and advance payment and registration are required. Please contact our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org to register.

Submission Deadline for 2024 Calendar Contest
2023-10-06 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
The Great Hollow Photographers Club (GHPC) was formed by members of the local community who have a shared interest in nature photography. The goals of the club are to use photography to support the educational and conservation missions of Great Hollow Nature Preserve, improve the photographic skills of members through the sharing of knowledge and experience, and to provide a forum for members to engage in their hobby. The GHPC is open to all ages and skill levels, and both video and still photography.
Each year, the Club organizes a calendar contest and this year’s contest is now open to submissions. Twelve winning photographs will be used for the twelve months of the calendar, which is made available to everyone who participates in the contest, and to the sponsors of the annual Art Show. These images are used each month on the GHPC Facebook page. To submit your photographs (up to four) for consideration in the 2024 Calendar, please visit here.
2024 Calendar Theme: Local Nature and Wildlife If it’s a photo of nature (landscapes, trees, flowers, astronomy and the like) or wildlife (any kind of animals which are not pets like cats or dogs – horses, cows chickens, pigs, etc. are fine), from anywhere in the general area of Great Hollow, or anywhere else in the general Northeast area, submit it! If it is anything else, it will not qualify. (Examples: Deer are fine; alligators are not. Pine trees are fine; palm trees are not. Black bears are fine; polar bears are not.)

Halloween Wreath & Wine Night
2023-10-06 18:30 - 20:00 | CT
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 multi-colored, deco mesh wreath. No previous experience is necessary. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $25 per member and $30 per non-member. All of the supplies you’ll need are included, but you may also bring anything you want to incorporate into your own wreath. Advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator, Tara, to register.

Kids’ Drop-off Program: Buggin’ Out!
2023-10-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Are dragonflies insects? What about spiders? During this program, we’ll bug out learning all about the fascinating world of insects and head out into the field with our nets to see what we can collect. We’ll take our specimens back inside to look at more closely through a scope and talk about what we’ve found. Registration is $10 per child for family-level members and above, and $15 per child for non-members. All supplies included. Space is limited and advance payment and registration are required. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6-12. Please email our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org to register.

Photographing Mindfulness Workshop
2023-10-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
A two hour workshop exploring the integration of mindfulness with the art of photography will be presented by renowned local photographer Jim Stasiak at Great Hollow on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2 pm. Jim’s award-winning work has appeared not only in Great Hollow’s Juried Art Shows, but in gallery shows throughout America.
This program is offered through the Great Hollow Photographers Club. Everyone interested in photography is invited to attend, whether pro or advanced amateur or just a beginner – bring any kind of camera you like! There is no cost for the workshop. Please direct all questions to GHPClub@gmail.com.

Photo Club Meeting
2023-10-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
The Great Hollow Photographers Club (GHPC) was formed by members of the local community who have a shared interest in nature photography. The goals of the club are to use photography to support the educational and conservation missions of Great Hollow Nature Preserve, improve the photographic skills of members through the sharing of knowledge and experience, and to provide a forum for members to engage in their hobby. The GHPC is open to all ages and skill levels, and both video and still photography. If you are interested in joining the club, please email GHPClub@gmail.com.
The Club’s next meeting will be on October 17th at 6:30 pm in the Merritt House at Great Hollow. The agenda of this meeting is to select the winners of the 2024 Great Hollow Photographers Club Calendar Contest. Join us to vote for your favorite photos!

*Sold Out* Kids’ Nature Night: Hollow-ween Hike
2023-10-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Kids, join us for a twilight hike to the waterfall where we’ll learn interesting facts about Halloween and some of the different animals associated with the holiday. After our hike we’ll return inside for some Halloween crafting followed by s’mores. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 7-12. Registration is $15 per child for family-level members and $20 per child for non-members. Space is limited and this program typically sells out, so don’t wait to sign up. Please email our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org to register.

Guest Seminar: The Wild World of Bats
2023-10-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Join us as we celebrate Bat Week with a presentation by bat biologist, Dr. Devaughn Fraser, of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Bats are one of the most unique, diverse and extraordinary groups of mammals on the planet. Here in Connecticut and across the Northeast, they are also one of the most imperiled. A devastating disease known as white-nose syndrome has been afflicting our bats for over 15 years and has led to 90% declines in several of our cave-dwelling species. Other species that are not affected by the disease face their own unique conservation challenges, including climate change and wind-energy development. Come to Great Hollow on October 28th to hear Dr. Fraser talk about the diversity and natural history of bats in our region, and the efforts being made by the state to monitor and protect these critical members of our ecological communities.
Dr. Fraser has been working with wildlife for over twenty years, studying everything from lynx and mountain lions, to prairie chickens, prairie dogs, and of course, bats. She received her doctorate from UCLA in 2017 where she specialized in the use of genetic methods to investigate human impacts on wildlife. Since joining CT DEEP’s Wildlife Diversity Program, Dr. Fraser has worked to expand the agency’s ability to monitor and protect bat populations across the state.

Hunter Moon Hike
2023-10-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Take a moonlit hike with Great Hollow’s naturalist, Ben Lee, 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 Ben at blee@greathollow.org. We’ll meet at 6:30 pm in the visitors’ parking area by Great Hollow’s main entrance.

*Sold Out* Kids’ Fall Fun Day
2023-11-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Schools may be closed, but Great Hollow is open! Come join us for a day of fall exploration! We’ll go on hikes and get creative with crafts while learning about the changes occurring in nature this time of the year. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 7-10. Registration is $45 per child for family-level members and $50 for non-members. Space is limited and advanced payment and registration are required. Please email our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org to register.

Wine & Wreath Night: Fresh Holiday Wreaths
2023-12-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Additional evening added! 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. 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. Small groups may be seated at mixed tables. Advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator, Tara, to register. *Cancellations after November 25th are non-refundable.

Family Holiday Wreath Workshop
2023-12-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Saturday, December 2 | 1:00-1:45 pm | 2:00-2:45 pm | 3:00-3:45 pm
Families, join us for an afternoon of crafting and fun. 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. 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. Additional wreaths are available for $15 each. Space is limited and this event regularly sells out. Advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator, Tara, to register.

*SOLD OUT* Wine & Wreath Night: Fresh Holiday Wreaths
2023-12-02 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 for your wreath. 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. Small groups may be seated at mixed tables. Advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator, Tara, to register. *Cancellations after November 25th are non-refundable.

*SOLD OUT* Kids’ Drop-off: Holiday Cookies & Crafts
2023-12-15 16:00 - 18:30 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Kids, join us for some after-school crafting and fun. During this drop-off program, you’ll decorate a large gingerbread man with icing and candy. Children will also create two ornaments. Registration is $20 per child and includes all the supplies. Program open to children ages 6-12. Space is limited and this event regularly sells out. Advanced registration and payment are required. Please email our education coordinator, Tara, to join our waitlist.

*Sold Out* Kids’ January Drop-in Day
2024-01-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Your school may be closed, but Great Hollow is open! Come join us for a day of winter exploration! We’ll go on hikes and get creative with crafts while learning about the changes occurring in nature this time of the year. This is a full-day drop-off program open to children ages 7-10. Registration is $50 per child for family-level members and $55 for non-members. Space is limited and advanced payment and registration are required. Please email our education coordinator Tara at tewers@greathollow.org to join our waitlist.
