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Great Mountain Forest

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Norfolk, CT
Great Mountain Forest

Welcome, all who love the woods! Great Mountain Forest is 6000 acres of working conservation land, in the towns of Norfolk and Canaan, Connecticut.

GMF is dedicated to the stewardship of our lands to create opportunities to carry out sustainable forestry, forest research, environmental education, and recreational activities. Founded in 1909, GMF was run as a private conservation effort for nearly a century. During that time the forest was used for both research and working forestry. In 2003, the forest was permanently protected under a Forest

Legacy conservation easement, funded by the State of Connecticut and the US Forest Service. In 2009, the land was put under the control of our non-profit. Our mission is to carry on the conservation and research, done in the previous hundred years, and to educate the public in issues of conservation, land management, and forest health.

06/10/2026

🎋 Experience the Art of Sumi-e at Great Mountain Forest 🎋
Step into a centuries-old tradition and discover the quiet beauty of Japanese ink painting surrounded by nature. Join artist Joanne Watsi for a peaceful, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the basics of sumi-e—from grinding ink and loading the brush to creating simple, mindful strokes that capture the essence of the natural world.

This is more than a painting class—it’s a chance to slow down, observe, and create in a calm forest setting.

You’ll explore:
🖌️The philosophy and meditative process behind sumi-e
🖌️Foundational brush techniques
🖌️How to capture nature through simplicity, flow, and observation

🌿 June 20 | 1:00–4:00 PM 📍 Great Mountain Forest
Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours today @ https://greatmountainforest.org/events/

Photos courtesy of Joanne Watsi

06/05/2026

Explore our June calendar for exciting activities and community fun! Don't miss out!

Photo credit: Tom Blagden (2)

06/03/2026

🎶🌲Meet the Forest’s Feathered Rock Star 🎸🌲

If you’ve ever heard a mysterious drumroll echoing through the woods of Great Mountain Forest and thought, “What on earth is that?” — say hello to the Ruffed Grouse. This brilliantly camouflaged woodland bird doesn’t just show off… he performs.

The male puffs up his fancy neck ruff, hops onto a log, and starts drumming by beating his wings faster and faster — not on the log, but through the air. No drumsticks. Just pure feather-powered flair! It starts with a few slow thumps… builds into a quickening buzz… and ends in a dramatic little forest thunderclap. In about 10 seconds, he can hit up to 50 wingbeats. Honestly, that’s less “bird” and more “one-man woodland concert!”

And it’s not just for fun — this avian flex helps him claim territory and attract a mate. Nature’s version of, “look at me, I’m impressive.” So next time you hear that low, rolling beat in the trees, pause and listen. You’re hearing one of the forest’s most magical performers. 🎶✨ To sign up for our free newsletter, visit greatmountainforest.org

Photo Credit: Christine Warner-Morin (1)

05/27/2026

🌸 Spotlight: Virginia Spring Beauty 🌸

Say hello to one of the first signs of spring at Great Mountain Forest — the beautiful Virginia spring beauty (Claytonia virginica). Delicate, vibrant, and full of life, this early bloomer doesn’t just catch your eye—it’s also a magnet for pollinators!

Did you know?
🐝These blossoms produce plenty of nectar, attracting over 20 species of native bees and insects!
🐝The pink lines on each petal are nature’s own “nectar guides,” leading pollinators to the flower’s colorful stamens.
🐝Their filaments reflect ultraviolet light, making the nectar even easier for insects to find.
🐝On cloudy days and at night, these flowers close up tight, protecting their precious pollen until the sun comes out again.

Keep your eyes peeled on the forest floor—these tiny blooms are easy to miss, but spotting one is a sure sign that spring has arrived at Great Mountain Forest! 🌿💖

Photo Credit: GMF Archive (1); Kevin Faccenda (2); Katja Schulz (3)

05/26/2026

Ignite your creativity with Great Mountain Forest's Nature Writing Retreat. Enjoy a weekend of compelling discussions, engaging workshops, and inspiring nature walks.

🌳Space is limited. Register today! https://greatmountainforest.org/writing-retreat-2026/

05/20/2026

🌲 Great Mountain Forest Nature Writing Retreat — August 7–9, 2026🌲

This August, discover inspiration where nature meets the written word. Join us for the First Annual Nature Writing Retreat at the historic Yale Camp, nestled in the heart of Great Mountain Forest, Falls Village, CT.

What to Expect:
🔸 Six exclusive workshops led by award-winning authors and experts
🔸 Guided field observations, reflective writing sessions, and vibrant discussion
🔸 Opportunities to reflect on the legacy of Hal Borland, legendary NYT nature columnist
🔸 A chance to have your work published in our online anthology this fall
🔸 Delicious meals and refreshments included
🔸 Optional onsite accommodations

Early bird registration ends May 31 — final deadline July 24. Limited spots available!

📚 Writers of all levels are welcome. Student discounts available by request.
Learn more & register: greatmountainforest.org/writing-retreat-2026

✉️ [email protected] 📞 860-824-8188
Immerse yourself in one of New England’s most storied landscapes and let your creativity flourish.

Photo Credit: Tom Blagden (1 & 4)

05/13/2026

🌿 May is American Wetlands Month — Time to Explore the Swamp! 💛 From late April through May, wetlands come alive with a golden glow—thanks to the Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris). These bold, bright blooms are a true wetland wonder!

💛 Fun Fact: Marsh Marigold isn’t a Marigold! Don’t let the name fool you—it is actually a member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), not related to garden marigolds at all! In Latin, Ranunculus means “little frog," and Caltha palustris, translates to “cup of the swamp,” making its name a perfect match for a plant that loves soggy spots! Instead of petals, Marsh Marigold flashes 5–9 glossy, golden sepals—like nature’s own waxy jewels—surrounding a sunny center packed with stamens and pistils. By summer, its leaves can reach 5 inches across, and the plant forms lush mounds about 1½ feet tall and wide. When summer heat arrives, the plant goes dormant, but not before making the swamp look almost tropical.

Essential for Wildlife Marsh Marigold isn’t just beautiful—it’s vital!
🐝 Early nectar and pollen for bees, beetles, butterflies, and even hummingbirds
🌿Seeds provide snacks for songbirds

This American Wetlands Month, let’s celebrate the wild beauty of plants that thrive where water meets land. When Marsh Marigolds bloom, the swamp doesn’t just wake up—it shines. 💛🌿

Photo Credit: Charos Pix (1)

05/12/2026

Interested in learning how hunting can support wildlife and forest management goals? Join us for a practical half-day course with professionals from CT Agricultural Experiment Station and the Division of State Environmental Police to explore the role of hunting access, liability, and stewardship.

Register Today! Seats are limited: https://greatmountainforest.org/hosting-hunters-on-your-land/

Photo courtesy of Tom Blagden.

05/06/2026

🌳🐝 Forests: The Overlooked Home of Pollinator Diversity 🌳🐝 Did you know that forests cover 80% of the Northeast and provide habitat to two-thirds of its bee species? Yet, their vital role for pollinators has gone largely unstudied.

🌳That’s why the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is excited to work at Great Mountain Forest in collaboration with Professor Katie Turo's bee research lab at Fordham University (katieturo.com). Using specialized canopy sampling and advanced pollen analysis, they’re working in 26 sugarbushes across the Northeast to create a comprehensive dataset on bee-plant interactions in forest ecosystems. This research, generously supported by Allen Family Philanthropies, is uncovering which flowers— including often-overlooked trees — bees prefer to forage on.

🌎💚By shifting our focus to forest pollinators, we’re protecting biodiversity at every level and supporting the mission of the Xerces Society: to conserve pollinators, protect endangered species, and reduce pesticide impacts across North America. Let’s give forests — and the bees that call them home — the attention they deserve.🌎💚 To learn more about our research visit greatmountainforest.org.

Photo Credit: Dr. Katie Turo and Dr. Kass Urban-Mead

Address

Admin Office: 10 Station Place
Norfolk, CT
06058

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 1pm
Tuesday	8am - 1pm
Wednesday	8am - 1pm
Thursday	8am - 1pm

Telephone

(860) 824-8188

Website

http://www.greatmountainforest.org/

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