2 - 8  Museum Kids 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.

6   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

6   A Horrible Bore: Asian Longhorned Beetle, Far East Invader Rose Hiskes, a diagnostician and horticulturist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station discusses the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) , a wood boring beetle that kills maples, birches, horsechestnut and elms among other trees. Maples are the preferred host be it sugar, red, Norway or silver. What would Connecticut look like without maples? What would pancakes be like without maples syrup? What would the effect on air, water and soil quality be if we lost millions of trees in our state? Worcester, MA lost 25,000 trees last winter due to the infestation of this beetle. This talk will cover the biology, life cycle, behaviors and hosts of the ALB. The insect passes the winter as a larva feeding on the heartwood of our trees. No winter will be cold enough to kill it. Adults emerge from the trees in early July, feed, mate and lay eggs until they freeze in the late fall. Adults will fly but they prefer to infest the tree they emerged from rather than fly or walk to a new host tree. There will be a lot of 'show and tell' at this program. See actual beetles, larvae, and pupae along with a slice of a damaged tree that looks like Swiss cheese. A diorama box shows native species that can be confused with the ALB or starry night beetle, as the Chinese call it.
CEUšs available for pesticide recertification. There is no charge for the program but you must pre-register. 11:00 A.M. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room ...FREE

6   Satellite Tracking of Ducks and Geese Around the World– Did you know that the movements of geese from Greenland are currently being monitored via satellites at the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, right here in Litchfield? Dr. Sue Sheaffer and Dr. Rich Malecki present an in-depth look at how satellite transmitters are used to monitor movements, distributions, and migrations of ducks and geese. State-of ­the-art technology combines tiny GPS receivers with satellite transmitters that are small enough to fit on the back of a duck. These transmitters provide daily locations of birds that can be used to chronicle migrations and identify the critical habitats used by birds anywhere they go. Sue and Rich will present slides from their recent trips to Greenland and Ireland where they deployed satellite transmitters on Greenland white-fronted geese as part of a collaborative research effort for this population of concern. 2:00P.M., A.B. Ceder Room...FREE

13   Winter Birds and Early Spring Migrants Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen escorts you to Bantam Lake and Point Folly in search of Canvasbacks, Scaups, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers, and maybe a Bald Eagle or two! Meet in the Museum parking lot at 2:00 P.M...FREE

20   Robert Messore Coffee House Singer, songwriter, exceptional guitarist, wonderful guy, Robert Messore returns to White Memorial performing a variety of Celtic and original pieces. Food available for purchase will have an Irish flair. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room, Members: $8.00, Non Members: $12.00...Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

23 - 29   Museum Kids Free Week in honor of Louise W. Wilson. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

24   Take a Walk Series: Explore the Wild Garden with Jeff Greenwood What was the Wild Garden and where was it located? One of White Memorial's forgotten secrets, this area once featured numerous horticultural plantings all under the fastidious care of one devoted volunteer. A wide variety of wildflowers and shrubs were cultivated and nurtured along a winding array of trails. Now the garden is all but gone except that the trails are part of the Little Pond Boardwalk complex. What was planted and who was the caretaker of this gem of earlier times? Come and find out! 9:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M.. Meet at Museum. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Members: $3.00, Non-Members: $5.00. Call 860-567-0857 for more information.

27   Travels with a Porcupine Learn about one of Connecticut's least studied and oh so cuddly rodents! Dr. Uldis Roze, Professor emeritus of Biology at Queens College, CUNY is the author of "The North American Porcupine". Dr. Roze is the nation's foremost authority on the "Quill Pig". Dr. Roze will recount the story of how he rescued a baby porcupine (porcupet) from the side of a highway where its mother had been killed, nursed it back to health, and released it back into the wild. Questions and answers will follow. Copies of Dr. Roze's book will be available for purchase. Rain date for this program is April 17. 12:00 P.M. , A.B. Ceder Room. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Members: $15.00, Non-Members: $20.00. LUNCH IS INCLUDED. Call 860-567-0857 for more information.

2  Good Friday...Museum Closed

3   Blue Yodels Coffee House Conservation Center members Felicia Michael and Bob Brophy bring a banquet of musical styles to the table! Folk, rock, country, and pop standards and a few originals mixed in for good measure are on the menu. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 2:00 P.M., Carriage House...Members: $8.00, Non-Members: $12.00... You must pre-register but pay at the door with cash or check. All proceeds benefit The Alzheimer's Foundation. Call 860-567-0857 to pre-register.

4  Easter Sunday...Museum Closed

10   Kayaking 101 Dave and Cheryl Faber from CT Outdoors, LLC Dave and Cheryl Faber, Connecticut Outdoors, LLC host a basic indoor class designed for persons interested in getting involved in recreational kayaking who do not own a boat. Topics will include choosing the proper boat, choosing the correct paddle type and length, fitting yourself properly in a kayak, basic paddling strokes, paddling safety, vehicle loading and transport, and protecting the paddling environment - invasive species and plants. Class size is limited. 1:00P.M. until 3:00P.M. A.B. Ceder Room. Members: $6.00, Non members: $10.00. Pre registration and pre payment are required. A portion of the fee benefits the Conservation Center.

10   Woodcock Cocktail PartyWildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen introduces you to a most unusual bird! In the past, woodcocks were abundant because plenty of young forest existed in their range. But many brushy areas have grown into mature forest, where they do not live. Human development has destroyed much of the birds' former habitat. Because of these factors, the "timberdoodle" population has fallen by about 1.2 percent each year since the 1960s. Over snacks and non alcoholic drinks, Rosgen will discuss habitat and natural history before heading out into the field to observe the Woodcock's extraordinary mating ritual. Class is limited to 20 participants ages 10 and up. Call 860-567-0857 to pre register. 6:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room...FREE ...Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Centeršs programming expenses

12 - 16   April Vacation Programs Call the Museum in Mid-March or check this website for details!

17   Calling All Frogs! Calling All Frogs!: Frog Call Workshop and Survey How often are walking through the woods and you hear a strange "bird" calling off into the distance? Quite often, these calls are not birds but frogs or toads calling for many of the same reasons as birds. Laura Saucier, CT DEP Wildlife Technician, will share with us how to identify frog species by their calls. We will share a potluck dinner together, so bring a dish to share. Although we will be indoors for most of the time, we will be going out to hear frogs so dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. This is a rain or shine event, remember frogs like water. This training will kick off our Frog and Toad Survey for the entire property. Join in on the Fun! Pre-registration and pre-payment required. 4:00 P.M. ­ 8:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room, Members: $10.00 Non-Members: $15.00

21   Take a Walk Series Exploring Wheeler Hill Jeff Greenwood, our Education Director, will conduct an interpretive walk up and around Wheeler Hill following a short but somewhat demanding trail and making numerous observations and identifications along the way. Wheeler Hill overlooks Bantam Lake. At one time much of it was open pasture land as evidenced by the numerous and interesting stone wall boundaries. This open land was maintained as such into the 1960s and then was allowed to regenerate into a forested landscape. What kind of woods grows there now? Is there any older forest growth on Wheeler Hill? What manmade oddities can be found scattered about the vicinity? Is there a view from the hill today? Are there invasive plants to be found and how are they distributed on the site? An attempt will be made to answer these and other questions as we engage this relatively short White Memorial trail. Dress for the weather and ground conditions. Meet in the Museum. 10:00 A.M. ­ 12:00 P.M., Members: $3.00, Non members: $5.00, Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required.

20 - 26   Museum Kids Free Week. In honor of Louise W. Willson. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult

23 - 24   19th Annual Museum Sleep In Click to go to Children's Workshop page for further details and registration form.

24   Bluebirds and Other Cavity Nesters Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen discusses Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and others. Learn nest box construction, habitat, and more. 2:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room...FREE...Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center's programming expenses

1  Silence of the Bees This gripping one hour DVD explores one of nature's most baffling mysteries: the disappearance of the honeybee. 2:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room

7   WMCC Annual Meeting 3:30 P.M.

7  Star Party: Spectacular Saturn! Denis Williamson teaches us about our planetary "Lord of the Rings", Saturn. Star gazing to follow. 7:00 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room.

8   How to Take Great Nature Photos 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Members: $15.00 Non-members: $20.00 Paul Edwards teaches beginners and intermediates nature and scenic photography, for film and digital photography, and both point & shoot and SLR cameras. For those using SLR cameras (cameras with interchangeable lenses), learn how to get away from "automatic" settings. Students should bring their cameras with instruction booklet. If time and weather permit, Paul will work in the field with the group to practice some techniques. Bring a bag lunch! A.B. Ceder Room. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

11-17   Museum Kids Free Week. Courtesy of Tara and Arthur Diedrick. Free admission to Children ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult

15   Exploring the Solnit Parcel with Dale Jones and Gerri Griswold, his trusty former traffic reporter. They lead you through Camp Columbia and along the trails of the Solnit Parcel. Explore rocky outcrops, visit a research site where salamanders are studied, and end the walk with a sweet reward. Meet in the Museum parking lot. 1:00P.M. Call 860-567-0857 to pre-register.

19   Take a Walk Series: Spring Migrants 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. Members: $3.00 Non-members: $5.00 The month of May produces the bulk of the northbound spring migration of birds through Connecticut. The White Memorial Foundation serves as a magnet for a sizeable number of these birds. Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen will attempt to find as many of these species as possible by visiting places that have traditionally yielded a wide variety of birds. Dress accordingly. Wear waterproof shoes and think mosquito and black fly! Bring your own binoculars. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Meet in the Museum.

22   Spring Nature Walk with Dave Rosgen Edwin Way Teale said, "The world's favorite season is spring. All things seem possible in May." Dave seeks out all things possible . . . trillium, spotted salamanders, bobolinks, butterflies, and more! 10:00 A.M., Meet in front of the Museum.

22   May and Me A Story Walk Up Apple Hill Take a stroll up Apple Hill with Gerri Griswold. Stir in the incredible story of the Whites. When you reach the top, savor the moment and taste your reward! 2:00 P.M. Meet in the Museum parking lot. Call 860-567-0857 to pre-register.

25-31   Museum Kids Free Week. Honoring Helen Ryan Donnelly. Free admission to Children ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult

26   Meet the Waterwolf CT DEP Fisheries Biologist, Ed Machowski teaches you about the feisty and fabulous Northern Pike and takes you on a walk to visit Pike Marsh, a CT DEP managed marsh. 6:30 P.M., A.B. Ceder Room

29   Wildman Steve Brill 1:00P.M. until 3:00 P.M., Members: $10.00, Non-members: $15.00 , Children under 12: $5.00 The nation's greatest forager, Wildman Steve Brill, returns to White Memorial! Participants will learn hands on about renewable resources, our environment, and what can be done to preserve and rebuild our nonrenewable ecological riches. Bring drinking water, plastic bags for veggies and herbs, paper bags for mushrooms. No sandals or smoking! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Meet in the Museum parking lot.

31  Memorial Day...Museum Closed

5  Exploring Ongley Pond In springtime, Ongley Pond is awash with an abundance of plants and animals. Wildlife Biologist Dave Rosgen arms you with a net and helps you identify your finds. 2:00 P.M. Meet in front of the Museum

8-14   Museum Kids Free Week. In Memory of Louise W. Willson. Free admission to Children ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult

12  Exploring Sunny Brook Park Sam Langley and Gerri Griswold lead you along the Alain and May White Trails. Find out who cleared and named these trails. Pass huge glacial erratics, historic ruins, and visit a heron rookery. Pack a lunch! Gerri supplies dessert! 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Pre-register by calling 860-567-0857. Meet in the parking lot at Sunny Brook Park just off the Newfield Road in Torrington.

12   Kayaking 101 Dave and Cheryl Faber, CT Outdoors, LLC offer a basic outdoor class for people who do not own a kayak. Members: $10.00 Non-members: $14.00 Pre-register by calling 860-567-0857. 1:00 P.M.-3:30 P.M. Meet in the Lobby.

13  Litchfield Hills Road Race Museum Closed

16   Take a Walk Series: Mattatuck Trail Mega-Transect (6 mile hike) 9:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. Members: $3.00 Non-members: $5.00 Join WMCC Research Director James Fischer on this hike to collect data that records the natural features throughout most of the White Memorial Foundation. Walk the transect periodically stopping at prescribed locations to collect data along the trail. Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable sturdy shoes/boots; bring a packable lunch and plenty of drinking water. This hike is for experienced day hikers. Meet in the Museum. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Meet in the Museum.

19   The Signs of Summer Kayak the Bantam River with Robyn Dinda. Pack a lunch! 10:30 A.M. Meet in the Museum parking lot. Call Robyn for more information, 860-567-0738.

19   In the Footsteps of The Leatherman 11:00 A.M. Members: $5.00 Non-members: $8.00 Bring water! Shirley Sutton leads you to Prospect Mountain off Cathole Road to visit two shelters and two mine sites which were havens for folk icon The Leatherman. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring water. Snacks and/or lunch are optional. The hike is a rocky trail, one mile of steady, moderate uphill. The pace will be slightly faster than casual walking. The return will follow the same route, downhill, for a two hour two mile round trip. You may choose a personal option of continuing to the other side of Prospect Mountain for a 4-mile round trip with a visit to one other mine (shelter) site. Meet in the Museum parking lot. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

26   A Tisket a Tasket Make a Berry Basket 1:00 P.M. Members: $30.00 Non-members: $35.00 Learn the fine art of basket weaving from multi-talented Master Gardener Roxann Lovell, owner of Aerie Mountain Garden, Gift, and Floral Shop in Barkhamsted Make a basic handled berry basket out of flexible rattan. Materials included but you must bring clothes pins and garden shears. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. A.B. Ceder Room and Activity Shed. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

29-July 5   Museum Kids Free Week. In Memory of Louise W. Willson