Community Connections
Community Connections
Community Connections shines a light on local charities whose compassion, service, and dedication strengthen the fabric of our community. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire others and help the spirit of giving spread throughout our towns.
Under the spotlight today: Woodcock Nature Center
An interview with Lenore Herbst, Woodcock Nature Center
How do you brighten our community?
Woodcock brightens our community by helping people of all ages feel more connected—to nature, to each other, and to a sense of curiosity about the natural world around them. From our tiny nature lovers and their caregivers exploring our natural playground to our Eagle Scouts giving back through grounds improvements projects to our ladies who visit annually for Wreath Fest Woodcock is a place that makes everyone feel more connected!
Who do you serve in our community?
Woodcock is here for everyone! Through our formal programming we serve ages Pre-K through 8th grade (through after school programs, summer camp, school field trips and more) but all are welcome to enjoy our 152-acre preserve and nearly 4 miles of trails from dawn to dusk daily. Our unique and popular special events like the upcoming Frothy Forage (April 25), Under the Harvest Moon and Wreath Festival welcome adults to eat, drink and support our mission.
What are you most proud of?
We are especially proud of our teaching team who are the heart of Woodcock. Their creativity, dedication, and knowledge drive our mission to inspire meaningful connections between our community and the natural world. In fact, in 2023, Woodcock received the Edith Meffley Award from the Ridgefield Conservation Commission for excellence in environmental education, and just a few weeks ago, we were honored as Non-Profit of the Year by the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce.
What was the spark that started your organization?
Our organization was founded in 1972 by a passionate group of community members led by Mortimer Woodcock, then First Selectman of Ridgefield (a detail that often surprises those who assume we were named after the woodcock bird!) Mr. Woodcock and the organization’s early leaders recognized the importance of environmental education and the lasting impact of early experiences in nature. With remarkable foresight, they worked to ensure that our community would have access to our incredible preserve as a place for learning, exploration, and meaningful connection to the natural world.
What is one of your future impact goals?
How did you change a life?
Who are your community partners?
Local-Insta thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Community Connections series possible!
Celebrating the charities that make our community stronger.
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