Laugh, Create, and Shine!
2025-09-24 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
With Bus Service from John Read Middle School!September 24 – November 19(8 sessions, no class 10/22)
Join friends at New Pond Farm for our brand-new After-School Improv Class — where the spotlight is on fun, creativity, and laughter! You’ll play fun games, learn the basics of improv by creating silly characters, and make up scenes on the spot — no scripts, no memorizing! Improv helps you build confidence, work as a team, and think outside the box… all while having a blast. No experience needed. Just bring your energy and imagination! Led by the talented Redding resident Heather Whaley, this is the perfect after-school adventure for anyone ready to say “Yes, and…” to something new.
This 8-part program is:$300 per member,$350 per non-member.
Registration required.
Please Register Here

In the Kitchen: Breakfast for Dinner (Grades K-4)
2025-09-26 16:30 - 18:00
We will build our kitchen skills as we create simple and delicious meals to share together.
This program is:$25 per member,$30 per non-member
Registration required.
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Annual Mushroom Walk
2025-09-28 09:30 - 11:30
This program is full, but we are taking a waiting list
Enjoy a woodland walk as you search for mushrooms with Joe and Kathy Brandt and other amateur mycologists from the Connecticut-Westchester Mycological Association. Learn how to identify the mushrooms that have been collected and complete your adventure by enjoying delectable samples – all safely prepared by Joe and Kathy.
This program is:Free.
Registration required.
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Native Landscaping for Beginners
2025-09-28 14:00 - 15:00
Come and learn how to create a family friendly yard for all creatures great and small. Join Amy Keller, Connecticut Master Gardener to explore how you can incorporate native plantings into your landscape to enjoy throughout the year. Walk away with ideas for fall planting and a curated list of local resources.
This program is:Free
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Parent Meet-up
2025-09-29 09:30 - 10:30
Connect, share, and grow with us. At New Pond Farm, our Parent Meet-Ups offer a warm and welcoming space where parents—whether new to town or simply seeking connection—can come together to unwind and build community. Over coffee, tea, and snacks, participants share the joys and challenges of parenthood, exchange advice, and offer mutual support.
These informal gatherings also foster a deeper connection to the local community, providing a friendly venue to network, discover resources, and arrange playdates—all while enjoying the peaceful beauty of our natural setting.
Come as you are, and leave with new friends and renewed energy. Children are welcome.
This program is:
Free
Registration requested.
Please Register Here

Caregiver & Child Series, for children ages 18-36 months: Session 1 (Tuesdays)
2025-09-30 10:00 - 11:30
This program is now FULL, but we are taking a waiting list
5 Tuesdays: September 30 – October 29
A weekly program for our littlest learners and their caregivers. Each week we will gather outdoors and spend our time connecting with nature and one another through free play, exploratory walks, live animal encounters, nature crafts, and seasonal stories.
This 5-part program is:$112 per member,$138 per non-member.
Registration required.
Please Register Here for the wait list

On the Farm (Grades 5-8): Cooking and Gardening
2025-09-30 16:00 - 17:00
With Bus Service from John Read Middle School5 Tuesdays: September 30 – October 28
Enjoy everything New Pond Farm’s 102 acres has to offer from science to nature to gardening to cooking! This is a great opportunity for middle school students to try new skills and learn more about the natural world through science experiments, identification, and tasting!
This 5-part program is:$75 per member,$100 per non-member
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Redding League of Women Voters Fall Kick-Off
2025-09-30 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community! Our featured speaker, Tim Keyes, will present “Microplastics and Public Health: What Citizens and Communities Can Do.” Learn how microplastics pose big risks to our health and environment—and what local efforts/actions can make a difference.
Stay after the talk for a casual mix-and-mingle with wine, appetizers, and great company. Meet League members, neighbors, and friends while discovering how the Redding LWV promotes informed, active participation in democracy.
About the Speaker: Tim Keyes serves on the Board of Directors at New Pond Farm, is Principal of Evergreen Business Analytics, LLC, and an Adjunct Faculty Member of Business Analytics at Sacred Heart University’s Jack Welch College of Business and Technology.
Bring a friend, meet new people, and be part of a community committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. We look forward to seeing you!
This program is:
Free
To register, please email lwvreddingct@gmail.com

Caregiver & Child Series, for children ages 18-36 months: Session 1 (Wednesday)
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:30
5 Wednesdays: October 1 – October 30
A weekly program for our littlest learners and their caregivers. Each week we will gather outdoors and spend our time connecting with nature and one another through free play, exploratory walks, live animal encounters, nature crafts, and seasonal stories.
This 5-part program is:$112 per member,$138 per non-member
Registration required.

In Season: Baking on the Farm- Apple Cider Caramels & Pumpkin Sammies
2025-10-01 18:30 - 20:00
Join local baker Maisie Todd Wallick for a non-stress baking series serving up some of the season’s best. No experience needed- just a love for baked goods and a desire to learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
This program is:$50 per member,$70 per non-member
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Fall Migration: Birding with Joe Bear
2025-10-04 07:30 - 09:30
Catch the Fall migration by joining expert birder and environmentalist Joe Bear, on a leisurely 2-hour walk through our diverse habitats. We will search in open fields, woodlands, and wetlands – seeking out those on their way to winter feeding grounds.
This program is:Free.
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Telescope Clinic
2025-10-04 18:45 - 20:15
Join our knowledgeable team of volunteer astronomers for a hands-on telescope clinic. Learn the basics of how telescopes work. Bring your own scope and our team of astronomers will help you get it up and running. If your telescope requires batteries, please make sure they are fresh and if your scope comes with a manual, bring it along (if you have it). We will set up in the parking lot in front of the Learning Center.
This program is:Free for member families,$10 for non-member families.
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Open Day
2025-10-05 11:00 - 14:00
Interested in becoming a member, or just want to learn more about what we have to offer? Come enjoy the stunning landscape, the fascinating history, the diverse habitats, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, and the warm and welcoming staff.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the property, visit with the animals, sample delicious dairy products, and connect with members of our staff and Board.
No Registration Required!

Nature Book Club- The Backyard Bird Chronicles, Amy Tan
2025-10-08 13:00 - 14:00
A collaboration between New Pond Farm, Mark Twain Library, and Redding Land Trust. We will gather throughout the seasons at New Pond Farm and discuss books that inspire us, make us think, and help connect us to nature and one another.
This program is: FREE
Registration Required.
Please Register Through Mark Twain Library

Knitting 101
2025-10-09 10:30 - 12:30
Learn the basics of knitting in this fun and relaxed class designed for beginners. You will learn foundational techniques and simple stitches like casting on, knit and purl stitches, and binding off. Bring your own supplies or borrow ours!
This program is:$15 per member,$25 per non-member
Registration required.
Please Register Here

October Nature Explorers (Ages 3 - 5)
2025-10-09 13:30 - 15:00
3 Thursdays: October 9, 16, & 23
Get in on the fun during this monthly 3-part series full of outdoor nature adventures! Each week we will explore the property and make exciting discoveries in woodlands, wetlands, gardens, and meadow. This child-led afternoon of outdoor play may include hikes, games, animal encounters, nature art, and more.
This program is:$45 per member,$60 per non-member
Registration required.
Please Register Here

October Nature Explorers (Grades K-2)
2025-10-09 16:00 - 17:00
This program is now full, but we are taking a waiting list
3 Thursdays: October 9, 16, & 23
Join us for this monthly 3-part series full of outdoor nature adventures. Each week we will explore the property and make exciting discoveries in our woodlands, wetlands, meadow, and gardens. May include hikes, games, animal encounters, campfires, and more. The focus is child-led, outdoor play.
This 3-part program is:$45 per member child,$60 per non-member child
Registration required.
Please Register Here for the Wait List

October Family Farm Chores
2025-10-12 14:30 - 15:30
This program is now full, but we are taking a waiting list
Dress for the outdoors and join farmers Mike and Rachel as they complete daily farm chores. Get a first hand look at everything it takes to keep our chickens, sheep and cows happy and healthy. After watching the milking process you might consider visiting the Dairy Annex to take home a delicious after-chores dairy treat.
Members only!
This program is:$10 per family
Registration required.
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Little Learners: Little Artists (Ages 3-5)
2025-10-15 13:30 - 15:00
This program is now full, but we are taking a waiting list
3 Wednesdays: October 15, 22, & 29
Designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster a love of nature, the Little Learners monthly series are child-led, playful, and hands-on.
This program is:$45 per member,$60 per non-member
Registration is required.
Please Register Here for the Wait List

Harvest Festival
2025-10-18 11:00 - 15:00
Join us for an exciting day on the farm amidst the beautiful fall foliage. This fantastic family event will include historical demonstrations such as broom making and blacksmithing. There will be livestock encounters including sheep shearing, cow judging, visits with our calves, and a closeup view of our fascinating honeybees in their observation hive.
Sip hot apple cider and enjoy other tasty treats. Try your hand at harvest crafts, and so much more!
Our Special Guest:
Brian Bradley with Skyhunters in Flight
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Brian returns with his spectacular falcons, hawks, and owls to demonstrate their glorious adaptations and hunting skills as they soar and dive over the pastures!
$10 per carload (includes parking and many free activities)
There will be small fees for craft tickets and food.
No Registration required. Please, no dogs.
MORE DETAILS

Climate Hope with Dr. Stephen Wagener
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00
As the world warms, the changes we see across the globe will be both mild and severe. Despite the challenges human civilization will face from climate change, there is hope. Join Dr. Wagener, Climate Educator, Ecologist, and Professor of Biology at WCSU for a discussion on the scientific tools available to both understand and moderate those challenges. With creativity, determination, and courage, there is hope.
This program is:Free
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Crocheting 101
2025-10-23 10:30 - 12:30
Join this beginner-friendly class designed to teach the basics of crochet, including how to hold a hook, make a foundation chain, and some basic stitches. No prior experience needed. Come with curiosity and questions. Bring your own supplies or borrow ours!
This program is: $15 per member, $25 per non-member
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Succulent Pumpkin Arrangement Workshop
2025-10-24 19:00 - 20:00
Dive into the world of succulents and create a stunning fall arrangement. Enjoy expert guidance by Imaginariums by Elissa as you create your own stunning pumpkin succulent arrangement. Incorporate preserved flowers and lush mosses to add texture and color, perfect for bringing a touch of autumn beauty into your home. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, this workshop offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season!
Ages 15+.
This program is:$50 per member,$60 per non-member
Registration required.
Please Register Here

National Reptile Day - Animal Meet and Greet
2025-10-25 13:00 - 14:00
Join us in a celebration of the world’s reptiles. Come meet some of our resident turtles, snakes, and lizards and learn what makes each of them special.
This program is:Free for members!$10 per non-member family
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Evening Woodland Walk (5pm)
2025-10-25 17:00 - 18:00
This section is full, but we have space at 6:30pm
Join our guides as you wind your way through our enchanted woodlands learning about fascinating furred and feathered nocturnal neighbors including skunks, raccoons, owls, and foxes. Test your own nighttime hunting abilities through a series of family-friendly activities. And enjoy a mid-walk break at our inviting campfire where you will be treated to farm fresh hot chocolate and tasty treats.
Recommended for children 12 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is:$10 per member,$15 per non-member(children age 3 and under are free)
Registration required.
Please register for our other sections with the appropriate link below
6:30 p.m.

Evening Woodland Walk (5:30pm)
2025-10-25 17:30 - 18:30
Join our guides as you wind your way through our enchanted woodlands learning about fascinating furred and feathered nocturnal neighbors including skunks, raccoons, owls, and foxes. Test your own nighttime hunting abilities through a series of family-friendly activities. And enjoy a mid-walk break at our inviting campfire where you will be treated to farm fresh hot chocolate and tasty treats.
Recommended for children 12 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is:$10 per member,$15 per non-member(children age 3 and under are free)
Registration required.
Registration is now CLOSED for 5:30 p.m.,but we do have room at 6:30 p.m., please register with the link below
Please register here for 6:30

Evening Woodland Walk (6pm)
2025-10-25 18:00 - 19:00
Join our guides as you wind your way through our enchanted woodlands learning about fascinating furred and feathered nocturnal neighbors including skunks, raccoons, owls, and foxes. Test your own nighttime hunting abilities through a series of family-friendly activities. And enjoy a mid-walk break at our inviting campfire where you will be treated to farm fresh hot chocolate and tasty treats.
Recommended for children 12 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is:
$10 per member,
$15 per non-member
(children age 3 and under are free)
Registration required.

Evening Woodland Walk (6:30pm)
2025-10-25 18:30 - 19:30
Join our guides as you wind your way through our enchanted woodlands learning about fascinating furred and feathered nocturnal neighbors including skunks, raccoons, owls, and foxes. Test your own nighttime hunting abilities through a series of family-friendly activities. And enjoy a mid-walk break at our inviting campfire where you will be treated to farm fresh hot chocolate and tasty treats.
Recommended for children 12 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is:
$10 per member,
$15 per non-member
(children age 3 and under are free)
Registration required.
Please Register Here

Evening Woodland Walk (7pm)
2025-10-25 19:00 - 20:00
Join our guides as you wind your way through our enchanted woodlands learning about fascinating furred and feathered nocturnal neighbors including skunks, raccoons, owls, and foxes. Test your own nighttime hunting abilities through a series of family-friendly activities. And enjoy a mid-walk break at our inviting campfire where you will be treated to farm fresh hot chocolate and tasty treats.
Recommended for children 12 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is:
$10 per member,
$15 per non-member
(children age 3 and under are free)
Registration required.
Registration for this section has closed, please register for the remaining section with the appropriate link below
6:30 p.m.

October Storytime for Children with Adults (Ages 1 - 5)
2025-10-26 09:30 - 10:30
Join us each month for nature stories and related activities as we explore the seasons at New Pond Farm. Activities may include live animal encounters, nature crafts, walks on the property, and more. Each session will include an outdoor component – please dress accordingly.
This program is:$10 per member child,$15 per non-member child.(Adults and siblings under 1 are free)
Registration required.
Please Register Here
