Connecticut in Winter: Why Wildlife Lovers Shouldn’t Hibernate, According to an Expert

Nature doesn’t take the winter off — it just changes its wardrobe. Connecticut still has plenty to offer for nature and animal lovers, as our wildlife correspondent Jen “The Zookeeper” often reminds us. She and I were recently talking about some of the amazing places you can explore even when the temperatures drop. Here’s what she had to say:

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Winter is right around the corner! Connecticut winters are like nature’s lab experiment: everything’s frozen, quiet, and slightly judging you for leaving the couch. But if you’re bold enough to venture out, here are three great parks where you can combine exercise, observation, and light hypothermia (just kidding — dress warmly).

Devil’s Hopyard State Park (East Haddam): Chapman Falls turns into an icy sculpture here, a live demo of water losing kinetic energy and turning into solid art. Each frozen droplet is like a tiny physics lesson — one you can post on Instagram before your fingers stop cooperating. Science takeaway: Phase change! Liquid → solid. Also, gravity never takes a snow day.

Bigelow Hollow State Park (Union): This park is a snow-lover’s dream — cross-country skiers, animal tracks, and trees in their skeletal winter glory. Snow insulates the ground, so under those sparkly layers, soil microbes are having a cozy party. Science takeaway: Insulation works both ways — snow keeps soil warm and your sneakers cold.

Chatfield Hollow State Park (Killingworth): Part rock garden, part geology lesson. As temperatures swing, rocks crack from frost weathering — basically nature’s slow-motion version of popcorn. Quiet, eerie, beautiful. Science takeaway: Expansion and contraction from freezing water can literally reshape the landscape.

Read More: Why Connecticut's Wildlife Seems to Be Losing It's Mind Lately 

Final Thoughts: Winter in Connecticut isn’t just for hibernation — it’s for fieldwork in a down jacket. You’ll witness physics, biology, and geology in action… and maybe question your life choices halfway through a frozen trail. But hey, that’s science.

Keep it wild!

More on Jen the Zookeeper

Jen has spent more than 30 years immersed in the fields of animal care, conservation, and science education. As the former Director of Animal Care for The New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she oversaw the care of native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey while educating the public about the important roles these wild neighbors play in our ecosystem.

Her experience also includes time with both the Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, where she focused on the care of African and Asian wildlife and helped teach visitors about the delicate balance between humans and natural habitats.

Later, while working at a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, California, Jen played a key role in training and handling nearly 50 exotic species. She also developed educational programs for at-risk and foster youth, helping historically underserved kids build trust, confidence, and healing connections with the non-releasable animals at the sanctuary.

In addition to her extensive wildlife work, Jen has experience in horse and dog training, animal control, veterinary care, and all things conservation education. Today, she owns and operates Jen Kotkin Pet Care, where she provides personalized care, exercise, and enrichment for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more.