It's the 'Year of the Snake' At Chatfield Hollow in Killingworth

Interested in seeing a live snake? You can do it next month at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth.

The Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Connecticut’s Beardsley Park Zoo is participating in the year of the snake celebration sponsored by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). Special programs will take place in various state parks this summer to help visitors learn more about snakes, who are often misunderstood.

One of these presentations involves Russ Miller, of the Meigs Point Nature Center, who will be holding a Year of the Snake presentation at Chatfield Hollow on Aug. 3 from 1-2 p.m.

Snakes will be available for visitors to see, touch and learn about. The program is free, state park admission is required. One other location, the James L. Goodwin Conservation Center in Hampton, will be hosting this same event on July 20.

Also, Beardsley Zoo will be hosting a series of other events to honor the snake. Zoo staff help the public see snakes up close and get a better idea of the role snakes play in the environment. The programs run from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and visitors may attend any time during the program. Families, individuals, summer programs and play groups of all ages are encouraged to participate. Pack a lunch, attend the program and then take in the recreation that the parks offer to make it a full day of fun. Program participation is free.  

Here are some of the dates and locations:  

• Wednesday July 10, Kettletown State Park, 1400 Georges Hill Road, Southbury
• Wednesday July 17, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby
• Wednesday, July 24 Stratton Brook State Park, Route 309, Simsbury
• Wednesday, August 7, Squantz Pond State Park, 178 Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield