Outdoor Learning Resources

While all Connecticut residents “Stay Safe, Stay Home” to help minimize community spread of COVID-19 and children are currently learning from home, it does not mean you have to say inside. This challenging situation provides an opportunity for all of us to get reconnected with nature and the Connecticut outdoors. There are a variety of outdoor and nature education opportunities and resources that individuals and families can take advantage of now and into the future. Plus, you do not necessarily have to travel to a state park as many of these experiences can occur in your neighborhood or backyard. Remember to make sure your new outdoor adventures are safe and enjoyable by practicing social distancing, especially when visiting public spaces. You are encouraged to routinely visit the CT State Parks and Forests and COVID-19 webpage for the latest updates on staying safe. We are all responsible for doing our part to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe.

Wildlife   |   Forests   |   Other Resources

Wildlife

Explore Connecticut's Wildlife at Sessions Woods
This workbook contains fact sheets, activities, and coloring pages for kids and families to do together. It includes a 4-page color insert of wildlife found at the Wildlife Division's Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area. (44 pages)

Just for Kids
Educational pages with activities, fun facts, and even some coloring pages for kids and families to learn about wildlife together.

Wildlife Fact Sheets
Learn about many of the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that call Connecticut home. You can also learn more about the state's threatened and endangered species.

Wildlife Habitat Fact Sheets
Find out how you can improve habitat in your yard or neighborhood to benefit wildlife. Learn about special and unique habitats.

Species of the Week
Every week (starting on Mondays), learn about a different species of plant, animal, or invertebrate that can be found at the Belding Wildlife Management Area in Vernon.

Living with Black Bears
Information about black bears and what you can do to avoid problems with bears.

Pollinators in Connecticut
You may be familiar with the pollinating habits of bees and butterflies, but there are many others to explore such as flies, beetles, moths, and wasps. All are necessary for the variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables that we enjoy every day.

Reptiles and Amphibians
Learn about the natural history of Connecticut's native reptiles and amphibians and the conservation issues they currently face.
Turtles   |   Salamanders   |   Snakes   |   Snake Identification

Know Your Birds
Common Shorebirds of Connecticut    |   The Birds of Belding WMA   |    The Birds of Sessions Woods WMA

Freshwater Mussels of Connecticut
Information, fact sheets, and a link to Connecticut's freshwater mussel guide.

Wildlife Habitats: A History of Change for Connecticut's Wildlife
A slide show that demonstrates how the Connecticut landscape has changed and how we are bringing back special habitats for wildlife.

Native Landscaping: Bring Wildlife to Your Yard with Native Plants
Learn about landscaping and wildlife with this Native Landscaping slideshow, which also provides a list of native plants.

Wildlife Slide Shows
Collection of on-line slide shows about wildlife and wildlife management in Connecticut.

Forests

Arbor Day 2020 -- On-line and at Home
Find out how you can celebrate Arbor Day (April 24) at home, in our yards, in our towns and on-line.

Letterboxing in Connecticut State Forests
Letterboxing is fun and exciting. It is about the adventure of finding your way through the woods, and the thrill of reaching your goal. In letterboxing, you visit interesting locations in CT State Forests and collect unique stamps to mark your visit.

Other Related Resources

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region
The Service's blog on Stay at Home Science provides an overview of the series and links to the various posts at the bottom, from the wonders of backyard birding and even some things to learn while playing in the mud.

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act
Find out how you can support this important national legislative effort to keep common fish and wildlife species common. A successful effort will secure funding for much-needed conservation of our most precious natural resources, our fish and wildlife. #RecoverWildlife

Content last updated on April 20, 2020.