WELCOME!
Protecting Birds, Other Wildlife, and Their Habitats
– Our Mission –
The mission of the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society is to protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats, through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
- November 4, 2024
Birdsong and Science - December 2, 2024
All About the Christmas Bird Count
- October 27, 2024
Experience the Spooky Side of Nature - November 2, 2024
Discovering Birds in Your Backyard - November 10, 2024
Annual Duck Ramble
- EDUCATION -
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society aims to provide environmental experiences to people of all ages, particularly in the Litchfield County and surrounding areas. LHAS offers free monthly programs, bird walks and environmental events that are open to the public. We also support and offer National Audubon’s Audubon Adventures tailored for elementary school children.
- CONSERVATION -
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society manages and maintains a total of 157 acres at three separate sanctuaries. LHAS is involved in a 10 year Forest Management Project through the NRCS, improving the forest health at Boyd Woods and Wigwam Brook Sanctuaries. Our sanctuaries provide vital habitat for woodland, shrubland and grassland birds and wildlife.
- RESEARCH -
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society continues to work with the National Resources and Conservation Services involved in a 10 year forest management project to improve the forest health at our Boyd Woods and Wigwam Brook Sanctuaries. LHAS also supports and is involved in the Blue-bird Nesting Program and the American Chestnut Restoration Project.
Top Stories
Help Save Connecticut's Migrating Birds
Join Lights Out CT Today!
Millions of birds pass through Connecticut every spring and fall on their way to and from their summer nesting grounds. Because our state is located along the Atlantic Flyway, many birds use our shorelines and green spaces to rest and refuel during their trip. Some also stay for the summer.
Light pollution has wreaked havoc on our night sky. Artificial light emitted by buildings, street lights, bridges, and other structures can confuse and disorient birds, causing them to land near buildings, crash into windows, and/or circle around for hours until they drop from exhaustion. This can be made worse by weather patterns that force them to fly lower, closer to buildings.
Take the Lights Out CT Pledge TODAY! When you participate in Lights Out CT, you commit to turning off your unnecessary outdoor and indoor lights every night during peak bird migration from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
You join hundreds of other Connecticut residents, businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits who care about migratory birds and make decisions about nighttime lighting that help to protect birds migrating in Connecticut during migration. You also reduce your energy bills, save money, lower your carbon footprint, and improve views of the night sky.
Fall Migration: August 15- November 15
Spring MigrationL April 1 – May 31
Birding Backpacks at a Library Near You
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society donates birding backpacks to area libraries to promote and teach birding.
Backpacks have been donated to five area libraries by Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, an attempt to inspire children and families to enjoy the hobby of birdwatching.
Litchfield County has an abundance of nature preserves and natural habitats for wildlife, many with well-marked trails. LHAS hopes to encourage more families to get outdoors and learn about birds by offering them an opportunity to try a new hobby without the upfront costs.
Backpacks are available for check-out at the following libraries:
- Morris Public Library
- Oliver Wolcott Library
- Thomaston Library
- Torrington Library
- Terryville, Library
- Harwinton Library
- New Milford Library
- Beardsley Library
- Burlington Public Library
- Cornwall Library
You can check-out a Birding Backpack using your library card. Stocked in the backpacks are binoculars, illustrated guides identifying birds, information on nature activities and recommended locations for birdwatching.
Donations from Ace Hardware of Litchfield, Litchfield Bancorp, Torrington Savings Bank, Wild Bird Unlimited of Brookfield and Litchfield Hills Audubon Society’s Education Committee covered the cost of the backpacks and their contents.
Join Us at a Meeting
Unless otherwise indicated, General Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road (Rt. 202), Litchfield, CT. When the first Monday of the month falls on a holiday, the meeting is held on the second Monday. Refreshments are served at 6:45 p.m. The business meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. and the program follows. The June meeting is the Annual Meeting and Dinner held at a local restaurant; it begins at 6 p.m. Our August meeting is the annual Picnic at Boyd Woods Sanctuary; it begins at 6 p.m. Board of Directors Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every other month at 7:00 p.m. at LHAS’ office at 28 Russell St. Litchfield, CT.