City of New Haven Skyline Graphic - Link To City Homepage Spacer Image
ResidentsVisitorsBusinessOnline ServicesAsk New HavenGuide To New Haven Spacer Image
spacer image Search Site Government Forms Central Calendars Emergency Info

Go Home
What's New
Monthly Calendar
Sports & Recreation
Ranger Programs
Outdoor Adventure
Parks Information
The Tree Line
Community Gardens
and Greenspaces
Adopt-A-Tree
Staff
Job Opportunities
Related Links
ECPC
Site Map
Welcome to the New Haven Parks Department

   East Rock | East Shore | Edgewood | West Rock

 East Rock Ranger Station / Trowbridge Environmental Center

Programs

 
Park Rangers
Dan Barvir – East Rock Park Ranger
Contact Information
Phone: 946-6086
Email:   Dan Barvir dbarvir@newhavenct.net
Cold Spring and Orange Streets,
New Haven, CT
logo bugProgram Calendarlogo bug
logo bugDirections to East Rock Ranger Stationlogo bug

Notice:

Please be aware that as of May 1, the Trowbridge Environmental Center will temporarily not be open regular hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Programs offered by Ranger Dan Barvir will continue without change. Watch this spot for notifice of when the Trowbridge Center will resume normal operations.

Public Programs Registration

Registration for programs is requested by the Park Ranger Staff for planning purposes. Contact us at 946-6086 for directions, more information, and to register for these programs.

All programs meet at the Trowbridge Environmental Center and are free to the public except as noted. The Trowbridge Environmental Center is located on the corner of Cold Spring & Orange Streets, opposite Wilbur Cross High School.

The Trowbridge Environmental Center is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 10AM to 5PM, and at least one Saturday each month for programs. The main entrance is adjacent to the picnic pavilion in College Woods.

Trowbridge Environmental Center at East Rock Park
Public Program Calendar

February 2010
Day Date Time Programs Leader Fee
Wed 3 10 - 11:30 am Winter Bird Walk Dan Barvir Free
Wed 10 10 - 11:30 am Mill River Winter Nature Walk Dan Barvir Free
Sat 13 10 am- 1 pm Trail Improvement Day
with the Friends of East Rock Park		 Dan Barvir Free
Wed 24 9:30 pm - 2:30 am Eagle Watch Van Trip
To Shepaug Dam Eagle Observation Area,
Southbury, CT 		Dan Barvir $25
Registration for programs is requested by the Park Ranger Staff for planning purposes. Contact us at 946-6086 for directions, more information, and to register for these programs.
All programs meet at the Trowbridge Environmental Center and are free to the public except as noted. A donation of $2 per person is suggested for participants residing outside New Haven. All fee-based programs require pre-registration. Call 946-6086.

 

Directions to the East Rock Ranger Station
From 1-91:
Take Willow Street Exit (Exit 6) to end of ramp. Turn right onto Willow Street. At second light turn right on Mitchell Drive. Follow Mitchell Drive to first traffic light. East Rock Park will be in front of you on your right. There are no parking lots at this end of the park, so parking is limited to the street. Please observe the street cleaning signs for parking restrictions.
From Wilbur Cross Parkway:
Take Whitney Avenue Exit (Exit 61) and head towards New Haven. After passing the reservoir on your left, continue approximately one mile to the flashing yellow light at Cold Spring Street. Turn left onto Cold Spring Street. The College Woods section of East Rock Park is located a quarter mile ahead on your left. The Trowbridge Environmental Center is located on the corner of Cold Spring and Orange Streets, across from Wilbur Cross High School. There are no parking lots at this end of the park, so parking is limited to the street. Please observe the street cleaning signs for parking restrictions.
From Downtown New Haven:
Take Church Street north towards Hamden. Church Street changes name to Whitney Avenue. Turn right onto Cold Spring Street at the blinking yellow light. In 2-1/2 blocks, the East Rock Ranger Station is on the left. Park on street. The College Woods section of East Rock Park is located a quarter mile ahead on your left. The Trowbridge Environmental Center is located on the corner of Cold Spring and Orange Streets, across from Wilbur Cross High School. There are no parking lots at this end of the park, so parking is limited to the street. Please observe the street cleaning signs for parking restrictions.

- Back to Top -

Animal Tracking/Tree Identification

This program involves the exploration of Edgewood Park in the winter. Searching for animal tracks, as well as being able to identify trees without leaves, makes this program a great activity for children, grades K-6. Available only during the winter. For more information contact the Edgewood Ranger at (203) 946-8028.

Bird Walks

Bird WatchingLead by park rangers and naturalists, these walks teach about migrating birds, as well as some of our local resident species. Offered at all ranger stations. Check calendar for dates. For more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028, the Lighthouse Point Park Ranger Station at (203) 946-8790 or the West Rock Nature at (203) 946-8016.

 

- Back to Top -

Candle & Wreath Making Workshops

A perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Learn how to make and decorate a wreath or how to dip a candle. This program is offered at East Rock and Edgewood parks and the West Rock Nature Center. For more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Edgewood Park Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028 or the West Rock Nature Center at (203)946-8016.

Candle making workshop
Candle making workshop

- Back to Top -

Fishing

FishingThis is a favorite activity for some of our rangers, who will be happy to pass on their "secrets" while they demonstrate fishing techniques and equipment. Our salt and fresh-water fishing derbies are becoming more and more popular. Ranger Dan Barvir, also organizes Bluefishing trips. For more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station at (203) 946-6086, or the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at (203) 946-6768.

 

 

- Back to Top -

Geology Walks

Join our staff and special guests for a series of fascinating walks through the parks. This program is offered at East Rock and West Rock parks. For more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, or the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.

- Back to Top -

Hawk Watch and Hawk Festival

Red Tailed HawkLearn about these amazing birds of prey. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from the rangers. Offered at East Rock, West Rock and Lighthouse Point parks. For more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Lighthouse Point Park rangers at (203)946-8790, or the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016. Hawk festival will be held each year in the autumn. Check the monthly calendar for dates.

 

Hawk at East Rock
Hawk at East Rock Park

- Back to Top -

NatureHiking and Nature Interpretation

Nature walks provide a unique opportunity to see the city from different angles, to observe the birds that roam around in New Haven parks, and to appreciate and respect the local wildlife and natural ecosystems. Lead by park rangers and naturalists, these walks teach low-impact, leave-no-trace ethics and skill, our way of educating residents about preserving our fragile habitats. This program is offered at all ranger stations. For more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086; the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028; the Lighthouse Point Ranger Station at (203) 946-8790 or the West Rock Nature Center (203) 946-8016.

- Back to Top -

ReptilesIntroduction to Reptiles

This program is offered several times each year and depending upon the age group could include: A nature walk to the ravine of the Nature Center looking for "reptile signs," "Hands on" presentation with snakes and turtles in the Nature House, Reptile slides and video in the Visitors Center. For more information call the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016, or the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028.

- Back to Top -

Maple Sugaring

Maple trees, syrup and pancakes are a New England tradition. Join our staff and learn how to identify a maple tree, tap a tree for sap, boil the sap, and taste the final product. Note: This program is offered only from late February to mid-March. For more information, contact the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086. Check the monthly calendar for dates.

- Back to Top -

Nature Walks

This program is offered year-round (weather permitting), and could include any of the following: Identifying trees, birds, flowers, animals’ tracks, including brook study, hiking, orienteering, and biodiversity. For more information call the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028, the Lighthouse Point Park Ranger Station (203) 946-8790, or the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.

Nature Walk
Nature Walk

- Back to Top -

Wildflower Walks

A nature lover’s delight, this program is offered during several times of the year at the West Rock Nature Center. Lead by naturalists and/or rangers, this program includes hikes through the woods, which allows participants to learn, identify and even photograph striking native species. For more information call the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016.

Butterfly at East Rock
Butterfly at East Rock Park

- Back to Top -