5  Star Party: Mars and Stars!
Enjoy a presentation on Mars, featuring ancient legends, modern fiction, and recent discoveries. Then head out to the open field behind the Museum for star and planet gazing. The Moon will not be visible until late and we expect good views of Mars, constellations, double stars, and galaxies. Dress warmly! The program is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a flashlight and binoculars (if you have them). The classroom portion of the event will be held February 5 regardless of weather. Raindate for star gazing is February 6. 6:30 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room...FREE

6   Forestry Walk White Memorial Foundation Forest Superintendent, Lukas Hyder leads you through the forest to a working forestry operation. Learn tree identification and the thoughtful art of forestry managementŠMeet in the Museum parking lot. 10:00 A.M...FREE

7   Winter Wildlife Tracking Club Primitive skills and nature awareness instructor, Andrew Dobos, leads you on a trek through forests and wetlands. Search for and learn to read tracks and signs of animal inhabitants. Meet in front of the Museum. 10:00 A.M...FREE

13   Just Friends Coffee House Blue Grass at its finest fills the air as WMCC Education Director Jeff Greenwood and his dynamic wife Zoe toting her oversized violin dare you to stay put in your seats and keep your toes from tapping! Common Ground Café provides food and beverage for purchase. 7:00 P.M., Carriage House, Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Members: $8.00, Non-Members: $12.00

15   PRESIDENTS DAY...MUSEUM CLOSED

16 - 22   Museum Kids Free Week Courtesy of Laurel Ridge Foundation in memory of Francesca M. Thompson, M.D.. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult

16 - 19   School Vacation Programs Call the Museum for details...860-567-0857 or check this calendar again.

17   Take a Walk Series: Stalking Snowshoe Hares with Jamie Fischer We recorded our first hare sighting last year on the property! Join us while we are in search of Snowshoe Hare, New England Cottontail Rabbit, and Eastern Cottontail Rabbits. You¹ll learn how to differentiate between rabbit and deer browse. We¹ll be walking through and discovering where rabbits and hares are living. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots are best), bring water, and prepare to think like a rabbit! Meet in the Museum, 10:00 A.M. ­ 12:00 P.M., Members: $3.00, Non-Members: $5.00. Call 860-567-0857 for more information.

20   Chasing Tail: A Connecticut Biologist¹s Wildlife Encounters in South Africa Biologist and videographer, Michael Sanders, shares stories, pictures, and video adventures of his three month expedition in South Africa. Sit back in comfort while watching Mike tackle white lions, face off a water buffalo, ride an ostrich, run from a black rhino, swim with great white sharks and more. Questions and answers will follow. 2:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room...FREE

27   From Sap to Syrup! A Road Trip to Flanders Nature Center¹s Sugar House Maple sugaring is such a special event in New England. Flanders spring environment enables the sugar maples to produce gallons of sap. Learn the history and science of maple sugaring to understand how New England's specific seasonal changes (an extended period of frosty nights and warm days) make the sap run. Bundle up and come out to experience the lore, the science, and wonder of this traditional process. Tasting is optional! Space is limited to 40 people. The tour and tasting are free but you must pre-register by calling 860-567-0857. Meet Gerri Griswold in the Museum parking lot at 12:00P.M. (we will car pool). Tour is from 1:00P.M. ­ 2:00 P.M.