| Click here for the Parks Monthly Calendar Current Ranger Programs |
All events are FREE, unless otherwise noted, and meet at the West Rock Nature Center 1080 Wintergreen Ave,
New Haven, CT . For more information about park programs call the Rangers (203) 946-8016 or click on the links to the right to email them . |
This program involves the exploration of West Rock 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
West Rock Rangers at (203) 946-8016.
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Through a customized educational/outreach program in conjunction with
Southern Connecticut State University, The Smithsonian Institute, and
several school districts, sound scientific information will be dispensed
to as broad an audience as possible. Students visiting the West Rock
Nature Center will train in methodology practices, and then apply these
techniques to land areas that have potentially the most diverse biological
possibilities. This project is aimed at high school students and science
teachers. For more information, contact the West Rock Nature Center at
(203) 946-8016 or the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at (203) 946-6768.
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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 West Rock Rangers at (203) 946-8016.
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Join our staff and special guests for a series of fascinating walks
through the parks. This program is offered at East Rock and West Rock
parks. For more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental
Center at (203) 946-6086, or the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.
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Staff provides a haunted/Halloween setting at the Nature Center. This
program is offered each October primarily for the Children who live in
the neighborhoods around the Nature Center. Hundreds of pieces of candy
are hidden around the Nature Center and the kids are sent off to find
them. Free
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Learn about these amazing birds of prey. Bring your binoculars or borrow
a pair from the rangers. Offered at East Rock, West Rock and Lighthouse
Point parks. For more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental
Center at (203) 946-6086, the Lighthouse Point Park rangers at (203)946-8790,
or the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016. Hawk festivals will
be held each year in the Fall. Check the monthly calendar link for dates.
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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.
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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.
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This program presents ideas for making any backyard habitat more inviting
for wildlife. Learn how to use native plants, shrubs and trees to attract
birds, butterflies and other wildlife to your yard. Included in the program
is a tour of the Backyard Wildlife Garden, which was established at the
West Rock Nature Center in 1999. The Backyard Wildlife Garden features
examples of the various plants and shrubs in the program. The garden
is open to the public during Nature Center hours. For more information
call the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.
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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.
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A great way to learn how to learn how to find your way in the outdoors.
A newly designed course at the West Rock Nature Center will also allow
participants to learn about map reading, use of compasses and GPS, trail
nomenclature, as well as topographical maps. For more information contact
the Lighthouse Point Ranger Station at (203)946-8790, or the West Rock
Nature Center at (203)946-8016 or call (203) 946-6768.
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By taking on progressively more challenging experiences, participants
will learn team building, cooperation, trust, and conflict resolution.
Customized challenging hi-low ropes course programs will be offered at
Camp Cedarcrest and at the West Rock Nature Center. Available for groups
upon request. Activities vary depending on the dates, number of participants
and staff required. Note: These activities are not related to Project
Pride. For more information, call Wray Williams at the West Rock Nature
Center at (203) 946-8016.
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Talking to Turkeys introduces children ages 8-12 to the wild turkey
of Connecticut, Meleagaris Malloparo. After a brief presentation concerning
turkey characteristics, ecology and history, participants make a simple
turkey call using a block of wood, a length of dowel, a piece of slate
and a small sanding block. The program concludes with one-hour walk in
West Rock Ridge State Park during which the turkey callers are used in
hopes of calling some turkeys into view. For more information call the
West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.
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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
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