Fall events

Here is a rundown of upcoming events at three Connecticut Audubon Society locations: the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary and the CAS Center in Fairfield, as well as the Coastal Center at Milford Point. You can find more details and contact information on each center's page, linked above.

First, Birdcraft...

Nature Nursery, Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m. on Oct. 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17. -- Ready, Set, Sleep! Who's staying up all winter, who's getting ready to sleep and who's going somewhere else? Discover how nature prepares for winter. For 2-3 year olds accompanied by an actively participating adult. Advance registration required. Program fee (1 child & 1 adult): $12 CAS Members, $16 Non-members. 6-program fee: $66 CAS Members, $90 Non-members.

Bird Banding Demonstrations, Wednesdays, Sept. 15, 22, 7:30-8:30 a.m. -- Our bird banding station's research shows that on average 120+ different species visit our 6-acre Birdcraft Sanctuary as a resting and refueling stop along their migratory route. Discover which birds are stopping over this fall. Advance registration required. Single program fee: $7/person (family max. $21) CAS members, $12/person (family max. $36) Non-members. In case of inclement weather, program is postponed to Thursday.


At the Fairfield center...

Nature Nursery, Mondays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22. -- Fall in the Forest" series is for 2-4 year olds accompanied by an adult, We'll explore the changes in our Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary during the fall. Each program includes an outdoor exploration, stories and craft. Advance registration required. Program fee (1 adult & 1 child): $12 CAS Members; $16 Non-members. 6-program series: $66 CAS Members; $90 Non-members.

Science Sleuths & Nature Nuts on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon on Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 13, 20. -- Ornithology. Entomology. Ecology. Zoology. Join our teacher-naturalists for this great introduction to the different areas of scientific study. We'll explore Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary from the point of view of a different "-ologist" each week. For children in grades 3-5. Advance registration required. Program fee: $12 CAS Members, $16 Non-members. 6-program series: $66 CAS Members, $90 Non-members.

Family Campfire and Goodnight Walk on Fri., Sept. 24, 6:30--8 p.m. -- Join us for an evening around a campfire with stories and s'mores. We'll take a short walk to experience the sights and sounds of our Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. Suitable for all ages. Advance registration required. Fee: $7/person (family max. $21) CAS members, $12/person (family max. $36) Non-members.


Finally, at Milford Point...

Guided Family Canoe Tours, Sat., Sept. 11, 12:30-3 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 12, 1:30-4 p.m.; or Sat., Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. -- Take one of our tours and explore the 840-acre Wheeler Salt Marsh. CAS naturalists will describe the area's long history and point out the Marsh's many bird species and other wildlife, while you enjoy the beautiful vistas and paddle and relax. Advance registration required. Fees using our canoes for CAS Members: $25/person, $65/canoe (up to 3 people). For Non-members: $35/person, $95/canoe. Fees using your own canoe or kayak: $19 CAS Members, $29 Non-members.

"Sea Squirts" programs on Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., are for 3-5 years olds accompanied by an adult. They begin Sept. 9 with "Hoot for Owls!"; Sept. 23, "Going Batty at the Beach!"; Oct. 7, "Falling Leaves"; Oct. 21, "Migrating Monarchs"; Nov. 4, "Wonderful Webs"; Nov. 18, "Traveling Seeds"; and Dec. 2, "Animals in Winter." Each features an outdoor discovery walk or live-animal presentation, stories, songs and crafts. Advance registration required. Single program fee (1 child & 1 adult): $10 CAS Members, $15 Non-members; add $5 for each additional child.

Charles Island Explorations on Wed., Sept. 8, 5 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 12, 8 a.m.; Thurs., Sept. 23, 5 p.m.; and Tues., Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m. Discover the natural history and folklore that make this special place the "treasure" of Milford. Advance registration only. Daily fee: $10/adult, $6/child CAS Members; $15/adult; $10/child Non-Members; $5/seniors.