The Friends of Sherwood Island State Park

Purple Martin Banding - July 11 at 9:30
2025-07-11 09:30 - 2025-07-15 11:00 (America/New_York) | Nature Center

Watch the Turtles Have Their Lunch - Daily from 2pm to 3pm
2025-06-30 14:00 - 2025-09-01 15:00 | Nature Center
Do you love turtles? Come to the Nature Center everyday from 2pm to 3pm to watch the turtles have their lunch and learn about the different species of turtles that live in CT, specifically at Sherwood Island, and what to do when you find one.

Meet and Greet with Smoky Bear!
2025-06-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Nature Center
Meet and Greet with Smokey Bear
Come visit Sherwood Island Nature Center to meet Smokey Bear and some of his wildland firefighters to learn about forest fire prevention in CT

Friends of Sherwood Island Annual Meeting
2025-06-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Nature Center
Please join us for our Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 8th at 4 pm at the Nature Center. Meet and vote for the 2025-2026 Board and Officers.
Guest Speaker: Jo-Marie Kasinak, M.S, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Biology, Sacred Heart University
“Project Limulus: 27 years of horseshoe crab research, education, and conservation”
By training Jo-Marie Kasinak is an aquatic ecologist working in both freshwater and marine habitats. Currently she is collaborating on a restoration project in Stratford CT, the goal of which is to restore the intertidal habitat and coastal upland at the site. Reef balls and oyster castles have been added to the intertidal zone and salt marsh grasses have been planted. In the upland, hundreds of trees, shrub, and pollinator habitats have been planted as well. Kasinak is also the Director of Project Limulus, a long term and large scale study of the horseshoe crab population in Long Island Sound. Each year Project Limulus hosts dozens of talks and beach walks where they educate hundreds of children and adults about horseshoe crabs and the Long Island Sound ecosystem. For the past few years Kasinak has been collaborating with researchers from Southern Connecticut State University, the University of Connecticut, and Cardiff University (Wales), to explore Ocean Identity and how ocean spaces impact people. This marine social science project is using the education and outreach program of Project Limulus as a test bed for the survey designed to mean Ocean Identity. For more information on Project Limulus visit www.projectlimulus.org, for more information on Ocean Identity visit www.oceanidentity.org.
To be Held at the Nature Center at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT
Directly off I-95 Exit 18 Sherwood Island Connector)
Free Admission Refreshments
Bring your binoculars for birding from the porch at 3 pm. Use our spotting scope to check in on our resident Osprey. See if you can spot a Bald Eagle. Observe the Purple Martins caring for young in the colony nest boxes right in front of the Nature Center.

Connecticut Trails Day (weekend)
2025-06-07 08:30 - 2025-06-08 16:30 | Nature Center
Come to the park the weekend of June 7 & 8 and particpate in Connecticut Trails Day
June 7 – CT Trails Day

8:30am – 10:30am Kayak survey of the salt marsh to find diamondback Terrapins

Paddling is the best way to explore the salt marsh. Join us to count Diamondback Terrapins with Maggie Cozens, CT Sea Grant outreach coordinator, and document birds using iNaturalist. Bring your own kayak, canoe, or other paddlecraft, as well as a life vest and whistle/horn, required by CT state boating regulations. It’s a long carry over the beach, so bring a kayak cart if you have one. We will help each other. Your leader is a retired Coastal Kayak Instructor with twenty years teaching experience. Optional: Bring waterproof binoculars for spotting birds, and/or a waterproof camera.

12:00 pm (noon) Butterfly Walk – meet at the Nature Center.

Join butterfly hobbyist Michele Sorensen to explore the gardens and natural areas around the Park’s Nature Center in search of caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies. We may see Mourning Cloak, Pearl Crescent, Question Mark, Monarch, Cabbage White, Orange or Clouded Sulphurs, tiny Gray Hairstreaks & Blues, and Black or Tiger Swallowtails. Michele leads the Friends’ Garden Team, which has installed hundreds of native plants to attract butterflies and birds.
Bring binoculars and a camera or smartphone. You’ll learn how to report your findings on iNaturalist so scientists anywhere can see how these insects are doing. Children are welcome.

June 8 – CT Trails day

1:00pm Archeological Walk – A walk through Historical & Archaelogical time

Join us for a family friendly, educational walk on the Sherwood Island History Trail led by Archaeologists Dawn Brown and Ernie Wiegand. Travel through time starting at the Ice Age when LI sound was formed. You’ll see points of historic interest and examine the traces of past inhabitants of Sherwood Island, from Native Americans in 1000 B.C. to onion farmers of the 1940s. Artifacts, maps, old photos, and recent recoveries will be used to bring the island’s past inhabitants to life.

3:30pm Beach to Beach Walk

Discover Sherwood Island with Louis Pietig! Go beach to beach and discover habitats, inhabitants, and special features – 9/11 Memorial, Model Airport, wetlands, pine forest – of this waterfront Gateway park. We’ll start at the Nature Center and end at the Pavilion.

Registration is suggested/required for each CT Trails day event. Please use Trailsday.org or the links shown below.
https://trailsday.org/events/kayak-paddle-survey-terrapins-and-birds-in-the-marsh/
https://trailsday.org/events/island-butterfly-walk/
https://trailsday.org/events/a-walk-through-historical-and-archeological-time/
https://trailsday.org/events/beach-to-beach-an-island-walk-for-friends-and-families/

Early Bird Earth Days - dune restoration - April 6, 12, 13
2025-04-06 10:00 - 2025-04-13 14:00 | East Beach
Early Bird Earth Days April 6 and 12 – Dune restoration on the East Beach, 10 am to 2 pm both days. Meet us near the East Beach Bath house. You’ll see our team in yellow vests. Event is FREE. ALL are welcome – we need your help. Great family activity!Tools and kneelers provided. Bring garden gloves. Dress warmly. Early April can be cold. If not done on April 12, we’ll work the morning of April 13 to finish.
Questions? contact michelemsorensen@gmail.com

Nature Photography with your Smartphone
2025-02-23 10:00 | Main Pavilion
Amble along the shore to find subjects and scenes for family or single portraits, a stunning landscape or a vibrant close-up of shells, rocks and plants. Professional photographer Alison Wachstein and nature hobbyist Michele Sorensen will help us create memorable shots. Meet at the east side of the Main Pavilion (left side from the parking area).March 9 is the weather date.
An optional $10/family contribution will go to the Friends’ Garden Team to buy plants and supplies for 2025.

First Day Hike January 1, 2025
2025-01-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Nature Center
Start the new year with a breezy walk along the beach with Past FOSI President Michele Sorensen. We’ll meet in front of the Nature Center in the East Beach area. Dress for possible showers. Family and dogs on short leashes are welcome.
This is a free event.
Entrance to the Park is free for CT license plate vehicles.
Note that bathrooms are closed. Port-a-johns are available.
Park in the parking area within sight of the Nature Center.
Call Michele at 203-247-1390 if you have difficulty locating us.

Thank you to the 2024 Shorefest Silent Auction Donor Honor Roll
2024-10-31 | Main Pavilion
Thank you to all our wonderful supporters who made our 26th Annual Shorefest on September 6, 2024, such a success. Their contributions to our event and Silent Auction will help us preserve Sherwood Island State Park and support our educational programs. Please join us in thanking them for their commitment to our Sherwood Island community and conservation efforts.
ASF Sports & Outdoors
Austin-Rolfe Salon
Beltone TV Ears
B.J. Ryan restaurants
Bowlero
Bridgewater Chocolate
Captain Blake Fishing Charter
Dr. Paul Epstein
Double LL Market
Fisherman's World
Fred Astaire Studio Norwalk
Fresh Market
Garelick and herbs
Gilberties
Gold's Deli
Greer Southern Table
Gruel Brittannia
Johnny Was
HAIR
Izzo & Sons Country Garden
Kneads
Longshore Sailing School
Massimo Italian Corner Norwalk
Miggs Burroughs
Nomade Restaurant
Ninety 9 Bottles
Nomade
Norwalk Liquor Center
Norwalk Pizza & Pasta
Odeen Oak Hill Park
Pagano's
Posh Paws
Posh Spa
Rizzuto's Oyster Bar
Romanacci
Saugatuck Sweets
Salt Cave
Speedy Donuts
Stewie the Duck Swim School
Stop & Shop
Stretch Lab
Tenga
Tutti's
The Fine Wine Company
The Home Cook CT
The Winged Monkey
Trader Joes
WestFair Fish and Chips
Westport Farmers' Market
Westport Playhouse

2024 Shorefest Silent Auction Donor Honor Roll
2024-09-04 | Main Pavilion
Thank you to all our wonderful supporters who made our 26th Annual Shorefest on September 6, 2024, such a success. Their contributions to our event and Silent Auction will help us preserve Sherwood Island State Park and support our educational programs. Please join us in thanking them for their commitment to our Sherwood Island community and conservation efforts.

ASF Sports & Outdoors
Austin-Rolfe Salon
Beltone TV Ears
B.J. Ryan restaurants
Bowlero
Bridgewater Chocolate
Captain Blake Fishing Charter
Dr. Paul Epstein
Double LL Market
Fisherman’s World
Fred Astaire Studio Norwalk
Fresh Market
Garelick and herbs
Gilberties
Gold’s Deli
Greer Southern Table
Gruel Britannia
Johnny Was
HAIR
Izzo & Sons Country Garden
Kneads
Longshore Sailing School
Massimo Italian Corner Norwalk
Miggs Burroughs
Nomade Restaurant
Ninety 9 Bottles
Nomade
Norwalk Pizza & Pasta
Odeen Oak Hill Park
Posh Paws
Posh Spa
Rizzuto’s Oyster Bar
Romanacci
Saugatuck Sweets
Salt Cave
Speedy Donuts
Stewie the Duck Swim School
Stop & Shop
Stretch Lab
Tenga
Tutti’s
The Fine Wine Company
The Home Cook CT
The Winged Monkey
WestFair Fish and Chips
Westport Farmers’ Market
Westport Playhouse

Monarch Butterfly Presentation
2024-08-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Nature Center
Ms. Cia Marion, a Westport CT. resident and avid Monarch Butterfly “nurturer”, who has several nesting stations around her backyard, will be returning to the Nature Center to share new information about this year’s hatch and allow us to observe these Monarchs further along in their development.
All ages are welcome to attend.

Beardsley Zoo at the Sherwood Island Nature Center!
2024-08-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Nature Center
Come meet visiting Beardsley Zoo staff and some of the animals they will bring with them from Beardsley Zoo.

Birds of Prey
2024-08-11 14:00 - 15:30
At the Nature Center. In partnership with Earthplace.

Meet the Turtles
2024-08-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Nature Center
Meet the Turtles with CT certified wildlife rehabilitator Jayne Sabovik.
Indoors at the Nature Center – rain or shine!

Coyotes in Connecticut
2024-08-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Nature Center
Coyotes in Connecticut with Paul Colburn, DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist

Field Birds
2024-08-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Nature Center
Come visit the Nature Center at Sherwood Island in Westport CT on August 1st 1:00 PM, to enjoy our exhibits and listen about – Field Birds in Connecticut provided by our 2024 summer intern Skyler Albon

Forest Predators and Prey
2024-07-31 13:00 - 14:00
Come visit the Nature Center at Sherwood Island in Westport CT on July 31st 1:00 PM, to enjoy our exhibits and listen about Forest Predators and Prey in Connecticut provided by our 2024 summer intern Lauren Beneventano.

Monarch Butterfly Presentation
2024-07-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Nature Center
The Sherwood Island Nature Center is looking forward to hosting Ms. Cia Marion, a Westport CT. resident and avid Monarch Butterfly “nurturer”, who has several nesting stations around her backyard.
She will speak about the lifecycle of the Monarch butterfly, using slides and – if their developmental timing is right- some actual eggs, larvae, chrysalis and adults she has watched grow this summer

Field Reptiles in Connecticut
2024-07-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Nature Center

Birds of Prey
2024-07-14 14:00 - 14:30 | Nature Center
See some amazing birds of prey presented by the Earthplace staff on the porch of the Nature Center.

Purple Martin Bird Banding
2024-06-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Nature Center

Marsh to Mill Pond Hike - CT Trails Day
2024-06-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Nature Center
Explore the northernmost edges of the Park. Meet at the Nature Center for a walk to explore the marshy shoreline of the park, led by a former CT Audubon Society Environmental Educator. We’ll pause to listen for Marsh Wren and Clapper/Virginia Rail with Merlin bird sound ID app. Diamondback Terrapin may be seen sunning along the banks. We’ll pass within binocular view of the Bald Eagle nest. This brushy area of the park is home to Bobcat, Coyote and Red Fox, though we are unlikely to spot them in mid-day. Pace will be exploratory. There are paths most of the way, but be prepared for brush and possible mud along the salt marsh. Dress in long pants, long-sleeved shirt and hat to keep away bugs. If using spray, please apply away from others. Thanks!
Pre-registration is APPRECIATED. Questions and/or participant registration, contact the leader, michelemsorensen@gmail.com

Kayak Paddle - CT Trails Day
2024-06-02 08:00 - 11:00 | East Beach
See Sherwood Island from the water! Join us for an early morning paddle with Michele, a retired Coastal Kayak Instructor with twenty years teaching experience. Bring your own kayak, canoe, or other paddlecraft, as well as a pump/bailer. A life vest and whistle/horn are required by CT state boating regulations. Your life vest must be worn for this event. We recommend a waterproof VHF radio or cell phone. It’s a long carry over the beach, so bring a kayak cart (with wide wheels for sand) if you have one. We will help each other.
The event begins promptly at 8:15 am (high tide is at 8:29 am) and ends at 11:00 am, so plan to arrive as soon as the Park opens at 8 am.

Meet at the furthest east end of the parking lot near the Nature Center, on the beach side.

We’ll paddle into the salt marsh behind the park while the tide is rising/slack. Then we’ll paddle the length of the Sherwood Island shoreline, west to the entrance of Mill Pond, and return to our launch point on the open beach. Your guide will point out turtle hatchlings, crabs and birds along the way. Optional: Bring waterproof binoculars for spotting birds, and/or a waterproof camera. Pre-registration is APPRECIATED. Contact michelemsorensen@gmail with questions. Please REGISTER: https://trailsday.org/events/kayak-paddle/

Beach to Beach Walk - CT Trails Day
2024-06-01 14:00 - 15:30 | Nature Center
Discover Sherwood Island! Go beach to beach on a Fun Walk along Long island Sound- discover habitats, inhabitants, birding locations, viewing platforms, a purple martin enclave, and other special features of this waterfront Gateway park. Other park points of interest include Connecticut’s 9/11 Memorial, model aircraft Airport, Trail heads, wetlands, and a pine forest. Comfortable shoes, Hats & or Sun Protection recommended.
Pre-registration is APPRECIATED. Questions and/or participant Registration, contact the leader, Louis Pietig at ldpiet@aol.com
Register here: https://trailsday.org/events/beach-to-beach-walk/

Archaeological Walk Through History - CT Trails Day
2024-06-01 12:30 - 14:00 | Nature Center
Join us for an Archaeology Walk on the Sherwood Island History Trail. The walk will be led by Archaeologists Dawn Brown and Ernie Wiegand. The walk will include points of interest, terrain, and examining the traces of past inhabitants of Sherwood Island, from 1000 B.C. to the 1940s. The leader will share findings from recent excavations, including Native American, early settlers, and onion farmers.
Along the trail, various sites will be described and examined, and various artifacts, maps, old photos, and recent recoveries will be used to bring the island’s past inhabitants to life.Pre-registration is APPRECIATED
Questions and/or participant Registration, contact:  Louis Pietig 203-858-6215

Event Leader(s)

Ernie Weigand & Dawn Brown
Rain cancels

What's Crawling Up the Beach?
2024-05-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Nature Center
Walk the East Beach with our Environmental Educators looking for state-protected horseshoe crabs and diamondback terrapins (turtles) that come ashore in May and June to lay eggs in the sand. Wear water shoes and knee-length pants.
Bring your cameras. Suitable for the whole family. Free.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Early Bird Earth Days - dune restoration
2024-04-13 10:00 - 2024-04-14 14:00 | East Beach
Join us Saturday or Sunday, April 13 & 14 from 10 am to 2 pm to plant our next 100 foot+ section of beach grass in the East dunes.
UConn Master Gardeners will be on hand to guide your plantings, and answer questions about native coastal habitat.
We’ll also have buckets so you and your family can do a beach trash pick up to add to our “collection,” which you can help us sort to figure out the bad actors (cigarette filters, straw wrappers, bottle caps?).
Friends of Sherwood Island Board President, Michele Sorensen, will be on hand both days, along with Board members Magnus Larsson, Erica Caldwell and Margaret Farley, to talk about the Friends’ work and events at the Park. Our Board is looking for a new Treasurer, a Youth Representative and a Membership Liaison for the June 2024-May 2025 term.
We are always excited to add members to our standing committees: Friends’ Garden Team, Marketing & Communications, Shorefest fundraiser, Nature Center and Advocacy.

Nature Photography Walk
2024-03-10 10:00 - 12:00
Two professional and two hobbyist photographers will give tips on how to get unique nature close-ups, portraits in nature and landscapes on a walk along the West Beach. Join Alison Wachstein, Patricia McMahon, David Anastasia and Friends’ President Michele Sorensen for this fun, informal, free event using your own cellphone cameras.
Meet at the Main Pavilion by the large mosaic on the East side.
Handicapped accessible for those who can walk or ride on firm surfaces.
Dogs on short leashes (7′) are welcome.

Nature's Winter Lovers - Walk
2024-02-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Main Pavilion
Join Park Ranger Melanie and Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny on a walk along the shores and into the woods to find dens and nests of mammals and birds that start families in the month of February!

First Day Hike: Shore and More!
2024-01-01 11:00 - 12:30 | Main Pavilion
The Friends of Sherwood Island State Park invite people of all ages to a First Day Hike and Nature Walk on Monday, January 1, starting at 11 am. Meet at the Main Pavilion in front of the mosaic by local artist Claudia Schattman, located on the east side.
Our pace will be moderate to keep warm. We encourage you to bring binoculars to spot loons and winter ducks as we walk the entire length of the beach, about 45-60 minutes. For those who want a longer walk, we’ll then head into the woods along the history trail. Bitter cold, high winds or rain will cancel. Contact Hike Leader Michele at 203-247-1390 or on email at michelemsorensen@gmail.com with questions.
