Fungi, Hobgoblins & Scavenger Hunts in Canton

As autumn leaves begin to turn, Roaring Brook Nature Center celebrates with a cavalcade of special events for the whole family.

On Saturday, September 13, explore “Mushrooms with Mushroom Marlene” from 10am to noon. Join Marlene Snecinski of the Connecticut Valley Mycological Association for a talk and stroll along the trails of Werner’s Woods. Learn fascinating facts about fungi, which ones are sought after as delicacies and which ones not to touch. Photography is encouraged. $4 members, $6 nonmembers. Pr-registration is requested.

If fungi are not your thing, come for “Migration Day” on Saturday, September 13. Bring a picnic lunch and join us from 10am to 2pm in the fields of Werner’s Woods as we watch for migrating hawks and other birds. Stay for a short time or as long as you’d like. This is the height of the fall migration and there is no telling what may fly by including birds, butterflies or dragonflies! Members free; $6 nonmembers. Preregistration is not required.

Early birds can join us for Saturday Morning Bird Walks on September 13 and 27 from 7:30am to 9:00 am. We’ll wander the trails through Werner’s Woods during the fall migration season. Binoculars and footwear for wet ground conditions are all you’ll need. Geared for all levels of birding expertise, but not for very young children. $2 members, $3 nonmember. Preregistration is not required.

Get “Lost in the Woods” on Saturday, October 11 from 1:30pm to 3:00 pm. Find out whether a map or compass would be most helpful if you lost your way in the woods. Learn how to use these tools together. This event is geared for children eight years old and up. Cost: $4 members, $6 nonmembers; half price/children. Preregistration is requested.

Looking for something to do on Columbus Day? Drop in anytime on Monday, October 13 between 10 am and 4 pm and head out on the trails for a Fall Scavenger Hunt and special fall crafts. Apple cider and doughnut holes will be provided. Scavenger Hunt Map will be sold in Nature Center Store for $2.00 plus admission to the Nature Center. No need to preregister.

On Saturday, October 25, you never know what “critters” will appear on our trails this Halloween. Join us for our annual Hobgoblin Fair by The Friends of Roaring Brook Nature Center featuring a “Track-and-Treat” walk, children’s crafts, cupcake decorating, face painting, a Country Kitchen of yummy homemade items, and a delicious lunch of homemade soup, bread and apple cider.

Children are encouraged to wear costumes - if suitable for walking in the woods and participating in the craft activities. Parents should plan to stay with their children. Please note that there are no refunds and participants should attend the session for which they register. The event is geared for children ages 3 - 8. $8.00 children; $4 adults. Fee includes the “Track & Treat” walk, crafts, and face painting. Visit wwwr.roaringbrook.org for a registration form. Preregistration with payment is required. Please specify 10am to noon or 1pm to 3pm session.

All events are held at Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road in Canton. For more information, contact Jay Kaplan or Margery Winters at 860.693.0263 or rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org

The Children’s Museum and Roaring Brook Nature Center are the region’s premiere destinations for science and nature exploration.