White Memorial Conservation Center

After-School Adventures, Grades 1-3 - March 2025
2025-03-04 16:00 - 17:15, 2025-03-11 16:00 - 17:15, 2025-03-18 16:00 - 17:15, 2025-03-25 16:00 - 17:15 (America/New_York) | White Memorial – A.B. Ceder Room
Grades 1-3: Tuesdays in March (March 4, 11, 18, 25)
Grades 4-6: Wednesdays in March (March 5, 12, 19, 26)
After-School Adventures
4:00-5:15pm
Bring your kids out to White Memorial for programs designed to awaken curiosity and foster an appreciation for the natural world. Every session brings a new adventure, whether it’s exploring a new part of White Memorial property, meeting a live animal, or taking part in an outdoor activity. Children should be dressed for the weather with appropriate footwear. Adults are welcome to stay, but it is not necessary. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. Advanced registration and payment are required. Visit whitememorialcc.org or call 860-567-0857 to register. Space is limited. Please inquire about financial aid as needed. For Grades 1-3, admission is $9/child per session for members and $13/child per session for non-members. For Grades 4-6, admission is FREE for both members and non-members thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Torrington Savings Foundation.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW SOLD OUT. Please email carrie@whitememorialcc.org if you would like to be put on a waiting list.

Winter Hike Through the Solnit Parcel to Camp Columbia FULL
2025-03-08 10:00 - 13:00
This hike has been postponed, all that registered have been emailed with the new date and time!
Saturday, March 8, 2025
THIS HIKE IS FULL! Please email kelly@whitememorialcc.org to be put on a wait list. Thank you!
Take a walk through this historic property in search of bear, deer, and rabbit tracks and sign and arriving waterfowl flying overhead. Pay a visit to “The Bear Cave” and explore the diverse rock formations left behind when a mile high glacier rolled through these parts about 17,000 years ago! Climb the Tower at Camp Columbia and finish the walk with a treat! Wear sturdy, waterproof boots. Bring a walking stick. Dress for the weather! We’ll be off-roading! 10:00 A.M., LIMITED TO 15! Meet in front of the A. B. Ceder Room.
FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses. Please pre-register

9th Annual Nature Trivia Night!
2025-03-15 19:00 - 21:00
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Come on, Brainiacs! Are you afraid of the challenge brought forth by our team of experts? Cerebrum, Cerebellum, Medulla Oblongata, Hippocampus…How big are yours? Are you even remotely prepared to test your nature knowledge at our 6th Annual Nature Trivia Night? Teams of up to six (we HIGHLY encourage team costumes) will compete for a valuable prize. Register individually, but form teams beforehand. No team? No problem! We’ll put you on a team when you arrive.
Bring dinner and BYOB. Dessert, coffee, tea, and water will be provided. Accept the challenge! 7:00 P.M., Carriage House, ALL TICKETS: $15.00
Pre-registration required: Nature Trivia Registration

Bulgaria: A Journey to the Edge of Europe with Gerri Griswold
2025-03-22 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Travel to the far reaches of Europe with Gerri Griswold and discover the riches of Bulgaria. Griswold and her “traveling triumvirate” were drawn here to experience the annual Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games in Pernik, where, since pagan times, men and now women, dress in elaborate costumes representing spirits who chase away evil winter and welcome the upcoming spring. The costumes cover most of the body and include decorated wooden masks of animals (sometimes double-faced) and large bells attached to the belt. Lively dancing is part of the event. We’ll also visit Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, and learn about this ancient nation’s rich history both past and present. From Roman ruins to decrepit reminders of Communism, from the Black Sea to the breathtaking Rila Monastery set high in the mountains…..you’ll fall in love with this ancient country. 2:00 p.m., A. B. Ceder Room and Microsoft Teams, Members: FREE, Non-Members: $10.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Register online:Bulgaria Registration
A Microsoft Teams link will be provided when you register.

White Memorial Conservation Center and The Institute for American Indian Studies presents: Stories from the Animals
2025-03-29 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday, March 29, 2025
“Etuaptmumk” is a Mi’kmaw saying that translates to “Two-Eyed Seeing.” This concept refers to learning how to see the strengths of Indigenous knowledge from one eye and the strengths of Western knowledge from the other. Join Environmental Educator Colleen Harrak from White Memorial and Educational Outreach Ambassador Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation) from the Institute for American Indian Studies for a two-eyed seeing look at local woodland animals and the lessons they teach. Colleen will show several live animal ambassadors while Darlene shares traditional Native American stories about these animals. Advanced registration is required. To register, please call 860-567-0857 or visit whitememorialcc.org. Space is limited. This program will take place in the A.B. Ceder Room at White Memorial. Members of White Memorial $5/person, Non-Members $15/person, Please pre-register: Stories from the Animals Registration

Nature's Nursery Series, Spring 2025 - SOLD OUT
2025-04-03 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-01 16:00 - 17:00 | White Memorial – A.B. Ceder Room
Thursdays, April 3, May 1, June 5
Ages 3-6 Years
Nature’s Nursery, Spring 2025
4:00pm
Join us on the first Thursday of each month from April – June for an engaging program designed just for your young nature lovers. Every session will last 45 minutes – 1 hour and include a story, an encounter with a live animal, and an activity or craft. Some of our activities might be outside, so dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. Advanced registration is required. To register, visit whitememorialcc.org or call 860-567-0857. Space is limited. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. We require that one parent/caretaker stay for the duration of the program, but our room cannot accommodate more than one adult per child. Please inquire about financial aid as needed. Members: $9/child per session or $24/whole series, Non-Members: $13/child per session or $36/whole series
This “Nature’s Nursery” Series is now SOLD OUT. Please check again in June to register for the Summer Series.

Qigong at the Museum with Judith Erhman-Shapiro
2025-04-09 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-04-16 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-04-23 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-04-30 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-05-07 08:00 - 09:00
Wednesdays
April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., A. B. Ceder Room
Qigong consists of simple, accessible exercises whose aim is to strengthen the body, to access subtle layers of energy, to align and harmonize body structures, to release unwanted tension, and to maximize the role of breath in promoting health. Recognized for centuries in the East, qigong is both poetic and functional. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special clothes or props. This spring, we are offering a 6-class series on Wednesday mornings from 8-9am in the Ceder Room. It will run from April 9 through May 14. This class requires no previous experience.
The cost will be $12 per class. Money can be exchanged on Venmo, Square, Cash, or Check. Please contact Judith to make these arrangements. Each class attended donates $2 to the White Memorial Conservation Center!
Contact Information: Phone or text 860-309-9489. Email can be sent to judith.ehrmanshapiro@gmail.com
Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD, BC-DMT, NCC, RYT is a psychotherapist, dance-movement therapist, nationally certified counselor, and certified qigong and yoga instructor. Her private practice, the Evolving Center, is in Winsted. She is a proud member of the White Memorial Conservation Center, where she has been sharing her love of yoga since 2015!

Gyotaku: Japanese Fish Print Making Workshop with Cynthia Mitchell
2025-04-12 10:00 - 14:00
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Gyotaku is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates to the mid-1800s. This form of nature printing, where ink is applied to a fish which is then pressed onto paper, was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own. Join artist Christine Mitchell in experimenting with this simple but beautiful printmaking technique utilizing both whole fish and also silicone cast fish forms. All materials included. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., A. B. Ceder Room. Limited to 25 participants. Members: $30.00 Non-Members: $45.00 Pre-registration is required. Register here: Gyotaku Registration
All ages welcome. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Spring Break Camp, Grades 1-3
2025-04-14 09:30 - 12:30, 2025-04-15 09:30 - 12:30, 2025-04-16 09:30 - 12:30, 2025-04-17 09:30 - 12:30 | White Memorial – A.B. Ceder Room
Monday, April 14 – Thursday, April 17
Spring Break Camp!
Grades 1-3: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Spend your vacation exploring the wild and wonderful natural world at White Memorial. Meet live animals up close, make some awesome crafts, tromp around the woods, and play fun games, all while learning some cool things along the way. A snack will be served between adventures. Parents/Guardians are welcome to stay, but it is not necessary. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. Space is limited. Children should be dressed for the weather with appropriate footwear. Bring a water bottle. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited! You can sign up by day or for the whole week. Please inquire about financial aid as needed. Members: $25/child per session or $90/child for the week. Non-members: $40/child per session or $150/child for the week
Register HERE!

Spring Break Camp, Grades 4-6
2025-04-14 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-15 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-16 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-17 13:30 - 16:30 | White Memorial – A.B. Ceder Room
Monday April 14 – Thursday, April 17
Spring Break Camp!
Grades 4-6: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Spend your vacation exploring the wild and wonderful natural world at White Memorial. Meet live animals up close, make some awesome crafts, tromp around the woods, and play fun games, all while learning some cool things along the way. A snack will be served between adventures. Parents/Guardians are welcome to stay, but it is not necessary. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. Space is limited. Children should be dressed for the weather with appropriate footwear. Bring a water bottle. Advanced registration is required. You can sign up by day or for the whole week. Please inquire about financial aid as needed. Members: $25/child per session or $90/child for the week. Non-members: $40/child per session or $150/child for the week
Register HERE!

Tiny Trekking with Kelly Orr
2025-04-16 15:00 - 16:00
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Join Kelly Orr to experience the outside world at a child’s pace! You and your child will explore each colorful leaf, climb each rock and log, and probably get a little dirty in the process! This program is geared towards children ages newborn to five years old and will encourage them to get hands-on in the outdoors! Dress for the weather! We’ll go out rain or shine! 3:00 p.m., Meet in the Museum. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses. You can donate in-person or online: Tiny Trekking Donation or Registration

Wings Over Water: Bantam Cinema and Arts Center Sponsored by Gallagher Insurance
2025-04-22 18:00 - 21:00
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m. OR 7:30 p.m.
Join White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, Litchfield Land Trust, Bent of the River Audubon Center, and Steep Rock Association for a spectacular Earth Day screening of the documentary film, Wings Over Water at Bantam Cinema and Arts Center!
As the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age, they left an astounding gift of connected rivers, lakes and wetlands across the heartland of North America. Today, these largely unknown water highways remain an oasis for sustaining wildlife, from the herds of bison that still roam the Great Plains to the vital bees that pollinate our crops and especially for the millions of magnificent birds that migrate along these “flyways.”
Wings Over Water, narrated by award winning actor Michael Keaton tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors.
Audiences will be captivated by the triumphs and challenges of these remarkable creatures that defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities and forests as they head home to raise their young.
The evening will conclude with a brief series of talks with local experts in the fields of wildlife and conservation. Learn how you can make your own property a welcome mat for migrating birds, bees, and bats!
Speakers:
Ken Elkins, Director of Coastal Center at Milford Point, Connecticut Audubon Society, Milford, CT
Lisa Turoczi, Landscape Architect and Co-Owner of Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery & Landscape, Woodbury, CT
$10.00 per ticket. Seating is limited!
The 6:30 showing is SOLD OUT!
The 7:30 showing is SOLD OUT!
PLEASE CALL 860-567-0857 to be placed on a waiting list or email: kelly@whitememorialcc.org
Bantam Cinema and Arts Center is located at 115 Bantam Lake Road in Bantam, CT.
This event is sponsored by Gallagher Insurance.
Watch the trailer for the film! Wings Over Water Trailer

32nd Annual Museum Sleep-In - SOLD OUT!
2025-04-25 17:00 - 2025-04-26 12:00 | White Memorial
Friday, April 25 – Saturday, April 26
32nd Annual Museum Sleep-In!
4-6th Grade
5:00pm Friday – 12:00pm Saturday
Join us for a real-life “Night at the Museum” experience! We’ll have a slumber party amongst the exhibits in the Museum. Plus, we’ll embark on a night hike, gather around the campfire, make special crafts, explore Ongley Pond, and so much more. You’ll also be treated to breakfast and a special program featuring live animals. Parents, this is a drop-off program, but plenty of adult chaperones from the WMCC Education and Activities Committee will be there. Meet in the Museum. Children should be dropped off promptly at 5pm and picked up at 12 noon. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited to 25 kids. Visit whitememorialcc.org or call 860-567-0857 to register. Please inquire about financial aid as needed. Event will occur rain or shine. This event is conducted by the WMCC Education and Activities Committee. Members: $60/child, Non-Members: $120/child. Fee covers all program materials, campfire snacks, and breakfast. A week beforehand, a confirmation and checklist of items to bring will be shared.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW SOLD OUT!

Early Spring Migrants Bird Walks with Fran Zygmont: CANCELED
2025-04-26 07:30 - 09:00
Saturday, April 26, 2025 CANCELED DUE TO RAIN.
Join Birder Extraordinaire and Conservation Center favorite, Fran Zygmont for TWO walks that can reveal some of our earliest spring arrivals! Keep eyes and ears open for Tree Swallows, Eastern Phoebe, Oven Bird, Kildeer and more! Spring wildflowers will be popping up with the possibility of Wild Geranium, Trillium, and Trout Lily! 7:30 a.m. Early Bird Walk: 9:00 a.m. Lazy Bird Walk. Meet in the Museum parking lot for both walks. FREE…donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Centers programming expenses. LIMITED TO 20!

Bats for Kids with Colleen Harrak
2025-05-10 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Go from shrieks to giggles! Let us take you from fearing this often-maligned animal to loving their uniqueness and appreciating how beneficial they are to the planet. Through a fun photo/video presentation and a couple of interactive activities, we will count down all the reasons why bats are simply the coolest, and why they need to be saved. 2:00 p.m. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. Pre-registration is not required, but appreciated. Register here: Bats for Kids Registration
FREE…donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

Icelandic Film: FUGLALIF (BIRDLIFE) with Ornithologist, Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson
2025-05-10 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Icelandic filmmaker Heimir Freyr Hlodversson’s beautiful documentary released in October 2024 follows the life and passions of Iceland’s greatest birder and author of The Icelandic Bird Guide, Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson. https://johannoli.is/ Hlodversson captures the true essences of Hilmarsson who has participated in many tours of Iceland run by White Memorial’s Gerri Griswold. Follow Johann from childhood to the present. Learn about his evolution into becoming the legend he is today. After the film, chat with Johann about his work. The film is laced with exquisite images of Iceland and beautiful photographs by Hilmarsson. With English subtitles. 2:00 p.m., ZOOM. Members: FREE Non-Members: $10.00 Pre-registration is required. Register online: BIRDLIFE Registration
