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“Today we are more connected than ever in the digital world, but we have also never been more disconnected from the natural world.” – Mark Fowler, Grace Farms Foundation Nature Initiative Director
Grace Farms Explorers invites all ages to experience the wonder of nature every weekend at Grace Farms. Featuring the incredible diversity of native flora and fauna on Grace Farms’ 80 acre preserve, the program will feature adventurous, hands-on experiences with a new focus each week, including wilderness skills, native wildlife, orienteering, and Native American history.
Grace Farms Explorers is free and open to the public every Saturday starting April 29th until June 24th from 11 am–1 pm. A series of Connecticut experts and organizations will lead the program, including Two Coyotes, Christine’s Critters, and the Institute for American Indian Studies. Registration is encouraged as the program allows for 20 participants in each group every Saturday.
- Justin Pegnataro, Executive Director of Two Coyotes Wilderness School, will teach participants how to make a fire from scratch, wilderness tracking, and how to collect and cook wild edible plants.
- Christine from Christine’s Critters, a local not-for-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and educates the public about birds of prey and reptiles, will bring various animals from the rehab to teach participants about native species to the area.
- Dr. Lavin, a noted archaeologist and author, will discuss the rich Native American history of the area and share her vast knowledge of how Native Americans lived and thrived on the land. This will be a special two-hour tour starting promptly at 11 am.
With 10 habitats, more than 40 species of birds, and an expansive space to explore, Grace Farms naturally promotes and educates about Connecticut’s thriving wild areas, while facilitating a connection to nature and inspiring stewardship for the natural world.
“Today we are more connected than ever in the digital world, but we have also never been more disconnected from the natural world. My goal is to create programs and initiatives that give us all a chance to get outside, have adventures and explore the wilderness, wildlife, and nature that exists right here in our own backyards,” said Mark Fowler, Grace Farms Foundation Nature Initiative Director.
