Tag: CT Travel

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Invites the Public to Join Citizen Scientist FrogWatch USA

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites residents to become Citizen-Scientist volunteers and participate in a “FrogWatch” census in area wetlands. In a collaboration between the Zoo, The Maritime Aquarium, and Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History, volunteers will make regular visits to wetlands in their neighborhoods and keep a frog log to record the frog and toad calls they hear. Working with experts, volunteers will learn about local frog species, then visit wetlands once or twice a week for about 15 minutes each night this spring and summer.

The watch begins a half hour after sunset, making the watch ideal for families with older children. Observations are reported to a national online database to contribute to amphibian conservation efforts. FrogWatch coordinators at each facility keep up to date on data results for participants. This year, training will be presented online for the first session, and the second session will be offered either in person at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo or online. During this training, participants will learn about Citizen Science, the important role amphibians play in the ecosystem, and how to identify ten species of frogs heard in Connecticut. After the training, participants will be sent a virtual assessment to complete to become a certified FrogWatch Volunteer.

As of 2023, the Peabody Beardsley Maritime Chapter leads the nation in frog call acoustic observations. The chapter was responsible for 1,122 observations out of the 6,982 observations made nationwide, equaling 16.07% of collected data. “FrogWatch USA is a fantastic educational program that demonstrates how everyone can play a part in protecting wildlife,” explained Jim Knox, education curator at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Volunteers do not need any prior experience or knowledge about frogs. Only one training session is required, each from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Choose from A virtual training session on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024: 7-8:30 P.M. or a hybrid training session, either in-person at the Zoo or online on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 7-8:30 P.M. For more information and to register: www.beardsleyzoo.org/frog-watch

Why Frogs? Frogs and toads play a vital role, serving as both prey and predator, in wetland ecosystems and are considered indicators of environmental health. Many previously abundant frog and toad populations have experienced dramatic population declines both in the United States and around the world. Scientists must understand the scope, geographic scale, and cause of these declines. The data collected by FrogWatch USA volunteers is used to help inform conservation and management efforts.

JanetLeave a comment

Warm Up to Winter – with Virtual Programs @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Whatever the weather is like outdoors, learning something new indoors can be the perfect way to spend a cold winter afternoon. With that in mind, the Institute for American Indian Studies has developed a new Saturday series of virtual programs that are intriguing and ideal for those seeking indoor diversions this winter.

This presentation is the third in the Institute’s Annual Native American-Archaeology Roundtable series. This ongoing series seeks to explore ecological ties, past and present, through the sharing of new technologies, new findings, and new analysis that helps bring Indigenous communities into greater focus.

On Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m. the topic will focus on “Lessons in Food Sovereignty from White Tailed Deer and Wampum in 17th century New England.” Participants will join Elic M. Weitzel, a Ph.D. candidate in anthropology from the University of Connecticut along with the Institute’s Staff for this virtual presentation. Weitzel specializes in human ecology and anthropology and will discuss how recent analysis of deer and quahog remains from archaeological sites in Southern New England suggest that European colonialism and capitalism put unprecedented pressure on these species even though fewer people lived in this region at the time. The discussion will highlight that overexploitation wasn’t a demographic problem and that pre-colonial Indigenous methods of gathering the bounty of the land appear to have been more sustainable. According to Mr. Weitzel, these results corroborate traditional and Indigenous ecological knowledge asserting that food sovereignty can permit long-term sustainable resource use, a concept that is very important around the world today.

To participate in this program and to receive the Zoom link please register online at https://www.iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518 or email events@isismuseum.org. The price of participation is free for members of IAIS and LHAC members and $10 for non-members.

Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and our website for dates and times of further talks in this series in the coming months.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

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Play Snow Snake @ IAIS January 20

The snow snake game was once one of the most popular winter games played in North America. Many Native American Communities played it from Maine to California, Oklahoma to Alaska. Today, this game is being revitalized across the country. On Saturday, January 20 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut, competitors can make their very own snow snake and then test their skills playing this traditional game.

Originally, snow snake was the traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) game played during the winter. The sport has its history in hunting when long spears were thrown like snow snakes across the ice and snow to catch prey, without coming too close and scaring them away. Most often, snow snake was played when the men of the village returned from their annual winter hunting trip. It was – and still is – an exciting game of skill to the Haudenosaunee people and many other Native Communities.

Snow Snake!

Snow snakes are hand-made from a flattened piece of wood with a notch at one end that makes them easy to throw. Some sticks are carved in intricate patterns that resemble a snake and then coated with wax. Participants in this workshop will learn how to make their very own snow snake with Susan Scherf, Educator, and wood crafter at the Institute. This workshop includes materials and wood-burning kits. Participants are welcome to bring their whittling knife if they have one although it is not required

A friendly competition follows the snow snake workshop at the specially prepared snow snake track. The object of the game is to see how far participants can throw the snow snake along a snow trench. The person who throws the snake the farthest after a number of rounds is the winner! The snow snake game is a test of both skill and strength, and a good throw can go more than 100 yards.

This game is often referred to as a medicine game because it lifted the spirits of the people during the long winter months. The Institute for American Indian Studies is excited to share this game that is great for socializing, and remembering the traditions of generations of Native Americans who came before us.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register / The price of participation including materials is $20 for non-members and $10 for members. For more information call 860-868-0518, email events@iaismuseum.org, or click here to register online.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment

Tina’s Baskets & Woven Arts Offers A Creative Option for Holiday Shopping

Are you ready for holiday shopping? It’s officially gift–giving season, and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art located in Studio #305 at Whiting Mills in Winsted is here to help. Admittedly gift giving can be kind of selfish… what’s better than that feeling of satisfaction knowing you have found something wonderful and unique for that special someone on your list? At Tina Puckett’s art studio, shoppers will find something unique and not mass–produced for your just as unique friends and family members at various price points. Best of all, this shopping experience lets folks see and feel their choices in person while supporting Connecticut’s artists and the local community.

In an atmospheric studio, visitors will find Master Weaver, Tina Puckett, a national and international award-winning artist known for her woven arts and dimensional weaving creating phantasmagorical pieces that are as beautiful as they are useful. The studio is cheerfully decorated and is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in December. An added perk of shopping local is that shoppers will meet Tina and learn what inspires her sought-after woven pieces, making it a memorable experience this season. While shopping don’t forget to enter the raffle for a festive handmade basket!

Finding the perfect present can be a tricky business – and yet a local artist Tina Puckett weaves baskets, bowls, wall hangers, and sculptures that are pieces of art. Tina’s Baskets & Woven Art is sure to satisfy even the most discerning on your holiday list. Visiting her rustic art studio is an adventure in itself, especially if you are on the hunt for something special that is sustainable, ready to be used time and time again, and loved for years to come.

Many things make Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts, unusual. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and the natural beauty of bittersweet vines that she weaves into the dynamic shapes with hand-dyed reeds that create a mélange of colors that will not be found anywhere else. What enhances the character of each piece is the addition of the bittersweet vine that is foraged by Tina in the woods near her studio in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut.

New this year and perfect for friends and family who love learning and creating works of art is a gift certificate to take one of Tina’s Basket Weaving Classes. The classes offer teens and adults of all abilities the opportunity to learn more about the timeless art of basket weaving from a master in the field.

Tina’s Baskets is also open by appointment and all woven art and baskets are available online at http://www.tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in studio #305/ Tina’s Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

JanetLeave a comment

Finding Your Bearings October 15 @ Institute For American Indian Studies

Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.

Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.

If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.

Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment

Basket Weaving Classes offered by Award Winning Artist – Tina Puckett At Her Studio

Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art in Winsted, Connecticut is a nationally and internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. Puckett has just announced that she is offering a series of year-round classes for teens and adults on Saturday and Sunday and on Monday and Friday nights. “There is a universal and enduring appeal of baskets and woven bowls. The sensation of making something with your hands from reeds and bittersweet vines is empowering, and I want to share that feeling in my classes,” says Puckett.

Learn from an award winning artist

The classes, which are suitable for all skill levels, are offered for up to six people as well as for individuals who want an intensive session. During the weaving session, Tina will share her knowledge about the history of basket weaving and what inspires her work. This hands-on experience provides participants with the basic techniques to create their very own basket or bowl, an understanding of this time-honored craft, as well as improving their understanding of the beauty of bittersweet and reeds. Among the many things that make these classes different is that participants will learn that weaving with bittersweet defines the character and shape of the basket or bowl transforming it into a woven piece of art.

Have fun making this bittersweet tray!

All classes take place in Tina’s atmospherically inspiring Studio at Whiting Mills in Winsted. Part of the fun of is to choose the type of basket or bowl you want to weave, your color palate, and how much time you want to spend weaving it. Participants can choose a class on Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are also being offered Monday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All participants will leave the class with a finished basket or bowl to take home. All materials are provided including a piece of locally foraged bittersweet vine or a wooden hoop, and a choice of hand-colored, custom reeds. All classes are by advance reservation only and can be made by clicking https://www.tinasbaskets.com/classes

If you can’t make it to the studio, no worries, Tina is also offering classes via Zoom. Off-site classes are also available by special arrangement.

Learn how to make this colorful and useful basket

“I am excited to share what I know,” says Puckett. “It is a tradition that has been handed down through the centuries, in just about every culture around the world. Basketry weaving classes aren’t one of those things that are readily accessible to everybody, which is why I decided to offer classes year-round.”

About Tina’s Baskets

Tina Puckett is a nationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven art who is the owner of Tina’s Baskets which is located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet, and a variety of objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at a variety of galleries across the United States as well as at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Custom orders are accepted and appointments can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

JanetLeave a comment