Whether walking Hill-Stead’s trails, where a wild turkey is likely to cross your path, or spending a morning among friends edging flower beds, you will find here respite from the workaday world. Participate in a variety of activities all year long—maintain the garden, take a guided tour of the estate, join naturalists on bird and tree walks, or amble the trails and meadows on your own.

Check out Hill-Stead's NEW NATURE BLOG! Read Estate Naturalist Diane Tucker's marvelous musings on Nature at Hill-Stead to see what's happening on the trails and elsewhere on the lush 152-acre ecosystem. Visit hillsteadblog.wordpress.com, and send in your comments! We'd love to hear what you're seeing on the trails, at the pond, in the meadow or in the garden at Hill-Stead, or what you think about Diane's observations. If you haven't been here for a while, it's a great way to catch up on all the nature happenings before coming out to explore – by yourself, with your dog or with the whole family!

Outdoor Adventures, 2010

Winter Nature Walk
January 2, Saturday, 2 pm
Shake out those stiff limbs and start the year out right with some outdoor fun—on snowshoes (please bring your own) if there's snow, otherwise with a nature hike over frozen ground on Hill-Stead's breathtaking estate. Track animals, see what's happening in nature in the cold weather, and have fun with outdoor games. Then, snuggle up in the Makeshift Theater for hot cider and a cozy story. Estate naturalist Diane Tucker guides. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

Preschool Art & Nature Adventures
January 20, Wednesday, 10–11 am
Art, nature, gardens and preschoolers combine to create a program full of fun and creativity. Once a month (continues Feb. 24, Mar. 17, Apr. 28, May 19, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 & Nov. 17), children ages 4–7 will explore a different piece of the museum's art collection through stories, visits inside the museum, nature hikes, and art activities. Chaperones are not required to stay for the class, but are welcome at no charge. Reservations required: 860.677.4787 ext 142. Admission: $8 per member per class; $13 per non-member per class.

Groundhog / Valentine's Nature Walk
February 6, Saturday, 1 pm
How are Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day related? Bring your sweetie(s) and find out! There is a lot to learn about groundhogs as well as affairs of the heart. Walk the grounds, track animals, even see some signs of spring. Warm hearts guaranteed. Estate naturalist Diane Tucker guides. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

Preschool Art & Nature Adventures
February 24, Wednesday, 10–11 am
Art, nature, gardens and preschoolers combine to create a program full of fun and creativity. Once a month (continues Mar. 17, Apr. 28, May 19, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 & Nov. 17), children ages 4–7 will explore a different piece of the museum's art collection through stories, visits inside the museum, nature hikes, and art activities. Chaperones are not required to stay for the class, but are welcome at no charge. Reservations required: 860.677.4787 ext 142. Admission: $8 per member per class; $13 per non-member per class.

Lichen Walk
March 14, Sunday, 2 pm
Lichens are the unsung beauties of the natural world. Once you've seen the varieties and colors and learned more about them with estate naturalist Diane Tucker, you'll never again take these stunning treasures for granted. Their neon colors will jump right out at you from the subdued winter scenery. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

Preschool Art & Nature Adventures
March 17, Wednesday, 10–11 am
Art, nature, gardens and preschoolers combine to create a program full of fun and creativity. Once a month (continues Apr. 28, May 19, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 & Nov. 17), children ages 4–7 will explore a different piece of the museum's art collection through stories, visits inside the museum, nature hikes, and art activities. Chaperones are not required to stay for the class, but are welcome at no charge. Reservations required: 860.677.4787 ext 142. Admission: $8 per member per class; $13 per non-member per class.

An Evening with Woodcock and Frogs
March 27, Saturday, 7 pm
If the woodcock hide from us, the frogs won't! Woodcock are a grassland bird famous for their bizarre springtime performance used to help find a mate. We'll have telescopes on hand for watching the romance. At the same time, those unabashed, amorous amphibians should be tuning up their vocal cords for a sweet serenade. Join estate naturalist Diane Tucker for the dating game of the natural world, and with luck, you'll see frogs flirt and woodcock perform. $3 for members, $5 for members-to-be.

Pond Pandemonium!
April 11, Sunday, 10 am
Spring will practically, well, spring from your bucket as you look around the pond for signs of the season, then swish around in the mud for tadpoles, baby dragonflies, mayflies and water pennies. Who knows what else we might find? Will you be the first to see a turtle basking in the spring sun? Joining estate naturalist Diane Tucker for this program will be Eileen Fielding, Executive Director of the Farmington Valley Watershed Association, who will share her special insight into the workings of our water system. Fun for all ages. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

Wake up the Garden
April 23 & 24, Friday & Saturday, 9 am—1 pm
Help prepare Hill-Stead’s historic Sunken Garden for the growing season. Clean up beds, weed and divide plants. Please bring tools and work gloves. Light lunch provided. To volunteer, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Preschool Art & Nature Adventures
April 28, Wednesday, 10–11 am
Art, nature, gardens and preschoolers combine to create a program full of fun and creativity. Once a month (continues May 19, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 & Nov. 17), children ages 4–7 will explore a different piece of the museum's art collection through stories, visits inside the museum, nature hikes, and art activities. Chaperones are not required to stay for the class, but are welcome at no charge. Reservations required: 860.677.4787 ext 142. Admission: $8 per member per class; $13 per non-member per class.

Nature Walk Down the Farm Raod
May 1, Saturday, 10 am
Hill-Stead was once a thriving farm, famous for apples, peaches and cows that produced record amounts of butterfat. Presently the barns are in disuse by farm animals, but there are a host of wild things living in and around the farm complex. With estate naturalist Diane Tucker, see swallows, bluebirds and wildflowers on this leisurely morning walk down the farm road. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

First Sunday Guided Estate Walk
May 2, Sunday, 2 pm
With the expert guidance of museum interpreter Betty Collins, explore Hill-Stead's estate—discover history along centuries-old woodland trails, and enjoy magnificent hilltop views. Free to members or with museum admission.

Mother's Day Warbler Walk
May 9, Sunday, 7 am
The tradition continues! It is the height of bird migration north, and Hill-Stead is a good stopover location. Previous participants have seen indigo bunting, many kinds of warblers, vireos and orioles, and have spotted where some stay to make their nests on the property. Bluebirds and swallows will already be nesting. Bring your mom and enjoy the fun! Estate naturalist Diane Tucker offers expert commentary. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

Poison Ivy Primer
May 15, Saturday, 10 am
This vexatious plant, responsible for so much suffering, is more complex than we think. Estate naturalist Diane Tucker will show participants how to identify it (and its harmless look-alikes) and other itch-producing plants. Watch as Diane takes a dive into thickets of the three-leaved menace for your enjoyment and edification! You'll also learn the hidden benefits of other unpopular flora, all while enjoying the beauty of Hill-Stead's trails. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

Garden Gang
May 19 & 26, Wednesdays, 9 am—12 pm
Join a spirited volunteer group and help preserve Hill-Stead's historic Sunken Garden. Takes place every Wednesday through October. To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Woodlands, Wetlands and Wear Your Wellies
May 29, Saturday, 10 am
This walk is for participants who want to see the heart of Hill-Stead's trail system. There may be wet spots, rocky areas and some uneven walking – waterproof hiking boots are recommended. Although not a long distance, the walk will cover varying terrains, and estate naturalist Diane Tucker will discuss a variety of natural history topics along the way. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

Garden Gang
June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, Wednesdays, 9 am–12 pm
Enjoy June blooms and butterflies with fellow green-thumbers. Share gardening tips and stay in shape! To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org

National Trails Weekend / Connecticut Trails Day
June 5 & 6, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Join in this nationwide celebration of the outdoors, organized in Connecticut by the CT Forest & Park Association (visit www.ctwoodlands.org for information about activities happening across the state). Hill-Stead invites participants to discover its 152-acre estate – enjoy exploring over 3 miles of scenic walking trails traversing meadows, woodlands and wetlands. Amble the gentle terrain on your own, or join a guided walk (see below for walks offered Saturday at 1 pm and Sunday at 2 pm).

Saturday, June 5, 1 pm: METACOMET TRAIL HIKE
Hike the Metacomet Trail on the eastern ridge of Hill-Stead's spectacular grounds, and learn its history, with museum interpreter Betty Collins— this hidden treasure should not be missed! Winding over 200 miles from western Massachusetts through central Connecticut, the Metacomet Trail connects with the Monadnock and Mattabesett (MMM) Trails. In 2009, the MMM Trail was designated by Congress as the ninth scenic trail in the United States. Moderate terrain. $3 members, $5 members-to-be. Children under 16 free.

Sunday, June 6, 2 pm: FIRST SUNDAY ESTATE WALK
With interpreter Betty Collins leading the way, enjoy magnificent hillotp views and discover history along centuries-old woodland trails. Easy-to-moderate terrain. $3 for members, $5 for members-to-be. Children under 16 free.

Rose & Garden Weekend
June 18 — 20, Friday — Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Tour the c. 1920 Beatrix Farrand-designed Sunken Garden at your own pace. Visit www.visitctriver.com for Rose & Garden weekend events throughout the River Valley.

Connecticut's Historic Gardens Day
June 27, Sunday, 12–4 pm
Visit one or several of fourteen historic gardens across Connecticut, including Hill-Stead's own c. 1920 Beatrix Farrand-designed Sunken Garden. Enjoy views over the Farmington Valley from the Mount Vernon-style verandah while sipping a glass of cool lemonade. Stroll the garden paths, where interpreters will be on hand to answer questions. At 2 pm, relax and enjoy a talk and slide show. For information on activities at other historic gardens across the state, visit cthistoricgardens.org.

Garden Gang
July 7, 14, 21 & 28, Wednesdays, 9 am—12 pm
Be part of a tradition of volunteerism that has sustained Hill-Stead's Sunken Garden since the 1980s, when local garden clubs restored this one-acre jewel. Meet new friends, stay in shape and pick up a gardening tip or two. To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Hill-Stead Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 11 am–2 pm, through October 24
July 11, 18, 25
Browse over 15 Connecticut vendors offering locally grown fruits & vegetables, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats and cheeses, fresh flowers and potted herbs, goat milk soaps, lotions and skin care products, hand-crafted gelato, baked goods, Angora goat yarn, fresh fish and more. Look for a visiting vendor each week with a variety of enticing goods. Visit with friends, enjoy live music, picnic on Hill-Stead's grounds. See the Farmers Market page for updated information.

Summer Nature & Arts Adventure
July 12–16, 19–23, 26–30 / 9 am–12:30 pm
Join us for a fun-filled summer experience that combines art, nature, history and culture utilizing Hill-Stead's world-renowned art collection and comprehensive estate.
Ages: for students entering grades 1–6.
Maximum class size: 15.
Cost: $140 per child per week for members, $150 per child per week for members-to-be.
Reservations required: 860.677.4787 ext 142.
Each week focuses on a theme (Art & Nature; From Portraits to Landscapes; The Art of the Farm, respectively). Days are full of art- and nature-based activities. Participants will enjoy time in the museum, exploring the property, and trying their hands at studio art. Each week also features a guest speaker specializing in nature, art or animals. For more information, visit Summer Nature & Arts Adventure.

Nighttime Moth Walk
July 24, Saturday, 8:30 pm
Prepare to see an abundance of cool nighttime bugs with estate naturalist Diane Tucker. Diane "paints" trees on Hill-Stead's property with a special concoction to lure moths, encouraging them to settle down and feed so participants can see these beautiful jewels of the night. You may think moths are only nuisances in your closets, but with Diane's guidance you'll see their bright, beautiful colors and intricate patterns. Ultraviolet light will draw out a multitude of additional insects for a fantastic nighttime show. As dusk falls, enjoy this rare scene on Hill-Stead's spectacular property. No flashlights, please. Bug spray recommended. $3 members, $5 members-to-be.

PERENNIAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Garden Gang Days. Mid- May– Early October Wednesdays.
9 am – 12 pm.
Continue a tradition of volunteerism that has sustained Hill-Stead’s Sunken Garden since the 1980s, when local garden clubs restored this one-acre oasis. Learn skills and meet new friends. Contact Dave Perbeck at 860.677.4787 ext 170 or perbeckd@hillstead.org.

Maintain Trails & Grounds. April – November.
Individualized schedule. Learn or apply skills—prune, elevate limbs, identify and clear invasive growth. Contact Dave Perbeck at 860.677.4787 ext 170 or perbeckd@hillstead.org.