Our Programs

Public Programs

Wilton Wildlife offers a wide variety of outdoor and indoor programs that explore different aspects of the natural world.  Most programs are active and hands-on, involving a hike or a snowshoe to explore some of nature’s beauty and wonder.  Most programs are free.  Past programs have included Pond Explorations, Art in Nature Series, Karner blue butterfly Walks, Nature Discovery Walks, Wellness Walks, and Preschool Nature Hours.

Programs during school vacation weeks to give families a chance to do fun, outdoor and environmental activities together! Check in the calendar listing section of the website to see what is currently being offered.

Every spring, on the Sunday after Memorial Day we host our Wilton Wildlife Festival.  We have Karner blue butterfly walks, lupine planting, pond exploration, lots of nature crafts, live animal programs, displays from other community environmental organizations, fire tower tours, and a BBQ!

Our education program brochure includes field trip and traveling program options.  Download our current Education Brochure (PDF).

School Programs

Local school students are exposed to the presence and importance of local at-risk species and habitats and ways they can make a positive difference. Teachers can choose from a full menu of programs that cover topics including the Karner blue butterfly’s life cycle; its host plant, the wild blue lupine; the food chains and webs of the Saratoga Sandplains Ecosystem; animal adaptations, freshwater life, pollution and habitat loss, and many, many more.  These engaging programs meet criteria set forth in the state’s core curriculum for elementary science.

Children’s and Youth Programming 

We also offer programs to scouts, 4H, and other organizations to help enhance awareness of this area’s unique habitats and diverse species.  Programs encourage the use of reasoning, math, art, writing and verbal skills to expand the children’s understanding of nature’s intricate web.

Summer Programs 

Wilton Wildlife partners with the Wilton Recreation Department to present environmental education programs to its summer campers. Summer camps and community centers around the region schedule field trips or have Wilton Wildlife brings our hands-on programs to their site.

Programs for Clubs and Civic Groups

The Wilton Wildlife accommodates as many requests for programs as possible.  Contact the Preserve & Park if you are interested in having an educational program at your site or at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.

Grant Support in 2023 

We were proud to receive a grant from the New York State ZBGA program to support our efforts in environmental education and conservation.  This is general operating support that helps us continue to have exceptional staff to work with school groups and the public.

We received funding for a new collaborative partnership with Saratoga PLAN from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) of the New York's Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This funding is for two paid interns through the end of March 2024 to work developing and presenting educational programs to take place on trails on Saratoga PLAN’s preserves. The interns are also working on projects for both organizations to help further their missions.

We were able to offer free outdoor painting workshops led by local artists, Page Darrow and Catherine Wagner Minnery.  We were able to offer a Campfire Concert with Red Spruce Band. Saratoga Arts made these programs possible with two Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.