Great Hollow

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

Woodcock Walk
2023-04-02 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

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.

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.

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.

"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

Maple Syrup Demonstration
2023-03-05 11:00 - 12:30 | 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.

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.

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

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

**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.

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.

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' 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.

**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.

**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* 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* 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’ 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* 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

"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.

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.

*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.

*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

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.

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
