Event Types: Nature & Outdoors

Join us for the annual Stephen Reich Freedom Walk/Run at Steep Rock Preserve. Registration starts at 8:30 am at the picnic table by the horse ring.

Major Stephen C. Reich, of Washington Depot, Connecticut, served four tours of duty in Afghanistan and was killed in action when he and 15 troops of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment on board a Chinook helicopter were shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade in Kunar province, Afghanistan, while rescuing a SEAL team.

Gardening is good for the soul, and like any physical activity, it can leave your body sore. Adding regular yoga sessions can help build strength in your body’s most-used areas, develop mindfulness of the body to prevent injury, and release tension — especially in the neck, shoulders, wrists, hips, and back. This class provide the routine care your body needs to keep up with your garden’s growth throughout the season.

Classes are open to beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. All yoga mats and props are provided; please bring your own water and sunscreen. Classes are held in the garden on the back lawn. In inclement weather, they will be moved into the Barn.

Benevolent spirit, teacher, artist, and creator of the Fully Alive Method and Breakthrough Breathwork, Julie Haesche has taught yoga and meditation for many years. Certified in several styles of yoga, her offerings are an eclectic mix of Hatha Flow, Kundalini, and Restorative Yoga with specialties in Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Yoga Therapy. As a fifth generation Usui Reiki Master, she infuses her work with healing, depth, and care. Julie uses her passionate energy to share her craft with others, both internationally and locally within her community, recently winning her an award from Litchfield Magazine as one of the best yoga teachers in the county.

Advanced registration is recommended. On-site payments must be made in cash.

Hollister House Garden Members $20 |Non-Members $25

REGISTER HERE

Enjoy an evening with fellow gardeners weeding the vegetables in Judea Garden, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need.

Now in our 14th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.

We will be enjoying Weed and Wine Wednesdays on the following dates:
June 8, 15, 22, and 29
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
August 3, 10, and 17

Thursday afternoons @ 12:30 starting June 30th

The Junior Library welcomes back Litchfield County’s 4-H program through the University of Connecticut for an in-person summer program series. Children are invited to learn about agriculture & 4-H. We will explore the various aspects of planting & growing, fishing, sewing, and eating the foods most familiar to Connecticut natives. Mark your calendars for afternoon fun at the library this summer!

To register please call 860-868-2310 or email Ms. Linda at [email protected]

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, June 30 @ 12:30- Exploring 4-H- You might be wondering “What is 4-H?” And “will it be interesting to my children?” We will be covering topics from animals and plants to crafts and the environment. There is something for everyone! Explore all aspects of 4-H.

Thursday, July 7 @ 12:30 – Under the Water- What lives under the water? Dive into the living things that live under the water like: Fish, clams, oysters, and plants. We will learn about water species in Connecticut Rivers and the Long Island Sound.

Thursday, July 14 @ 12:30- Udderly Underrated– Do you know where milk comes from? Let’s learn about all the products that are made with milk. From cheese, butter and of course ice cream! We will break down all of the great dairy products!

Thursday, July 21 @ 12:30- I speak to the trees– Ever read the Lorax by Dr. Seuss? This week we will learn about the life cycles of plants and the trees we love so much. You will even be able to bring a vegetable plant home with you to start your journey in gardening and growing your own food!

Presented by Agnes Wnuk

Learn how to capture the light and shadow, colors and the structure of a garden. An initial classroom lesson will be followed by an extended drawing and painting session, with plenty of drawing and watercolor tips for managing painting outdoors. Participants will explore the many different materials available to artists for ease of painting in the field, and will experience the joy of painting surrounded by the beauty of nature that Hollister House Garden provides!

This plein air workshop at Hollister House Garden is taught by Agnes Wnuk. Her work has been exhibited in Connecticut and New York, and several pieces have been awarded prizes. She is the latest recipient of the annual Connecticut Historic Gardens Poster Contest. She has painted Hollister Garden on many a Wednesday morning over the past several years.

Open to all skill levels. Participants must bring all items on the Plein Air Painting Materials List and are strongly encouraged to bring a watercolor easel and a camping chair to facilitate a comfortable painting experience. Participants should also bring sun protection. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

In the event of rain, the workshop will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 13 from 3:00-6:30 pm.

Advanced reservations are required, as capacity is limited.

Hollister House Garden Members $70 | Non-Members $85

REGISTER HERE

Join us for “Lake a Hike”, a moderately challenging guided hike, approx. 4 miles, sponsored by the Lake Waramaug Association and Steep Rock Association.

Start and finish at the Macricostas parking lot at 124 Christian Street, New Preston. Learn from an SRA guide about the ecological gem of the Macricostas preserve and Meeker Swamp. Delight in songbirds, butterflies, wildlife, and incredible views! Breakfast will await you at Pinnacle Rock and refreshments will be available at SRA’s Camp House at the end. Rain date Sunday, July 10, 9:30 am.

Register here

We are excited for another great season of our weekly Farmers Market!

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! We are delighted to host our weekly farmers market again for the 2022 season. Running every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Washington Farmers Market features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, coffee products, and natural pet food – in addition to other unique handmade, artisanal products for the body, home and garden.

Photo of Washington Farmers Market by Alexandra Barnes

Enjoy an evening with fellow gardeners weeding the vegetables in Judea Garden, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need.

Now in our 14th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.

We will be enjoying Weed and Wine Wednesdays on the following dates:
June 8, 15, 22, and 29
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
August 3, 10, and 17

Explore your nocturnal side with Steep Rock Association this summer for a hike through Macricostas Preserve under a full moon. On Wednesday, July 13, we will be graced by the Buck Moon. If there are clear skies, we’ll hike through an illuminated landscape from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm, a special time as the trails are typically closed.

We will meet at the main Macricostas Preserve parking lot (124 Christian Street, New Preston, CT) before proceeding over boardwalk, around hayfield, and into forest with the Lookout as a destination. This rocky outcropping will provide the perfect platform for viewing the moonrise and letting out a howl or hoot into the night.

Thursday afternoons @ 12:30 starting June 30th

The Junior Library welcomes back Litchfield County’s 4-H program through the University of Connecticut for an in-person summer program series. Children are invited to learn about agriculture & 4-H. We will explore the various aspects of planting & growing, fishing, sewing, and eating the foods most familiar to Connecticut natives. Mark your calendars for afternoon fun at the library this summer!

To register please call 860-868-2310 or email Ms. Linda at [email protected]

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, June 30 @ 12:30- Exploring 4-H- You might be wondering “What is 4-H?” And “will it be interesting to my children?” We will be covering topics from animals and plants to crafts and the environment. There is something for everyone! Explore all aspects of 4-H.

Thursday, July 7 @ 12:30 – Under the Water- What lives under the water? Dive into the living things that live under the water like: Fish, clams, oysters, and plants. We will learn about water species in Connecticut Rivers and the Long Island Sound.

Thursday, July 14 @ 12:30- Udderly Underrated– Do you know where milk comes from? Let’s learn about all the products that are made with milk. From cheese, butter and of course ice cream! We will break down all of the great dairy products!

Thursday, July 21 @ 12:30- I speak to the trees– Ever read the Lorax by Dr. Seuss? This week we will learn about the life cycles of plants and the trees we love so much. You will even be able to bring a vegetable plant home with you to start your journey in gardening and growing your own food!

Presented by Betsy Rogers-Knox

True lilies are in the genus Lilium and they grow from true bulbs, unlike daylilies which grow from tubers. With their beautiful scents and often unique curved petals they are a delight in the garden. With careful observation learn to portray these beauties in watercolor with step- by-step demonstrations and plenty of personal attention. All skill levels welcome!

The watercolor workshops at Hollister House Garden are taught by Betsy Rogers-Knox. Betsy received a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from NYBG in 2006. Her work has been widely exhibited in the United States and at the Royal Horticultural Botanical Art Show in London where she was awarded the Silver Gilt Award.

Open to all skill levels. Participants should bring their own lunch, as well as all materials included in the Watercolor Basic Material List.

Hollister House Garden Members $95 |Non-Members $120

REGISTER HERE

Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a series of casual walks through Steep Rock’s Preserves. Friday, July 15 we will visit the Bronson Field Pollinator Meadow on Sabbaday Lane at Hidden Valley Preserve.

Put your hands (and not just your boots) on the trails this hiking season by joining Steep Rock Association’s (SRA) Monthly Trail Work Party. The Monthly Trail Work Party meets at 9:30 a.m. the third Saturday of every month from April through October. Participants in SRA’s monthly trail work party learn by doing, tackling new and exciting projects every month, ranging from backcountry trail construction to water and vegetation management.

Wear/bring close-toed shoes, long pants, seasonally appropriate clothing, and a re-usable water bottle. Some hiking to the varying worksites will be necessary. Families with teens and older children are welcome, but an adult must accompany and participate with children under 16 years of age.

Project: Project location and additional information will be posted two weeks before the event.

Location: TBD

We are excited for another great season of our weekly Farmers Market!

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! We are delighted to host our weekly farmers market again for the 2022 season. Running every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Washington Farmers Market features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, coffee products, and natural pet food – in addition to other unique handmade, artisanal products for the body, home and garden.

Photo of Washington Farmers Market by Alexandra Barnes

What odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) inhabit Washington, and what does their presence or absence mean for local and regional conservation? Steep Rock Association (SRA) aims to answer these questions and we need your help. Join our team of “dragon hunters” for an educational and scientific day of sampling odonates in SRA preserves. We’ll start by overviewing odonate ecology, transition into capture technique training, and then begin the hunt for as many different species of dragonflies and damselflies at a given survey site.

Location: Macricostas Preserve, 124 Christian St., New Preston.

Forecasted inclement weather will advance the survey to Saturday, July 16.

Enjoy an evening with fellow gardeners weeding the vegetables in Judea Garden, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need.

Now in our 14th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.

We will be enjoying Weed and Wine Wednesdays on the following dates:
June 8, 15, 22, and 29
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
August 3, 10, and 17

Thursday afternoons @ 12:30 starting June 30th

The Junior Library welcomes back Litchfield County’s 4-H program through the University of Connecticut for an in-person summer program series. Children are invited to learn about agriculture & 4-H. We will explore the various aspects of planting & growing, fishing, sewing, and eating the foods most familiar to Connecticut natives. Mark your calendars for afternoon fun at the library this summer!

To register please call 860-868-2310 or email Ms. Linda at [email protected]

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, June 30 @ 12:30- Exploring 4-H- You might be wondering “What is 4-H?” And “will it be interesting to my children?” We will be covering topics from animals and plants to crafts and the environment. There is something for everyone! Explore all aspects of 4-H.

Thursday, July 7 @ 12:30 – Under the Water- What lives under the water? Dive into the living things that live under the water like: Fish, clams, oysters, and plants. We will learn about water species in Connecticut Rivers and the Long Island Sound.

Thursday, July 14 @ 12:30- Udderly Underrated– Do you know where milk comes from? Let’s learn about all the products that are made with milk. From cheese, butter and of course ice cream! We will break down all of the great dairy products!

Thursday, July 21 @ 12:30- I speak to the trees– Ever read the Lorax by Dr. Seuss? This week we will learn about the life cycles of plants and the trees we love so much. You will even be able to bring a vegetable plant home with you to start your journey in gardening and growing your own food!

We are excited for another great season of our weekly Farmers Market!

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! We are delighted to host our weekly farmers market again for the 2022 season. Running every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Washington Farmers Market features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, coffee products, and natural pet food – in addition to other unique handmade, artisanal products for the body, home and garden.

Photo of Washington Farmers Market by Alexandra Barnes

Enjoy an evening with fellow gardeners weeding the vegetables in Judea Garden, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need.

Now in our 14th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.

We will be enjoying Weed and Wine Wednesdays on the following dates:
June 8, 15, 22, and 29
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
August 3, 10, and 17

Hollister House Garden offers many creative photographic opportunities for knowledgeable users of smartphone/tablet cameras. This photo editing class, taught by Thad Kubis, will begin with an overview of basic in-camera systems operations, and will address a range of editing platforms: including, third party editing apps, Lightroom and Photoshop. This class is suitable for users of iPhone models 6 to 13 Pro Max and related updated tablets, and could be helpful for DSLR system users as well.

Following this overview, participants will practice their new skills in the garden. Thad will be present throughout for questions and consultation. The session concludes with a review and discussion and editing of selected images from the time in the garden.

Thaddeus Kubis is an editorial, documentary and fine art photographer and instructor with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of photography.

Participants should bring their own lunch, as well as a fully charged phone or tablet. Water, soft drinks and snacks will be provided.

HHG Members $95 | Non-members $120

REGISTER HERE

We are excited for another great season of our weekly Farmers Market!

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! We are delighted to host our weekly farmers market again for the 2022 season. Running every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Washington Farmers Market features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, coffee products, and natural pet food – in addition to other unique handmade, artisanal products for the body, home and garden.

Photo of Washington Farmers Market by Alexandra Barnes

In an immersive forest setting with no locks, keys or clocks, Wigwam Escape’s thematic puzzles challenge game players to hunt, find water and prepare food similar to how Native people did for thousands of years prior to European contact. The Institute for American Indian Studies, proudly presents a new way to interact with history, a themed escape room, Wigwam Escape.

Our museum’s mission is to “preserve and educate through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality and knowledge of Native American cultures”. We chose an escape room setting as an interactive and captivating way to educate the public about how pre-contact Native peoples lived within their environment over 500 years ago. This hand-on experience of history is demonstrated through a series of custom puzzles and hand crafted set, complete with a full sized traditionally sourced wigwam.

The full experience is 90 minutes in the museum’s Research Center. This includes a pre-game orientation, the one hour escape room centerpiece, and post-game popcorn snack and discussion when your team returns to the 21st Century. The game is set for 3 to 7 players and the cost is $25 per person, or $20 for our museum members or students.

More than just a game, Wigwam Escape is built to teach through experience and foster dialogue in a game that’s dynamic, challenging and entertaining. Visit Wigwam Escape for this must-do team building experience for friends, families and co-workers.

For more information or to book your escape room, go to: wigwamescape.org.

Enjoy an evening with fellow gardeners weeding the vegetables in Judea Garden, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need.

Now in our 14th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.

We will be enjoying Weed and Wine Wednesdays on the following dates:
June 8, 15, 22, and 29
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
August 3, 10, and 17

Presented by Betsy Rogers-Knox

As summer ebbs Hollister House Garden continues to provide many colorful plants and flowers to draw and record in a garden journal. Whether you’re just starting or have been journaling for some time, class demonstrations will provide plenty of drawing and watercolor tips from both inside and outside in the garden.

The garden journaling workshops at Hollister House Garden are taught by Betsy Rogers-Knox. Betsy received a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from NYBG in 2006. Her work has been widely exhibited in the United States and at the Royal Horticultural Botanical Art Show in London where she was awarded the Silver Gilt Award.

Open to all skill levels. All participants must purchase a Stillman & Birn Zeta Series 5.5 x 8.5 hardcover sketchbook and a Sakura Pigma Micron 03 black pen. All other required items are included in the Garden Journaling Materials List.

Hollister House Garden Members $95 | Non-Members $120
Notebook & pen $25

REGISTER HERE

As the light fades and day turns to evening enjoy the company of friends and neighbors and see the beauty of the garden in a different light. Come, have a glass of wine and delight in the intimate outdoor spaces, bordered by dramatic hedges and overflowing with exuberant plantings. A perfect start to a summer weekend. Reservations are not required.

Admission: $10 per person donation is requested, which includes a glass of wine.

We are excited for another great season of our weekly Farmers Market!

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! We are delighted to host our weekly farmers market again for the 2022 season. Running every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Washington Farmers Market features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, coffee products, and natural pet food – in addition to other unique handmade, artisanal products for the body, home and garden.

Photo of Washington Farmers Market by Alexandra Barnes

Enjoy an evening with fellow gardeners weeding the vegetables in Judea Garden, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need.

Now in our 14th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.

We will be enjoying Weed and Wine Wednesdays on the following dates:
June 8, 15, 22, and 29
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
August 3, 10, and 17

We are excited for another great season of our weekly Farmers Market!

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! We are delighted to host our weekly farmers market again for the 2022 season. Running every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Washington Farmers Market features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, coffee products, and natural pet food – in addition to other unique handmade, artisanal products for the body, home and garden.

Photo of Washington Farmers Market by Alexandra Barnes

Enjoy an evening with fellow gardeners weeding the vegetables in Judea Garden, then enjoy a glass of wine on us! Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need.

Now in our 14th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.

We will be enjoying Weed and Wine Wednesdays on the following dates:
June 8, 15, 22, and 29
July 6, 13, 20, and 27
August 3, 10, and 17

We are excited for another great season of our weekly Farmers Market!

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! We are delighted to host our weekly farmers market again for the 2022 season. Running every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Washington Farmers Market features a diverse set of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, specialty cheeses, fresh seafood, gourmet prepared foods, breads and baked goods, coffee products, and natural pet food – in addition to other unique handmade, artisanal products for the body, home and garden.

Photo of Washington Farmers Market by Alexandra Barnes

Save the date!
Join us at our annual Washington Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 9th, 2022! More details to come.