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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260808T100000
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UID:10007109-1786183200-1786190400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Adventures in Nature: Fruits and Berries
DESCRIPTION:Adventures in Nature: Fruits and Berries invites children to discover the fascinating world of plants during a hands-on outdoor program at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center on Saturday\, August 8. Designed for curious young explorers ages 6 to 10\, this free monthly program combines science\, nature\, and outdoor fun while encouraging kids to learn through observation and discovery. \nParticipants will explore the life cycle of plants\, learning how flowers become fruits and berries and why plants produce them in the first place. Along the way\, naturalists will introduce children to a variety of native plants found throughout Connecticut and teach simple identification skills that can be used on future hikes and family adventures. \nThe program also explores one of nature’s most important lessons: not every berry is safe to eat. Children will learn how to recognize common native fruits and berries while discovering which ones wildlife enjoys and which should always be admired from a distance. Through games\, guided exploration\, and hands-on activities\, young participants will gain a greater appreciation for the natural world around them. \nAs part of DPNC’s popular Adventures in Nature series\, this month’s program is offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Dominion Foundation. Space is limited\, and advance registration is required. \nEvent Details\nDate: Saturday\, August 8\, 2026 \nTime: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. \nLocation: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center \nAddress: 109 Pequotsepos Road\, Mystic\, CT \nAges: Children 6–10 \nAdmission: Free (registration required – click Ticketing link below) \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/adventures-in-nature-fruits-and-berries/
LOCATION:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\, 109 Pequotsepos Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Adventure-in-Nature-Fruits-and-Berries-at-the-Denison-Pequotsepos-Nature-Center-Saturday-August-8-10am-12pm.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260812T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260812T000000
DTSTAMP:20260813T010606Z
CREATED:20260813T010606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T010606Z
UID:10007165-1786492800-1786492800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Mushroom Foraging Workshop with The Mushroom Hunting Foundation at DPNC
DESCRIPTION:Mushroom Foraging Workshop with The Mushroom Hunting Foundation at DPNC takes participants from forest trail to frying pan during a four-hour hands-on class in Mystic on Saturday\, August 15. The workshop begins with an introduction to wild mushrooms before heading into the woods with experienced foragers to search for edible species\, then returns for a cooking demonstration showing how a successful morning’s discoveries can become dinner. \nThis isn’t simply a guided hike where somebody points at mushrooms along the trail. The $125 half-day workshop is designed to teach the process behind responsible mushroom foraging: how to look\, what physical characteristics matter when identifying fungi\, which mushrooms beginning foragers should avoid\, and how edible wild mushrooms can be prepared in the kitchen. \nThe instructors come from The Mushroom Hunting Foundation\, a Southern New England organization devoted to teaching safe mushroom and wild-plant foraging. Its programs combine classroom instruction\, guided hunts and cooking demonstrations\, an approach that fits naturally with the forests and trails surrounding the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. (Mushroom Hunting) \nFrom Trail to Table\nThe workshop begins indoors with a brief slideshow preparing participants for what they’ll encounter outside. \nThat’s more important than it might sound. Mushroom identification depends on details that are easy for an inexperienced person to overlook. Color and overall shape are only part of the picture. \nOne example is what’s underneath the cap. Mushrooms that look remarkably similar from above can have gills\, pores or tiny tooth-like structures underneath\, placing them in entirely different groups. Learning to slow down and examine those characteristics is part of becoming a safer forager. \nAfter the introduction\, the class heads onto DPNC’s trails. \nRather than simply collecting whatever happens to appear\, instructors will show participants how experienced mushroom hunters scan the woods\, recognize promising habitats and examine specimens before attempting an identification. \nWhat turns up will depend on what the forest produces that week. That’s the unpredictable part of foraging: there isn’t a produce aisle waiting at the end of the trail. \nMeet The Mushroom Hunting Foundation\nThe Mushroom Hunting Foundation grew from the work of Rhode Island natives Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt\, who began mushroom hunting after taking a class with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. \nWhat started as a hobby became a much deeper study of mycology\, wild foods and the ecological roles played by fungi. The pair eventually began sharing what they had learned through presentations\, guided foraging walks and culinary demonstrations. (Mushroom Hunting) \nToday\, the Mushroom Hunting Foundation offers educational programs built around safely enjoying wild mushrooms and edible plants. Classes range from introductory programs to more intensive field experiences and private instruction. \nThe emphasis on safe identification matters. \nSome mushroom groups contain both edible and dangerous species\, and look-alikes can make casual identification risky. The Foundation encourages beginners to concentrate first on species with characteristics that make reliable identification easier rather than immediately attempting difficult mushrooms with potentially dangerous doubles. (Mushroom Hunting) \nWhat Could You Find?\nAugust can produce an interesting assortment of mushrooms in Southern New England\, but there’s no predetermined shopping list. \nWeather\, rainfall\, temperature and the condition of the forest all affect what’s fruiting on any particular day. \nThe Mushroom Hunting Foundation has documented regional species ranging from edible Green-Quilted Russulas to the unusual Apricot Jelly mushroom\, a soft\, gelatinous edible fungus that can absorb the flavors it’s cooked with. \nFinding something\, however\, isn’t the same as deciding it’s dinner. \nOne of the most useful lessons in a workshop like this is learning when not to eat a mushroom. Identification should be based on multiple characteristics and reliable knowledge rather than comparing something found in the woods with a photograph. \nInto the Kitchen\nThe final portion of the workshop moves from identification to preparation. \nParticipants will watch a cooking demonstration focused on turning safely identified wild mushrooms into food. The Mushroom Hunting Foundation incorporates culinary instruction into its programs because understanding a mushroom doesn’t end when it’s identified. Different species can have very different flavors and textures and may require different preparation techniques. \nThat’s what gives this particular workshop its “trail to table” character. \nYou begin by learning what you’re looking for\, search for it in the forest and finish by seeing what can happen in the kitchen. \nA Good Place to Learn Foraging\nThe Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center provides a fitting outdoor classroom. \nThe Nature Center is located at 109 Pequotsepos Road in Mystic and maintains a network of trails through southeastern Connecticut woodland and wetland habitats. DPNC regularly uses those natural areas for environmental education\, guided walks and foraging programs. \nMushroom education isn’t new here\, either. DPNC has previously hosted Mushroom Hunting Foundation programs\, including a Mushroom Foraging Intensive in August 2025. \nThe Nature Center itself is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.\, so the workshop begins shortly after the facility opens. \nWhat to Wear and Bring\nParticipants should dress for several hours split between indoor instruction and hiking through the woods. \nWear sturdy\, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Long pants can be useful when moving through wooded areas\, and insect repellent is worth considering in August. \nBecause the workshop involves mushroom hunting rather than staying exclusively on a maintained walking path\, expect uneven natural terrain and some time spent stopping\, bending down and closely examining the forest floor. \nWeather conditions can also change what the group encounters\, so check the forecast before leaving home. \nWho Should Attend?\nThe workshop is best suited to adults and older participants interested in learning mushroom foraging as a skill rather than simply taking a nature walk. \nNo previous mushroom-hunting experience is listed as a requirement. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of observation and identification\, while people who have already started exploring wild mushrooms can benefit from working directly with experienced instructors in the field. \nThe four-hour format allows considerably more time for instruction than a typical guided mushroom walk. \nEvent Details\nDate\nSaturday\, August 15\, 2026 \nTime\n9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. \nLocation\nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center \nAddress\n109 Pequotsepos Road\nMystic\, CT 06355 \nAdmission\n$125 \nDuration\nApproximately four hours \nInstructors\nThe Mushroom Hunting Foundation \nProgram Includes\nIntroductory slideshow\, guided mushroom-foraging hike and cooking demonstration. \nExperience Level\nNo previous mushroom-foraging experience is listed as required. \nWhat to Wear\nSturdy closed-toe walking or hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for several hours outdoors. Long pants and insect repellent are recommended for woodland conditions. \nImportant Note\nNever consume a wild mushroom based solely on an identification made from a photograph\, app or casual comparison. The workshop teaches identification techniques under the guidance of experienced foragers. \nMore Information\nFor ticket purchases\, click on the Ticketing link below. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/mushroom-foraging-workshop-with-the-mushroom-hunting-foundation-at-dpnc/
CATEGORIES:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mushroom-Foraging-Workshop-with-the-Mushroom-Hunring-Foundation-at-the-DPNC-Saturday-August-15-930-am-130-pm.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T193000
DTSTAMP:20260812T232301Z
CREATED:20260812T232301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T232301Z
UID:10007163-1786728600-1786735800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Amphibians of CT at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
DESCRIPTION:Amphibians of CT at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center takes families into the woods and wetlands of Mystic on Friday\, August 14\, for an evening search for frogs\, toads and salamanders. The free 90-minute program begins at 5:30 p.m. and combines a guided outdoor exploration with an up-close introduction to some of the Nature Center’s resident amphibians. \nInstead of learning about these animals entirely inside a classroom\, participants will head to the vernal pools and surrounding woods to look for amphibians where they actually live. Nature Center educators will help visitors identify what they find and explain the adaptations that allow amphibians to live between aquatic and terrestrial environments. \nIt’s exactly the sort of hands-on program the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center has been developing for generations. DPNC’s environmental education programs use the woodlands\, wetlands and meadows surrounding the center as outdoor classrooms\, while live animals and natural history exhibits give visitors a closer look at species they might otherwise walk past without noticing. (Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center) \nSearching for Connecticut’s Amphibians\nConnecticut’s forests\, ponds and wetlands provide habitat for a surprisingly varied population of amphibians. \nDuring the program\, participants will search for frogs\, toads and salamanders\, paying particular attention to the Nature Center’s vernal pools. \nVernal pools are temporary woodland wetlands that fill seasonally and provide critical breeding habitat for amphibians. Because they typically don’t support fish populations\, their waters can provide safer places for eggs and developing young. \nThe Nature Center’s trail system passes through wetland and woodland habitats well suited to this kind of field exploration. More than 10 miles of trails now connect DPNC and nearby Coogan Farm\, including boardwalks and paths around ponds\, streams and wetlands. \nMeet the Resident Amphibians\nThe evening isn’t entirely a search through the woods. \nParticipants will also meet some of DPNC’s resident amphibians and get a closer look at the physical adaptations that help them survive. \nThat provides a useful comparison with whatever turns up outside. DPNC maintains natural history exhibits featuring live reptiles and amphibians\, along with non-releasable birds of prey and other educational animals used to help visitors understand the wildlife of southern New England. \nFor children especially\, seeing an amphibian at close range before or after searching for one in the woods can turn an abstract lesson about habitats into something much more tangible. \nGood for Curious Kids and Adults\nAlthough the program should have plenty of appeal for children\, it isn’t simply a kids’ activity. \nDPNC’s public programs are designed for different ages and regularly include guided hikes\, bird walks\, vernal-pool explorations and other field programs focused on southeastern Connecticut’s natural world. \nParents should expect an active outdoor program rather than a seated presentation. Participants will be exploring wooded and wet areas\, so closed-toe shoes that can handle dirt or damp ground are a sensible choice. \nBug spray may also be useful on an August evening. \nA Nature Center with Deep Mystic Roots\nThe Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center’s history stretches back 80 years. \nIts origins can be traced to land left to the Denison Society by Ann Borodell Denison Gates in 1930. Gates had been a founding member of the Mystic Garden Club and had a particular love of birds. In the 1940s\, members of the Garden Club and Denison Society began working to create a wildlife sanctuary on the property in her memory. \nThe Pequot-sepos Wildlife Sanctuary was incorporated in 1946\, with trails\, a pond and educational programming gradually developed on the property. The current Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center organization was established in 1972 after the original sanctuary organization was dissolved and the community rallied to continue environmental education and conservation on the land. \nToday\, DPNC’s main campus and Coogan Farm form part of a roughly 400-acre greenway\, while more than 10 miles of trails give visitors access to forests\, fields\, wetlands and other habitats. The organization also provides environmental education and wildlife care while protecting important local ecosystems and watersheds. \nThat makes an amphibian hunt here a little different from simply walking down to a random pond. Participants are exploring land that has been deliberately protected and used for nature education for generations. \nWhat Families Should Expect\nThe program lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes both outdoor exploration and an opportunity to see resident amphibians. \nBecause participants will be searching natural habitats\, there’s no guarantee which wild animals will make an appearance. That’s part of the experience. Finding wildlife means slowing down\, looking beneath the obvious places and learning to notice the small signs of life around a pond or forest floor. \nThe program is free thanks to grant support. \nEvent Details\nDate\nFriday\, August 14\, 2026 \nTime\n5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. \nLocation\nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center \nAddress\n109 Pequotsepos Road\nMystic\, CT 06355 \nAdmission\nFree. Grant supported. \nProgram\nGuided exploration for Connecticut frogs\, toads and salamanders\, along with an introduction to DPNC’s resident amphibians. \nRecommended For\nFamilies\, children interested in animals and nature\, and adults interested in Connecticut wildlife. \nWhat to Wear\nComfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for walking through wooded areas and around wetlands. Consider insect repellent for the evening portion of the program. \nImportant Notes\nThis is an outdoor wildlife program\, and sightings of particular wild amphibian species cannot be guaranteed. \nMore Information\nFor more information\, visit the event website using the Event Website link below. \nFor ticket purchases\, click on the Ticketing link below. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/amphibians-of-ct-at-the-denison-pequotsepos-nature-center/
LOCATION:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\, 109 Pequotsepos Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Amphibians-of-CT-at-the-Denison-Pequotsepos-Nature-Center-Friday-August-14-at-530pm.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T120000
DTSTAMP:20260608T023021Z
CREATED:20260608T023021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T023021Z
UID:10005351-1786788000-1786795200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Discovery Station at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
DESCRIPTION:Discovery Station at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is a monthly family program designed to help children and caregivers explore the natural world together. Through hands-on activities\, live animal encounters\, and self-guided exploration\, participants can discover nature at their own pace while learning about the plants\, animals\, and habitats that make the region unique. \nEach session features themed activity stations where families can investigate natural artifacts\, meet animal ambassadors\, and participate in interactive learning experiences. A hands-on craft adds a creative element to the program\, while a self-guided hike and scavenger hunt encourage participants to continue their discoveries outdoors. \nThe program is ideal for families with children of all ages who enjoy exploring nature together. Its flexible format allows visitors to move through activities at their own pace\, making it an accessible and welcoming experience for a wide range of ages and interests. \n2026 Session Schedule\nJuly 18 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.\nRegistration \nAugust 15 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.\nRegistration \n\nAdditional Details\n\nLocation: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC)\nMeets on the third Saturday of each month\nTime: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.\nChildren must attend with a caregiver\nOpen to kids of all ages\nInclusive\, family-friendly format\nThemed activity stations\nLive animal encounters\nNatural artifacts to examine\nHands-on craft activity\nSelf-guided hike and scavenger hunt\nFamilies may move through activities at their own pace\nMeets at DPNC\nPre-registration is recommended through the links above
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/discovery-station-at-the-denison-pequotsepos-nature-center/2026-08-15/
LOCATION:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\, 109 Pequotsepos Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Discovery-Station-at-the-Denison-Pequotsepos-Nature-Center-10am-12-pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T200000
DTSTAMP:20260705T025153Z
CREATED:20260608T020727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T025153Z
UID:10005349-1787418000-1787428800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Nature Night Out at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
DESCRIPTION:Nature Night Out gives kids ages 6 to 12 an evening of outdoor exploration\, hands-on activities\, and nature-themed fun at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. While parents enjoy a few hours to themselves\, participants spend the evening discovering the natural world through games\, wildlife encounters\, and guided adventures led by nature center staff. \nEach session combines education and entertainment\, allowing children to explore trails\, meet live animals\, and participate in activities designed to spark curiosity about nature. As the sun begins to set\, participants head out on an evening hike before gathering around the fire for pizza and s’mores\, creating a memorable outdoor experience with new friends. \nNature Night Out is perfect for children who love animals\, exploring outdoors\, and getting a little muddy while learning. With a mix of recreation\, discovery\, and campfire fun\, the program offers a unique way for young adventurers to spend a summer evening. \n2026 Session Schedule\nJune 20 | 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.\nRegistration \nJuly 18 | 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.\nRegistration \nAugust 22 | 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.\nRegistration \n\nAdditional Details\n\nLocation: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC)\nAges: 6-12 years\nTime: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.\nIncludes outdoor games and hands-on nature activities\nLive animal encounters\nEvening hike\nPizza and s’mores around the campfire\nParticipants should dress for the weather\nBring a flashlight\nPre-registration is required\nMember Rate: $34 per child\nNon-Member Rate: $40 per child\nMeets at DPNC for all sessions
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/nature-night-out-at-the-denison-pequotsepos-nature-center-2/2026-08-22/
LOCATION:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\, 109 Pequotsepos Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Nature-Night-Out-at-the-Denison-Pequotsepos-Nature-Center-5pm-to-8pm.jpg
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