It’s Time for Litchfield’s Major Family Nature Events
The official arrival of the Autumn season brings Litchfield’s major annual family nature events – Duck Day at the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Sanctuary and the 42nd annual Family Nature Day at White Memorial.
Duck Day at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy: Sept. 21
Don’t miss Duck Day this coming Saturday (Sept. 21) at the Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy.
Bring the family to experience a raptor demonstration featuring majestic birds of prey, a guided tour of the aviaries and waterfowl habitats, games, crafts, and activities for children.
Meet local artisans and vendors and enjoy free pizza from the Milestone Pizza Truck and Restaurant.
Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for non-members, and free for children younger than 12. Head to 
ripleyconservancy.org for more info and to purchase tickets.
The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy was founded by S. Dillon Ripley, a former Secretary of the Smithsonian. It’s home to more 80 species of birds from around the world, a breeding facility for rare species, and education center for conservationists.
The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is located at 55 Duck Pond Rd., off Route 202. The phone number is (860) 567-2062.
Family Nature Day at White Memorial: Sept. 28
The 42nd annual Family Nature Day takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 28 at The White Memorial Conservation Center.
Highlights include a llama walk along the lake trail with Country Quilt Llama Farm, a presentation on bats by Maureen Heidtmann of Wing Hand Bat Rehabilitation and Education, Birds of Prey with Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation Center, and live reptiles brought by the Riverside Reptiles Education Center.
There will be live music, vendors, local artisans, demonstrations, food, crafts for kids and more.
See the Family Nature Day Program for the full schedule.
Family Nature Day runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The White Memorial Conservation Center. Admission is $6, with White Memorial members and children younger than 12 admitted free.
The Conservation Center is located at 80 Whitehall Rd., off Route 202 between Litchfield on center and Bantam. Call (860) 567-0857 with questions.
Also Don’t Miss the Topsmead Cottage Tours
Only two weekends left to enjoy the free guided tours of the landmark cottage at Topsmead State Forest.
The remaining tours this season will be offered Sept. 28 & 29, and Oct. 12 and 13.
The tours presented by Friends of Topsmead State Forest are given on the second and fourth weekend of each month from June through mid-October.
The tours, which feature Miss Edith’s collection of art and antiques, are first-come, first-served, start at noon, and run for 30 minutes, with the last tour taking place at 4:30 p.m. Meet at the front door of the cottage.
Donations are appreciated to support maintenance of cottage and the gardens.
When you visit, make a cottage tour the highlight of a larger discovery.
The 510 acres of forests and meadows at Topsmead are open year-round for passive recreation including walking, picnicking, bird watching, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Don’t miss the Edith Chase Ecology Trail, a mile-long walk with interpretive signs.
Topsmead, located on Buell Road off Route 118, is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to sunset. Dogs on a leash are welcome, but open fires & grills are not allowed.
See the Friends of Topsmead State Forest website for more information, directions, and other events.