Woodcock Nature Center

The Woodcock Nature Center is named for J. Mortimer Woodcock, the Ridgefield first selectman who had the foresight to arrange a lease of the property for a nature center in 1969. When a 1955 flood devastated the Norwalk River Valley, a state flood control project bought up and safety-dammed several feeder streams; among the state’s property acquisitions were the 149 acres on the upper Spectacle Creek that in 1972  became the Woodcock Nature Center. Today the center offers three miles of woodland trails and a swamp boardwalk. Memberships are available and there are frequent events for youngsters and families, from hikes to crafts projects to wildlife demonstrations.

A building houses exhibits, featuring a variety of live local and exotic creatures including snakes, lizards and frogs, a shop and classes. The center also organizes nature-themed birthday parties. Call for information on summer camp programs for children in Pre-K through seventh grades. The property is a fine place for a summer evening stroll or early morning bird watching. Grounds are open sunrise to sunset, daily. On June 4, the center plans a fund-raising gala.

Details

The Woodcock Nature Center is at 56 Deer Run Road in Wilton, off Nod Road. Call for hours or for programs, 203-762-7280. Web site: www.woodcocknaturecenter.org.