4   Reptile and Amphibian Identification Walk Dave Rosgen leads a walk around Ongley Pond in search of our native reptiles and amphibians. Learn to identify frogs and toads by their voices! Meet in front of the A.B. Ceder Room at 2:00 P.M. Appropriate for all ages…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

6   MUSEUM CLOSED...LABOR DAY

11  Jae Wolf on Apple Hill Spend this day of reflection in spectacular surroundings surrounded by the beautiful music and gentle spirit of artist and singer/songwriter, Jae Wolf. Mr. Wolf will perform native American flute pieces and on guitar, some original works, and the works of James Taylor. Bring a picnic. Dessert and soft drinks provided by Gerri Griswold. Concert is at 2:00 P.M. Meet in the Museum Parking lot at 1:15 P.M. Call 860-567-0857 to pre-register. FREE…A hat will be passed to defray the cost of programming expenses. Mr. Wolf's beautiful hand carved and painted feather jewelry will be available for purchase.

15   The Role of Taxidermy in Society James Fischer and Gerri Griswold will introduce you to the art and science of preserving plant and animal life. These "specimens" conjure memories of special events, religious significance, cultural heritage, and environmental change. We are surrounded by these artworks every day, yet most people create a squeamish cry when they encounter these representations of the natural world. We will explore how taxidermy influences the way we understand and appreciate our natural world. 6:30 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Centerıs programming expenses.

14-20   Museum Kids Free Week In honor of Louise W. Willson. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

17   Star Gazing! A monthly astronomy program organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. Tonightıs topic is "The Aurora" presented by Jon Wallace. Star gazing will follow (weather permitting). 7:00 P.M. ­ 9:00 P.M.. A.B. Ceder Room. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring a lawn chair, your own telescope, or binocular…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses

18   Hawk Watch and Other Fall Migrants… Park yourself at the picnic tables located near the Ceder Room and help Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen count the flurry activity above your heads as hawk migration will be in full swing! With a little luck you could see as many as twelve species of migrant hawks as well as various warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other songbirds as they all "get out of Dodge!" and head south for the winter. 2:00 P.M. Meet in front of the A.B. Ceder Room.

24   Full Moon Reflections Kayak Paddle with Robyn Dinda Meet at the Bridge on Whites Woods Road. Bring dinner and a flashlight! 5:30 P.M. Call Robyn Dinda for more information 860-567-0738.

25   The 29th Annual Family Nature Day Our annual celebration of Mother Nature is a must for folks of all ages. This year features butterflies and more with Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory from Deerfield, Massachusetts, Julie Ann Collier aka Wing Masters with spectacular birds of prey, Stiltwalkers, Mortal Beasts and Deities, Gerri Griswold aka The Bat Lady and her charming sidekick: a Big Brown Bat named Theo, and fabulous Musician and Comedienne, Nancy Tucker. The day is filled with live animals, guided nature walks, information booths, horse drawn wagon rides. Take a chance at winning a kayak in our annual raffle drawing! Shop until you drop at the artisans market. Get in a bidding war at our silent auction. The used book sale and bake sale are always crowd pleasers. Lots of crafts for the kiddies too! So much to do! Feed your mind body and soul! 11:00 A.M. ­ 5:00 P.M., Admission: $6.00, Center Members and children under 12 are FREE!

September 28 - October 4   Museum Kids Free Week. Courtesy of Joan and Jack Benham in honor of Wesley D. Parcell. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

September 28 - October 4   Museum Kids Free Week. Courtesy of Joan and Jack Benham in honor of Wesley D. Parcell. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

2   Evening at Little Pond Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen leads a dusk walk in search of a wide variety of fall migrants that find Little Pond a hospitable place to roost. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, muskrats, and otters as well! Meet in front of the A.B. Ceder Room. 4:30 P.M. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

9  Sparrows and Other Autumn Migrants Tag along with Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen in search of the bounty of sparrows and other land birds which peak migration time has to offer. Meet in the Museum. 2:00 P.M. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

11   MUSEUM CLOSED...COLUMBUS DAY

13   Take a Walk Series: Trip to Dean Ravine Dean Ravine, some 20 acres off Cream Hill Rd., Cornwall, is a little known but unique part of Housatonic State Forest. A short trail leads to a view of the falls and interesting rock cuts. There is also evidence of charcoaling in the adjoining woods. Jeff Greenwood, our Chief Collier, will escort the group using the Center's van. This is the first of several road trips planned which feature areas of natural history interest that are visited by the younger summer Explorers. Meet in the Museum. 10:00 A. M. - 12:00 P.M. Members: $3.00 Non-members: $5.00. Preregistration and pre-payment are required.

15   Star Party! A monthly astronomy program organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. This month's lecture addresses the "Outer Solar System". Star gazing will follow (weather permitting). 7:00 P.M. ­ 9:00 P.M. A.B. Ceder Room. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring a lawn chair, your own telescope, or binoculars. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

16   Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air This spectacular segment from the popular PBS Series "Nature", takes an extraordinary look at these tiny marvels. Because hummingbirds live their lives in fast forward, much of their fascinating world is lost to human perception. But using cameras able to capture over 500 images a second, the hummingbirds magical world can finally be seen and appreciated. 2:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

23   Llama Packing through Five Ponds with Debbie Elias and Friends! Join Debbie Elias and her friends from Country Quilt Llama Farm in West Cornwall, Connecticut as they stroll the beautiful trails of Five Ponds carrying YOUR lunch! Stop at Beaver Pond for lunch and listen to Debbie talk about the llama in history and the unique feature it possesses making it much less harmful to the delicate vegetation it walks upon. This program is limited to 20 participants and should fill up quickly! Lunch is provided. Meet at the trail entrance at the intersection of Routes 63/61. 11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Members: $25.00, Non-members: $30.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 860-567-0857 for more information.

30   Edible Insects! Discover why insects are used as a food source in this unique, fun program with Lisa Monacelli, Senior Environmental Educator at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center in Stamford, Connecticut www.stamfordmuseum.org. Discover the where, how and whys of eating insects, learn which insects are edible and explore more about this surprisingly common, and ancient, food source. Meet live edible bugs, a live insectivore or two and get a chance to try an edible insect treat if you are feeling brave! An exciting and fun way to kick off your Halloween weekend! 2:00 P.M. A.B. Ceder Room FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

3   What You Need to Know About Rabies This fascinating presentation by Randy Nelson, a senior epidemiologist who coordinates daily activities of the Epidemiology and Emerging Infections Program at the State Department of Public Health, will answer your burning questions about rabies. Rabies is an animal disease that is spread to people resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of post-exposure treatments worldwide each year. The presentation will aim to address the following questions: 1) what is rabies, 2) why is it important, 3) where did it come from, 4) what is the rabies situation in the US and CT, 5) how is it prevented, 6) how is it treated, 7) is rabies in bats different from a public health perspective, and 8) who should be contacted for information and assistance? 6:30 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

About the Facilitator Randall Nelson is a senior epidemiologist who coordinates daily activities of the Epidemiology and Emerging Infections Program at the State Department of Public Health. The Program has 15 staff who are responsible for tracking occurrences of infectious diseases, investigating disease outbreaks, conducting public health research, and providing information to health care providers, public health practitioners, laboratories and the public. Dr. Nelson also serves as the State Public Health Veterinarian and in this capacity works with local, state and federal agencies on responses to zoonotic and vectorborne diseases. He earned a Bachelor of Science in zoology from Ohio University, a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Parma Italy, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Connecticut. In 1995, after 10 years as a veterinary practitioner in Connecticut he joined the DPH.

5   Out of this World: Private Planetarium Show at the Talcott Mountain Science Center Talcott Mountain Science Center Meteorologist Tom Alena is no stranger to White Memorial. Over the years Tom has filled our classrooms with "The Beauty of Winter Ice", "Snowflake Workshop", and "The Anniversary of the Bantam Tornado". Tom has also written a cover story for our quarterly newsletter, "Sanctuary" on "Snowflakes". His passion for the earth and the heavens is contagious. This evening he is inviting you to his turf for a private presentation in the beautiful planetarium at Talcott Mountain Science Center in Avon. Meet at the Science Center. 7:00 P.M., Talcott Mountain Science Center is on Montevideo Road in Avon (Route 44 at the top of Avon Mountain). Members: $10.00, Non-members: $15.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 860-567-0857 for more information. (If you are interested in going out for pizza after the show call Gerri at 860-567-0857)

6   Views of Nature from Kayak with Jeff Feldmann Photographer and nature lover Jeff Feldmann shares his love of the outdoors in this one hour photographic journey. Paddle rivers, ponds and streams. Butterflies and birds are some of the creatures you will see. Dragonflies, hawks and eagles are captured on film as well. Follow Feldmann to New Hampshire in search of moose and loons. 2:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room, Members: $5.00, Non-members: $8.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 860-567-0857 for more information.

November 9 - 15   Museum Kids Free Week. In memory of Louise W. Willson. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

10  Take a Walk Series: Autumn Birds With Bantam Lake serving as a magnet for migrating waterfowl the stage is set for an excursion into the fascinating world of avian migration. Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen leads the way. Meet in the Museum. 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., Members: $3.00 Non-members: $5.00. Pre-payment and pre-registration are required.

10  The Whip-poor-will: the Reclusive Lunatic of Connecticut Forests Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Technician, Shannon B. Kearney - McGee fills you in on her latest research of one of our most haunting voices of summers past. This wonderful program is the companion to Kearney-Mcgee's cover story on the Whip-poor-will in the fall edition of White Memorial's quarterly newsletter, Sanctuary. Read it online at www.whitememorialcc.org. 6:30 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

13  Walking the Cranberry Pond Trail with Gerri Griswold Nothing could cap off a wonderful autumn walk along this spectacular trail better than a cup of hot coffee and a thick wedge of Crimson Pie (made with cranberries of course!) Meet in the Museum. 2:00 P.M., Weıll drive over to the trail head together. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

19   Star Party! A monthly astronomy program organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. This month's lecture addresses the "Outer Solar System". Star gazing will follow (weather permitting). 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. A.B. Ceder Room. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring a lawn chair, your own telescope, or binoculars. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

20   Autumn Bird Tour of Bantam Lake Make a convoy with Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen as he visits some of his favorite birding haunts around Bantam lake in search of migrant waterfowl, Bald Eagles, and other birds. Don't forget your binoculars! Meet in the Museum. 10:00 A.M. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

25 & 26   MUSEUM CLOSED...THANKSGIVING

27   Deck the Halls!: Wreath Decorating with Natural Materials Artist and floral designer, and Conservation Center member, Bonnie Pedersen returns for a threepeat of this very popular program. Bon Bon makes the season bright by sharing her beautiful ideas with you. Decorate two evergreen wreaths with elements from nature including eggs, feathers, seed pods and more or bring in your own special embellishments. This workshop is for ages 16 and up and fills up quickly. All materials are provided. 10:00 A.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Members: $25.00, Non-members: $35.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

4   A Connecticut Christmas: Book Signing and Cocktail Reception with Diane Smith For nearly 30 years author, journalist, and radio and television personality Diane Smith has told the beautiful, quirky, and inspirational stories of Connecticut residents which, sewn together, make up the colorful tapestry of her award winning CPTV television series, Positively Connecticut. Meet this Emmy Award winning gem of a gal at a very special book signing of her newest work, A Connecticut Christmas. White Memorial is featured in this beautiful book. You may want to pick up a copy or two as an extra special holiday gift! Wander the museum sipping cider (or maybe something a little more potent), nibble on some tasty treats, chat with the author, and leave aglow with the spirit of the holiday season. 6:00 P.M. ­ 8:00 P.M., Museum FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

5   A Holiday Hike Over the River and Through the Woods with Robyn Dinda Meet in the Museum parking lot at 10:30 A.M. For more information call Robyn Dinda at 860-567-0738.

8   Take a Walk Series: Oak-Hickory Forests Learn about the plants and animals that are associated with Oak-Hickory Forests, a dominant habitat found throughout White Memorial. Find out what processes form this habitat and how forest harvest operations seek to work with the processes to encourage this habitat. Research Director James Fischer is your guide. Dress for the weather! Meet at the Museum. 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Members: $3.00 , Non-members: $5.00, Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

11  Union Savings Bank presents: The Snow Queen Artist and puppeteer Robin McCahill returns to the Carriage House at White Memorial for one performance of the Hans Christian Anderson tale of friends lost and found, visits to distant lands, travels through changing seasons, and encounters with strange and exotic characters. The story is told by McCahillıs whimsical troupe of hand felted marionettes. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting from noon until 2:00 P.M. and will escort guests to the Mott-Van Winkle classroom in their horse drawn wagon. While Santa receives guests in the classroom, Mrs. Claus will lead a carol sing around the bonfire. An embarrassment of sweets and cups of velvety hot chocolate sweeten the day. Performance: 2:00 P.M. , Carriage House, No reservations. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit from Noon until 2:00 P.M. ADMISSION: one non perishable food item for the local food bank . . . Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Centerıs programming expenses.

17  Museum Open House Stroll through the Museum. Sip mulled cider. Wrap up your holiday shopping. Take 10% off all purchases! One Night Only Open House Special: Buy a Membership for Yourself or a Loved One and Receive a Free WMCC Canvas Tote! (new members only) 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

18  Winter Walk To Butternut Brook with Gerri Griswold Bundle up as we head out searching for signs of life on the cusp of winter. Keep your eyes peeled for squirrel, raccoon, and deer tracks. Catch a glimpse of Tufted Titmouse and Black-capped Chickadee. Warm up with homemade hot chocolate as your reward for toughing it out! 2:00 P.M. Meet in the MuseumFREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

19   Litchfield Hills Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count Email Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen if you would like to volunteer: dave@whitememorialcc.org

December 21 - 27    Museum Kids Free Week. Courtesy of Tara and Arthur Diedrick in honor of Adele and Joseph d'Assern. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

25   MUSEUM CLOSED...CHRISTMAS

JANUARY 1   MUSEUM CLOSED...NEW YEAR'S DAY