Image item
 
Image item
 
Happy New Year from DPNC!
 
January may feel quiet outdoors, but most animals are just keeping a low profile. Painted turtles are spending the winter buried in the mud at the bottom of ponds, deer are getting by on a much leaner diet of twigs, bark, and lichen, and chipmunks wake up from time to time to snack on food stored in their burrows. Great Horned Owls are already calling as they begin their breeding season, while Goldfinches visit thistle feeders and trade their bright summer colors for softer winter tones. Keep an eye on the ground for wintering towhees scratching through leaf litter, and on milder days, look closely at the snow. You might spot “snow fleas," but don't worry, they're not real fleas! They're tiny decomposers that stay active thanks to a natural antifreeze in their bodies.
To learn more about what to expect in nature this month, visit our Nature Notes page online.
 
Featured January programs
 
Image item
 
Image item
 
Winter at DPNC
 
Image item
Our winter catalog is a guide to all our public programs and events. To see a quick list of our fall programs, see below, or visit our online interactive calendar here.
 
The following public programs all require pre-registration. To register, click the name of the program.
 
Board updates
Our board is made stronger by the people who serve, and this month we’re saying thank you to three trustees whose time, care, and leadership have made a lasting impact on DPNC, while also welcoming two new members to the Board of Trustees.
 
Outgoing:
Rich Steele brought steady financial leadership and thoughtful guidance to the board for nine years. As Treasurer and a longtime member of the Finance and Audit Committees, his expertise and calm perspective helped guide DPNC through important decisions and growth.
Rowland “Rowlie” Stebbins' board service spans some of DPNC’s most pivotal years, including the acquisition of Coogan Farm. His strategic thinking, deep institutional knowledge, and leadership in finance and governance have left a lasting mark on the organization.
Jane Dawson shared her passion for environmental education and her careful, insightful approach during her time on the board. Her contributions across several committees strengthened conversations around governance, planning, and DPNC’s long-term mission.
 
Incoming:
Robin Harris brings strong financial and nonprofit leadership experience to the board, along with a deep commitment to community service. Her background will be an asset as DPNC continues to grow and plan for the future.
Justine Deming returns to DPNC with both a personal history as a program participant and professional expertise in animal science and education. Her connection to the Nature Center and love of learning and the outdoors will be a wonderful addition to the board.

Find us on Facebook & Instagram for nature facts & stories, photos of our animals, programs, trails & people, DPNC & Coogan news, and more!
Visit our Bluesky
Visit our Facebook
Visit our Instagram
Visit our LinkedIn
DPNC, 109 Pequotsepos Road
Mystic, Connecticut 06355, United States