New Canaan Nature Center

Set on 40 acres in New Canaan, the New Canaan Nature Center has been a popular spot for nature-loving families for more than 50 years. Two miles of walking trails take visitors through diverse habitats, including a 350-foot marsh boardwalk and two observation towers that overlook a cattail marsh. Within the Visitors Center are the Discovery Center, the Sturgess Room for special events and art exhibits and the Nature Gift Shop; other exhibits include a solar greenhouse, an arboretum, gardens, apple cider house, and a maple sugar shed. The Animal Care Building houses more than 40 species, including the Birds of Prey exhibit featuring seven aviaries. A regular schedule of children’s activities and programs is offered; the Nature Center operates its own pre-school during the school year and summer camp from June through August. The center also offers adult programs, including New York Botanical Garden horticulture courses.

The visitors center and gift shop are open from 9 to 4, Monday through Saturday; the trails are open daily, dawn to dusk.

Details

The New Canaan Nature Center is at 144 Oenoke Ridge Road (Route 124). For more information, call 203-966-9577, or visit the Web site, www.newcanaannature.org.