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.

Outdoor Adventures, 2008

Winter Nature Walk. January 27, Sunday, 2 pm.
Traverse Hill-Stead's meadows and trails, track theproperty's cold-weather creatures and discover that nature isn't sleeping through the winter. Estate naturalist Diane Tucker guides nature lovers of all ages on this wonderland exploration. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Winter Family Adventure. February 9, Saturday, 2 pm.
Join estate naturalist Diane Tucker for a smorgasbord of outdoor and indoor fun. Track winter animals, look for returning songbirds, enjoy invigorating outdoor games, paint with snow and share a cozy story in the warmth of the Makeshift Theater. Fun for all ages. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Nature Walk: The World of Lichens & Fungus. March 2, Sunday, 2 pm.
Join estate naturalist Diane Tucker to discover a world that is neither plant nor animal. Lichens come in a variety of colors, and can even look like enon lights in the forest. You'll learn to appreciate these fascinating living things. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Nature Walk: Spring is Springing! March 30, Sunday, 10 am.
Spring is preparing to be sprung! Discover all the lively signs of this new season with estate naturalist Diane Tucker. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Nature Walk: What's Happening at the Pond? April 19, Sunday, 10 am.
With estate naturalist Diane Tucker, observe and learn about the museum's pond restoration project, then grab a net and swish around in the water to discover what lives there. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Wake up the Garden. April 25 & 26, Friday & Saturday
9 am—1 pm.
Help prepare Hill-Stead’s Sunken Garden for summer glory. Clean up beds, weed and divide plants. Bring tools and work gloves. Light lunch provided. Contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Wildflowers & History at Two Great Estates.
April 26 & May 3, Saturdays, 10 am
Compare the landscape and wildflowers of Westmoor Park and Hill-Stead Museum in a two-part adventure continuing May 3. At Westmoor Park on April 26, participants will enjoy a wildflower walk in the restored meadow as they learn about the historic property. The following Saturday at Hill-Stead, adventurers will enjoy a walk on Hill-Stead's historic site, where estate naturalist Diane Tucker will identify flora and fauna. A fun way to combine history and nature! Westmoor Park is located at 119 Flagg Road, West Hartford, CT (860.232.1134, www.west-hartford.com.

First Sunday Estate Walk. May 4, 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 14, Sunday, 7 am.
Guided by estate naturalist Diane Tucker, watch for warblers, flycatchers, vireos and other songbirds as they visit Hill-Stead on their journey north. Be prepared to spot some rare specimens. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Garden Gang: Wednesdays, May 21 & 28, 9 am—12 pm
Join a spirited volunteer group and help preserve Hill-Stead's historic Sunken Garden. To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org

Nature Walk: Things on the Wing. May 31, Saturday, 2 pm.
Immerse yourself in the riot of spring nature at Hill-Stead. Spot and learn about all kinds of birds, butterflies, insects and wildflowers with estate naturalist Diane Tucker. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

First Sunday Estate Walk. June 1, Sunday, 2 pm.
Explore garden elements, meadows, stonewalls and woodland trails. Hear how Theodate Pope Riddle's design for Hill-Stead drew on the English Landscape and Colonial Revival movements, and included an experimental dairy farm, trail system and orchards. Complimentary to members or with museum admission.

Garden Gang: Every Wednesday in June (June 4, 11, 18 & 25)
9 am—12 pm.
Volunteer, meet new friends and share gardening tips as you help preserve Hill-Stead's historic Sunken Garden. To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Connecticut Trails Day. June 7 & 8, Saturday & Sunday, 12 – 4 pm.
Join in this statewide celebration of the outdoors with a visit to Hill-Stead's 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 nature walks guided by naturalist Diane Tucker, Saturday at 10 am, and interpreter Betty Collins, Sunday at 2 pm. Free to members and children 12 and under, $5 members-to-be. Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for information about activities happening across the state.

Connecticut Open House Day, June 14, Saturday, 10 am–4 pm.
Hill-Stead is proud to be one of over 100 organizations participating in the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism's annual celebration of the state's diverse art, history, film and tourism attractions. The museum will offer Connecticut residents and their guests complimentary, self-guided tours of the 1901 Pope Riddle house and its world-renowned art collection, including Impressionist masterpieces by Degas, Monet and Cassatt, among others. Participate and find out how to be a Connecticut Ambassador! Free to the public.

Father's Day Bird Walk. June 15, Sunday, 10 am.
Swallows and bluebirds are busy and involved fathers. Grab your dad and come out to check bird boxes with estate naturalist Diane Tucker. See how birds make their nests, and with luck get a close look at eggs and fledglings! The touching devotion of these birds is inspiring. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Sound Safari for the Visually Impaired.
June 21, Saturday, 10 am.
A special nature program for the senses, this walk is designed with the visually impaired in mind. With estate naturalist Diane Tucker, explore nature using sound, touch, taste and smell. See how enjoyment of the outdoors can be universal. Everyone is welcome, but the visually impaired and aids are especially encouraged to attend. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Rose & Garden Weekend
June 21 & 22, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Tour the Beatrix Farrand-designed one-acre perennial garden at your own pace; experts will be on hand to answer questions. Saturday at 2 pm, enjoy a presentation on historic Connecticut gardens. Complimentary to the public.

Connecticut's Historic Gardens Day.
June 22, Sunday, 12–4 pm
Visit one or several of eleven historic gardens across Connecticut, including Hill-Stead's own. Enjoy views over the Farmington Valley from the Mount Vernon-style verandah while sipping a glass of cool lemonade. Stroll the paths of the c. 1920 Beatrix Farrand-designed Sunken Garden, 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 www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org.

Garden Gang: Every Wednesday in July (July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30)
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.

First Sunday Estate Walk. July 6, Sunday, 2 pm.
Explore Hill-Stead's impressive property, step by breathtaking step. Interpreter Betty Collins offers expert commentary on the estate's original orchard, dairy farm and other surprises. Free to members or with museum admission.

Butterfly Walk. July 13, Sunday, 10 am.
July is peak butterfly time. With estate naturalist Diane Tucker, see a variety of species, learn about them and find out which plants they prefer. See the special areas at Hill-Stead where monarch butterflies live and breed. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

NEW! Summer Nature & Arts Adventure
July 14–18; July 21–25; July 28–August 1 / 9 am–12:30 pm
Join us for an adventure-based outdoor summer experience that will combine nature, science and art in a thoroughly enjoyable way. Your youngsters will be learning without even realizing it!

Utilizing Hill-Stead's diverse ecosystem and comprehensive estate–including woodland trails, meadows, pond, Sunken Garden, historic house and renowned Impressionist art collection–instructors will guide participants in fun activities that will reveal the world around them. Whether turning over bug boards, dipping nets into the pond, playing games, sketching on the trails or writing poetry, young adventurers will make new discoveries while finding ways to express themselves.

This new program is for students entering grades 1–6. Maximum class size is 15. Cost is $125 per child per week for members, $135 per child per week for members-to-be. Reservations are required. Call 860.677.4787 ext 121 for information and registration.

Midsummer Night Hike. July 19, Saturday, 7:30 pm.
Estate naturalist Diane Tucker will paint 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. Diane will also use ultraviolet light to draw out moths, fireflies and other insects for a nighttime show. As dusk falls, enjoy this rare scene on Hill-Stead's spectacular property. No flashlights, please. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Bug Extravaganza. August 2, Saturday, 10 am.
With the expert guidance of estate naturalist Diane Tucker, learn to appreciate and connect with insects. Find katydids, crickets, praying mantis and more. See how just one square foot can be teeming with life! Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

First Sunday Estate Walk. August 3, Sunday, 2 pm.
Trace Theodate's footsteps through Hill-Stead's lush garden and grounds, including the former dairy farm. Museum interpreter Betty Collins offers expert commentary. Free to members or with museum admission.

Garden Gang: Every Wednesday in August (Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27)
9 am—12 pm
Volunteer, meet new friends and stay in shape as you help preserve Hill-Stead's historic Sunken Garden. To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Garden Gang: Every Wednesday in September
(Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24), 9 am—12 pm.
Dig in and enjoy the camaraderie as you help preserve the Sunken Garden and contribute to its beauty. To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Fantastic Fall Walk. September 6, Saturday, 2 pm.
As the days begin to shorten, leaves change color, plants go to seed and the migration of hawks, butterflies, dragonflies and birds begins. Bask in the early autumn beauty of Hill-Stead's trails with estate naturalist Diane Tucker, and learn to appreciate the subtle signs of the coming winter. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

First Sunday Estate Walk. September 7, Sunday, 2 pm.
Delight in the autumn sunshine and spectacular views of the Farmington Valley as interpreter Betty Collins guides participants along Hill-Stead's property and up to the Overlook. Free to members or with museum admission.

Sparrow Delight. September 27, Saturday, 10 am.
Sparrows may all seem to look alike, but estate naturalist Diane Tucker will help participants learn how to distinguish them, and spot other migrating songbirds along the trails. Binoculars recommended. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Garden Gang. Wednesdays, October 1, 8 & 15, 9 am—12 pm
Spend a brisk fall morning gardening with fellow green thumbers — enjoy these last few mornings with the Gang before the garden gets put to bed! To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

First Sunday Estate Walk. October 5, Sunday, 2 pm.
Enjoy this last guided estate walk of the season, as interpreter Betty Collins leads participants through the historic Sunken Garden, then north through meadows, wooded trails and by the former dairy barn, offering historical tidbits along the way. Free to members or with museum admission.

Hay Day. October 12, Sunday, 12—4 pm.
Build a scarecrow, find treasure in a haystack, hitch a ride on a horse-drawn wagon. Fiddlers, craftsmaking and homemade treats round out the festivities. Great family fun! Nominal activities fees.

Put the Garden to Bed. October 24 & 25
Friday & Saturday, 9 am—1 pm.
Gather with fellow garden enthusiasts to help prepare the historic Sunken Garden for winter. Lunch provided. To participate, contact Cindy Cormier at 860.677.4787 ext 120 or cormierc@hillstead.org.

Evening Nature Walk: Oodles of Owls, Barrels of Bats.
October 26, Sunday, 4:30 pm.
In keeping with the spooky season, estate naturalist Diane Tucker will enlighten participants about these two "scary" Halloween staples. Learn about the behavior of bats and the folklore surrounding them, and prowl for owls out on Hill-Stead's trails. Spooky fun is guaranteed. Free to members, $3 members-to-be.

Wreath Ramble. November 9, Sunday, 12—4 pm.
Meander Hill-Stead's meadows and wooded trails collecting goldenrod, purple loosestrife, evergreen fronds and berries to assemble a seasonal wreath. $7 per wreath for members, $10 per wreath 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.