White Memorial Conservation Center

Spring Break Camp, Grades 1-3
2025-04-17 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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
2025-04-17 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!

Llama Walk with Debbie Labbe, Country Quilt Llama Farm
2025-04-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-03 09:00 - 10:00
December 21 at 10:00 a.m., January 4 at 12:30 p.m., January 19 at 12:30 p.m.
February 8 at 10:00 a.m., February 16 at 1:00 p.m., March 1 at 10:00 a.m., March 16 at 1:00 p.m.
April 5 at 10:00 a.m., April 19 at 10:00 a.m., May 3 at 9:00 a.m., May 18 at 9:00 a.m., June 1 at 9:00 a.m., June 14 at 9:00 a.m.
September 6 at 10:00 a.m., September 21 at 12:30 p.m., October 5 at 12:30 p.m., October 18 at 10:00 a.m., November 1 at 10:00 a.m., November 16 at 12:30 p.m., December 7 at 12:30 p.m., December 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Llama Walks are back!! Walk your own llama on the Cranberry Pond Trail, 87 Webster Road. Minimum 4 walkers. $55.00 per person ages 8 and up, $35.00 ages 4 – 7. Cash or Venmo on the day of the walk. Call Debbie to reserve your llama at 860-248-0355. A portion of the fee will be donated to White Memorial.

Bat Hike with Gerri Griswold SOLD OUT
2025-04-19 16:00 - 17:30
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Join Gerri Griswold for a late afternoon stroll along the Lake Trail to our bat houses near Litchfield Town Beach! Last year, close to 300 precious Little Brown Bats were counted exiting these structures that were installed by Research Director, James Fischer in 2018. Along the way you’ll be learning about the many types of habitats that attract a wide variety of rare species of bats to White Memorial. 4:00 p.m., Meet in the A. B. Ceder Room. Members: 5:00 Non-Members: $10.00 Pre-registration is required.

BATS COUNT! Evening Bat Count at the Green Barn with Gerri Griswold
2025-04-19 19:00 - 20:30
Saturday, April 19, 2025
BATS COUNT! Launches into its thrid year! https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Bats-Count Our Big Brown Bat colony is returning for the summer. In mid-June, Mother bats will give birth to their pups. Tonight, you can become citizen scientists and help Gerri Griswold count the first emergence of bats from our Green Barn. 7:00 pm, Meet in front of the A. B. Ceder Room. Please pre-register: FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

Museum Children Free Week
2025-04-20 09:00 - 2025-04-26 17:00
April 20 – 26, 2025
In Memory of Louise W. Willson. Free admission to children under the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult.

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

Qigong at the Museum with Judith Erhman-Shapiro
2025-04-23 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-04-30 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-05-07 08:00 - 09:00, 2025-05-14 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!

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, 2025-04-26 09:00 - 10:30
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!

Museum Children Free Week
2025-04-27 09:00 - 2025-05-03 17:00
April 27 – May 3, 2025
In honor of Rebecca and Jeremy Greenwood from Jeff and Zoe Greenwood.
Free admission to children under the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult.

Give Local!
2025-04-29 07:00 - 2025-04-30 19:00
April 29 and 30, 2025
Hosted by the Connecticut Community Foundation, Give Local Greater Waterbury & Litchfield Hills is a 36-hour online community giving event that encourages donors to lend their support to the nonprofit organizations that work every day to make our community stronger.
Every dollar donated to the Conservation Center from 7 a.m. on April 29 to 7 p.m. on April 30 will support four very important components of our Mission!
ANIMAL CARE:
EVERYONE loves animals! White Memorial is home to a variety of Animal Ambassadors that delight audiences near and far throughout the year. From Rocky and Grandma the Eastern Box Turtles to Tippy the American Toad….to Irie the Red-tailed Hawk, Dottie the Spotted Turtle, Peaches the Honduran Milk Snake, and Gordon the Eastern Garter Snake, Sunny and Luna our Eastern Rat Snakes, Opal the Western Hognose Snake, and of course our beautiful Barred Owl, Ophelia….all of these wonderful animals need care. Our annual budget to feed these hard-working herps, amphibians, and birds of prey..including occasional veterinary care, exceeds $8000.00! Your Give Local Donations with help defray this cost and be very much appreciated!
FINANCIAL AID FOR AREA FAMILIES:
The recession has hit everyone hard! Although White Memorial prides itself on offering affordable children’s programs, some families need a little extra help. Your Give Local donation will be allocated to a special financial aid fund for families most in need. No child should be separated from an extraordinary experience in Nature because of a few dollars. We would appreciate a donation in any amount to add to this fund. The Annual Museum Sleep-In costs $120, Summer Camp: $240.00, After-School Adventures: $48.00, “Sense”-Sational Spring Break Camp: $120.00. Many families would appreciate your help!
RESEARCH:
Research Director, James Fischer is seeking funding for a MOTUS wildlife tracking receiver on our property. The addition of a MOTUS receiver aligns seamlessly with our mission and would provide critical support for local and international wildlife monitoring efforts. MOTUS Wildlife Tracking System’s innovative technology has proven invaluable for understanding the movements and behaviors of migratory species. By joining the MOTUS network, White Memorial can contribute to this global initiative, enhancing the capacity for tracking bird, bat, and insect migrations across the Northeast and beyond. Our location, situated along key migratory routes and featuring a variety of habitats, is ideally suited for a receiver station that would fill an essential gap in the existing network. This project would complement White Memorial’s ongoing initiatives in conservation research and education. The data collected through the MOTUS receiver would be integrated into our educational programming, offering hands-on learning opportunities for students, researchers, and the public. Furthermore, the receiver would facilitate collaborative research with academic institutions, government agencies, and conservation organizations, fostering a broader understanding of species’ ecological needs and the challenges they face. It comes with a hefty price tag of $25,000. A portion of your gifts to Give Local will be allocated to MOTUS.
The Conservation Center is extremely grateful for your enthusiastic support! Thank you!
Watch our website www.whitememorialcc.org or read your Habitattler for more details on how you can donate or visit our personal Give Local page https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/white-memorial-conservation-center

Nature's Nursery Series, Spring 2025 - SOLD OUT
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.

Mattatuck Trail Hike at White Memorial SOLD OUT
2025-05-03 08:00 - 13:00
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Join Gerri Griswold from White Memorial and Connecticut Forest & Park Association Trail Manager Tom Tella for a six-mile hike covering the entire length of the Mattatuck Trail within The White Memorial Foundation!
This will be a guided hike of “medium” challenge- a well-manicured trail with no significant up-and-down pitches, but it will be six miles.
The Mattatuck Trail is one of the premier Blue-Blazed Trails of Connecticut, stretching 35 miles most of the way across Litchfield County, from Peterson Park in Wolcott to Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall. The magnificent centerpiece of this trail is the six-mile section that traverses White Memorial.
During our hike, we’ll walk through the old-growth forest of Catlin Woods, pass many vernal pools buzzing with activity, skirt the edge of Cranberry Swamp, admire Memorial Rock, and take in the breathtaking view overlooking Plunge Pool.
Come prepared with appropriate footwear, a small backpack, plenty of water, raingear, sunscreen, insect repellant or head net, snacks/light lunch, and binoculars. Expect to be on the trail with us for a good 4 – 5 hours.

Museum Children Free Week
2025-05-04 09:00 - 2025-05-10 17:00
May 4 – 10, 2025
In honor of Violetta White Delafield, sister of Alain and May White, from her Grandson, J. Dennis Delafield.
Free admission to children under the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult.

Fresh Start Hiking Club
2025-05-06 07:30 - 09:00
Tuesdays, January 6, February 3, March 3, 2026
Hop out of bed and head to White Memorial on the first Tuesday of each month for a one-hour hike! It’s the perfect way to engage with Nature, spend time with old friends and meet new friends! With over 40 miles of trails from which to choose, you never know where Gerri will take you! 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., Meet in the A. B. Ceder Room. FREE…but you must pre-register online: Fresh Start Hiking Club Registration Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

Happy Hour Hiking Club
2025-05-08 16:00 - 17:00
Thursdays: January 2, February 13, March 6, April 10, May 8, June 5, 2025
Start the New Year with a resolution to get your body moving more! Skip that Happy Hour cocktail and calorie-laden appetizer and take a walk with Gerri! It may be cold. It may be dark. It may even be snowing…but you can do it! Each one-hour walk will cover a different trail on the property. At the end of each hike, you’ll receive a recipe for a healthful, tasty, easy recipe to help keep you on track. Dress for the weather. Bring a head lamp or flashlight! 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Meet in the Museum. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses. Please pre-register here: Happy Hour Hiking Registration

Bobbing for Bobolinks at Apple Hill and Topsmead with Gerri Griswold
2025-05-10 08:00 - 11:00
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Spend a couple of hours with Gerri in search of this bubbly grassland bird. It’s Bobolink breeding season and the boys should be out in full force putting on a show! Begin hiking to the top of Apple Hill where numerous sightings have occurred. Then drive over to Topsmead State Forest aka Bobolink Central, meandering the sweeping fields and forests around this venerable State Park. Bring a snack and some water. 8:00 a.m., Meet at the Apple Hill Trailhead (not the Laurel Hill Trail) 116 East Shore Road. Limited to 15.
The program is free but you must pre-register here: Bobbing for Bobolinks Registration
Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

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

Museum Children Free Week
2025-05-11 09:00 - 2025-05-17 17:00
May 11 – 17, 2025
Courtesy of Tara and Arthur Diedrick. Free admission to children under the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult.

Nature Tag Sale
2025-05-17 11:00 - 15:00
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Come to the Activity Shed between 11 am and 2 pm. Choose something from our eclectic collection of goodies and leave a donation in the jar! No haggling as if you are in a Marrakesh souk! Why not become a member during your visit or buy a super snazzy bit of White Memorial swag from the gift shop! Raffle tickets will be on sale too! You could win a trip for two to the Galapagos Islands in our Family Nature Day Raffle!!
Early birds will be dispatched in the nicest way possible! Rain or shine!
If you would like to donate nature themed items in good condition to the tag sale, please email: gerri@whitememorialcc.org None of your college text books, please! Thank you!

A Reading of The Lorax & Family Forest Walk with Forest Manager Mike Berry and Colleen Harrak
2025-05-17 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday, May 17, 2025
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.”
Dr. Seuss’s beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others. Experience the beauty of the Truffula Trees and the danger of taking our earth for granted in a story that is timely, playful, and hopeful. The book’s final pages teach us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a difference. Join White Memorial Forest Manager, Mike Berry and Environmental Educator Colleen Harrak for a la reading of this classic tale followed by a family-friendly forest walk. The program really is not just for kids! Big people are invited too! 2:00 pm, A. B. Ceder Room, Members: FREE, Non-Members: $5.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. Register here: Lorax Registration

Connecticut Classical Guitar Ensemble conducted by Michael Stubblefield
2025-05-17 19:00 - 20:30
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Bring a picnic and enjoy a perfect spring evening in the company of this wonderful guitar ensemble conducted by Michael Stubblefield, that will perform a variety of genres.
About Michael Stubblefield: (b. 1989) is an American composer, guitarist, and music educator based in Hartford, Connecticut. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael began his higher education studies in music at Diablo Valley Community College, ultimately transferring to California State University, East Bay where he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music. Michael is also a graduate of The Hartt School at the University of Hartford with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition and a minor in Music Theory.
Michael’s interests outside of music include animals (especially exotic reptiles), reading, hiking, cooking, the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, and coffee. Michael is currently working throughout New England in a variety of music relation activities, as a composer, a private teacher in guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice, composition, and music theory, and at The Hartt School as an administrative assistant and tutor of music theory and music history.
7:00pm , Activity Shed, All tickets: $10.00. Please pre-register online: Classical Guitar Registration In the event of cold weather, the concert will take place in the Carriage House.

Llama Walk with Debbie Labbe, Country Quilt Llama Farm
2025-05-18 09:00 - 10:00
From November 2025 through March 2026!
Llama Walks are back!! Walk your own llama on the Cranberry Pond Trail, 87 Webster Road. Minimum 4 walkers. $55.00 per person ages 8 and up, $35.00 ages 4 – 7. Cash or Venmo on the day of the walk. Call Debbie to reserve your llama at 860-248-0355. A portion of the fee will be donated to White Memorial.
