Explore Grace Farms through our nature tours, bird watching, astronomy, open arts studio for families, 50th Earth Day celebration, and more.
The emergence of spring often brings new perspectives and a sense of possibilities.
This is reflective in our award-winning River building, which Cultured Magazine named one of the most important architectural feats of the last decade. The building blurs the “lines of interior and exterior with a mesmerizing river-like building that flows in curvilinear planes” along the 80 acres of natural habitats and landscape that frames the River building. The more than 200 floor-to-ceiling glass panels throughout the building provides changing perspectives, given the season, the day, the time.
In addition to tours that explores the award-winning architecture, we also offer a range of activities and programs related to our initiatives of nature, arts, justice, community, and faith. There are various ways to discover Grace Farms, from our astronomy programs that open our minds to the universe to workshops that help people navigate the next stage of their professional and personal journey to guided nature and bird tours that explore the importance of wildlife, pollinators, and biodiversity.
Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Earth Day at Grace Farms
Join Grace Farms in the worldwide celebration of Earth Day, a global environmental movement that began in 1970. Participate in interactive programs for people of all ages in recognition of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. While Earth Day is one of our signature programs, we have year-round nature programs that encourage people to connect with the natural environment.
Grace Farms invites local, national, and global leaders, as well as the public, to convene around issues that impact our lives. Grace Farms is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am-6 pm and Sunday from 12 pm-6 pm.
One of the many activities at our Earth Day celebration, including learning about native birds. © Vanessa Van Ryzin
Suggested Itinerary of Spring Events
Featured Events
7:30 pm–9 pm | In Pursuit of Flourishing Life | Is College the Key? 2/21
As colleges become ever more competitive, the admissions process can generate an enormous amount of pressure and anxiety. Dr. Matthew Croasmun, Grace Farms Foundation’s Faith Initiative Director and Lecturer of Humanities at Yale University, Dr. Karen E. Eshoo, Head of School at King School, and Dr. Frank Bartolomeo, Director of Adolescent Services at Silver Hill, will lead a discussion about how the prep and application processes can reveal and shape both parents’ and students’ visions of flourishing life.
Registration is free.
1 pm–2 pm | Books on Faith & Meaning | Conservations with Dr. Matthew Croasmun, 2/25 & 4/14
Faith Initiative Director, Dr. Matthew Croasmun, introduces selections from the Faith & Meaning section of our Library. Gain insights from multiple religious and philosophical traditions, both ancient and contemporary, and learn how these texts can encourage us to think critically about the meaning in our lives.
Registration is free.
10 am–11:30 am | Navigating New Pathways, 3/5
How do you navigate the next stage of your professional and personal journey?
A discussion led by Jamie Renwick and Sophie Koven of Tide Risers, will help participants explore new opportunities in a workshop setting. Participants can share their unique experiences and connect with local women from diverse backgrounds.
10 am–11:30 am | Movement and Meditation Workshop, 3/14
Discover how mindfulness and self-expression can help girls, ages 8-13, discover their own power.
The interactive workshop is led by wellness expert Pilin Anice, RYT 500, E-RYT 200, an experienced yoga, dance, and meditation instructor. She has helped students of all ages discover themselves through the sacred movements of yoga and dance for over a decade.
Registration free.
7:30 pm–9 pm | Amplifying Equality, 3/20
What is driving international models of gender equality in today’s world?
Join Annette Richardson, Senior Advisor to the United Nations, for a conversation about the models of gender equality. Discover the extent we position ourselves for actual and sustainable advancement – and in what ways we prevent ourselves from moving forward. This panel will explore how the action we take today will impact future advancements.
Registration is free.
7:30 pm–9 pm | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | 8-Week Course
From April 1 through May 20, with a full-day retreat held on Saturday, May 9, join us for an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course taught by Dr. Brandon Nappi, founder and Executive Director of Copper Beech Institute. Participants will learn to cultivate greater mindfulness in their day-to-day lives. This practice will help to awaken the senses and expand the capacity for presence. This course is open to people at any level of contemplative experience, including beginners.
Benefits of MBSR include:
- Increased well-being and happiness
- Less stress and anxiety
- Strengthened immune system
- Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain
The $500 course is approved for 26 hours of Continuing Education Credits. As part of our commitment to support those on the front lines of service, a discounted rate is available for individuals working with not-for-profit organizations.
For more information, please contact Melissa Stern at [email protected].
10 am–6 pm | 50thAnniversary of Earth Day | A Bright Future, 4/18
We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with a full day of programs and activities, including demonstrating nature-based solutions that are leading the way to a bright future.
Registration is free.
Our Nature Initiative provides more than 35 weeks of free nature-related programs throughout the year, including bird watching. © Vanessa Van Ryzin
4 pm–6 pm | Architect of Hope | Darren Walker, 4/25
Drawing from his newly released book, From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth, Ford Foundation President, Darren Walker, discusses his bold new vision for philanthropy that advances economic, social, and political justice.
Registration is free.
Grace Farms Event Series
10:30 am–12:00 pm | Grace Farms Tour
Grace Farms is a unique public space that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to experience nature, encounter the arts, foster community, pursue justice, and explore faith. The River building was designed by the Pritzker Prize–winning architectural firm SANAA. The 90-minute journey explores the unique characteristics of the internationally renowned River building designed by award-winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.
The tour starts at our Pavilion, the smallest glass-enclosed volume of the River building. The welcoming space provides an opportunity to converse with one another over complimentary tea. The tour culminates at our 700-seat indoor amphitheater, which provides an expansive reveal of the entire River building and our 80 acres of natural landscape.
This tour accommodates 18 participants, and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour price is $25 per person.
10:30 am–2:30 pm | Open Arts Studio for Families
Learn new ways to see the world by building kaleidoscopes, pinhole cameras, and viewfinders. Every Saturday, young artists, ages 3 to 10, and their adult caregivers, can experiment with new materials and techniques during this facilitated program series. This program focus runs through March.
Please note that the materials fee is $5 per participant, payable by credit card at the West Barn Welcome Center. Guardians are required to stay with their children.
10:30 am–12 pm | Birdwatching Series
Led by Master Birder Frank Mantlik and former Nature Initiative Director Mark Fowler, our seasonal birdwatching programs offers an opportunity to learn about our natural world and discover the more than 90 species of birds that live on Grace Farms’ 80-acre preserve.
Dress for the weather and walking trails; please bring your binoculars.
Registration is free.
10:30 am–12:30 pm | Garden Workshops
Throughout the planting season, learn gardening techniques to increase yield and address problems in the garden. Master Gardener Nick Mancini, an author and lecturer on organic gardening, will lead the discussions and provide hands-on techniques.
Ticket price: $20
Master Gardener Nick Mancini, an author and lecturer on organic gardening, leading a garden workshop at Grace Farms. © Ann Dahlgren
7:30 pm–9 pm | Astronomy at Grace Farms | Solar, Lunar, and Leap Years, 2/27
Discover the difference between solar and lunar years. New Canaan High School Planetarium Director Tim Haag and former Nature Initiative Director Mark Fowler, will lead a discussion on the calendars and how we account for the eleven-day difference between a solar year and a lunar year. After the discussion, watch the crescent moon and the planet Venus pair up in the sky.
Please bring your binoculars.
Registration is free.
7:30 pm–9 pm | Astronomy at Grace Farms | Mercury and Venus, 3/24
Mercury and Venus will reach their greatest angular distance this time of year. New Canaan High School Planetarium Director Tim Haag and former Nature Initiative Director Mark Fowler will discuss these planets and attempt to glimpse them during their brightest period.
Please bring your binoculars.
Registration is free.
New Canaan High School Planetarium Director Tim Haag during an astronomy event at Grace Farms. © Vanessa Van Ryzin
7:30 pm–9 pm | Astronomy at Grace Farms | Lyrid Meteor Shower, 4/23
Learn about the Lyrid Meteor Shower and spring’s constellations with an evening of stargazing led by New Canaan High School Planetarium Director Tim Haag and former Nature Initiative Director Mark Fowler.Learn about constellations like Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Leo, Bootes, and Hercules as we attempt to catch a glimpse of the Lyrid Meteor Shower.
Registration is free.
6 pm–7:30 pm | Community Dinner, 2/21 3/21 4/17
Monthly Community Dinners are held in our Commons, one of several welcoming spaces at Grace Farms. Free events related to our five initiatives often follow dinners. © Vanessa Van Ryzin
Every third Friday of the month we hold our Community Dinner. The evening will take place in the River building’s Commons—a 6,900 square foot glass room with social community tables built from trees harvested on the grounds.
Advance registration is required for the Community Dinner. As a reminder, smoking and drinking are not permitted at Grace Farms.
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