Events

Join us throughout the year for special events

Click HERE to see additional, exclusive member-only programs.

Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)

YOGA WITH THE BIRDS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH - 9AM

Join us at the Conservancy for a relaxing morning of yoga with the birds! Refresh with nature in an outdoor class led by Michael Torrant & Charym Yoga Studio and afterwards explore the conservancy!

Bring your own mat, blocks, water & bug spray!

$15/Non-member

$5/Member

*Charym memberships & cards are not usable for this class

RIPLEY READS: SUNDAY STORYTIME

SELECT SUNDAYS - 11AM

This Sunday Storytime Series features local, nature-inspired authors that will share their writings! Enjoy a read-along, buy their books & explore the Conservancy!

Open to all with normal admission, no registration required

Check out more information about dates, authors and readings here!

MOVIE NIGHT!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH - 7PM

Grab a blanket & your favorite movie snacks and join us for an outdoor movie event! Watch the movie “Migration” - a fun, animated film about a Mallard families adventure-filled journey!

Bring your own chairs, blankets, snacks and drinks. Popcorn will be available. This is an outdoor event, please plan accordingly for the chilly fall weather!

Screening is available through special conservancy admission

Purple Martins are a small yet charismatic species of songbird, performing skillful aerial acrobatics as they catch their food on the wing. They have experienced population decline throughout most of their range and as a species of Special Concern in the state there is a high need for conservation efforts. Connecticut is the last stronghold in New England, especially for inland populations, of the eastern subspecies of Purple Martins (Progne subis subis). This species is totally dependent on artificial housing and requires access to adequate open space and wetlands to sustain breeding and migrating populations.

In this talk, you will learn about the efforts of a decades-long, multi-generational collaborative partnership between Marvelwood School and Kent Land Trust, to restore inland populations. You will also get a sneak peek into Ripley’s plans to install Purple Martin housing in their fields to support this species. We will also discuss how individuals, like you, can make a difference for other migratory birds in their own backyards!

Meet the Speaker - Laurie Doss

Laurie has been with Marvelwood School since 1987. She is Chair of the Science Department. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a M.S. Sp.Ed in Special Education. Laurie is on the Board of Directors for the Kent Land Trust and the Purple Martin Conservation Association. During her tenure at Marvelwood she has also been the recipient of numerous conservation educator and volunteer awards. Laurie, her students, interns and volunteers from the Kent Land Trust have worked for nearly two decades to restore inland populations of Purple Martins.

Join us for a fun & informative presentation about Purple Martins with specialist Laurie Doss. Learn about these amazing species and get access to explore the conservancy!

GUEST SPEAKER TALK

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19TH - 10:30AM

$10/Non-members (ages 13 & up)

$5/Non-members ( ages 5-12)

Free/ Members & kids under 5

Ripley Reads: Sunday Storytime Series

Sunday, September 14th (11AM)

Meet the Author:
John Himmelman is an author, illustrator, and naturalist. He has written and illustrated nearly 100 books, most for children, but a few for adults on various natural history subjects. He has volunteered on a number of environmental organizations over the years, including as president of the New Haven Bird Club, the CT Butterfly Association (which he cofounded), and the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust. John visits venues throughout the country with his books and presentations. He will be reading "Noisy Bird Sing-Along" to the kids at this event, and will bring an assortment of his children’s books for sale/signing. Visit his website at www.johnhimmelman.com.
Sunday, September 21st (11AM)

Meet the Author:
At a young age, Erin Dubuque inherited a love of children’s books from her parents. After landing a job in the publishing industry, she was inspired to publish her first book. She currently works in marketing in the food and beverage industry and is a passionate home cook. She enjoys traveling, tasting, and absorbing the flavors of diverse cultures. When she is not in the kitchen, you can find her exploring the land and lakes surrounding her Connecticut home with her family and friends.
Sunday, October 12th (11AM)

Meet the Author:
Winner of the National Council of Teachers of English Award for Excellence in Poetry, 2015, Marilyn Singer has written more than 120 books in many genres. An avid bird watcher and animal lover, Marilyn likes to look for critters in parks, preserves, zoos, aquariums, in the wild and in her own backyard—and then write about them. She lives in Brooklyn, NY and Washington, CT with a dog, a cat, and one doves, as well as her favorite dance partner, who also happens to be her husband. Visit her web site: www.marilynsinger.net.