Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 Grateful for my backyard view. 

Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby to host webinar on Eastern Bluebird

Eastern bluebird

DERBY - Are you looking forward to spring’s arrival?  

Join Kellogg Environmental Center staff at 11 a.m. Jan. 29 for a webinar focused on the Eastern Bluebird.  

This family-friendly online program will highlight the natural history of the Eastern Bluebird along with a few other backyard cavity nesters.  

Both novice and experienced naturalists will enjoy a review of how to evaluate and improve your backyard to attract and support these native birds.  

Bluebirds are great fun to watch and easy to spot once you know their behaviors and habitat preferences.  

The presentation will include information about how to build nest boxes to help make your backyard appealing in the spring.  Information on how to monitor and care for the nest box is important to help with conservation efforts. A limited number of nest box kits are available with registration.  

Information on the pick-up of these kits will be provided in confirmation of registration. One kit per household will be available.  

Registration for this program is required and can be done through the Connecticut DEEP Calendar of Events, https://www.depdata.ct.gov/calendar/viewev.asp?id=7590 .  

For questions or assistance registering please contact donna.kingston@ct.gov .  

The Kellogg Environmental Center, a facility of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

For further information or directions please email donna.kingston@ct.gov or call 203-734-2513. 

The New Normal Health & Safety Guidelines for CT State Parks provides important guidance for participants and visitors(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/COVID-19/Health_Safety_Flyer_NN_Final.pdf)

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge to host children's programs

WOODBRIDGE - Massaro Community Farm, 41 Ford Road, has scheduled several children's programs this winter.

Goat Walks
We’ll be holding winter Goat Walks every other Saturday at 10 a.m. beginning Jan. 29. Only steady rain or ice will cancel. 

On these family-friendly walks we’ll explore the woods and edges of the farm where wildlife abounds. Dress for winter weather. $5/pp or $10/family. Secure a spot on SignUpGenius.com.

Growing Sprouts
We’ve opened up registration for a return of our Growing Sprouts program for children ages 3-5. This eight-week parent+child program encourages farm exploration, gardening, curiosity, and connecting with nature. 

Please note that this is not a drop-off program. Growing Sprouts will begin Jan. 29 from 11 a.m.-noon. $130/parent and one child; $150/parent and two children.

Winter Explorers
Back by popular demand, registration is now open for Winter Explorers for children ages 6-11. This eight-week series allows children to explore the woods and fields of the farm and learn winter survival techniques. Winter Explorers will begin  Jan. 30: two sessions are offered. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. $160/pp (sibling discount available). Held rain or shine.

Registration for youth programs can be made through the farm website, MassaroFarm.org.

Massaro Community Farm is a non-profit, certified organic community farm on 57 acres of land whose mission is to keep farming, feed people, and build community. 

In addition to growing vegetables for seasonal subscribers, the farm donates thousands of pounds each year to hunger relief.  

The farm serves as a hub of education for all ages and shares its space with the community. The farm's nature trail is open to the public 365 days a year. For more information visit www.MassaroFarm.org  or contact Executive Director Caty Poole at 203-736-8618 or at caty@massarofarm.org.

This information is shared from a press release.

Lady Wildcats basketball team holding fundraiser for Seymour Pink

We know it's cold out there but how about some LOVE for the Seymour Lady Wildcats Basketball Team! They are hosting a raffle for us of these lovely gift card boards.

100% of the proceeds are benefitting Seymour Pink! Each ticket is $5 each and enters you to win one of the $275+ value heart boards.

Buy tickets from Aimee Turlish Cronin . Message her or swnd venmo Aimee-Cronin-1 (the photo is two pugs) Be sure to provide your phone number too!

Then mark your calendars!! Cheer on the Lady Wildcats Friday Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at Seymour High School gymnasium for their pink game vs. Naugatuck.

Raffle winners will be drawn at halftime of the game. You do not need to be present to win - that's why you'll provide your phone number with your raffle ticket purchase.

This is shared from Seymour Pink's Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Misty morning memory

This photo from Jan. 19, 2017 came up today in my Facebook memories. Cardinals are such beautiful birds - always a delight to see.