Connecticut’s Best Places for Interactive Trails and Environmental Education

Jen the Zookeeper has been a recurring guest on the I-95 Morning Show for a while now, and after almost every segment, our inbox fills up with people wanting to learn more. That kind of response is one of the big reasons we keep bringing her back — that, and the fact that she’s just a genuinely great person.

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All that curiosity got us thinking about other places around Connecticut where listeners could explore nature and learn even more outside of the show. So, Jen put together a short list of her favorite spots that can scratch that itch and give people the hands-on knowledge they’re looking for.

Here are a few of Jen’s recommendations, in her own words.

Looking for interactive nature trails and hands-on environmental education? Try these three local gems.

If you’re hoping to blend outdoor adventure with meaningful learning, three nature centers in Fairfield County stand out: New Canaan Nature Center, Earthplace in Westport, and the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. Each offers a mix of scenic trails, wildlife encounters, and engaging programs for all ages.

New Canaan Nature Center features peaceful walking paths, gardens, wetlands, and woodlands that make exploration easy and inviting. Visitors can meet a variety of educational animals on-site, and the center regularly leads tours and offers classes on topics ranging from local ecosystems to seasonal wildlife. This one holds a special place in Jen the Zookeeper’s heart, as she is the former director of animal care there.

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Earthplace is known for its strong focus on environmental stewardship and science education. Its interactive exhibits, animal hall, and wooded trails create a hands-on learning environment. Earthplace also cares for many educational ambassador animals and hosts guided hikes, nature programs, and themed classes throughout the year.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center blends nature with art, history, and agriculture. Along its forested trails and working farm, guests can explore educational animal exhibits, meet farm animals up close, and take part in frequent tours, workshops, and classes that highlight everything from forest ecology to sustainable farming.

Whether you’re seeking quiet time outdoors or planning a memorable learning experience for curious kids, these three centers offer some of the best interactive trails, educational animals, and nature-based programs in the region. This season is a great time to visit, as the grounds tend to be a bit quieter.

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.