East Rock | East Shore | Edgewood | West Rock

 Edgewood Ranger

Programs Nature Pals Playgroup Animal tracking/tree identification Bird walks Candle & wreath making workshops Easter egg hunt Fishing Hiking and Nature Interpretation Introduction to Reptiles Nature walks Owl pellet workshop Pond exploration Senior nature walks Story telling Wildflower walks

Park Rangers Ranger Harry Coyle – Edgewood Park Contact Information Phone: 946-8028 Email: hcoyle@newhavenct.net Edgewood Ave, New Haven, CT Edgewood Program Calendar View photos of Edgewood Festival 2008 Friends of Edgewood Candlemaking

Edgewood Park Public Program Calendar

- Back to Top -

Nature Pals Playgroup

Explore the wonders of nature with your little ones, ages 0-5, at the Edgewood Park Nature Center. This fun, weekly program includes activities, story time, outdoor exploration and a craft project all centering around a different nature theme each week. A snack is also provided.

Click here for information and to download the registration form

- Back to Top -

Animal Tracking/Tree Identification

This program involves the exploration of Edgewood Park in the winter. Searching for animal tracks, as well as being able to identify trees without leaves, makes this program a great activity for children, grades K-6. Available only during the winter. For more information contact the Edgewood Ranger at (203) 946-8028.

- Back to Top -

Bird Walks

Lead by park rangers and naturalists, these walks teach about migrating birds, as well as some of our local resident species. Offered at all ranger stations. Check calendar for dates. For more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028, the Lighthouse Point Park Ranger Station at (203) 946-8790 or the West Rock Nature at (203) 946-8016.

- Back to Top -

Candle & Wreath Making Workshops

A perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Learn how to make and decorate a wreath or how to dip a candle. This program is offered at East Rock and Edgewood parks and the West Rock Nature Center. For more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Edgewood Park Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028 or the West Rock Nature Center at (203)946-8016.

Candle making workshop

Friends of Edgewood Park - Candle Making and more

Click to see photos

On Sunday, December 4, the New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees teamed up with the Friends of Edgewood Park for its annual wreath and candle making workshop. Over 125 people participated in the multicultural holiday event. Adults and children took part in creating wreaths and dipping candles for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Park ranger Harry Coyle noted that the adults have attended this event for over 20 years. As he pointed out, "Even though their children are grown, this is where they still like to make their holiday wreaths." Many Jewish families enjoyed dipping candles for Hanukkah and making braided candles for the Havdalah ceremony that marks the close of the Jewish Sabbath. Donuts and fresh cider from a local farm topped off the festivities.

Sharon Lovett-Graff
Friends of Edgewood Park

- Back to Top -

Easter Egg Hunt

An annual tradition, Mr. & Mrs. Bunny arrive by fire truck. Two different areas are allowed for children up to age five, and from ages six and up. For more information contact the Edgewood Ranger at (203) 946-8028, or call (203) 946-8027.

- Back to Top -

Fishing

This is a favorite activity for some of our rangers, who will be happy to pass on their "secrets" while they demonstrate fishing techniques and equipment. Our salt and fresh-water fishing derbies are becoming more and more popular. Ranger Dan Barvir, also organizes Bluefishing trips. For more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station at (203) 946-6086, or the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at (203) 946-6768.

- Back to Top -

Hiking and Nature Interpretation

Nature walks provide a unique opportunity to see the city from different angles, to observe the birds that roam around in New Haven parks, and to appreciate and respect the local wildlife and natural ecosystems. Lead by park rangers and naturalists, these walks teach low-impact, leave-no-trace ethics and skill, our way of educating residents about preserving our fragile habitats. This program is offered at all ranger stations. For more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086; the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028; the Lighthouse Point Ranger Station at (203) 946-8790 or the West Rock Nature Center (203) 946-8016.

- Back to Top -

Introduction to Reptiles

This program is offered several times each year and depending upon the age group could include: A nature walk to the ravine of the Nature Center looking for "reptile signs," "Hands on" presentation with snakes and turtles in the Nature House, Reptile slides and video in the Visitors Center. For more information call the West Rock Nature Center at (203)946-8016, or the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203)946-8028.

- Back to Top -

Nature Walks

This program is offered year-round (weather permitting), and could include any of the following: Identifying trees, birds, flowers, animals’ tracks, including brook study, hiking, orienteering, and biodiversity. For more information call the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203)946-6086, the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203)946-8028, the Lighthouse Point Park Ranger Station (203)946-8790, or the West Rock Nature Center at (203)946-8016.

Nature Walk

- Back to Top -

Owl Pellet Workshop

This popular program introduces children and youth to the fascinating world of owls. By using sterilized owl pellets, students reconstruct the owl's prey by piecing together the bones and studying the skulls. Pellets consist of the hair and bones that owls regurgitate following a meal. They contain valuable clues to what the owl was eating, and the habitat in which the owl was hunting. The program also teaches children about where owls live, how they see so well at night and how to tell if there are owls living nearby. Students will be fascinated by our museum grade specimen of the great horned owl, Bubo Virginianus. Fees are $4.00 per student. For more information, contact the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028.

- Back to Top -

Pond Exploration

This program includes the use of a seining net, which allow participants of all ages to learn about pond ecology and the food chain at Edgewood Park’s Duck Pond. The program is complemented with a tour of the ranger station, including displays of native and non-native inhabitants. For more information contact the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028.

- Back to Top -

Senior Nature Walks

This program is offered to seniors and residents of all ages. A leisurely stroll through Edgewood Park, led by the Edgewood Ranger, will allow participants to observe the beauty of the park and to learn about its unique biodiversity. For more information contact the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028.

- Back to Top -

Story Telling

Environmental stories are told at the Edgewood Ranger Station. These presentations are accompanied by an appropriate craft. Different stories can accommodate children ages 3-7, and grades K-6. For more information, contact the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028.

- Back to Top -

Wildflower Walks

A nature lover’s delight, this program is offered during several times of the year at the West Rock Nature Center. Lead by naturalists and/or rangers, this program includes hikes through the woods, which allows participants to learn, identify and even photograph striking native species. For more information call the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.

Red trillium, Wake Robin trillium

- Back to Top -