Meigs Point Nature Center - Grass and Roots Family

During our recent trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park to climb the jetty and crab off the rocks at Meigs Point, we discovered the Meigs Point Nature Center. It had been quite a long time since we had visited and somehow this amazing place had flewn under our radar.

The nature center is packed full of nature exhibits, interactive activities, marine life, educational programs, and a large touch tank. There is even a live Osprey Camera giving you the opportunity to see these beautiful birds up close and in real time.

The nature center is open year round and they host a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year. During the Summer they have an extensive Summer Program Schedule offering everything from nature walks to animal presentations.

Here is a preview of what you will find during a trip to the Meigs Point Nature Center.

In The Water

This room is where you will find the large touch tank, as well as habitats for different types of marine life. There are fresh water, brackish, and saltwater tanks as wells as a salt marsh habitat.

In The Air

Here you will learn about butterflies, moths, and local birds of Hammonasset. You will also want to spend some time watching the Live Osprey Cam to observe these beautiful birds up close in real time.

Live Osprey Cam

In The Woods

This room is where you will learn about turtles, frogs, snakes, bugs and trees. There are habitats located around the room where you can find your favorite amphibian or reptile. The turtles love visitors, and you will find them either swimming happily in the water, or sunning themselves on the rocks.

At The Beach

This room is filled with all things ocean and beach. There are interactive screens to learn about marine life and a video about Hammonasset. Around the room you will find interesting displays such as the one above containing a whale tooth and vertebrae. There is also a very impressive collection of arrowheads and other artifacts on display.

Gift Shop

The gift shop has a perfect selection of nature merchandise and souvenirs to remember your visit. You will find everything from jewelry, to books, to clothing and hats. There is something for everyone at this great little store.

Sustainability

Meigs Point Nature Center and Hammonasset State Park really do their part in helping to protect our environment. Here you see they have 4 designated trash bins: Recycle, Returnable, Compost and Trash. There is also an interactive screen in which you can learn about green energy sources such as geothermal and solar.

Beach Combing Sand Box

This beach combing sand box is located outside the entrance of the nature center and the kids will enjoy digging and playing in the sand.

Pollinator Gardens

Truly my favorite part of our Meigs Point Nature Center experience was discovering the many pollinator gardens located next to the building. We could have spent all day watching the very happy bees and butterflies enjoy their lush environment. The sprawling gardens consisting of both flowers and vegetable plants are meticulously maintained by volunteers. Not only are these gardens beautiful, they serve the very important purpose of giving bees and butterflies the environment they need to exist and thrive.

A huge thank you to Friends of Hammonasset, CT DEP, CT State Parks, Ranger Russ Miller, and all of the employees and volunteers who work so hard to make Meigs Point and Hammonasset State park such an amazing resource for us right here in Connecticut.

Make it a day trip, ride your bike, pack a picnic and enjoy all that Hammonasset Beach State Park and Meigs Point Nature Center have to offer.

This weekend October 5th and 6th, Friends of Hammonasset will host the 9th Annual Hammonasset Festival at the Guilford Fairgrounds. This two day event honors the environment and Native American cultures and is sure to be a fun filled day for the entire family.

Check the calendar for more great family events throughout the year.