Summer Camp 2026 is coming soon!
June 22 - August 7, 2026
Monday to Friday
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Current family and member registration opens at 1 pm on wednesday, January 14.
Your contribution to the renovation will directly impact our animals’ lives, enrich our visitors’ experiences, and help us create a space that fosters empathy for animals and inspires action to protect our natural world.
We are pleased to offer several naming opportunities and special recognition to Legacy League ($25,000) and Founders Circle ($10,000) donors for our campaign to reimagine the beloved Animal Room. Donors may pay all gifts and pledges over three years.
The Darien Nature Center acknowledges the significant financial support of The Darien Foundation, our Lead Donor ($50,000), to fund our new owl enclosure, the architectural concepts for the reimagined Animal Room, and additional seed money to upgrade the remaining enclosures. We are grateful for their continued partnership.
We inspire passion and respect for the natural world through nature education, hands-on experiences with nature, and environmental action and stewardship.
Upcoming Events
Calendar
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
29
DNC Closed - Holiday Break
30
DNC Opened : 10 AM - 2 PM
31
DNC Closed - Holiday Break
1
DNC Closed - Holiday Break
2
DNC Opened : 10 AM - 2 PM
3
DNC Opened
4
DNC Closed
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6
7
8
9
Storytime with the Animals
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11
DNC Closed
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13
14
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10am Saturdays at the DNC
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DNC Closed
19
DNC Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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21
22
23
Storytime with the Animals
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25
DNC Closed
26
27
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29
30
31
10am Saturdays at the DNC
1
DNC Closed
Check out our Instagram!
Tomorrow, Tuesday January 27 we will be operating on a delayed opening schedule. Please see the start times to know when drop off is. Please also note pick up times will remain the same as usual!
For the first full moon of the year, it’s the Wolf Moon! The Wolf Moon will reach its peak at 5:03 A.M. EST on the morning of Saturday January 3, 2026. This full moon will be the first full moon of the year 2026, occurring at perigee (the moon is at its closest point to Earth). Make sure to take a peek at the Moon Friday January 2 if you’re not a 5:00 A.M. early bird).
Where did the Wolf Moon get its name from? It’s believed that it is called the Wolf Moon because wolves were more likely to be heard howling around this time. There is the old folktale that wolves howl due to the full moon, but it isn’t actually true! Wolves howl to locate other pack members, define territory, coordinate their hunting, and reinforce pack bonds.
Other names for the Wolf Moon include Center Moon (Assiniboine people), Cold Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Moon (Cree), Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin), Severe Moon (Dakota), Hard Moon (Dakota), Canada Goose Moon (Tlingit), Great Moon (Cree), Greetings Moon (Western Abenaki) and the Spirit Moon (Ojibwe). Talk about a popular moon! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #wolfmoon
๐๏ธ๐๏ธExtra Extra! We have a new dove that needs a name! We’re so excited to have this lady join us here at the Nature Center, but we need your help naming her! Using the poll below, vote on your favorite choice and check back in a few days to see which name has come out on top!๐๏ธ๐๏ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Happy New Year from all of us here at the Nature Center! We hope you have a year filled with adventure and exploration of the great outdoors! Did you know that 2026 is the year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac (which officially starts on February 17)? The Fire Horse to be specific! While we don’t have a horse here at the Nature Center, make sure to stop by and wish our animals a Happy New Year! #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Summer Camp 2026 registration launches tomorrow for current families and members!!! Here’s a quick look back on Summer Camp 2025! โจ๐๐ป๐๐ช๐ซง #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Happy Winter Solstice!
Get ready to celebrate the longest night of the year! The Winter Solstice also marks the day with the shortest amount of daylight. Don’t fret about the lack of daylight though, from here on out the days will be getting longer and sunsets will be happening later. The Winter Solstice is the official first day of the Winter season, astronomically speaking, meteorologists still determine the actual start of Winter, but the alignment of the moon and stars can help us celebrate the changing of the seasons!
Make sure to spend some time outside today watching the sunrise or sunset, gather evergreen branches to decorate with, make diy bird feeders, light candles, hang homemade paper snowflakes around your home, and make pomanders for a cozy winter time scent. #darienct #dariennaturecenter #wintersolsticeโ๏ธ
It’s hard to believe that we’re already getting ready for Summer Camp 2026! Early Bird pricing for Summer Camp registration starts Wednesday January 14 for Current Families and Members!! โ๏ธ๐ป
For more information regarding Summer Camp 2026 registration, what’s new this year, timelines, and themes head over to our website to learn more. Keep your eyes peeled for our Summer Camp 2026 Information email that will be sent out later today. Not on our email list? Now’s the time to join via the link in bio. ๐โจ๐๐ฟ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Snowbirds camp through a film camera! ๐ธ From all of us here at the Nature Center have a wonderful holiday season! โ๏ธ๐ฒโจ๐๏ธ#darienct #dariennaturecenter
We’ve reached the end of the year! Time flies when you spend your days outside! Next up Snowbirds Camp! ๐ฒโจ๐๏ธโญ๏ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
This time of year we’re a little extra grateful for all the fantastic teachers we have on staff here at the Nature Center! ๐ฆ๐๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Our last full moon of the year! The Cold Moon, also known as the Long Night Moon (Mohican), will reach peak illumination on December 4 at 6:14pm (EST)! The name comes from a Mohawk name that talks of the frigid weather conditions that start to happen this time of the year.
The Mohican name, as said before, the Long Night Moon gets its name from how the moon rises. The Long Night Moon will rise during the “longest” nights of the year as we approach the Winter Solstice on December 21 (the Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year)!
Other names for the Cold Moon include, Drift Clearing Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree), Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala), Hoar Frost Moon (Cree), Snow Moon (Haida, Cherokee), Moon when the Deer Shed Their Antlers (Dakota), Little Spirit Moon (Anishinaabe), and the Winter Maker Moon (Western Abenaki). ๐โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐จ๏ธ #dariennaturecenter #darienct #coldmoon #supermoon
No fears of the dark over here! We’ve been learning about nocturnal creatures! ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Saturday’s are back at the Nature Center! Make sure to register for our December 6 and December 13 sessions! Follow the link in bio for more information and registration! #darienct #dariennaturecenter
We’ve been learning about all the different kinds of weather! ๐๐ค๏ธโ๏ธ๐ง๐ฌ๏ธ๐ซง #darienct #dariennaturecenter
“Five miles off the coast of Maine and slightly overdue, a circus ship was steaming south in fog as thick as stew.” ๐ข๐ฆ๐
๐๐ฆ๐ซ
The grand reveal of our Lit Tree Lane 2025 Christmas Tree!! The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen!
It’s our best estimate that this book was read approximately over 50 times last year in one particular Nature Time for Two’s class and continues to be one of the most beloved books amongst all our students and staff here at the Nature Center. Make sure you stop by the Darien Library and vote for the fan favorite tree!
PS. If your student has Lindsey & Lulu or Lindsey & Victoria as teachers this year, make sure to search the tree for the admit one tickets they decorated! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienlibrary #thecircusship
๐งJoin us on November 18, 2025 from 7:00-8:00pm at the Darien Library for the 2025 Coastal Water Presentation.๐ง
Bill Cavers, a member of the Town of Darien’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Waters and Mindy Chambrelli, Director of the Darien Health Department, who will present the annual water quality progress report of Darien’s waters in Long Island Sound.
Darien’s coast is less than three miles from east to west, but its many coves and harbors stretch its coastline to over 16 miles. With picturesque harbors, sandy beaches, marshy inlets, and its Maine-like Great Island, Darien’s coast is one of the town’s greatest resources.
To monitor and protect these beautiful waters, the Town of Darien and its volunteers, along with the support of key local partners, regularly test for possible bacteria and for long-term indicators of ecological health. Learn about these efforts and the latest and historical testing results, and what you can do to keep Long Island Sound pristine and safe for all!
#darienct #dariennaturecenter
Save the date! Saturday November 22 is our holiday market! Stay tuned for more information regarding vendors! ๐ฒโจ๐โจ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
๐ Happy Halloween!!! ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
We ๐Leaves!! ๐โจ๐๐ชพ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
We’ve been very egg-cited to be learning about birds and seeds! #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Join us for our open house on Sunday November 16 from 11:30-12:30pm! New to town? Curious about what kind of programming the Nature Center offers? Interested in providing your child with a lifelong love of nature? Then stop on by! Meet some of our Nature Educators and fellow parents and learn firsthand why the forest classroom is ideal for your children. #darienct #dariennaturecenter
This morning as our teachers were setting up in the outdoor classrooms, a small fire was found on the trail that leads behind our Frogpond Classroom. While it was a small fire and easy to extinguish, we are thankful for the Darien Fire Department for coming to make sure it was fully out. We believe the cause was due to a cigarette that was thrown onto the dry wood. Please ensure that any potential fire starters are disposed of properly or extinguished before leaving them unattended in a forested area (or any area). It was a small fire today but with our recent droughts it could have become a larger and more dangerous fire. #darienct #dariennaturecenter #firesafety
It’s the Beaver Moon! The Beaver Moon is the closest to Earth a supermoon will be in 2025. The full moon will be reaching its peak illumination time at 8:19am (EST) on November 5, 2025, so be sure to check it out after nightfall on November 4 to catch a pre glimpse of it. The Beaver Moon will orbit Earth closer than any other full moon of the year (only a short distance of 221,817 miles). ๐ฆซ๐๐๐
Where does the name Beaver Moon come from? Like most full moon names, its origin is rooted in Native American, Colonial American, and European Folklore. In the tradition of naming, each full moon typically represented the month in which it occurred and all phases of the moon, not just the full moon. This time of year, beavers start to take shelter within their lodges, hunkering down for winter. Back when the fur trade was still a bustling business in North America, trappers would catch beavers with their winter coats to sell.
The Beaver Moon is also known as; the Digging or Scratching Moon (Tlingit), Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota/Lakota), Whitefish Moon (Algonquin), Frost Moon, Cree & Assiniboine), and the Freezing Moon (Anishinaabe). #darienct #dariennaturecenter #beavermoon
Always in search of the next big discovery ๐
๐๐ชต๐ชป #darienct #dariennaturecenter
It’s National Reptile Awareness Day! This day serves as a day to educate the public on the importance of reptiles in our ecosystems and what kinds of challenges they face. The Nature Center is home to seven kinds of reptiles; corn snake, ball python, box turtle, leopard gecko, spotted turtle, painted turtle, and bearded dragon. Make sure you stop on by to visit our reptiles! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #reptileawarenessday
Soaking up these finals days of greenery all around us ๐ฒโ๏ธ๐ฟ๐๐ฑ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Swipe through and see which one of our animals matches your birthday month! ๐๐๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #birthdaymonth
@vermontgoodwood is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
We have a ton of events happening in October! Head to the link in bio to register!! ๐๐๐ฅ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
@rings_end is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
What a gorgeous night we had for Fireside 2025! We here at the Nature Center are so thankful to everyone who attended our annual fundraiser and helped us raise money to help us continue spreading our mission of environmental stewardship and teaching the community about nature. A special thank you to all our sponsors, local businesses who contributed to our silent auction, our board members, our administrative staff, @henryjoneslive, our DJ Andrew Singer, @palmersmarket for catering, and of course those who attended. See you next Fireside! ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Tradewind is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025.
Private and scheduled flights are offered in their fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. Scheduled flights are offered from the New York area to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and private flights are available to anywhere within the Northeast region.
Visit @flytradewind to learn more.
It’s the Harvest Moon! The largest and brightest supermoon of the year! The Harvest Moon will reach its peak illumination at 11:47 pm Eastern Time. The Harvest Moon is the first of three Supermoons that will happen in 2025. The Harvest Moon gets its name from its proximity to the Autumn Equinox (September 22, 2025), this full moon is closer to the equinox than the previous month’s full moon (the Corn Moon!).
This Moon isn’t just an ordinary full Moon, it is set to be a spectacular moonrise, providing near sunset rises and even extended evening light. This full Moon will be at perigee (the closest the moon will be to Earth all year) which will enhance the size and luminosity making for dramatic lunar visions. Other names for the Harvest Moon include; Drying Rice Moon (Dakota), Falling Leaves Moon (Anishinaabe), Freezing Moon/Ice Moon (Ojibwe and Haida), and Migrating Moon (Cree). Head on outside to capture the Harvest Moon’s luminous glow! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #harvestmoon #supermoon
it sure is “gneiss” learning about rocks and soil! ๐ชจ๐ชฑ๐ฑ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
We’re big readers over here! Make sure you stop by @barrettbookstore_ this weekend or before October 11 to support our ongoing book drive! We know the power of a good book! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #indiebookstores
The countdown to Fireside 2025 is on! We’re only two weeks away from our annual fundraiser. Join us for a night of fires, drinks, and live music! ๐๐ฅ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
@katharinegraybunoski is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025 #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
@matthewdoughertyarchitect is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025 #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
A pioneer for women in wildlife & environmental conservation everywhere, Jane Goodall had an impact on us all here at the Nature Center. In a trip down memory lane, here is former DNC Educator Nina Miller introducing Chilli the chinchilla to Jane in 2007! In 2007, the Nature Center was one of a few groups that qualified to receive a special Certificate of Recognition for a project that was lead by Nina. Our certificate is still proudly on display here at the Nature Center. #darienct #dariennaturecenter #janegoodall
garden visits and making new friends is a pretty big dill over here ๐ช๐ชด๐ซ๐ธ๐ป#darienct #dariennaturecenter
@captainzigbeer is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025 #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
@rings_end is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025 #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
Happy Autumn Equinox! Today is the first official day of Fall here in the Northern Hemisphere. The Equinox happens when the Sun is directly over the Earth’s Equator and happens only one other time a year during the Vernal or Spring Equinox. Today is a day to celebrate Autumn in all its glory! Spend time searching for signs of fall, visiting a local farm, baking an apple pie, having a family bonfire, making a leaf wreath, and reading about the changing seasons. Happy Fall! ๐๐๐๐
#darienct #dariennaturecenter #autumnequinox
In collaboration with @barrettbookstore_, we are asking for donations for new storybooks for the Nature Center! We are so thankful to have such a wonderful local independent bookstore who are a staple in the Darien Community. The book drive will run from Saturday September 20 - Saturday October 11, 2025 and will have a designated table with our wishlist books. Don’t forget to take a stroll around the store while you’re there, you never know what you’ll find amongst the shelves!
#darienct #dariennaturecenter #indiebookstores
@kdparchitects is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025 #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
Tradewind is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025.
Offering private and scheduled flights across the Northeast, Southeast, and Caribbean, Tradewind delivers a travel experience defined by comfort, convenience, and confidence. Avoid the crowds, lines, and bypass the chaos of traditional airports by flying from private terminals aboard their fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
Visit @flytradewind to learn how to make your next journey effortless. #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
we really “dew” love being back at school! ๐๐๐ซ๐ชจ๐ชบ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
๐ฅFireside 2025 is less than a month away๐ฅ We are incredibly thankful for all our Fireside 2025 sponsors! Tickets are available through the link in bio! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
School is back in session! We are so excited to be back out in nature and exploring everything around us! ๐๐๐ชฑ๐ท๐ข #darienct #dariennaturecenter
We’re back in session!!! Last night we held parent orientation where parents new and familiar got to hear about upcoming events, our curriculum, and our reimagining the animal room campaign! School starts on Monday and our teachers are ready to dive back into teaching about nature! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #backtoschool #natureschool
Vermont Good Wood is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025 ๐ชต๐ฅ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
Dan Anderson, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management - Proud Sponsor of Fireside 2025 #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
Volunteers big and small help make our wood chip pile shrink in size! Thank you to every one who joined us on Saturday to help move wood chips into our door classrooms! ๐ชต๐ชพ๐๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Can we just spend all our time in the gardens? ๐ธ๐ป๐ท๐ชป๐ผ๐ชด๐ช#darienct #dariennaturecenter
The Corn Moon represents the changing time between Summer and early Autumn.
But why is it called the Corn Moon? This time of year is the traditional time for harvesting corn in the United States. ๐ฝ๐๐
The Corn Moon is not to be confused with the Harvest Moon, the Harvest Moon refers to the full moon that happens closest to the September Equinox (the Autumn Equinox occurs on September 22, 2025).
Traditionally Native American peoples use different variations of “corn moon” to refer to the moon that rises in August or September. Alternate names include: Autumn Moon (Cree), Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe), Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe), Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota), Yellow Leaf Moon (Assiniboine). All of which refer to the changing of the leaves season (Fall!).
The Corn Moon will reach its peak at 2:09pm Eastern on Sunday. Make sure to keep an eye peeled after sunset to catch a glimpse of it! #cornmoon #oldfarmersalmanac #fullmoon #septembermoon
@flytradewind is a proud sponsor of Fireside 2025
For ticket information hit the link in bio! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
Worm wrangling is just a part of the Chipmunks Camp charm! ๐ชฑ๐ชฑ๐ชฑ๐ชฑ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
How is it possible that it’s only been a week since Summer Camp ended?! From all of us here at the Nature Center, thank you for an amazing SEVEN weeks of camp! ๐ชฑ๐๐ฆ๐ชบ๐๐พ๐ข๐๐๏ธ๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ช๐ท๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
How is already almost time to go back to school?! We can’t wait to welcome all our students and families back on September 8! (P.S can you find all the little Easter eggs on our corkboard?!) #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Not ready for summer to end? Luckily, lawn games aren’t just for warm weather!
Join us this October at Fireside 2025 for a fun-filled evening of fall vibes and friendly competition. Bring your friends and let the games begin! Early Bird tickets are still available but only for a little while longer! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienctevents #fallfundraisingdarien
๐ฅFinal call for early bird tickets! Early bird pricing ends on August 29!!! Don’t miss out on Fireside 2025!๐ฅ#darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents #darienfundraising
Our final week of summer camp was all about getting down and dirty! We spent our final week together learning about all the different creatures that live below our feet! And of course, time spent making a stream through the eco-explorers classroom! ๐ชฑ๐๐ชฒ๐๐ซ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
The Life of a Showgirl or The Life of our Animal Ambassadors?! We could give you 50 reasons why our animals should be the ones you choose to sponsor! Our animal sponsorships will have you feeling like the Lucky One with one on one meet & greets and never go out of Style! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #thelifeofashowgirlโค๏ธ๐ฅ #tloasg
Why is the August full moon called the Sturgeon Moon? The Old Farmer’s Almanac originally named all the full moons, stemming from different origins that include Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. The Sturgeon Moon comes from the giant lake sturgeon that live in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. The sturgeon is a native freshwater fish that was caught during this part of the summer and served as an important food staple for Native Americans in the area.
If you want to get a glimpse of the Sturgeon Moon at full peak head outside at 3:55 am EST to take in the glowing moon! (Being a night owl might be required.) ๐๐๐๐๐#darienct #dariennaturecenter #sturgeonmoon #fullmoon
Week 6 was all about Our Blue Planet and Creek Critters! Our younger campers spent time learning about the oceans, water science, ponds, and frogs! EcoExplorers spent their time scouring the streams and pond for turtles, frogs, and small invertebrates! We can’t believe summer camp is almost over! Onto week 7! ๐๐๐ ๐ชผ ๐ข๐ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #summercamp
Week 3 of Summer Camp was all about learning how to be a Nature Detective for Our Living Planet campers! Our eco-explorers spent time learning about gardens and how to grow your own food! ๐ชฑ๐พ๐ชบ๐ฅ๐ซ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #summercamp25
Week Five was totally out of this world! Our younger campers spent their week learning about outer space and our beautiful planet, Earth! Eco-Explorers spent their week learning about rocks and fossils and even got to find their own marine micro fossils! ๐ช๐ญโ๏ธ๐ฆ๐ชจ #darienct #dariennaturecenter
Week Two of Summer Camp was filled with rocks, fossils, dinosaurs, and s’mores!!! Our younger campers got an introduction to geology and paleontology while finding their own microfossils! Our older campers learned about outdoor survival skills and had their night hike filled with s’mores and a good old campfire song! ๐๏ธ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ชต๐ฅ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #geologyrocks #dinosaurs #summercamp
The Darien Nature Center is fortunate that, for over 20 years, our beloved animal ambassadors have been under the expert care of Charles Duffy, VMD. In addition to caring for our animals when illness and injury arise, Dr. Duffy makes a “site visit” once a year to inspect all the animals, provide recommendations, and address our questions. Dr. Duffy also provides veterinary care to the mammals at the Maritime Aquarium, so when Dr. Duffy popped in to do our inspection last Thursday, he brought along his Maritime Aquarium team of veterinarians. Nugget the Guinea Pig got a clean bill of health and enjoyed all the attention from these vets! In 2020, Dr. Duffy was the first recipient of the Darien Nature Center’s David Sinclair Volunteerism award. Thank you, Dr. Duffy! We are so grateful for your care! ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐ฆ#darienct #dariennaturecenter #maritimeaquarium
What a great start to Summer Camp 2025! Last week our youngest campers spent time learning about pollinators, gardens, fairy gardens, and the food we can grow in our own backyards! Our older campers spent time learning about using compasses, maps, and learning how to navigate in the wilderness! But all of our campers got to enjoy a visit from Spoon Circus, a traveling circus group that got all our campers movin’ and groovin’! ๐ณ๐๐๐ฟ๐ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #summercamp #naturecamp
Week Four of Summer Camp was all about the Animal Kingdom and Nature Art! Our younger campers spent time learning about the different classifications of animals (mammals, reptiles, and birds specifically!) As well as exploring the park for native animals! Our Eco Explorers used nature as their inspiration to make nature based fairy houses and see all the art we can find naturally in nature! ๐ข๐๐ฆง๐ฆ๐ฆค๐จ๐๏ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #summercamp #localwildlife #animals #natureart
Have you seen the latest Notes from Molly? Our Program Director, Molly Robertson, writes monthly essays about different topics surrounding animals and nature. The most recent one focuses on animal enclosures and how much they have changed over the years and how animals are impacted by having a more natural and enriched environment to live in.
“We have already seen the profound impact the installation of thoughtfully designed natural habitats can have on our animals and visitors. With generous grants from the Darien Foundation in 2019 and 2024, we installed two beautiful naturalistic enclosures for our native owls and turtles. Perched above the heads of visitors in the cavities of their “snag” tree, our Eastern Screech owls, Blinken and Luna, are visibly more relaxed, sleeping and eating better and exhibiting natural behaviors that we never saw in their old enclosure. Likewise, our turtles happily swim, climb, dig, and bask in their new enclosure. Who knew Eastern Box turtles like to swim!? It’s so heartwarming to see natural behaviors emerge when their habitat mimics the wild.
๏ฟฝThe Darien Nature Center has launched a capital campaign to fund the renovation of our animal room, which will blend art with function while recreating a Connecticut forest. This renovation will celebrate nature and biodiversity while immersing visitors in a precious hardwood forest. Our mission has never felt more urgent for our community and the planet. A renovated animal room will foster a deeper connection to the natural world while significantly enhancing the lives of our animal ambassadors. Your support is greatly appreciated and essential to this transformation.”
#darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienfundraising #naturecentersofct
Heat Waves have nothing on us these first few days of Summer Camp! We’re taking things slow and staying cool while learning about gardens and trailblazing! ๐๐ฑโจ๐ณ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #summercamp25 #heatwaves
Saturday, October 11
7PM - 11PM
Join us for an evening of fun, games, food, and music! Your participation directly supports our mission: to inspire passion and respect for the natural world through nature education, hands-on experiences in nature, and environmental action and stewardship. Don’t miss out—your involvement makes a difference!
๐ฅEarly Bird ticket pricing is set at $150 a ticket and will increase to $175 a ticket soon. ๐ฅ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents #darienfallevents2025
๐Happy Summer Solstice, the first official day of Summer!๐ The Summer Solstice is the longest period of daylight of the year, and the shortest night of the year. The Earth’s Northern hemisphere is most tilted towards the sun (creating the longest daylight period!) Today is a day to get outside, spend time with family and friends, make a flower crown, dance, make a bonfire, have a picnic, build a fairy garden, and enjoy time spent under the sun! Have a sunny Solstice!! ๐๐โจ๐
#darienct #dariennaturecenter #summersolsticeโ๏ธ #startofsummer
What an incredible way to end our school year! Thank you to all the parents, caregivers, and family members that joined our classes on our nature hikes! There’s always an adventure to be had! ๐ฅพ๐ณ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #hikect #natureschool #endofyear
Oh the Places We Went! That’s a wrap on the 2024-2025 School Year! From all of us here at the Nature Center, thank you for such an incredible year! Next stop is Summer Camp 2025! ๐ฟ๐๐โ๏ธ๐ณ๐ชพ
#darienct #dariennaturecenter #natureschool #endofschool
Spending our time learning about our beautiful planet Earth! ๐ฟ๐๐ฑ
#darienct #planetearth #dariennaturecenter #connecticut
Only one day left before the end of the year and we can’t believe it’s almost over!!! ๐ณ๐ฑ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #endoftheschoolyear #natureschool
Having a ribbit-ing good time these last few weeks of school! ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #endoftheyear #frogs
If April showers bring May flowers… Do May showers bring the best puddles of the year? โ๏ธ๐๐ง๏ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #mayshowers
๐ฅ๐ฅSave the date for October 11, 2025 and join us at Fireside!!! Stay tuned for more details about ticket sales, entertainment, and more!๐ฅ๐ฅ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #dncfireside #darienctevents #fundraisers
Lime, Forest, Olive, Sea, Pear, Swamp, Pistachio, and Sage. All the shades of green that are popping up around the park ๐๐๐ฒ๐ธ๐โ๏ธ๐ฟ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #green #spring
โจIt’s Teacher Appreciation Day!โจ A day and week to celebrate all our educators in what they do here at the Nature Center. From freezing winds, to weeks of rain, and perfect spring days; our teachers are outside teaching and exploring. It’s safe to say that we might have the best team around and we are incredibly grateful for them! ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #teacherappreciation #teachersday #natureschool
Big fans of climbing over here! ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ชพ#darienct #dariennaturecenter #treeclimbing
Join us in making our vision for a brand new animal room here at the Darien Nature Center a possibility. By contributing to the renovation, you will be directly impacting the lives of our animals, enriching our visitor experience, and helping us create a space that fosters empathy for animals and inspires action to protect our natural world.
The Darien Nature Center acknowledges the significant financial support of @thedarienfoundation, our Lead Donor ($50,000) to fund our new owl enclosure, the architectural concepts for the reimagined Animal Room, and additional seed money to upgrade our remaining. enclosures. We are grateful for their continued partnership.
For more information on how you can support and get involved, head to the link in bio or visit our website to donate.
#darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
We think turtles are turtle-ly awesome! ๐ข๐ข๐ข๐ข #darienct #dariennaturecenter #turtles
Last night we hosted our Annual Meeting where Juliet Cain (co-founder of the Darien Pollinator Pathway) was presented with the 2025 David Sinclair Volunteerism Award. Named after long-time Darien Nature Center board member, David Sinclair, one of the most enthusiastic champions of the Nature Center.
In honor of individuals who have dedicated a lifetime to the preservation and understanding of the natural world and its inhabitants, this award is given to an individual in the Darien community who embodies the volunteer spirit and commitment to the land, air, and waterways that Dave Sinclair showed over his 25+ years of service to the Nature Center.
Board of Directors President Bart deBie and Executive Director Angela Whitford both gave updates on the Darien Nature Center and its ongoing programing. Notably, the recent announcement of our animal room renovation that was generously jump started by lead donor @thedarienfoundation with a donation of $50,000. #darienct #dariennaturecenter #annualmeeting #pollinatorpathway #volunteerism
Not even some rainy spring weather can stop us from enjoying our Spring into Nature Event! We are so lucky to be a part of a community that loves nature and coming together to share that love. Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors who braved the rain to be at Spring into Nature! ๐ธ๐ฑ
A special shoutout to Victoria and Lindsey, who spent all day Friday working on getting our beautiful new meadow ready for planting! Appropriately named Molly’s Meadow after our wonderful program director Molly Robertson! ๐ฟ๐ท
#darienct #dariennaturecenter #meadowplanting #darienevents
๐Save the Date!๐ The Darien Nature Center will be hosting our Annual Meeting on Wednesday April 30. We will be honoring Juliet Cain with the David Sinclair Volunteerism Award. Please join us in celebrating Ms. Cain and her efforts as well as learning about all the Nature Centers new endeavors. ๐ธ๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #darienevents
Bees, bugs, turtles, and butterflies oh my! ๐๐๐ข๐ฆCrickets Camp might have been the best way to spend April break! #darienct #dariennaturecenter #springtime #natureschool
it’s un-bud-lievable how much we love flowers! ๐ชป๐ท๐ผ๐ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #springflowers
๐Happy Earth Day!!!!๐
Teaching children about Earth, how to protect Earth, how to be kind to Earth, and how to keep that love of our beautiful planet alive and well is at the forefront of all our nature education here at the Nature Center. We hope you all can get out into nature this Earth Day and soak in the sun! โ๏ธ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ชปโ๏ธ
“If children don’t grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it. And if they don’t protect it, who will?” - David Attenborough #darienct #dariennaturecenter #earthday2025 #earthday
Our students spent the final days of winter learning all about evergreens! ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #evergreens #forestschool
While we wait for butterflies to make their appearance, we’ve been learning about butterflies and bees! ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ#darienct #dariennaturecenter #pollinators #natureschool
Get ready to Spring into Nature! Our annual Earth Day celebration is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited! Our schedule of events include: a live performance by Sova Dance and Puppet Theater, fire & s’mores, Ponding with Molly, animal meet & greets, face painting, and crafts!
This year a Spring Market will be taking place inside the Nature Center featuring local vendors, this event does not require prior registration and is free to the public! ๐
Registration is required for Spring into Nature as this is a ticketed event.
$10 Single Ticket/$40 Family Ticket (free admission for children under two years of age) #darienct #dariennaturecenter #springintonature #earthday #darienevents
We’re still waiting for our April Showers & May Flowers so learning about the water around us will have to hold us over!๐งโ๏ธ๐ง๏ธโ๏ธ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #waterallaroundus
We take learning about snakes ssssuper ssssseriously over here! ๐๐๐๐ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #snakes #natureschool
๐ฟ๐ฟNew Afterschool Alert!!! ๐ฟ๐ฟWe are so excited to announce our new afterschool program, the Garden Club, led by nature center educator and plant love Victoria Heyne! Club members will learn all about what it takes to grow a successful garden, including seed sprouting, soil science, composting, garden design, garden ecology, and pollinators! Registration is open now!
Spring Session: April 23-May 28, 2025
Grades: 3-5
Wednesdays: 4:00-5:00pm #darienct #darienafterschoolprograms #gardenclub #dariennaturecenter
Happy Spring Equinox (also known as the Vernal Equinox). The Spring Equinox marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This equinox is the day when daylight hours are equal to the amount of nighttime hours! Today is a day where we can spend time outdoors celebrating nature becoming bright and green again, start to plant seeds/plan our gardens, spring clean (or even just let fresh air into our homes!), dig for worms, search for spring flowers, and read books about Spring! From here on out, the days will keeping getting longer and warmer! ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ #darienct #dariennaturecenter #springequinox #ctnature
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