Woodcock Nature Center provides educational programming for over 4,000 learners of all ages each year including school field trips, our popular summer camp and enrichment programs, which support our educational efforts by immersing the community in direct experiences with nature. We partner with local organizations to present lectures, workshops, and films, and our guided hikes, child and caregiver classes and on-site animal encounters provide a means for the public to engage with and learn from our natural world. In fact, in 2023 Woodcock was awarded the Edith Meffley Award from the Ridgefield Conservation Commission for its excellence in providing environmental education to the community.
Woodcock’s 152 acres of preserve, originally inhabited by the Ramapo and Siwanog tribe and today owned by the state of Connecticut straddles both Wilton and Ridgefield. The preserve includes historic stone walls and stands of old maple, beech, oak and hickory trees, a pond, wetlands, vernal pools and nearly 4 miles of hiking trails which remain a resource for thousands of hikers, birders and outdoor enthusiasts. Woodcock’s trails, natural playground, nature center, and outdoor aviaries (where we care for ambassador animals including 2 non-releasable birds of prey and nearly 20 reptiles and amphibians) are publicly accessible year-round with no admission fee.
Woodcock Nature Center does not receive any funds from local towns or the state of Connecticut and fundraises privately for every dollar necessary to sustain its programs and facilities ꟷ in fact, 50% of our revenues are from these donations along with special events income. We depend on the generosity of private foundations, corporations, and individuals to remain a resource to our community.
“Under the Harvest Moon” is one of the nature center’s largest annual fundraisers held in support of Woodcock’s environmental education initiatives. The event, this year held on September 20th at 7 pm, is publicized in the local Fairfield County areas as well as to our membership and database of over 4,000 individuals and businesses. A delectable meal is crafted by Chefs Bernard and Sarah Bouïssou of à table - S & B Catering, among others; a generous wine-tasting selection is provided by Ridgefield’s Cellar XV Wines, a tasting of craft beers from Nod Hill Brewery is on hand for beer-loving guests, and Litchfield Distillery provides cocktails as well! The evening includes live music from Present Company and a silent and live auction for a variety of popular items including VIP tickets and unique Woodcock experiences.
Event: September 20, 2024 7pm -10pm
Deadline for Auction Item Commitment: September 6, 2024
*Auction will be promoted in local press and shared with Woodcock’s virtual audience of 4,000*
We look forward to including your business among the auction offerings! Thank you for your support!
Woodcock is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our Tax ID is 23-7232984.
