Tag: #norfolkct

Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: A Celebration of Nature and Community April 25 – April 27

Mark your calendars! From April 25–27, 2025, the charming town of Norfolk, CT, will host the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: “Our Glorious Northwest Corner: Celebrating the Connectedness of All.” This inspiring three-day 8-event forum, presented by a collaborative of local organizations*, promises a rich lineup of activities centered on biodiversity, conservation, and our shared relationship with the natural world. “The Norfolk Earth Forum brings together experts, artists, and community members to address the critical biodiversity challenges facing our region and to celebrate our profound interconnectedness with all living beings,” said Erick Olsen, Pastor at Norfolk Church of Christ Congregational, which founded the first forum in 2024.

The forum kicks off with a special exhibition, “Imperiled Species in Our Community: The Biodiversity Crisis At Home,” running from April 10–30 at The Hub. This unique exhibit, on loan from the Salisbury Association, shines a spotlight on local endangered species and showcases an educational poster created by the Norfolk Land Trust. Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply curious about the environment, this exhibition offers a powerful lens into the biodiversity challenges right in our backyard.

The forum festivities officially begin Friday, April 25, with an opening reception and lecture by Tim Abbott, Conservation Director of the Housatonic Valley Association, who will discuss the national significance of local conservation efforts. The evening continues with a screening of “A Road Not Taken,” a fascinating documentary on Jimmy Carter’s solar energy initiatives.

Saturday, April 26, offers something for nature enthusiasts of all ages, with three events. Start your day with the “Books & Boots” nature walk, inspired by Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, and join Bina Thomson and Hartley Mead as they explore the lives of trees in the South Norfolk Woodlands. Later, Dr. Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, will lead a walk through spring wildflower blooms. Finally, Craig Repasz from Lights Out Connecticut will shed light on the critical Connecticut Bird Atlas project and the urgent need for bird conservation.

On Sunday, April 27, families can enjoy a delightful Children’s Crafts Workshop creating toad houses, followed by an educational program on reptiles and amphibians with the Roaring Brook Nature Center. The weekend concludes on a magical note with Paul Winter’s breathtaking concert, “This Glorious Earth,” at the Church of Christ. Blending music with nature’s sounds, Winter’s performance celebrates the beauty of life on Earth, accompanied by an introduction to the concept of bioregionalism by Keetu Winter from Wellspring Commons.

Whether you’re walking among Norfolk’s wildflowers, learning from passionate conservation leaders, or simply soaking in the melody of nature itself, the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event that inspires both action and appreciation for the world around us. Visit www.norfolkhub.org/norfolk-earth-forum for more information and registration details, or look for event flyers with QR codes around town. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our glorious Northwest Corner!

*Groups supporting the Norfolk Earth Forum: Church of Christ Congregational, Aton Forest, Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk Conservation Commission, The Hub, Norfolk Land Trust, Norfolk Library, Norfolk Rails to Trails Committee, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, Manor House Inn, National Iron Bank

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Embrace Winter Magic: Norfolk’s Weekend WIN is Alive with Fun for All Ages!

When winter’s chill settles in, Norfolk, Connecticut, comes alive with warmth, creativity, and community spirit. On February 22 and 23, this charming town invites you to experience the highly anticipated Winter Weekend in Norfolk (WIN). Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a foodie, or an art lover, WIN promises an unforgettable celebration filled with activities for all ages. Best of all, most events are FREE and scattered throughout Norfolk’s picturesque surroundings—including the heart of the action at 2 Station Place. Get ready to embrace winter like never before! Explore the full schedule at https://weekendinnorfolk.org.

New This Year: Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss
Looking to spice up your weekend plans? Norfolk has curated a lineup of exciting activities that promise fun, learning, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re a fan of sports, nature, or unique workshops, there’s something for everyone!

Start your day at the Pickleball Tournament, where the sport that’s taken the world by storm comes alive in the Botelle Elementary School gym. With matches scheduled at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., you can jump in as a player or cheer on the action from the sidelines. This friendly competition welcomes both seasoned players and curious first-timers!

For those with a green thumb (or a fascination with fungi), don’t miss the Mushroom Inoculation Workshop at Husky Meadows Farm on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn the art of creating your own mushroom log under the guidance of an expert. It’s hands-on, educational, and comes with light refreshments to keep you fueled.

Moose Track in Great Mountain Forest

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Wildlife Track Identification Walk with naturalist Andy Dobos. On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., explore the snowy trails of Great Mountain Forest to uncover animal tracks and hear the fascinating stories of the local wildlife. It’s the perfect way to experience nature’s mysteries!

On Sunday, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Norfolk Library will host a special book launch celebrating “The Norfolk Library: History, Culture, Community.” This richly illustrated new book explores the library’s unique role in the town’s history and cultural fabric—a fitting tribute to its enduring legacy.

Kids of all ages, come have fun watching movies and listening to live music at the Norfolk Hub on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Films will be a mix of animated shorts from the Seattle Children’s Film Festival and selections from Disney.

Finally, stop by the Norfolk Library on Saturday at 2 p.m. for the Beaverland Talk by author Leila Philip. Discover the incredible world of beavers, nature’s hardest-working architects, and learn non-lethal strategies for coexisting with these industrious creatures.

Sweet Delights for Your Taste Buds
Kick off your day with a delicious pancake breakfast at the Icebox Café (10 Station Place), where every bite is drizzled with rich, golden maple syrup made fresh at Great Mountain Forest. Available on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., this breakfast is the perfect way to fuel your weekend adventures. Don’t forget to pair your pancakes with a discounted cup of chai tea—a warm, aromatic treat that completes the experience. And, if you are craving donuts swing by the Berkshire County Store. Simply show your WIN schedule to enjoy a special discount on their famous old-fashioned donuts, a local favorite that’s sure to delight.

But wait—there’s even more sweetness in store! Great Mountain Forest invites you to their sugarhouse at 201 Windrow Road on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a fascinating maple sugaring experience. Witness the magic of sap turning into syrup, learn the science behind the process, and immerse yourself in the tradition of maple production. Be sure to call ahead at 860-542-5422 to confirm there’s enough sap to boil for this unique and educational experience.

Perennial Favorites: Tried-and-True Fun
Looking for activities that combine tradition, skill, and a touch of adventure? Start your weekend at the Fly-Tying & Fishing Workshop held at the Norfolk Hub (2 Station Place) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, this hands-on event is perfect for sharpening your skills, learning new techniques, and sharing fish tales with fellow enthusiasts.

If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding a stone across the ice like an Olympian, visit the Norfolk Curling Club at 70 Golf Drive. Watch exciting matches, tour the facility, and learn about curling from one of the club members who will be there to answer your questions.

History and tech buffs will appreciate the Michael I. Pupin exhibit at the Norfolk Historical Society located on the charming Norfolk Green. Explore the legacy of this electrical engineering pioneer and gain insight into his groundbreaking contributions.

Lastly, the Firehouse Open House hosted by the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department is a must-see. Get up close with the firefighting equipment, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and connect with the dedicated individuals who keep this community safe.

Art, Music, and Culture That Inspire
Dive into the vibrant world of art, music, and culture that defines Norfolk. Marvel at the works of Kathleen and Aaron Borkowski at the Norfolk Library and enjoy the still evolving college, “Celebrating the Northwest Corner,” on display at The Hub. Don’t miss the magnificent stained glass by the Franz Meyer Company of Munich, Germany, at the Immaculate Conception Church or the lovely floral designs of the Bavarian-style windows at the Church of Christ Meeting House.

For music enthusiasts, performances by a chamber music group from the Yale School of Music, along with local talents Michael Cobb and Seth Hagymasi, promise unforgettable moments. Be sure to catch Garet&CO’s in-the-round dance performance at Battell Chapel, running from 4 to 6 p.m. on both days

Whether you’re exploring history, engaging in the arts, or discovering new passions, Norfolk has something special for everyone this weekend. Visit weekendinnorfolk.org for more details about these and other Winter Weekend in Norfolk events, plus updates as new events come in.

ABOUT THE WIN (WEEKEND IN NORFOLK) COMMITTEE
Now in its tenth year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. Norfolk’s town officials, the Economic Development Commission, and many local organizations, institutions, and individuals support these two town-wide festivals in order to welcome people from near and far to this lovely town in the Litchfield Hills. Information about both festivals is available online at weekendinnorfolk.org.

JanetLeave a comment

Get Ready for Old Fashioned Fun Italian Style!

Bocce’s origins can be traced back to 5200 B.C. with ancient Egyptian artwork that depicts boys playing a game that resembles bocce. As bocce’s popularity grew, it spread through Asia Minor and was adopted by the Greeks and passed on to the Roman Empire. Bocce can be played by anyone, young and old alike, and because of its ease and versatility, it spread throughout the world. Bocce has even made it to Norfolk, Connecticut! Get ready to join the fun on October 6 for Norfolk, Connecticut’s 6th annual Bocce Tournament beginning at 3 p.m.

So get your Bocce team together and head to Norfolk’s Bocce Court located at 10 Station Place. This year brackets start to form at 3 pm and the rolling will start as soon as two teams are assembled. If you want your team to have a guaranteed spot, please email lboucher@norfolkmgmt.com This year event organizers are planning to run 8 teams with 4 people on each team to let as many people play as possible. If you have less than 4 people we may merge you with another small team. Participants will be treated to pizza! Winners will have an engraved name place on the Fence of Fame to be admired for all time!

If you want to take your chances on playing, you’re also welcome to show up and join a team when you arrive if there are spots available! This is a fun fall afternoon and you might end up on our Fence of Fame! If you don’t want to play, half the fun is cheering on your favorite team!

JanetLeave a comment

Learning to Manage Forests to Meet Today’s Needs – The Woodland Academy at Great Mountain Forest Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village

People who own and manage woodlands play a vital role in our region because a healthy forest delivers essential benefits for our climate, wildlife, and communities, including recreational and economic opportunities.

To spread the art and science of making sound forest management decisions, Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is launching a Woodland Academy for people who steward forested land on three Saturdays, Aug. 3, Aug. 17, and Sept. 14. GMF is one of Connecticut’s leaders in sustainable forest management, located on 6,000 acres in Norfolk and Canaan. These first Woodland Academy workshops will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Yale Forestry Camp located in the heart of this independent non-profit’s vast forest.

One of the goals of the Woodland Academy is to assist both experienced and new stewards of the land to develop, reevaluate, or enhance their forest management plan to keep their land productive and healthy, now and into the future.

While this program is best suited to landowners and forest managers, such as land trust stewards, GMF welcomes all who love the woods including foresters, environmental advocates, engaged citizens, educators, and students. This workshop’s modules will help participants navigate the evolving woodland landscape they manage amid the challenges of sustainability, invasive pests, and climate change.

The curriculum was created and will be delivered by the foresters at Great Mountain Forest and collaborators from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and Sharon Audubon. The Woodland Academy is inspired by the Coverts Project previously led by UConn Extension, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, and CT DEEP. The three modules will cover the ecological underpinnings of land management, how to assess habitat viability for wildlife, show participants how to identify and interpret woody plant species, and review the public management resources and tools of the trade available to manage one’s forest.

“We believe that forest management strategies should be flexible and adaptable over time, meeting the needs of each unique forest, landowner, and community. This workshop will help forest stewards to make the informed decisions needed to achieve their goals” said Michael Zarfos, Ph.D., and Executive Director, Great Mountain Forest.

Pre-registration for each workshop is required. Each seminar is $75 and includes time in the classroom as well as in the field, and lunch. Sign up via the GMF events page: https://greatmountainforest.org/events/

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, recreational, and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment

Enjoy the Harvest Celebration and Fall Foliage @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay

Some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Litchfield Hills and Southern Berkshires peak during the second and third week of October making it an age-old New England tradition to celebrate the harvest. This autumn, Husky Meadows, a certified organic farm, is capping off the season with a Harvest Celebration Farm Stay from Friday, October 20, through Sunday, October 22 – think wool sweaters, beautiful colors, walking the splendor of the garden and orchard, sipping a cocktail around the fire pit, cooking classes with the season’s latest hits, and unwinding in one of our luxurious suites.

On this farm stay, Husky Meadows is honoring our staff’s amazing labor-intensive work on our certified organic farm by treating guests to an unforgettable weekend that includes farm-to-table food, cooking classes, and plenty of downtime to enjoy the landscape – artfully painted in fire colors by Mother Nature. Many guests enjoy the short walk on one of Husky Meadows’s many trails. A favorite is the walk to Wood Creek Pond, where guests find the canoe, compliments of Husky Meadows, and wildlife provided by Wood Creek Pond.

The Harvest Celebration Farm Stay at Husky Meadows means so much more than just a few colorful gourds! There are real health benefits of working and enjoying the great outdoors and, when combined with cooking classes celebrating the certified organic produce of the season, the experience becomes a time of regeneration with the joy of doing things together – with friends, old and new.

Guests will have a sneak peek at Husky Farm’s root cellar which is brimming with tasty root vegetables along with a guided walk through the garden to learn how we harvest winter squash, onions, garlic, and hardy winter vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, and chicories. A highlight will be visiting the greenhouses and helping to plant next season’s garlic crop. And, this weekend’s cooking classes, using veggies from the harvest will show guests how to eat farm to table, at home, during the cold New England winter.

Farm stays include two nights lodging in one of four elegantly appointed and very private guest suites. A favorite among guests is the Pergola Apartment because it has two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, a sitting area, a kitchenette, and even a balcony. This totally separate guesthouse is perfect to book with four friends or family members. Another favorite guesthouse is called The Coop, which is the most private of all the rooms. It has a cozy loft bedroom and a large sitting room replete with a rustic stone fireplace.

All meals with beverages and cocktails are included in the farm stay package. Highlights of the package include a Friday night welcome dinner around a communal table, light breakfast, and lunch, a Saturday evening cooking class dinner, and a sumptuous and healthy Sunday brunch. To book your stay visit https://huskymeadowsfarm.com

About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

Janet1 Comment

A Touch of Monet’s Giverny @ Norfolk’s Husky Meadow Farm’s Art and Cooking Intensive Farm Stay

October is the crown jewel of months in New England which is why Husky Meadows Farm, a certified organic working farm, in Norfolk, Connecticut has put together a farm stay that embraces the beauty of the season through art, cooking, garden walks, and the harvest. At the Fall Art Intensive Farm Stay with Marie Colette-Dupont-Nivet from Thursday, October 12 through Monday, October 16, guests will be treated to a French countryside experience inspired by Claude Monet’s Giverny in France in New England.

Take an art class this fall at Husky Meadows Farm

Like Monet’s fabled home, the autumn landscape of Husky Meadows Farm’s colorful gardens and orchards inspire a sense of serenity making them the perfect setting for an art workshop with Marie Colette-Dupont-Nivet originally from the storybook area of Alsace, France. Her specialty is decorative furniture painting in the historical tradition of using milk paint on wooden panels.

Milk Paint is a traditional way to update old furniture or give new pieces a rustic, farmhouse finish, which is so popular today. Participants will learn that milk paint is made with natural ingredients like lime, casein (a milk protein), and clay, unlike regular paint. Marie-Colette will guide participants through the process of making a decorative wooden piece that they will take home as a memento of this artistic experience. A highlight of the class will be to learn how to match the wood grain with pigments, how to marbleize, and, how to paint a landscape of flowers on wood using milk paint. To finish this project, Marie Colette will guide participants through the different techniques of glazing, varnishing, and waxing to complete the final look of the piece.

To add to the country French ambiance, there will be plenty of time to explore the property, engage in the rich bounty of the harvest, and participate in hands-on French-style cooking classes. Sunday night’s dinner will be a highlight of the stay because it will feature a sumptuous meal made from Monet’s recipes from Giverny that were once served in his famed yellow dining room. Sunday night’s dinner will be long cherished as the next best thing to sitting at Monet’s table!

Guests will enjoy the comfort of Husky Meadows’s luxurious suites; each offers something a little different. The Coop is the most private cottage with a fieldstone fireplace and loft bedroom. Wildflower is spacious and beautifully appointed with a private porch overlooking a wildflower meadow; and Wolftree’s arched ceiling, views, and steam shower make it cozy.

Farm Stays include all meals, beverages, and activities. The Fall Art Intensive is $2500 per person, single occupancy, for the all-inclusive experience. A non-lodging rate that includes all activities and meals is $1200 per person. To book the farm stay, visit huskymeadowsfarm.com or contact the Culinary Director at tracy@huskymeadowsfarm.

About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

JanetLeave a comment