Education for All Ages
The natural world is one of our greatest teachers, and education about conservation and the environment has been a core element of the Farmington Land Trust’s (FLT) mission since its founding in 1971.
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To bring more learning to more members of the Farmington community, FLT opened its Environmental Education Center in 2023 and hired an education coordinator, Sally Chaves, in 2024. Sally was an elementary school educator for 35 years in the public schools, most recently West District School. She is also a Certified Outdoor Educator.
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These are a few of FLT’s educational programs and events.
Birds of Prey Program
A fan favorite for years, FLT and the Hillstead Museum partner to bring this educational program--and live raptors--to the community, providing information about their species, behaviors, and how they benefit the ecosystems they live in.
Invasives Study
Through a grant from the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Committee, FLT has undertaken ecological restoration on the Cowles Property. Students from Miss Porter’s School are working with Dr. Barbara Nicholson, professor emeritus, Biology, CCSU and FLT board member, using solarization to mitigate invasive mugwort. Read more here.
Registration is Open for
Little Trailblazers: Ages 4 and 5
Designed for children ages four and five by educator, naturalist, and FLT board member Jessica Lecours, this new program is a great way to connect with your child in the great outdoors. Get details and register here.
Citizen Science Bee Count
Today, anyone with a smartphone can contribute to science! This event for all ages enables participants to learn about insect species and contribute data to scientists who are counting and tracking bee populations. Facilitated in 2025 by wildlife biologist and FLT board member Brian Hess.
Pollinator Program
This full-day field trip for all second graders in the Farmington school district provides experiential learning about pollinators, including entomology, botany, art stations--and more! The program has served more than 700 students since its launch in 2024. Learn more here.
Maggie from CT Audubon introduces Millie, a Barn Owl, at the Birds of Prey program, hosted by The Hill-Stead Museum
Harvard Study
FLT is excited to partner with West District Elementary School students in a citizen science study sponsored by Harvard Forest. Learn more here.