Picture from last year's conference

Field Trip Information

This year field trips are offered before, during and after the conference. You may register for the field trips using the conference registration form. Details, including directions to meeting sites and what to bring, will be sent with confirmation of your registration.

Workshop 1: Exploring the Outdoors with Aldo Leopold

Friday, September 25
Incarnation Center, Ivoryton, CT
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee: $30.00 includes lunch and refreshments

Participants of this workshop will engage in the Leopold Education Project's NEW hands-on activities specifically designed and written for non-school educators. They will discover ways to fine-tune their observation skills and connect meaning to their observations like Leopold did. The activities are based on Leopold's writings and participants will be given the opportunity to look at some of Leopold's philosophies and gain a better understanding of the natural world and how it can be applied to stewardship in all settings. Attendees will receive a copy of the new curriculum materials.

Field Trip 1: Native Solutions for a Sustainable Future.

Friday, September 25
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Mashantucket, CT
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
Fee : $50.00, includes lunch

Participate in an educational tour and program focused on the sustainable practices of Native Americans from the past to present. Expand knowledge of Native American environmental views and sustainable living as presented through the eyes and exhibits of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe in the context of current day activity. Program includes tour of the Tower, Gathering Space and Award Winning Terrace, to gain an understanding of how the Mashantucket Museum has linked past and present sustainable beliefs into the museum’s architecture and displays. Workshop includes a Museum Exhibit Highlight Tour, exploration of the “Green Cart” used in public education programs and an Ethno-botany program featuring the outdoor gardens.

Limit 20 people.

Field Trip 2: Tracking Dinosaurs

Friday, September 25
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Rocky Hill, CT
Fee: $5.00 per adult and $2.00 for ages 6-12

The Connecticut Valley has a long history of fossil track discoveries. Outstanding specimens uncovered in 19th century brownstone quarries found their way into museums throughout the world. A new chapter in the history of such discoveries was written in 1966 when thousands of tracks were exposed in Rocky Hill. This remarkable site became Dinosaur State Park. Tour the park and have a special program, just for NEEEA, down on the track way. Program includes film, tour of trails, participate in new interactive “clicker” program designed to involve students during film and power point programs. Come early and bring a lunch to enjoy prior to your program as well as tour the other museum exhibits. Bring 10lbs of Plaster-Paris and make a cast of a dinosaur track to complete your own track collection.

Field Trip 3: Trip to the Castle

Travel up the Connecticut River by Steam Train and Ferry to Gillette Castle State Park.

Friday, September 25
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Essex, CT
Fee: $40 per adult and $30 per child age 2-11
Lunch and castle tour only $12.00 per adult and $8.00 per child age 2-11.

Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four-room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle. Participants will enjoy a guided tour of the castle and enjoy one of the best views of the Connecticut River. Your day includes a round trip ticket on the Essex Steam Train for a trip along the river. It will take you to the ferry which will carry across the river to the castle. Upon arrival to the castle you will enjoy lunch and a guided tour of the mansion and grounds. All this is included in your fee. If your time is limited you may join the group for a lunch and castle tour at 1:00 pm for a reduced fee as shown above. This trip is open for spouse or families to enjoy while attending the conference.

Field Trip 4: Mystic Aquarium: Inside and Out

Friday, September 25
55 Coogan Blvd Mystic, CT
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee: $20.00 per person

Visit Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in beautiful Mystic, CT. Explore the Aquarium and join an educator on a personalized tour of the exhibits, including the opportunity to peek behind-the-scenes to see what it takes to make our aquarium run. On the outdoor tour, experience beluga whales, sea lions, seals and penguins then venture inside to see sharks, piranhas, sea turtles and more.  Immerse yourself in a wonderful underwater world during this educational and fun experience not to be missed! Lunch is on your own.