Nature matters...now more than ever!

Dear Nature Center Community,
As I reflect on this past year, I am incredibly proud of how the Darien Nature Center continues to grow and evolve. Each year, we expand the depth and reach of our programming, connecting more children and families with nature and strengthening our role as a trusted resource for environmental education and stewardship in our community.
This year, we were especially excited to launch our new water ecology program, From the Storm Drain to the Sound: Protecting Darien's Waters, which will be offered to every Darien fifth grader in the fall of 2026 at no cost to our schools. Programs like this inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and help ensure that all children have meaningful opportunities to learn about and care for the natural world.
While much of our fundraising this year has focused on transforming our animal room, the daily work of the Nature Center continues. Caring for our animals, maintaining our building and trails, supporting our dedicated staff, and providing high-quality educational programs all rely on annual support from our community.
As we approach the end of our fiscal year, please consider making a donation of any amount by June 30. Every gift helps sustain the programs, animals, and experiences that connect our community to nature.
The Darien Nature Center receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of donors like you. Together, we are inspiring curiosity, fostering environmental stewardship, and building a greener future for Darien.
We are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you for being part of our community.
With gratitude,
Molly Robertson
We inspire passion and respect for the natural world through nature education, hands-on experiences with nature, and environmental action and stewardship.
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![?Rising at a very snowy time in Connecticut this full Moon is appropriately named! February’s full moon is named the Snow Moon!?
The Snow Moon will reach its peak illumination at approximately 5:09 EST on Sunday February 1st. Weather permitting, step outside to catch a glimpse!
The Snow Moon gets its name from the typical heavy snowfall that happens during the month of February. According to the National Weather Service, February tends to be the snowiest month in the United States.
Historically speaking, the alternative names for the Snow Moon have had connections to animals. The Bald Eagle Moon or Eagle Moon (Cree), Bear Moon (Ojibwe) Black Bear Moon (Tlingit), [fun fact: both the Bear Moon and Black Bear Moon refer to the time of year when bear cubs are born!], Racoon Moon, (Dakota), Groundhog Moon (Algonquin), and Goose Moon (Haida).
Like other full moons, there’s no shortage of alternate names. Due to the scarcity of food during this time, The Cherokee called the moon the Month of the Bony Moon and Hungry Moon. ?❄️?️](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/623011110_18530187544064546_6294388529907537499_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=m4cBz17GEXIQ7kNvwHs6cl2&_nc_oc=AdoBwuoFZnkF10qONY1RFIC76M_MhKuYUGGg0rmAPcx_9MeEztztAIzxmsA-Dy8XJG4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=j6Nh-lFd6I_dEHbbxay8nA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHa6ZTHDmBZEDpys-XVZ-8ztC_IQKL1jk_DLatvVcXwdWYwBmpFJgY8OBLzTwdkcAE0kbP-Z9d24Q&oh=00_Af-bcZBLxUVBv6AmhsMwrnopQE7FSPBIsHlbO-pAzRziiA&oe=6A250D22)
































































