Fall Wagon Rides
Family Fun at Hildene Farm
Sundays, October 5th, 12th, and 19th
10:30am - 2:30pm
The Hildene farm staff will host autumn wagon ride tours of the dene. Stops along the route include the greenhouse, pastures, orchard, wetland/floating boardwalk, apiary, animal barn (including alpaca, Randall cattle, pigs, sheep, rabbits and chickens), and vegetable and flower gardens. Come meet our animals and learn about Hildene’s diverse natural and cultivated ecosystems and sustainable farming practices. The tractor—drawn wagon rides will be making a continuous loop of the dene between 10:30am and 2:30pm. You may get on and off at any stop, as room permits.
Free with admission. All parking is at the Welcome Center; participants may walk or take the tram to the dene. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 802-367-7960 or send an email.
Members-Only Walk
Dellwood Cemetery Stroll with Shawn Harrington
9 am, Friday, October 24
Park on Hildene Road next to Dellwood where we will meet Shawn Harrington and explore the interesting history of the cemetery. Shawn is always amazing with his historical knowledge of Manchester, Hildene, and the cemetery.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes, plan for some mud, bring water, and wear sunscreen/bug spray. No need to RSVP.
For more information, contact Christine at 802-367-7964 or send an email.
Bird Walk: Blue Herons
9:00 - 10:30 am, Saturday, November 15
Meet at the Welcome Center parking lot. Join local birders to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along uneven terrain on forest and meadow trails and around the main house. No registration required. Questions? Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960.
It might seem strange to profile the blue/gray Great Blue Heron in November, but these birds are hardy and will stay around as long as there is open water for feeding on fish, frogs, cray fish, small rodents, turtles — anything within reach of their long, spear-like bills and long necks. The long legs match the long bills enabling herons to stalk tall along the edges of the waters and strike their quarry with incredible accuracy and speed. Their long necks have a special vertebra to help with bending and flexibility that allows them to swallow large prey whole. Great Blue Herons seen in flight flap slowly, have trailing legs, and carry their heads in an S shape.
Bird Walk: Brown Creeper
9:00 - 10:30 am, Saturday, December 6
Meet at the Welcome Center parking lot. Join local birders to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Appropriate for birders of all skill levels, the walks run along uneven terrain on forest and meadow trails and around the main house. No registration required. Questions? Contact Stephanie at (802) 367-7960.
Seeing a Brown Creeper is always special! This slim bird, with a brown speckled back and white front, probes for insects in crevices of a tree trunk with its slender, downcurved bill. It uses its long, spine-tipped tail as a balancing tool. Brown Creepers build their hammock-shaped nests behind peeling flakes of bark. Sometimes hearing their high pitched, thin call is the only indication that Brown Creepers are about. They live throughout the U.S. and are year-round residents in Vermont.
For the Birds! Program for Children & Families
Saturday, December 13th
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Learn how to make nutritious suet & seed donuts for our fine-feathered friends and enjoy a guided bird walk to see who is flitting about in our winter gardens.
Appropriate for young learners ages 6 and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
$15 Member Children / $50 Non-member Children, which includes materials fee. Their adults are free.
Registration is required by Thursday, December 11th, by calling Stephanie at (802) 367-7960 or clicking the button below.
Felting Workshop: Ornaments and Snowmen!
Sunday, December 14th
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Join us for a festive fundraiser in support of our Annual Fund.
New this year: Learn to felt both ornaments and darling snowmen figures, using a mix of roving from Hildene’s flock of Corriedale sheep and Huacaya alpaca. Handmade items make lovely gifts as well as cheerful decorations.
$40 Members / $50 Non-members, which includes materials fee.
Appropriate for adults and young adults. Limited to 15 participants. Preregistration required by Wednesday, December 10th.
