Friday, Sept. 13 was a lucky evening for Woodcock Nature Center as it held its annual Under the Harvest Moon event. This year’s annual sold-out event was held in Woodcock’s picturesque candlelit pavilion for nearly 200 attendees and raised over $30,000 for the Nature Center’s programs in environmental education.
Guests arrived in their “campground chic” for a relaxed evening of food, music and more. All proceeds from the event support Woodcock’s well-loved environmental education initiatives which include local outreach, school programs, camp scholarships and a variety of family events and adult education activities aimed at connecting with our natural world.
“The board and staff at Woodcock Nature Center wish to express their gratitude to sponsor Fairfield County Bank and long-standing supporters Claude and Jennifer Amadeo as well as all the dedicated volunteers, friends and local businesses who helped to make the event a success,” commented executive director Lenore Herbst. “And of course, a huge thank you to all our attendees for their generous support.”
A highlight of the evening was a tasting of food carefully prepared by local chef Sarah Bouïssou of Sarah’s Wine Bar, who skillfully prepared the evening’s delectable meal from a selection of surprise fresh produce donated only two days prior from Wilton’s Ambler Farm and Ridgefield’s Horseshoe Farm and The Hickories.
Ridgefield’s No. 109 Cheese & Wine provided a sampling of artisanal cheeses and appetizers, and a generous wine-tasting selection was poured by Betsy Thompson of Cellar XV (also in Ridgefield). Guests enjoyed music by local musician and Horseshoe Farm owner Pete Campbell. Dave Kaye and Sarah Zitnay from Nod Hill Brewery were on hand to offer a tasting of their craft beers alongside selections of Two Roads and Palm. Even Elma, a resident box turtle at Woodcock, made an appearance to greet guests.
The evening included a silent and live auction for a variety of items including unique Woodcock experiences such as catered dinners and a movie night on the 150-acre preserve, gift cards from local restaurants, children and family experiences such as animal encounters and birthday parties and, a very popular VIP Wreath Festival package.
