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Hungerford Nature Center & Museum

LXCL:We engage our community by sparking curiosity, nurturing understanding &amp; encouraging stewardship of our natural world! Hungerford Nature Center &amp; Museum brings the community together through hands-on activities, engaging educational programs, and meaningful habitat care—fostering a lifelong love and respect for the natural world.

Discover the hidden relationships between plants and insects while learning what makes a species invasive. We&rsquo;ll explore host plants, meet the Spotted Lanternfly and its preferred host, Tree-of-Heaven, and see firsthand how invasive species are identified and managed here at Hungerford Nature Center. Then we&rsquo;ll turn stewardship into art! Participants will use collected Spotted Lanternflies to create a unique resin jewelry piece, giving an invasive species a creative second life while learning how responsible management can help protect our native ecosystems.

Resin Art with Invasives

First Responders Appreciation Cookout Join Hungerford Nature Center &amp; Museum as we celebrate the incredible first responders who serve our community every day! On Sunday, August 16, from 5:00&ndash;7:00 PM, we&#39;re opening our doors to first responders and their families for an evening of food, fun, and appreciation. Enjoy:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🌭 Hot dogs and hamburgers</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🌱 Vegan and gluten-free meal options</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🍪 Desserts</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🎟️ Raffles and giveaways</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🦉 Live animal encounters</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">🌲 Free access to our animal exhibits, nature trails, and farm throughout the event</li></ul>Family members and loved ones are welcome to join in the celebration as we say thank you for your dedication and service to our community. Admission is free for first responders and their families.&nbsp; We look forward to celebrating with you!

First Responders Appreciation Cookout

21+ ONLYBring a few friends &amp; enjoy tasty snacks and delightful drinks from Worldwide Wine &amp; Spirits while we explore the lives of early springs creatures!

Sips and Spring Peepers

Pancake Breakfast 2026 &ndash; A Sweet Morning for the Whole Family! 🥞🍁 Join us for a delicious morning of pancakes, maple syrup, and family fun! Each seating includes breakfast plus a special maple program with a pond walk or fireside option. Seating Times: 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM (limited to 50 guests each) Menu:&nbsp;Regular, vegan &amp; gluten-free pancakes, sausage (vegan option available), apples, and real maple syrup from a local sugarhouse! Pricing (ticket required for all, including ages 3 &amp; under):Members: Kids 4+ $8 | Seniors $10 | Adults $12 | Under 3 FreeNon-Members: Kids 4+ $11 | Seniors $13 | Adults $15 | Under 3 Free 🎟️ Spots fill fast&mdash;reserve early!

Pancake Breakfast

Drop off the kids with us for crafting &amp; animal fun while you take the evening for yourself or with a special someone! &nbsp;We will keep those kids busy and fill them up with pizza so you can have your evening &#39;off.&#39; &nbsp; Ages 5-12 Pre-registration required.

Kids' Night Out

Bundle up and join us for Winter Fest at Hungerford Nature Center ⛄🌲 Explore our trails, meet our animal ambassadors, and enjoy simple, hands-on activities that bring our winter to life. Your registration supports our mission to connect families with nature and care for local habitats. Sign up to reserve your spot, receive event updates, and help keep our woods and wildlife thriving all season long.

WinterFest

Welcome to our online fundraising auction. 📣 Each item up for bid has been generously donated by our supporters, partners, and sponsors, with all proceeds directly benefiting our cause. By participating in our auction, you&#39;re not just acquiring remarkable items; you&#39;re also making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Spread the word, rally your friends and family, and together, let&#39;s make this auction a success! 🚀 Thank you for your support, and happy bidding! Hungerford Nature Center

Hungerford Nature Center's Silent Auction

Drop off the kids and enjoy a little time for yourself! Our educators will guide them in creating seasonal holiday decorations and gifts, all while enjoying a pizza dinner.&nbsp; Ages: 5 years old - 12 years old A fun, hands-on evening of creativity and holiday cheer for young makers!

Kids’ Night Out

<article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="508c110a-bed4-4dda-b711-03a35b2a3f39" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" tabindex="-1"><div fr-original-style="" style="line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;" tabindex="-1"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="0ad8103a-4938-483a-a337-76574f6f133e" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-1" dir="auto" fr-original-style="" style="line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">📸 Holiday Photo Shoot at Hungerford Nature Center!Capture magical memories with our festive setups and some of your favorite animal ambassadors! Choose from two beautifully themed holiday scenes during your 20-minute photo session. Bring your own camera or phone &mdash; we&rsquo;ll help you get the perfect shots. 🐾 Add a Special Guest!&nbsp;$25 additional Fee For an additional fee, you can include one of our adorable animal ambassadors in your photos. Available animals include: Bunny, Bearded Dragon, Guinea Pig, Ferret, Turtle, Snake, or&nbsp;Opossum. Animal availability subject to change. 🎄 Please note:<ul data-end="865" data-start="721" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="775" data-start="721" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">No adults are permitted on the antique sleigh.</li><li data-end="827" data-start="776" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Animals are only handled by staff.</li><li data-end="865" data-start="828" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Sessions fill quickly &mdash; book early!</li></ul>Create a memory your family will treasure all season long!</div></div></article><div data-edge="true" fr-original-style="" style="width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>

Holiday Photos

Drop the kids off and enjoy a relaxing afternoon while they explore, create, and learn! Our educators will take students out on the trails to collect natural materials for crafting festive holiday ornaments, then guide them indoors to discover how our animals thrive during the winter months. Ages: 5 years old - 12 years old A fun, hands-on experience for curious young nature enthusiasts!

Kids’ Afternoon Out

🎄 Get Crafty &amp; Festive at Hungerford Nature Center! 🎄 Bring the whole family and create your very own holiday wreath in this hands-on workshop! Our educators will guide you every step of the way, providing plenty of natural materials, a festive bow, and expert tips&mdash;all you need is your holiday spirit. Thanks to the generosity of the Berlin Arts &amp; Culture Committee, we&rsquo;re able to offer this workshop at a special reduced rate. Every registration helps support Hungerford Nature Center&rsquo;s mission, bringing us closer to a brighter, more compassionate world for all. Don&rsquo;t miss this chance to craft, connect, and celebrate the season together!

Family Wreath Workshop

Join us for a delightful Wreath Making Workshop for Adults at Hungerford Nature Center! Craft your own winter wreath using natural materials sourced from our local ecosystem. Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, explore sustainable practices, and enjoy a cozy, creative evening out. Our educators will provide plenty of natural materials, a festive bow, hands-on guidance, and a tasty snack.&nbsp; Plus, this is a BYOB event&mdash;feel free to bring an adult beverage if you are of legal drinking age. Your participation supports our mission to foster environmental stewardship through education and community engagement.&nbsp; Reserve your spot today and embrace the beauty of nature while creating something festive!&nbsp; We are delighted to offer this workshop at a reduced rate due to the generosity of the Berlin Arts &amp; Culture Committee.

Wreath Making Workshop for Adults

We welcome you to our 2025 annual meeting. Please join us as we highlight accomplishments and recognizing our volunteers. Reception to follow Special Guest: New Britain Mayor, Erin Stewart

Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation

Support the Hungerford Nature Center Your donation directly helps us care for our beloved resident animals, maintain our beautiful trails, continue offering educational programs and engaging exhibits that inspire visitors of all ages. At the heart of everything we do is our mission:&nbsp;We engage our community by sparking curiosity, nurturing understanding, and encouraging stewardship of our natural world. With your support, we can continue to connect people with nature and make a lasting impact on our environment and future generations. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission.

Support the Hungerford Nature CenterYour donation directly helps us care for our beloved resident animals, maintain our beautiful trails, continue offering educational programs and engaging exhibits that inspire visitors of all ages.At the heart of everything we do is our mission: We engage our community by sparking curiosity, nurturing understanding, and encouraging stewardship of our natural world.With your support, we can continue to connect people with nature and make a lasting impact on our environment and future generations. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission.

Learning and discovery shouldn&#39;t be limited by distance. With your support, our Mobile Museum will bring hands-on nature experiences, live animal encounters, and interactive educational programs directly to schools, libraries, community events, senior centers, and neighborhoods throughout our region. Your donation will help fund the vehicle, exhibits, educational materials, and ongoing operating costs needed to keep the Mobile Museum on the road. Every gift, no matter the size, helps create opportunities for children and families to connect with nature, spark curiosity, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Together, we can remove barriers to learning and ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the wonder of nature&mdash;right in their own community. Help us bring discovery to every community, one stop at a time.

Learning and discovery shouldn't be limited by distance. With your support, our Mobile Museum will bring hands-on nature experiences, live animal encounters, and interactive educational programs directly to schools, libraries, community events, senior centers, and neighborhoods throughout our region.Your donation will help fund the vehicle, exhibits, educational materials, and ongoing operating costs needed to keep the Mobile Museum on the road. Every gift, no matter the size, helps create opportunities for children and families to connect with nature, spark curiosity, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.Together, we can remove barriers to learning and ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the wonder of nature—right in their own community.Help us bring discovery to every community, one stop at a time.

Help Us Bring Discovery to Every Community

🎃 Join Us in Lighting Up Pumpkin Palooza! 🎃At Hungerford Nature Center, we know that community magic starts with people like you. Every carved pumpkin, every dollar donated, and every moment of your time helps bring Pumpkin Palooza to life — lighting up our trails and inspiring joy for all who visit.Here’s how you can help make Pumpkin Palooza shine:🌟 Donate: Every dollar helps us create an unforgettable event and support the care of our animals year-round.🎃 Share: Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, and community about Pumpkin Palooza. Your voice helps our glow reach even farther.🙌 Volunteer: Your time and creativity make a world of difference — from carving pumpkins to helping guests enjoy the magic of the night.Thank you for helping us make Pumpkin Palooza a celebration of light, community, and nature. Your support truly makes it possible!Friends of the Pumpkins $100Recognition as a Friend at the EventPumpkin Carved with your logo displayed at the EventBig Pumpkin Sponsors $250Recognition as a Friend at the EventRecognition of Sponsorship on our website for 1 monthPumpkin carved with organization logo2 Event TicketsGreat Pumpkin Sponsors $500Recognition as a Friend at the EventRecognition on our website for 3 monthsPumpkin Carved with your logo displayed at the Event3 Event TicketsPremier Pumpkin Sponsors $1000Recognition as a Friend at the EventRecognition on our website for 6 monthsPumpkin Carved with your logo displayed at the Event 4 Event Tickets

Pumpkin Palooza Sponsors

Being creative is a lifelong right! Join us for a four-week adult art series celebrating creativity, nature, connection, and well-being. Each week, participants will create a different hands-on craft project inspired by the natural world around us. No previous art experience is needed&mdash;just come ready to create! Creative engagement can support physical and cognitive abilities, promote overall well-being, and provide a meaningful opportunity to socialize and connect with others. Come explore your creative side, find inspiration in nature, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making art together.

Art for the Ages

🎃 Pumpkin Carving Nights at Hungerford Nature Center! ✨ Help us get ready for Pumpkin Palooza by carving your very own pumpkin! Each pumpkin you carve will be placed along our trails for everyone to enjoy during the big event. 🗓 Dates:<ul data-end="418" data-start="358" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li data-end="385" data-start="358" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Wednesday October 14th: Members Only, 4pm-8pm</li><li data-end="418" data-start="386" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Thursday October 15th: Open to the Public, 4pm-8pm</li></ul>💰 Registration Required &ndash;&nbsp;<span fr-original-style="color: rgb(29, 28, 29); font-family: Slack-Lato, Slack-Fractions, appleLogo, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(29, 28, 29); font-family: Slack-Lato, Slack-Fractions, appleLogo, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">$5 PER GROUP<span fr-original-style="color: rgb(29, 28, 29); font-family: Slack-Lato, Slack-Fractions, appleLogo, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" style="color: rgb(29, 28, 29); font-family: Slack-Lato, Slack-Fractions, appleLogo, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">Required and covers your whole group and all of your group&#39;s pumpkins.<br style="box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(29, 28, 29); font-family: Slack-Lato, Slack-Fractions, appleLogo, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(29, 28, 29); font-family: Slack-Lato, Slack-Fractions, appleLogo, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: common-ligatures; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> Enjoy all the fun without any of the mess&mdash;we do the cleaning, you just carve! Spaces are limited, so register early to secure your pumpkins and join the festive fun.

Pumpkin Carving Nights 2026

Join us for a magical autumn evening! &nbsp;6:30 - 9:00 pm on October 16th &amp; 17th! 🌟 Pumpkin Trail Stroll through our scenic, wooded trails beautifully lit by over 300 hand-carved pumpkins! Each turn brings a new surprise &mdash; from silly faces to spooky scenes!🎨 Kids&rsquo; Zones Let the little ones get creative with free Halloween-themed crafts, interactive games. Great for toddlers to tweens!🔥 Bonfire Hangout Gather around our cozy bonfire &mdash; the perfect place to warm up, and sip on your cider.&nbsp;🍎 Delicious Refreshments Enjoy complimentary apple cider, fresh donuts, and other tasty fall treats to keep you fueled for the fun.👻 Dress to Impress! Costumes are welcome &mdash; and encouraged! Whether you&rsquo;re spooky, silly, or sweet, show off your Halloween spirit.📸 Photo Spots &amp; Pumpkin Selfie Station Snap the perfect fall photo with friends and family at our themed backdrops and pumpkin displays. &nbsp; Every registration to this event will bring us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all. Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.

Pumpkin Palooza 2026

Get ready for a magical evening at Hungerford Nature Center! Sponsored by Worldwide Wine &amp; Spirits, Cocktails &amp; Cauldrons invites you to sip, socialize, and discover the fascinating side of local nature. Enjoy a selection of delicious cocktails while mingling with friends and fellow nature lovers. Along the way, uncover the secrets of our local plants, wildlife, and natural habitats in a fun and festive atmosphere. Come raise a glass, stir up some fun, and experience nature with a little magic!

Cocktails & Cauldrons

A cozy evening of stories, s&rsquo;mores, and quality time&mdash;just for our member families! 📅 Duration: 1.5&ndash;2 hours 👨&zwj;👩&zwj;👧&zwj;👦 Perfect for: Families of all ages 🍫 Includes: Hot drinks, s&rsquo;mores kits, and fireside storytelling Snuggle up in your warmest clothes and join us for a heartwarming night by the fire. Sip on cocoa or cider, roast marshmallows to gooey perfection, and enjoy timeless stories shared under the stars. Whether you&#39;re making new memories or reliving favorite traditions, it&rsquo;s a night to slow down, laugh together, and soak in the magic of the season. ✨ Registration Required (small fee per family) 🎟️ Spots are limited, so reserve yours early!

Members Only Bonfire Stories

Explore our dye garden, learn how plants are processed into natural dyes, and try your hand at dyeing techniques. Leave with your own beautiful, one-of-a-kind fabric samples!

Natural Dyes

Join us for the Hungerford Nature Center Annual Meeting, where we review the year&rsquo;s work caring for our animals, trails, and museum exhibits. Hear updates on programs, finances, and upcoming projects that support local wildlife education.

Annual Meeting

Drop the kids off and enjoy a relaxing afternoon while they explore, create, and learn! Our educators will take students out on the trails to collect natural materials for crafting festive holiday ornaments, then guide them indoors to discover how our animals thrive during the winter months. Ages: 5 years old - 12 years old A fun, hands-on experience for curious young nature enthusiasts!

Create your own miniature garden in a fun, hands-on terrarium workshop! Learn the basics of terrarium design, choose your favorite plants and decorative elements, and take home a beautiful living creation.

Terrarium Workshop

Drop off the kids and enjoy a little time for yourself! Our educators will guide them in creating seasonal holiday decorations and gifts, all while enjoying a pizza dinner.&nbsp; Ages: 5 years old - 12 years old A fun, hands-on evening of creativity and holiday cheer for young makers!

Drop off the kids with us for crafting &amp; animal fun while you take the evening for yourself or with a special someone! &nbsp;We will keep those kids busy and fill them up with pizza so you can have your evening &#39;off.&#39; &nbsp; Ages 5-12 Pre-registration required.

Hungerford Nature Center & Museum

Hungerford Nature Center & Museum

Events

Events

Art for the Ages

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Pumpkin Carving Nights 2026

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Pumpkin Palooza 2026

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Cocktails & Cauldrons

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Members Only Bonfire Stories

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Natural Dyes

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Annual Meeting

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Kids’ Afternoon Out

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Terrarium Workshop

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Kids’ Night Out

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Kids' Night Out

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More ways to support us

Every Little Bit Counts

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Help Us Bring Discovery to Every Community

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Pumpkin Palooza Sponsors

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