Town & Country Garden Club of Newtown has two public events planned within as many weeks this month.

The first event invites readers to step into spring with an afternoon adventure at Orchard Hill Nature Center, 22 Huntingtown Road. On Saturday, May 9, from 1-4 pm, guided nature walks hosted by members of the garden club, in partnership with Newtown Parks & Recreation and Newtown Lions Club, will be offered.

Small groups will travel along the scenic trails of Orchard Hill Nature Center. Tours will begin at the parking area and wind through peaceful forest paths, opening up to a charming brook and a stunning waterfall.

Along the way, guests will discover the remains of an 1855 mill, complete with a man-made dam and a series of cascading falls and pools framed by dramatic granite ledges.

The walk is designed to be easy and enjoyable for all ages, thanks to well maintained wooded paths and boardwalks. Guides will point out a variety of native plants, including ferns and wildflowers. Plant ID signs will also educate guests while they explore the area.

Each tour will last about 45 minutes, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, discovery, and local history.

For more information, reach out to Josie Schmidt at josieschmidtct@gmail.com or Arline Shanley amshanley@yahoo.com.

Learn About Pollinators

Town and Country Garden Club will then host its final program of the 2025-26 season, an engaging and timely presentation focused on the vital role of pollinators in our environment.

On Wednesday, May 13, at 7 pm, Holly Kocet will present “Everything You Need to Know About Pollinators” at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street. The free event will offer an opportunity to learn how these small but essential creatures impact everyday life and how communities can help protect them.

Pollinators — including bees, butterflies, and other species — are a crucial part of the intricate web that supports biodiversity. They are responsible for the reproduction of approximately 90% of flowering plants and one-third of the food crops humans rely on.

Despite their importance, pollinator populations in Connecticut and beyond are declining, raising concerns about environmental health and food sustainability.

Kocet’s presentation will explore the characteristics and needs of various pollinator species, while also highlighting practical steps individuals and communities can take to create supportive habitats. Her talk aims to inspire attendees to take an active role in conservation efforts close to home.

A founding member of Protect Our Pollinators, a regional advocacy group, Kocet brings years of experience and passion to the topic. She is a 2013 UConn advanced master gardener and previously worked as a propagator at Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery in Woodbury, where she developed a strong interest in native plants that support pollinators and wildlife.

She also currently serves as chair of Newtown Conservation Commission and as conservation chair for The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut.

Those interested in attending or learning more about the Town and Country Garden Club, including membership opportunities, are encouraged to reach out via e-mail at townandcountrygardenclubct@gmail.com.