Ranger Nature Program
Animal Tracking/Tree Identification
This program involves the exploration of Edgewood Park in the winter. Searching for animal tracks, as well as being able to identify trees without leaves, makes this program a great activity for children, grades K-6. Available only during the winter. For more information, please contact the specific Ranger as follows:
East Rock Park:
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Wray Williams
(203)946-6086
wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
Barnard Nature Center/West River Memorial Park:
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
West Rock Nature Center:
Ranger Joe Milone
(203)946-6559
jmilone@newhavenct.gov
Bird Walks & Bird Watching Trips
Lead by park rangers and naturalists, these walks teach about migrating birds, as well as some of our local resident species (bald eagles, ospreys, owls, hawks, falcons, etc). Spotting scopes and binoculars are included.
For more information, please contact the specific Ranger as follows:
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Wray Williams
(203)946-6086
wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
Barnard Nature Center/West River Memorial Park:
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
West Rock Nature Center:
Ranger Joe Milone
(203)946-6559
jmilone@newhavenct.gov
Candle & Wreath Making Workshops
A perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Learn how to make and decorate a wreath or how to dip a candle. All necessary materials are provided for this HANDS-ON event. Refreshments and other arts & craft activities for children are also provided This program is offered at Coogan Pavilion, usually in early December of each year.
Cost: Wreaths: $10 for New Haven Residents / $15 for Non-Residents Hand-Dipped Candles: 3 for $5 New Haven Residents / 3 for $10 Non-Residents
For more information please contact:
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Wray Williams
(203)946-6086
wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
This is a favorite activity for some of our rangers, who will be happy to pass on their “secrets” while they demonstrate fishing techniques and equipment. Our salt and fresh-water fishing events are becoming more and more popular. Programs may include a local clinics, events geared towards seniors, and blue fishing trips. For more information please contact:
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Join our staff and special guests for a series of fascinating walks through the parks. This program is offered at East Rock and West Rock parks. For more information please contact
East Rock Park:
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Wray Williams
(203)946-6086
wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
West Rock Nature Center:
Ranger Joe Milone
(203)946-6559
jmilone@newhavenct.gov
Hawk Watch and Migration Festival
Learn about these amazing birds of prey as they pass by during their fall migration. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from the rangers. Offered at East Rock, West Rock and Lighthouse Point parks. Traditionally we hold our Migration Festival on the 3rd weekend in September. For more information about migrating birds, contact Ranger Dan Barvir (203)946-6086 email: dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
This program is offered several times each year and depending upon the age group could include: A nature walk near the Nature Center looking for “reptile signs,” “Hands on” presentation with snakes and turtles in the Ranger Station, or multimedia presentations. Available at Barnard Nature Center, Trowbridge Environmental Center and West Rock Nature Center.
For more information please contact
Trowbridge Environmental Center
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Wray Williams
(203)946-6086
wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
Barnard Nature Center/West River Memorial Park
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
West Rock Nature Center
Ranger Joe Milone
(203)946-6559
jmilone@newhavenct.gov
Maple trees, syrup and pancakes are a New England tradition. Join our staff and learn how to identify a maple tree, tap a tree for sap, boil the sap, and taste the final product. Note: This program is offered only from late February to mid-March. For more information, contact
East Rock Ranger Park:
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Wray Williams
(203)946-6086
wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
West Rock Nature Center:
Ranger Joe Milone
(203)946-6559
jmilone@newhavenct.gov
This program is offered year around (weather permitting), and could include any of the following: Identifying trees, birds, flowers, animals’ tracks, including, brookstudy, hiking, orienteering, and biodiversity. For more information please contact
East Rock Park:
Ranger Dan Barvir
(203)946-6086
dbarvir@newhavenct.gov
Ranger Wray Williams
(203)946-6086
wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
Barnard Nature Center/West River Memorial Park:
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
West Rock Nature Center:
Ranger Joe Milone
(203)946-6559
jmilone@newhavenct.gov
A great way to learn how to learn how to find your way in the outdoors. A newly designed course at the West Rock Nature Center will also allow participants to learn about map reading, use of compasses and GPS, trail nomenclature, as well as topographical maps.
West Rock Nature Center
Ranger Joe Milone
(203)946-6559
jmilone@newhavenct.gov
This popular program introduces children and youth to the fascinating world of owls. By using sterilized owl pellets, students reconstruct the owl's prey by piecing together the bones and studying the skulls. Pellets consist of the hair and bones that owls regurgitate following a meal. They contain valuable clues to what the owl was eating, and the habitat in which the owl was hunting. The program also teaches children about where owls live, how they see so well at night and how to tell if there are owls living nearby. Students will be fascinated by our museum grade specimen of the great horned owl, Bubo Virginianus.
Barnard Nature Center/West River Memorial Park:
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
This program includes the use of a seining net, which allow participants of all ages to learn about pond ecology and the food chain at Edgewood Park’s Duck Pond. The program is complemented with a tour of the ranger station, including displays of native and non-native inhabitants. For more information contact:
Barnard Nature Center/West River Memorial Park
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
This program is offered to seniors and residents of all ages. A leisurely stroll through Edgewood Park, led by the Edgewood/Barnard Ranger, will allow participants to observe the beauty of the park and to learn about its unique biodiversity. For more information contact:
Barnard Nature Center/West River Memorial Park
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
Environmental stories are told at the Edgewood Ranger Station. These presentations are accompanied by an appropriate craft. Different stories can accommodate children ages
3-7, and grades K-6. For more information, contact:
Ranger Harry Coyle
(475)220-3539
hcoyle@newhavenct.gov
Talking to Turkeys introduces children ages 8-12 to the wild turkey of Connecticut, Meleagaris Malloparo. After a brief presentation concerning turkey characteristics, ecology and history, participants make a simple turkey call using a block of wood, a length of dowel, a piece of slate and a small sanding block. The program concludes with one-hour walk in West Rock Ridge State Park during which the turkey callers are used in hopes of calling some turkeys into view.
For more information please contact Ranger Wray Williams (203)946-6086 email: wwilliam@newhavenct.gov
The Lighthouse Point Park Rangers now offer this unique program. This historical program includes a climb of the lighthouse. Participants must be able to climb the step stairs to the top. Available to groups upon request. For more information, contact the Lighthouse Point Park Rangers at (203) 946-8790.
A nature lover’s delight, this program is offered during several times of the year at the West Rock Nature Center. Lead by naturalists and/or rangers, this program includes hikes through the woods, which allows participants to learn, identify and even photograph striking native species.
For more information call the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.
