Join the Housatonic Valley Association and author Brad Timm of the Northeast Wildlife Team at the Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center for a fun-filled event showcasing the amazing creatures you can find right outside your window! 

From colorful birds to slippery amphibians, you'll have the chance to learn fun facts about the common wildlife all around us, and then go outside and explore, look, and listen for these different animal species.  

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the wildlife right in our backyards. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about the world outside your door, this event is perfect for all ages. Grab your friends and family and join us for a day of adventure and discovery!

Signed copies of Wildlife Out Your Window will be available for purchase at the event.  

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Bill DeLuca, National Audubon Society

Have you ever seen a strange, colorful bird singing in your backyard in the spring? Have you wondered where that bird came from or maybe where it might be headed? Did you wonder why you were so lucky to have it in your backyard? In this presentation Bill will tell the story, using examples of hundreds of tracked migratory birds, of how northeastern birds travel across hemispheres and how scientists track them. Bill will also discuss things you can do, from turning off our lights at night, to maintaining brush piles and keeping sources of water available, to help them on their journey.

REGISTER HERE (required)

This event is hosted by the Kestrel Land Trust, in collaboration with Adventure East and the Northeast Wildlife Team. Pre-registration is required (and is limited to 20 participants) via the “Register” link below.

Paddling is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature in a low-impact way that offers a unique perspective you can’t get from the shore. It also offers many physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Join us on Saturday, May 10, 1:00-3:00 PM, for a guided canoe paddle on Lake Warner with wildlife ecologist Brad Timm.

As we tour the lake, we’ll be looking for wildlife and native plant species (26 have been identified according to a 2024 report of Lake Warner). You’re likely to see a variety of birds and ducks—perhaps a great blue heron wading in the grass—while enjoying a peaceful, scenic afternoon canoeing from the boat launch north towards the Mill River inlet. This 70-acre historic millpond is more than 100 years old, and surrounded by tranquil farmland, woodlands, and wetlands in the heart of North Hadley. The natural beauty of the lake and the winding water trail through the lily pads on the water’s edge make for a meditative experience.

Register here (required)

Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is fortunate to contain several confirmed vernal pools just a short walk in from the North Farms Rd. entrance. Join wildlife ecologist Brad Timm as we visit these pools and discover their truly unique ecology. We’ll learn about the wide variety of animals that rely on vernal pools for their existence – from amphibians and reptiles to an amazing number of diverse invertebrate species, as well as some mammals and birds. We will also get the chance to see some of these animals in action during our walk while we learn about their captivating life histories. All ages are welcome and encouraged! Brad Timm is a wildlife ecologist, executive director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, and BBC board member who has conducted amphibian research in New England for over 15 years.

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

The public is invited to participate in a free, family-friendly, guided Vernal Pool Trek at Lithia Springs. This trek will be led by Brad Timm, wildlife ecologist and founder of the Northeast Wildlife Team. Come explore with us on this leisurely guided hike as we stop at several vernal pools along the trek and look and listen for frogs, toads, and salamanders, and much more! And we’ll learn many fascinating facts about common wildlife all around us, inspired by Brad’s book Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. For example, did you know that some frogs produce their own anti-freeze, lots of salamanders can regenerate their tail and entire limbs, and that Blue Jay and Bluebird feathers aren’t actually blue (they’re brown!). All ages are welcome and encouraged to join. Signed copies of Brad’s book will be available for purchase ($20) at the event.

REGISTER HERE

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Susannah Lerman, USDA Forest Service

Private residential properties (“yards”) encompass large proportions of urban, suburban, and rural spaces. As such, yards represent a conservation opportunity to provide wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, and increase local opportunities for people to connect with nature. In this presentation, Susannah will discuss a “humanity for habitat” stewardship practice which aims to inspire and encourage active participation in conservation actions where people live. This will include discussing ways people can enhance their yards to create residential landscapes that benefit both wildlife and people. 

REGISTER HERE

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Devaughn Fraser, Connecticut Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection

Bats are one of the most unique, diverse, and extraordinary groups of mammals on the planet. Sadly, they are also one of the most imperiled. A devastating disease known as “white nose syndrome” has been afflicting our bats in the region for the past 15+ years. This has led to greater than 90% declines in several bat species here in the Northeast. In this presentation, Connecticut state biologist Dr. Devaughn Fraser will introduce the audience to the diversity of bats in the northeastern U.S., share insights about their fascinating ecology, and discuss methods used to monitor and protect these critical members of our natural communities.

WATCH HERE

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Did you know that...Blue Jay feathers are brown not blue, some frogs survive freezing by creating anti-freeze, and that Gray Foxes climb trees. These are just a few of the many hundreds of interesting facts about wildlife of the Northeast U.S. packed in this recent guidebook by Brad Timm. This book contains interesting facts about 100 animals of New England and surrounding regions from Robins and Chipmunks to Black Bears and Bullfrogs. And discover simple things people can do to help local wildlife, no matter if they live in the densest of urban areas or the most remote rural areas. Brad will share interesting facts and anecdotes, read and sign copies of his book.

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Join us for a kids program (ages 5-11), with author and Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, Brad Timm, based on his recently (2024) published book: Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Kids (and their parents/adults) will learn interesting factoids about the amazing wildlife we have all around us through fun and engaging activities! This is will be a very family-friendly event! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm on his recently (2024) published book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Brett Thelen, Harris Center for Conservation Education

Every year, on the first warm, rainy nights of spring, thousands of salamanders and frogs migrate to vernal pools and other wetlands to breed in a phenomenon known as "Big Night." Sadly, many are killed when they must cross busy roads. Join longtime Salamander Crossing Brigade coordinator Brett Amy Thelen to discover the magic of Big Night -- and to learn how community members in southwestern New Hampshire and beyond are coming together to help spring-migrating amphibians survive the most dangerous journey of their lives.

WATCH HERE

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Dave Wattles, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Dave Wattles, Mass Wildlife’s Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist, will describe the history of the black bear population in Massachusetts and its remarkable recovery during the last 50 years. In addition to bear ecology, he will discuss the results of 15 years of radio- and GPS- collaring research. The collar data has revealed information on reproduction, survival, causes of mortality, habitat use, and movement. He will also talk about coexisting with bears.

WATCH HERE

Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, they’re brown? Or that some frogs survive freezing temperatures by creating their own anti-freeze? These are just a few of the fun facts you can learn about the “common” animals who live among us, making them quite remarkable after all.

Join us for a presentation and walk at Kestrel’s headquarters in Amherst with wildlife ecologist Brad Timm, author of Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Released in 2024, this handy guide includes hundreds of interesting facts about 100 of your favorite animals of New England. If your curiosity is piqued and you’d like to gain a greater appreciation for our regional fauna—birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles—this is an opportunity for beginner and experienced naturalists alike!

Copies of the book will be available for sale.

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Frannie Greenberg, Millstone Wildlife Center

Join MWC Executive Director, Frannie Greenberg, as we learn about what goes on in the rehab setting. It’s not just holding cute babies and happy releases. Frannie explores the day to day activities preparing injured, ill, and orphaned wild mammals to be released back into their natural habitat.

WATCH HERE

Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that foxes can climb trees? Join Brad Timm, wildlife ecologist and Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, for a talk and walk inspired by his new book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. We’ll start indoors with a slideshow featuring fun facts about local wildlife, then venture outside to see what we can find. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Laken Ganoe, University of Rhode Island

Lights, camera...ACTION! Cameras are not only for the big Hollywood stars, but for the wildlife stars as well. Join us to learn about how to use trail cameras to capture photos of your backyard critters, and how those same trail cameras are used by researchers to study wildlife.

WATCH HERE

Online Zoom event
Presenter: Sebastian Moreno, University of Massachusetts Amherst

In this presentation Sebastian will share his ongoing research at UMass on the intersection of birds and urban communities. More specifically, this will focus on how fostering inclusivity can enhance bird conservation efforts. Sebastian will speak to this as part of his own personal journey with nature having grown up in New York City and then moved to rural Pennsylvania.

WATCH HERE

Join us for an author event with Brad Timm inspired by his new book, Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S. Did you know that Blue Jay feathers aren’t actually blue, or that some foxes can climb trees? Brad, a wildlife ecologist and the Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team, will share some of his favorite interesting facts from the book, discuss simple actions each of us can take to help wildlife around us, answer your wildlife questions, and much more! This is will be a very family-friendly event for ages 8-108! Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

The public is invited to participate in a free, guided Earth Day Trek at South Hadley’s Bynan Conservation Area, which is known for its vernal pools. The hike begins at 2:00pm and will be led by wildlife biologist and Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team Brad Timm and town Conservation Administrator Rebekah Cornell. Come explore the various trails and ponds this town-owned land has to offer. Vernal pools are critical habitats that support unique and valuable wildlife communities. We will look for the egg masses of frogs, toads and salamanders at several stops along the Trek.