This Earth Month, as we get out and take in nature’s beauty in our neighborhoods and parks, a variety of online learning opportunities has been developed by Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to connect people with their local surroundings. We encourage safe exploration of your yards, neighborhoods and parks to find the many exciting things that live there. Spring is the season that bears are also out and about more too. DEEP wants you to be aware of bear activity and to share sighting with us as well. We start Earth Week off with some bear focused activities and to learn more about black bears in Connecticut and have some fun. Visit Living with Black Bears on the DEEP website for information.
- Bear sightings- The DEEP is collecting reports of black bear sightings
- Kids Coloring pages
- Black Bear Fact Sheet
To learn about Family and youth sponsored activities and online challenges follow this link to the DEEP resources page. There you will find detailed information about the activities provided below.
Take Part In these SPECIAL BEAR FOCUSED PROGRAMS
- Bears in CT by Wildlife Biologist Paul Rego Webinar Program
April 23, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Updates on bear research and findings related to activity, management and ways to be better at living with bears.
- Teddy Bear Hunts are popping up in Connecticut. Learn more about them and take part at the public Facebook Page CT Teddy Bear Hunt Challenge. See if your community sponsors a hunt or get one started and add to the fun.
- April 22, at 2:00 pm Join Beth Bernard from Connecticut Forest and Park Association for
Talking With Your Children About Climate Change: An Online Discussion. Parents, educators and leaders are invited to attend this informative discussion on addressing current day events.
- Join Ranger Russ April 22, at 11:00am for Facebook Live program on Bears
Provided on the Friends of Meigs Point Nature Center Facebook page. Daily programs are streamed live from Hammonassett State Park to help connect you to your local resources.
- Dinosaur State Park Virtual Tour challenges, these activities help explore the trackway and other exhibits and artifacts from Dinosaur State Park. On April 23, view a video and take on the next challenge with naturalists from Dinosaur State Park discussing how bear teeth compare to Dinosaurs!
- Bobcats in Connecticut. April 30 at 3:00 pm. Updates for professionals and outreach educators statewide. Learn what has been learned about the population and status of bobcat in CT.
Additional Programs and resources are also provided for the public at these websites located in the DEEP portal.
- Celebrate Arbor Day, April 24 with a collection of activities and resources for all.
- Educational Webinar, Backyard Exploration Series– Wednesdays at 11:00 am
30 min. presentations on topics for use by educators with students. Youth group, home school, and classroom materials available to support use for distance learning.
