No Child Left Inside®                          January 2014    

 A Newsletter from the Connecticut Department                                               Volume 19     

of Energy and Environmental Protection
Image of Fox in Winter




 


 
 









 
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This winter the weather has been rather extreme with temperatures near 50 degrees and then plummeting down to single digits within 24 hours.  No matter what the weather we are still planning our annual NCLI® Winter Festival, Saturday, February 1, 2014, Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington.  We anticipate plenty of ice for ice fishing and skating, but if not we will still have snowshoeing, guided hikes, games, a bonfire and much more.

 

Studies indicate to help avoid the cold and flu it is healthier to get outside.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other." 

It is healthy to go outside for fresh air, exercise and to see the beauty of the winter as long as you are prepared and dress properly.  As one of my friends once said, "There is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothes".  So make sure you and your children are dressed in layers.  Don't forget warm boots, hat and mittens.  Remember to check your children's hands and feet (if possible) and make sure they are not getting cold.  If your child is chilled bring them inside.  For more information:  Healthy Children Winter Safety Tips

Other great places to explore nature in winter are at the James L. Goodwin Conservation Education Center, Hampton, the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison and Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington.
NatureCentersNature Centers at State Parks & Forests Open During the Winter

Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill
James L. Goodwin Conservation Education Center, Hampton 

Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby
Meigs Point at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison  

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington  

 

All State Parks and Forests continue to be open throughout the year. 

FeaturedEventFeatured Events

  

Snowshoe Walk, Saturday, January 18, 1 PM, Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Rt 69, Burlington 

Snowshoe along the trails at Sessions Woods to look for signs of wildlife activity. Natural Resource Educator Laura Rogers-Castro will lead this program and identify the sights and sounds of wildlife on a winter afternoon. This program is snow-dependent and participants must supply their own snowshoes. The walk will be determined based on the snow conditions. Participants should wear appropriate clothing and bring water for this somewhat strenuous excursion. Meet in the lobby at Sessions Woods. Please pre-register for these programs by calling 860-675-8130 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)  An adult must accompany children under 12 years old. No pets allowed at these programs.

 

Kid's Nature Explore!  Gifts of Nature 

Monday, January 20, James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, 23 Potter Rd., Hampton

Come explore Goodwin Forest and discover what nature provides for animals and humans. Join us in hiking, playing games, doing fun activities, and learning about our fantastic forest!  Ages 8-12. Pre-registration is requested but not required. For more information or to register: 860-455-9534 or emma.lorusso@ct.gov.

 

Seal Search Walk 

Sunday, February 9, 12 PM, Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison  

Come stroll the beautiful trails of Hammonasset and see if you can spot some seals sunning offshore. A guided walk for all skill levels.  Registration not required.  No dogs please.   

   

February School Vacation

Feb. 18 - 21, Meigs Point Nature Center, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison  

Various times and topics including:  Snakes, Turtles, Touch Tank, Native American Games, Art and Stories. 

The Great Park Pursuit
May 10 (Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth) to June 21 (Campout), 2014   Save the dates.  Details to follow. 

  

No Child Left Inside® is an initiative of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.