Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust in Woodbury has scheduled a variety of new classes, workshops and field trips for adults to be held during the months of February and March. Under the direction of Flanders’ new Adult Program Coordinator Gene Banks, the winter programs are the beginning of expanded offerings for adults that will continue throughout 2012, at the region’s leading land trust and nature center.
The adult program series is made possible by grants from the Connecticut Community Foundation, Marzahl Foundation and Naugatuck Savings Bank
February 25: Bald Eagle Viewing Trip
Shepaug Bald Eagle Viewing Station, Southbury – 10:30 – 11:30 am
Flanders sponsors a field trip to the Shepaug Bald Eagle Viewing Station in Southbury to view one of the largest concentrations of wintering eagles in Connecticut. Other birds which might be seen include red-tailed hawks, sharp-skinned hawks, goshawks, great blue herons and a variety of waterfowl. Volunteers will be available to help with the station’s telescopes and answer questions. Participants should dress warmly, bring binoculars and meet at the I-84 exit 14 commuter parking lot at 10:00 a.m. The group will leave promptly at 10:15 am to proceed to the Eagle Observation Check-In area to be admitted as a group with our Flanders reserved confirmation number.
Donation: $5
February 28: Introduction to Permaculture
Woodbury Library – 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Permaculture is a design process that is focused on observing nature and working with its resilient patterns to design ways of living. Whether farming, gardening, landscaping or a home owner, living in the country or an urban apartment, you will benefit from a better understanding of permaculture, which fosters low-tech, self-reliant methods for living that work in harmony with nature. Instructor Cynthia Rabinowitz is a soil scientist and Permaculture Design Consultant, and co-owner of The Center for Sustainability in Bethlehem, CT.
Donation: $12 Flanders’ members and $15 non-members
March 15 – Organic Vegetable Gardening
Welcome Center, Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, 5 Church Hill Rd in Woodbury
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Guy Beardsley, owner of Guy’s Eco Garden, a certified organic farm in Shelton, CT, and founder of the Shelton Farmers’ Market will speak on the many aspects of growing vegetables organically, including soil amendments, composting, crop diversity and site preparation.
Donation: $12 for Flanders’ members and $15 non-members
March 20 – Organic Care of the Land: Health, Ecology and Biodiversity
Woodbury Library, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Bill Duesing, Executive Director of CT NOPFA, will share practical knowledge from his 35 years as an organic farmer, author, environmental artist and promoter of organic agriculture and greater local food sufficiency. Organic principles can be used to grow food, flowers, trees and grass to create a beautiful home or community landscape. Duesing will focus on choosing optimum sites and styles, crop rotation, companion planting, soil testing and improvements, and other practical information, to create abundant gardens and beautiful landscapes.
Donation: $12 for Flanders’ members and $15 non-members
March 27 – Culinary and Medicinal Herb Gardening
Woodbury Library, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Dr. Eugene Zamperion, Naturopathic Physician practicing in Woodbury, professor at the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathy, author and radio personality will present and illustrated educational program on culinary and medicinal herb gardening. In his program,
Dr. Zamperion will share his passion for growing as many varieties of medicinal and culinary herbs as possible.
Donation: $12 Flanders’ members and $15 non-members.
To register for any of the adult programs at Flanders, call 203-263-3711, For more information on all the programs and special events for children and adults at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, visit www.flandersnaturecenter.com.