2  New Year's Day MUSEUM CLOSED

7  Winter Tree Identification with Lukas Hyder Join WMF Forest Superintendent Lukas Hyder as he points out the finer aspects of tree identification. This is a great opportunity to learn from one of the pros! 10:00 A.M., Meet in the Museum parking lot. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

12 - 18  Museum Children Free Week Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. John Morosani in memory of Remy Edmund Morosani. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

14   Wildlife Tracking Club Three Red Trees School of Natural LivingÕs Andrew Dobos and Deneen Bernier take you on a wildlife tracking walk through the winter woods. There are always clues left behind by the animals for us to decipher, telling a story of their habits and lives. Get to know our beloved wildlife that much better. Children should be accompanied by an adult and all should dress extra warm and wear good boots! 10:00 A.M. ‐ 12:00 P.M., Meet in the Museum.

14   Aurora Borealis: The Ultimate Cosmic Experience DVD In 1998, three professional photographers from Iceland decided to try the impossible task of capturing the real time motion of the Northern Lights on film. Having photographed the lights for almost two decades, they felt the time was ripe for new challenges.

In 2002, after working intensely on the project for thousands of hours, spending 6 winters out in the freezing field away from family and friends, they were rewarded with results that far exceeded even their own expectations. They succeeded in capturing extensive breath-taking, high quality footage of the Northern Lights as they glide majestically across the clear Arctic skies.

They managed to capture the real life colors, lighting and ambience of the experience. When you view the results it's as if you are actually standing there witnessing one of the wonders of the world. 2:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room,…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

16   Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Day
MUSEUM CLOSED

18   Take a Walk Series: Ice Harvesting with Jeff Greenwood and James Fischer Ice harvested from Bantam Lake was used for refrigeration throughout the year. WMCC education Director Jeff Greenwood and Research Director James Fischer will demonstrate how ice was cut and moved using the same tools and methods. Dress for the weather. We will be walking and standing on Ongley Pond for extended periods of time. Wear warm boots and prepare for wind and sun and hot chocolate! 10:00 A.M. Ð 12:00 P.M., Meet in the Museum. Members: $8.00, Non-members: $15.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

18   Window into the Jurassic World: Book Signing and Lecture with Nicholas G. McDonald Did you know that the first documented dinosaur bones in the Western Hemisphere were found in Connecticut!!? !!? Did you know that the first dinosaur footprints described in the world came from Massachusetts!?!?! Did you know that the largest collection of dinosaur tracks anywhere in the world come from Connecticut and Massachusetts???!!!!???? Learn about ConnecticutÕs Jurassic Park, Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT and so much more from Nicholas G. McDonald, author of the book ÒWindow into the Jurassic WorldÓ. Enjoy a wine and cheese reception with the author in the Museum, buy his incredible book, then head down to the A.B. Ceder Room to hear his story! McDonald is regarded at the foremost authority on ConnecticutÕs paleontology. This is an evening you wonÕt want to miss! Book signing and reception 6:00 PM in the Museum, Lecture: 7:00 P.M. in the A.B. Ceder Room. THIS PROGRAM IS FREE BUT YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BY CALLING 860-567-0857.

21   DEEP CARE Family Ice Fishing Workshop The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division sponsors this program for the third year in a row. Families and individuals age nine and up are welcome to attend this unique event which is part of the DEEP's CARE (Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education) program. The class is taught by certified volunteer instructors. All fishing tackle and course materials are provided ABSOLUTELY FREE! Students will receive official diplomas upon successful completion of the course. To learn more log onto the CT DEP's website: www.ct.gov/dep and type in "CARE". 10:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Pre-registration is required. Call 860-567-0857.

21   The Woulds Coffee House Robert Messore and Alice-Anne Harwood (The Woulds) blow into the A.B. Ceder Room like a breath of spring. Words cannot begin to describe the contagious joy these two artists bring to their blend of folk/contemporary music. They are simply delicious!!!!! Melt your winter blues away! BYOB. Light refreshments will be available for a donation. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Members: $15.00 Non-members: $20.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

28   Cut It Out: The Local History and Practice of Ice Harvesting Ice harvested from Bantam Lake was used for refrigeration throughout the year. Begin in the Museum with a visit to the Ice House display, then head outdoors for a walk down the Lake Trail to visit the old ice house ruins. The program culminates with our own &ldquot;Cut Ups&rdquot;, Jeff Greenwood and James Fischer, demonstrating how ice was cut and moved using the same tools and methods. Dress for the weather. We will be walking and standing on Ongley Pond for extended periods of time. Wear warm boots and prepare for wind and sun. Hot beverages and treats will be provided to fortify you! 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. , Meet in the Museum. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

28   Stories in Wildlife Tracking Andy Dobos and Deneen Bernier of Three Red Trees School of Natural Living present a slideshow which will introduce you to the world of wildlife through the eyes of local naturalists. Andy and Deneen will recount tales of personal tracking adventures incorporating natural history and methods of track and sign identification. We invite you to shift your awareness and intimately connect with nature through the celebration of stories. Come prepared to share tracking stories and questions from your own backyard. 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

29   Winter Wildlife Tracking Class Andrew Dobos and Deneen Bernier from Three Red Trees School of Natural Living present a workshop on Wildlife Tracking. We will spend the day outside following the tracks and sign of some of White Memorials most quintessential animal species as they move through the forest and wetlands. By learning the language of track and sign each participant gains insight and a greater connection to the natural world.

Deneen and Andy are primitive skills instructors each with diverse backgrounds in the Natural world. They have years of experience in teaching nature awareness and tracking to all ages and enjoy sharing their love of unfolding nature's mysteries. Children 11 and older welcome if accompanied by an adult. This will be a long day standing in the snow so wear many layers, good boots & extra socks. Bring water, snack & lunch. 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., Meet in the Museum. Members: $45.00 Non-members: $55.00. Class is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

29   Cross Country Ski Trip through the Pines with Robyn Dinda The fruits of your labors will be rewarded with refreshments served by a roaring campfire. Meet at the White Memorial Parking. 10:45 A.M. For more information call Robyn Dinda 860-567-0738. The program is FREE!

4  Winter Walk through Five Ponds with Gerri Griswold What could be as lovely than a stroll through this magical property in the dead of winter? Look for animal tracks, listen for birds, and cap your walk off with hot chocolate and a sweet treat in the A.B. Ceder Room because YOU DESERVE IT! 2:00 P.M., Meet in the Museum. We'll drive over to the trail head together.…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

10/11  First Annual Adult Museum Sleep-In Kids sometimes don't have all the fun! Pack your sleeping bag, your onesie, love of nature, sense of childlike wonder, and hearty appetite to our first ever Adult Museum Sleep-in. Stake out your floor space in the Museum and celebrate the life and times of Aldo Leopold. Author David Leff will read excerpts from Leopold and Jack London. WMCC Research Director James Fischer cooks dinner over the campfire. Night Walks, Day Walks, Sing-alongs too! Meet a porcupine, scavenger hunts, and more! Be an adult…act like a kid! Meet at the Museum. Friday, February 10 at 6:00 PM through Saturday, February 11 at 12:00 P.M. This program is limited to 20 happy campers! All meals provided but BYOB! Members: $70.00 Non-members: $ 90.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

11  Wildlife Tracking Club Three Red Trees School of Natural Living's Andrew Dobos and Deneen Bernier take you on a wildlife tracking walk through the winter woods. There are always clues left behind by the animals for us to decipher, telling a story of their habits and lives. Get to know our beloved wildlife that much better. Children should be accompanied by an adult and all should dress extra warm and wear good boots! 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., Meet in the Museum. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

12  Winter Watercolor Workshop: Birches in the Snow with Betsy Rogers-Knox Shake off the winter blues by learning to portray birch trees in winter, incorporating a variety of fun watercolor techniques including wet wash, masking, salt and spatter! All supplies included. This workshop is for ages 12 and up. 1:30 P.M. Ð 4:30 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room, Members: $30.00, Non-members: $40.00. All level skills are welcome! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. SNOW DATE: FEBRUARY 26

15   Take a Walk Series: Exploring Bantam Lake's Point Folly with Dave Rosgen Mid-winter can be a hard time to find a good variety of birds and other wildlife in Northwest Connecticut. Bantam Lake's Point Folly and Outlet area are usually an exception. The water here is almost always ice-free from the middle of the Point downstream to the Oxbows along North Shore Rd. Often seen are Ring-necked Duck, early spring arrival Wood Duck, Common and Hooded Mergansers, Bald Eagle, and Belted Kingfisher. Perhaps even Muskrat or River Otter could appear in the water or at the edge of the ice. Dress for the weather! Meet in the Museum. 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Members: $8.00 Non-members: $15.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

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

17 - 20   The Great Backyard Bird Count Email Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen: dave@whitememorialcc.org and join in on the fun!

17   Star Party This astronomy program is organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. The topic of this evening's lecture is Jupiter. Weather permitting, there will be Star gazing after the program. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

17 - 20   The Great Backyard Bird Count Email Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen: dave@whitememorialcc.org and join in on the fun!

18   Nature Stories by Candlelight and Pot Luck Supper This first of its kind program is the brain child of Litchfield Hills Audubon Society President Fran Zygmont and his lifelong friend and co-birding conspirator, Dave Tripp. Hearing about Fran and Dave's birding adventures is entertainment at its finest but here is YOUR chance to add to the evening by sharing your own interesting, amusing, or cathartic nature stories with a very willing audience. Bring a dish for dinner and your own wine or beer. We will supply soft drinks, and dessert. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room, Members: $10.00, Non-members: $15.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

20   President's Day
MUSEUM CLOSED

25   Meet the North American Porcupine You may know CT DEEP Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Gerri Griswold as The Bat Lady but did you know she also moonlights as The Porcupine Lady? Meet the world's third largest rodent (not Gerri but an unreleaseable Quill Pig named Pacer), in this one hour program which addresses the natural history of one of Connecticut's most under-appreciated mammals! 10:00 A.M., A.B. Ceder Room…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

2 - 8  Museum Children Free Week Courtesy of Arthur and Tara Stacom Diedrick in honor of Claire and Matthew Stacom. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

3  Wildlife Tracking Club Three Red Trees School of Natural LivingÕs Andrew Dobos and Deneen Bernier take you on a wildlife tracking walk through the winter woods. There are always clues left behind by the animals for us to decipher, telling a story of their habits and lives. Get to know our beloved wildlife that much better. Children should be accompanied by an adult and all should dress extra warm and wear good boots! 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., Meet in the Museum. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

3  Museum Children Free Week Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. John Morosani in memory of Remy Edmund Morosani. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

14   Wildlife Tracking Club Three Red Trees School of Natural Living's Andrew Dobos and Deneen Bernier take you on a wildlife tracking walk through the winter woods. There are always clues left behind by the animals for us to decipher, telling a story of their habits and lives. Get to know our beloved wildlife that much better. Children should be accompanied by an adult and all should dress extra warm and wear good boots! 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., Meet in the Museum. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

14   Ilvi Dulac's Reader's Theater: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow This candlelight reading of excerpts from the Washington Irving classic, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" interpreted by local thespians, Ilvi Dulac, Jane Coughlin, and Michael Medeiros is sure to bring an extra chill to this late winter evening. Before the reading, enjoy the very same dinner that Ichabod Crane himself enjoyed in the book re-created by Gerri Griswold. BYOB and maybe a few apples for the Headless Horseman's horse should he show up! A.B. Ceder Room. Dinner: 6:00 P.M.. Reading: 7:00 P.M., Members: $15.00 Non-members: $20.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

10   Winter Birds and Early Spring Migrants

Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen escorts you to Bantam Lake and Point Folly in search of Canvasback, Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Hooded Mergansers, and maybe a Bald Eagle or two! Meet in the Museum parking lot at 2:00 P.M…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

16   Star Party This astronomy program is organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. Lecture topic this evening TBA. Weather permitting, there will be Star gazing after the program. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

18   Zoo on the Go! If you missed them at last year's Family Nature Day, here is a sterling opportunity to experience a fascinating and interactive presentation by Springfield's Forest Park Zoo! Learn about and come face to face with a variety of animals in a very casual and intimate setting. You just never know who you'll meet! This program is a pure delight! Appropriate for kids of all ages! 10:00 A.M., A.B. Ceder Room. Members: $10.00 Non-members: $15.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

21   Take a Walk Series: Beaver Pond with WMCC Research Director James Fischer Explore the local geology, topography, and critical habitats in the area. The vernal pools may even be warming up. Wear sturdy shoes and bring some water. Meet in the Museum. 10:00 A.M. Ð 12:00 P.M.. Members: $8.00 Non-members: $15.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

24   Bear Necessities with Gary Melnysyn The surge in Black Bear populations in Connecticut brings increased risks to humans, property, and pets. How should you behave around bears? What can you do to protect your loved ones and property from bears? There is no better person to address this topic than Gary Melnysyn. Melnysyn spends five months a year among Black and Grizzly Bears as a Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park. He is also an accomplished wildlife photographer having amassed thousands of hours in the wild photographing bears. Be ready for the arrival of Connecticut's Black Bear population and learn how to protect yourself on vacations where you may encounter Grizzly Bears. Learn bear necessities from Gary and enjoy his beautiful photography at the same time. 2:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room. …FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

31   Exploring Mallard Marsh with Gerri Griswold Enjoy a morning hike along the trails surrounding lovely Mallard Marsh. Watch for early signs of spring such as skunk cabbage, Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Red-winged Blackbirds, and possibly your first Spring Peepers! Return to the A.B. Ceder Room for a light refreshments. Meet in front of the A.B. Ceder Room. 10:00 A.M. Dress for the weather! Waterproof shoes a must!…FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses.

31   Learn to Play Guitar in One Lesson with Jae Wolf Singer/Songwriter/Artist and Conservation Center favorite, Jae Wolf PROMISES you will be able to play a song by the end of this one and a half hour long workshop! Learn JaeÕs fool proof technique in the beautiful surroundings of White Memorial (weather permitting). Although Jae has a few guitars available, you are encouraged to bring your own instrument with nylon strings. This workshop is limited to 15 participants, ages 15 and up. 2:00 P.M. Ð 3:30 P.M.. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. Members: $20.00, Non-members: $30.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.