Welcome to ELCCT
Where Education and
Conservation Meet.
Enter Now to Win!
We are raffling off one winning ticket to an incredibly unique experience! A home visit with Santa and Elf Kevin.
Located in central Connecticut, you’ll find the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center. Your avenue to nature experiences on 132 acres, including the neighboring Pigeon Hill Preserve property, which is home to over 5 miles of trails through woodlands, wetlands, and wildflower fields.
Our environmental education programs are offered at the public Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center, the private Indian Rock Nature Preserve, and the schools of Connecticut, reaching over 20,000 students from over 70 Connecticut communities each year!
Our mission is to…“Inspire the appreciation and enjoyment of nature, through education and conservation, fostering a healthy environment and an improved quality of life.”
Support the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut
As a not-for-profit organization, our programs and conservation efforts rely on your support.
First two weekends of December
Santa’s Walking Wonderland
ELCCT’s annual holiday spectacular held at the Indian Rock Nature Preserve!
Our events
Find out more
about our upcoming special events and education programs
One of a kind in the state of Connecticut! The Wallace Barnes Nature Trail began construction in March of 2023. This soon to be one mile-long nature trail will be fully accessible to people using wheelchairs, strollers, walkers and other mobility devices.
The trail is located at the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center. The trail will feature benches, pull off sheltered areas, and signage as it leads you through various habitats.
Gemco Manufacturing
Thomaston Savings Bank