Upcoming events
Imperiled Species in Our Community: The Biodiversity Crisis At Home
This special exhibition on loan from the Salisbury Association showcases rare animal species documented to occur in our area. The panels focus on birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects, and aquatic species in three categories of State-listed species: Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern, highlighting their ecological importance and the challenges they face. The exhibition is complemented by a poster on local endangered plants and animals created by the Norfolk Land Trust. This exhibit serves as both a preview of the Earth Forum and a standalone educational opportunity for the community.
Free Admission
Hours: M-Th 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Opening Reception, Lecture and Exhibit
Tim Abbott, Conservation Director of the Housatonic Valley Association, presents "Loved Locally, Important Nationally." This compelling presentation examines how local conservation efforts contribute to regional and national biodiversity protection, with a focus on the interconnections between local habitats and broader ecosystems.
The reception is hosted by the Norfolk Land Trust and the Norfolk Hub, offering light refreshments and an opportunity to explore the exhibition "Imperiled Species in Our Community", on loan from the Salisbury Association, and complemented by the Norfolk Land Trust's poster on local endangered species.
Click HERE to learn more about the Norfolk Land Trust. Click HERE to learn more about The Norfolk Hub.
Register to reserve your spot!
Film Screening, A Road Not Taken
This documentary explores the history and legacy of the solar panels installed on the White House during Jimmy Carter's presidency. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Tom Strumolo, who informed the Carter administration’s energy policies featured in the film, and who will discuss the film's relevance to current renewable energy and climate challenges. For 50+ years, Tom has advised states, municipalities, universities, other nonprofits, and homeowners on clean energy solutions to make over 10,000 buildings energy-efficient. He remains active in climate advocacy and environmental education throughout the country.
Register to reserve your spot!
Books & Boots
Lace up your hiking boots and join us for a Books & Boots discussion of The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. We’ll meet at the South Norfolk Woodland Trail at 220 Bruey Road on Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 am. Hartley Mead of the Norfolk Land Trust and Bina Thomson of the Library will meet people at the trailhead. All hiking abilities are welcome and you don’t have to have read the book to attend. Please dress appropriately for the weather. This program is part of the Norfolk Earth Forum Weekend and is co-sponsored by the Norfolk Land Trust.
View the trail map here.
Register to reserve your spot!
Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers Walk
Location: Meet at the Chestnut Grove, Undermountain Road, Falls Village
Dr. Michael Zarfos, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, leads this special walk focused on spring ephemeral wildflowers – those fleeting blooms that appear briefly before the forest canopy leafs out. Learn identification tips, ecological importance, and conservation challenges facing these delicate species.
Register to reserve your spot!
Click HERE to learn more about Great Mountain Forest
Bird Populations in CT: Trends, Causes, and Solutions
Craig Repasz, co-chair of Lights Out Connecticut, presents Bird Populations in Connecticut: Trends, Causes, and Solutions. From 2018 - 2022, the Connecticut Bird Atlas enlisted birders across the state to gather information about the distributions of birds. Field work involved nearly a thousand volunteers who submitted more than 600,000 observations. Data analysis has been completed, and the results will be posted on a new Birds of Connecticut website to be launched later this year. Craig will give us a preview of the results, with a special focus on birds of our area. Learn about population trends, habitat requirements, and specific actions that communities and individuals can take to protect our birds.
Register to reserve your spot!
Making Toad Houses
Vicki Nelson leads this family-friendly workshop where children will create habitats for native toads. Building a toad house using a clay pot is a simple and enjoyable project that provides a safe shelter for toads in your garden. In this activity, we will decorate clay pots with hand-painted designs featuring plants and small animals, adding a charming and personalized touch.
Toads play a vital role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem by naturally controlling pests. They consume insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, grubs, and worms—reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Register to reserve your spot!
Reptiles and Amphibians Program
The Roaring Brook Nature Center presents this engaging program featuring live reptiles and amphibians native to Connecticut. Discover the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians and the unique adaptations that help them survive and thrive. During this presentation, you’ll observe live animals up close while exploring how they meet their specific needs.
Which species call Connecticut home? What environmental challenges do they face?
You’ll also learn how the presence of native frogs and toads can be an indicator of your local ecosystem's health. Gain practical tips on creating a garden that supports amphibian populations, helping to protect these vital species in your yard and beyond.
Register to reserve your spot!
Paul Winter concert
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Paul Winter presents a special concert celebrating the natural world and connectedness of all beings. Known for incorporating the voices of wildlife into his compositions, Winter creates a unique musical experience that connects audiences to the wonders of nature. Keetu Winter will interpret the performance and how it connects to the natural landscape of our bioregion.
Register to reserve your spot!
