Great Hollow

Autumn Explorations
2020-09-12 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT, 06812, United States
Let’s get in the spirit of autumn with an exploration of nature’s changing seasons! Join us as we search for weevils hiding in acorns (pictured left), learn why leaves change colors, and hike the woods to look for tell-tale signs of autumn’s arrival. After we complete our woodland exploration, we will wrap up with nature crafts and games.
This is a drop-off program open to children ages 5 to 10. Registration is $10/child for members and $15/child for non-members. Attendance is limited to 10 children to allow for social distancing, and advanced registration is required. Please email our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org with questions or to register.

Stargazing and Folklore
2020-09-18 20:30 - 22:00
Join us around a campfire as we learn about the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies told through the legends of the indigenous people of the Americas. Just as the Greeks created stories with the constellations, the Native Americans also saw figures in the sky. Hear about legends of people who, separated by an ocean, are surprisingly similar to the stories we are familiar with.
We’ll be learning about the night sky from Chris Keenan, New Fairfield resident, Eagle Scout, Cub-master, and retired US National Park Ranger. This event is free for members while a suggested donation of $5/person for non members is greatly appreciated. We are limiting attendance to only 15 people to allow for social distancing, and advanced registration is required. Suitable for children ages 6 and up. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. Feel free to bring your own binoculars or telescope if you have them.

Sunset Painting & Photography
2020-09-24 17:00 - 19:30
With its diverse landscape that includes mountains, rolling hills, meadows, forests, streams, and historical buildings, Great hollow is a popular destination for plein-air painters and nature photographers. But few have experienced Great Hollow in the changing light of the late afternoon and early evening. Join accomplished artist and teacher, Sharon Nakazato, from Friends of the Great Swamp as she leads us on an evening of inspiration and art that is all about capturing the beauty of nature at sunset. Artists of all media and abilities are invited.
Free for members and non-members. *Attendees are responsible for bringing all of their own supplies/equipment. Please register by emailing Sharon at sharon_nakazato@comcast.net

Happy Harvest!
2020-10-10 13:00 - 16:00
The Fall Harvest is an exciting time of year when farmers are busy gathering vegetables, grains, and fruits. Celebrate the harvest with us as we get our hands dirty in our vegetable garden and learn about how farmers grow their crops, why it’s important to have healthy soil, and what other animals are up to during this bountiful season! We will touch on topics ranging from agriculture and soil science to nature-themed crafts and games. This is a drop-off program that is open to children ages 5 to 12. Registration is $15 per child for non-members and $10 per child for members. Please email our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org to sign up. Space is limited.

Kids' Nature Night: A Great Hollow-ween
2020-10-16 17:30 - 20:00
Let’s get in the spirit of Halloween at Great Hollow! In this Kids’ Nature Night event, we’ll venture into the autumn woods for an exploratory evening hike and a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Afterwards, we’ll warm up by a campfire for spooky story-telling before wrapping up with games and a gourd-decorating contest. This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6 to 12. Registration is $15 per child for non-members and $10 per child for members. Please email our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org with questions or to sign up.

Fall Foliage Hike
2020-10-24 11:00 - 12:30
Come enjoy the fall foliage with us as we explore the northern portions of Great Hollow and the scenic overlook in the neighboring Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area. Our hike will begin at the trail-head for Great Hollow’s purple trail off of Hardscrabble Road and traverse through second-growth forest and thickets of mountain laurel. We’ll then finish at an overlook that provides beautiful views of Great Hollow in fall foliage.
The hike will last about an hour and a half and will be moderately difficult in some sections. Leashed dogs are permitted. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non members is greatly appreciated. We are limiting attendance to only 12 people to allow for social distancing and advanced registration is required. Please register by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. We will meet directly at the trailhead for our Purple Trail that is located on the south side of Hardscrabble Road. A map can be viewed here. Please park along the side of the road if all spaces in the small pull-off area are taken.
Photo by Justin Goodhart.

Wine and Craft Night: Holiday Wreaths
2020-11-07 17:00 - 20:00
**This event is now full but a second session has been added on November 21. Please email us to register, as described below.**
Adults, join us for a relaxing evening of good conversation and wine while learning how to create ornamental wreaths just in time for the start of the holiday season! Learn to make a festive burlap wreath that can be used for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, no prior experience is necessary. Bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting along with your own glasses, utensils, etc. Registration is $25 for non-members and $20 for members, and includes all wreath-making supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie Cozens.

Holidays at the Hollow: DIY and Wine Gift Baskets
2020-12-05 17:00 - 20:00
Interested in creating personal, uniquely crafted presents and decorations this year? Adults, get in the spirit of the holiday season and join us for an evening of crafting and conversation with our DIY & Wine night! In this workshop you will be learning how to make your own Holiday gift basket: create and pour scented candles, bath bombs, soaps, and miniature carrying baskets. Bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting along with your own glasses, utensils, etc. Registration is $35 for non-members and $30 for members, and includes all supplies.
Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required. Check out our kids’ version of this event! Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie Cozens, at mcozens@greathollow.org.

Holidays at the Hollow: Crafty Christmas
2020-12-12 12:00 - 15:30
Have some crafty kids? Bring them down to our holiday craft workshop! In this event, we will encourage your children’s natural creativity to make thoughtful, unique presents and decorations just in time for the holidays. We will start off with a hike in the woods to find inspiration in the natural world and forage for crafting materials. Once we have all the pine cones, acorns, and feathers we need, we will head back to Great Hollow to get crafting! In addition to making ornaments, we’ll learn how to create soaps and weave small, simple baskets.
Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required when indoors. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org.

Kids' Nature Night: Enigmatic Owls
2020-12-18 17:30 - 19:30
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 in which we learn all about one of nature’s most formidable nighttime predators! We’ll visit with our resident barred owls and screech owls, dissect owl pellets, and conduct experiments to better understand how owls fly and hunt. Afterwards, we will gather around the fire and wrap up with games and crafts.
This program is best suited to children ages 6-12. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required when indoors. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org.

Weekday Drop-off: Winter Birds
2020-12-30 14:00 - 16:00
Where do migratory birds go in the winter and how do they find their way there? How do the ones that stay behind in the cold survive? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of birds in the winter! We will head into the woods with our binoculars to see how many birds we can find and identify before heading indoors for activities and a bird craft. This is a drop-off program best suited for children ages 6 – 12. Masks will be required at all times. Registration is $10 per child for non-members and $5 for members. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional information or to register.

Virtual Program: Fearless Foxes
2020-12-31 10:00 - 10:40
Friend or foe? Few animals are as fascinating and polarizing as foxes! Secretive by nature, foxes inspire a lot of curiosity and confusion. In this virtual program, we’ll learn all about the behaviors and adaptations of Connecticut’s gray and red foxes, and work to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about them. This program is most suitable for children ages 6 to 10, but younger and older children (and parents) are more than welcome to participate. Please email our education coordinator Maggie to register. A suggested donation of $5 per child for this program is greatly appreciated and can be made here.

Weekday Drop-off: Secrets of the Snow
2021-01-06 15:30 - 17:30
Join us for a romp through the winter woods as we learn all about the science of snow and the animals that live amongst it! In this afterschool program, we’ll search for animal tracks in the snow, explore winter wildlife behaviors, and discuss the science of ice crystals! This is a drop-off program best suited for children ages 6 – 12. Refgistration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. Masks will be required at all times. Email our Education Coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional details and to register.

Afterschool Drop-off: Where are all the bugs?
2021-01-13 15:30 - 17:30
Have you ever wondered what happens to insects during the winter? Contrary to popular belief, not all insects die in the cold season. So, do they sleep all winter like bears? Or do they fly south like birds? Join us for this afterschool program all about the wild world of insects in winter! We’ll explore the woods in search of evidence of our creepy-crawly friends under rocks, tree bark, and deep beneath the soil while discussing their adaptations and survival techniques. Afterwards, we’ll head indoors for insect-themed crafts and activities. This is a drop-off program best suited for children ages 6 – 12. Masks will be required at all times. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional details or to register.

Winter Ecology Walk and Talk
2021-01-16 10:00 - 12:00
Did you know that when animals hibernate, they don’t really “sleep” through the winter? Join our naturalist, John Foley, for a winter ecology hike through Great Hollow where we’ll learn how specially adapted plants and animals 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 and identify animal tracks. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars if have some so you can look for wintering birds along the way. Please dress warmly and wear proper footwear for hiking. No dogs, please. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. We are limiting attendance to only 12 people to allow for social distancing and advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Afterschool Drop-off: Wild Winter Weather
2021-01-20 15:30 - 17:30
Winter is a wild time in the atmosphere that can lead to severe weather conditions. In this afterschool program, we’ll learn all about the science of winter weather: the different types of storms, how they form, and how we can predict when they will happen. We’ll also learn how to identify clouds, measure wind speeds, and observe meteorological signs in the natural world. This is a drop-off program best suited for children ages 6 – 12. Masks will be required at all times. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional details or to register.

Surveying Winter Birds
2021-01-23 09:00 - 12:00
Calling all birders! Did you know Great Hollow has been a sponsor of the Connecticut Bird Atlas since 2018? The Bird Atlas is a massive statewide project led by UConn and DEEP to map the distribution and land-cover associations of all bird species that occur in Connecticut. Nearly all of the data that go into the project are collected by “citizen scientists” like you! Come take a hike with our naturalist, John Foley, and learn how you can conduct bird surveys for the Atlas. 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 if you have them. Please dress warmly and wear proper footwear for mild hiking. 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. Space is limited to allow for social distancing and advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Think Small!
2021-01-23 13:00 - 15:30
How do small mammals like chipmunks, moles, and voles survive the winter? Where do they live and what do they eat? In this Saturday drop-off program, we will learn all about the winter adaptations of small mammals. We’ll hike into the woods to learn about their habitats, experiment with insulation techniques, look for tracks if there’s snow on the ground, and (hopefully) spot a few of these creatures in action! This is a drop-off program best suited for children ages 6 – 12. Masks will be required at all times. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional details and to register.

Wolf Moon Hike
2021-01-29 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 “Wolf Moon” is all about. We’ll 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 (please make sure the batteries work beforehand!). The hike is weather-dependent and limited to only 12 people to allow for social distancing. Appropriate for children ages 10 and up. No dogs, please. 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.

Wine and DIY Night: Galentines Heart Wreaths
2021-01-30 17:30 - 20:00
Adults, join us for an evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop you’ll learn how to make your own Valentine’s Day heart rag wreath and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $35 for non-members and $30 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie Cozens.

Weekday Drop-off: Magnificent Marshes!
2021-02-03 15:30 - 17:30
Let’s celebrate World Wetlands Day with an exploration of the marshes of the world, including our very own wetland here at Great Hollow. In this afterschool program, we will learn all about the wild geologic past of our swamps and wetlands, what animals call these habitats home, and why it’s so important to protect these fascinating ecosystems. Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. Email our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for additional information or to register.

Kid's Valentine Drop-off: Heart Art
2021-02-06 13:30 - 15:30
Let’s get crafty! In this drop-off program for kids, we’ll make plantable seed paper for homemade, all-natural Valentine’s Day cards. We’ll also go for a hike and learn all about some of the amazing (and occasionally bizarre!) courtship rituals of the natural world. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required at all times. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org.

Weekday Drop-off: The Sly Lynx
2021-02-10 15:30 - 17:30
Join us for this afterschool program all about the elusive bobcat, also known as a lynx. We’ll learn all about these curious creatures, search for signs of them in the woods, and play games and activities to better understand their behaviors and life cycles. Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Winter Tree and Shrub Identification
2021-02-13 10:00 - 11:30
Identifying trees by their leaves can be easy, but how do you tell one species from another during the 6 months that trees in the Northeast have no leaves? Come down to Great Hollow on Saturday, February 13 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 may 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 visitors’ parking area by the main entrance. Free for members; a suggested donation of $5/person for non-members is greatly appreciated. We are limiting attendance to only 12 people to allow for social distancing, and advanced registration is required. Please sign up by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org.

Weekday Drop-off: Tapping Time!
2021-02-17 15:30 - 17:30
Where does syrup come from? Why do trees produce sap? In this afterschool program we will learn all about the adaptations of maple trees, how to identify them, and how to tap them for syrup. Can’t make it? Check out our weekend family version of this event on the 27th! Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

Kids Nature Night: Eyes on the Skies
2021-02-19 17:30 - 20:00
This is a drop-off program open to children ages 6 to 12. In this Nature Night program, we’ll take advantage of the clear winter skies to uncover the infinite mysteries of outer space! After we learn the basics of celestial navigation and astronomy, we’ll use a telescope to get a close look at the moon, identify constellations, and search for any visible planets. While we stargaze, we’ll play games, and learn how animals also use the stars for navigation and survival. Registration is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required when indoors. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie, at mcozens@greathollow.org. Parents, it will be chilly and we will be outside for long periods, so please be sure to send your child with warm clothing and footwear, and gloves.

Weekday Drop-off: Groundbreaking Glaciers
2021-02-24 15:30 - 17:30
Did you know that Connecticut used to be buried under miles of ice? How did geologists discover that? Join us for this afterschool program in which we learn all about the geologic history of this area, identify different rock types, and look for evidence of glacial activity on our landscape. Registration is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

DIY and Wine Night: St. Paddy's Day String Art
2021-02-27 17:30 - 20:00
Adults, join us for an evening of crafting and conversation with our next DIY & Wine night. In this workshop you’ll learn how to make your own St. Paddy’s Day inspired string art. No previous experience is necessary. Please feel free to bring your own wine, beer, or whatever you like to enjoy while crafting. Registration is $35 for non-members and $30 for members, and includes all supplies. Space is limited to allow for social distancing, and face coverings are required. Please register in advance by emailing our education coordinator, Maggie Cozens.

Weekday Drop-off: Winter Survival
2021-03-03 15:30 - 17:30
Do you have what it takes to survive the rest of the winter? In this program, we’ll start off by learning about the amazing adaptations of animals that allow them to survive in freezing temperatures. Then we will head into the forest and learn how to use a map and compass, how to forage for food, and how to build a fire. Best suited for children ages 6-12. Registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. E-mail our education coordinator Maggie at mcozens@greathollow.org for more information or to register.

RESCHEDULED Maple Syrup Family Event
2021-03-06 11:00 - 12:30
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 maple syrup bottles for you to fill and take home.
Please dress warmly and meet in the visitor’s parking area by the main entrance. Please sign up in advance by emailing John at jfoley@greathollow.org. $10 for non-members, $5 for members.
