Earth Day | Celebrating Biodiversity at Grace Farms

Join Grace Farms Foundation in celebrating the biodiversity of nature this Earth Day. Explore Grace Farms’ 80-acre preserve and enjoy programs and activities highlighting the importance of preserving woodlands and wildlife. 10 am – 12 pm

Native Plants, an interactive station where families can learn more about how our area’s local plant species contribute to biodiversity

Managing Meadows, a conversation with Penn Marchael, Project Manager at Larry Weaner Associates, about how to grow and nurture the native meadows where bees, butterflies, and birds thrive

 

10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Open Arts Studio for Families, a facilitated workshop where children and families can create art inspired by the diversity of tiny insects and wild plants that live in Grace Farms’ meadows.  

12 – 1 pm

The Biodiversity of Birds of Prey, a demonstration with Master Falconer Brian Bradley

 

1 – 2 pm

Nature Walk | Native Birds, a guided birdwatching walk with Master Birder Frank Mantlik where visitors will discover the diverse species that live on Grace Farms’ 80-acre preserve (on-site registration required)

 

2 – 3 pm

Nature Walk | Preserving Biodiversity, a guided walk with Aaron Lefland, Executive Director of the New Canaan Land Trust, through Grace Farms’ diverse ecosystems, including open meadows, woods, wetlands, and ponds (on-site registration required)

Coexisting with Native Wildlife, a demonstration on the beauty and diversity of our area’s wildlife with local wildlife experts

 

3 – 4 pm

The Biodiversity of Birds of Prey, a demonstration with Master Falconer Brian Bradley

Earth Day Party on Saturday, April 21 at Darien Nature Center

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The Darien Nature Center and Darien Parks & Recreation Department have teamed up to host a family fun Earth Day Party at the Nature Center on Saturday, April 21 from noon to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The celebration includes a family scavenger hunt around Cherry Lawn Park, local environmental groups hosting activity tables, animal encounters, an Instagram photo contest, Uncle’s Deli hot dog cart, campfire s’mores, Ben’s Ice Cream Truck, and more! Scavenger hunt prizes include tree saplings donated by Almstead Trees. “Every smile and joyful moment spent in the park at the afternoon celebration is another bright memory made possible compliments of nature. It’s going to be a really fun day for all ages, and every plastic bottle and bag picked up during the morning cleanup is a step forward,” said Nature Center Executive Director Leila Wetmore.