Events

Join us throughout the year for special events

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

Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis)

Upcoming Events

  • Yoga with the Birds

    Sunday, September 6th | 9am

    Join Ripley, Charym Yoga Studio, and Belden House for our last outdoor yoga class of the season! Taught by Charym’s outstanding instructors, this class offers a relaxing time in nature.

    Admission to this class also grants admission to the Conservancy day-of from 10am-4pm.

    $15/members | $25/non-members

    Please bring your own yoga mat.
    Weather Policy: This is an outdoor event and is weather-dependent. In the event of inclement weather, classes may be canceled. Weather-related cancellations will be announced at least 12 hours before the scheduled class time.

  • Writers in the Wild: Author Series

    Sunday, September 20th | 3pm

    Featuring award-winning author, naturalist, adventurer, and ally to all creatures, Sy Montgomery. Sy brings readers closer to the natural world through stories filled with wonder, empathy, and curiosity. Across nearly 40 books, her work has inspired compassion and deeper understanding for countless species.

    Book talk takes place at the Litchfield Community Center: 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield CT

    Suggested donation: $10/person
    Donation includes Conservancy access for 1 adult on Saturday, September 19 or Sunday, September 20, 10am–4pm.

  • Visit us at Family Nature Day!

    Saturday, September 26th | 11am

    Join Ripley at White Memorial’s 44th Annual Family Nature Day!

    Stop by our booth to say hi and play our Migration Game all while supporting another amazing local conservation organization!

  • Trick or Tweet

    Tuesday, October 27th | 3pm

    Join us for a fun Halloween event! Wear a costume and trick-or-treat through our aviaries from 3pm-6pm!

    This event is free- Registration required to ensure a treat for all!

  • Closing Weekend!

    November 27-29 | 10am-4pm

    Visit us during the last weekend of our open season for 2026! Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and observe our birds as they are coming into their brilliant breeding plumage.

    For more visitation information

  • Owl Prowl

    December, January & February
    Dates TBD

    Join us for our favorite wintertime series - take a night time walk on Duck Pond Road searching for native owls. Enjoy hot cocoa by the fire and meet our educational ambassador owl - Poppy.

    These dates are weather-dependent and subject to change. This event is outdoors - please dress accordingly for the winter weather!

    Registration opens in November!

Ripley Signature Events

  • Ducks in Love

    Treat your Valentine to a unique experience!

    February 2027

  • Duck Day 2027

    Mark your calendar for Duck Day 2027!

    Sunday, May 2nd

  • Annual Benefit 2027

    A night of celebration and conservation!

    June 2027

Member Exclusive Events

  • Who We Protect

    Inside the Aviaries Talk

  • Emperor geese, fall, autumn

    October Photo Pass Day

    Photo-Pass Members Only

  • Holiday Stroll

    Member-exclusive end of year event

  • Courtship Deep Dive

    Inside the Aviaries Talk

Can’t make it to an event?

There are many ways to support the birds!