White Memorial Conservation Center

The White Memorial Conservation Center is a nature museum and environmental education center located on 4000 acres of land in Litchfield, Connecticut. The center was opened in 1964. The center is located in the former home of Alain White and his sister. The center operates the nature museum which brings exhibits to visitors that interpret local natural history, ecology and conservation. There is also a museum store onsite. Those who want to engage in long-term study of nature can utilize the dormitories and classroom for onsite learning. The outdoor area surrounding the nature museum serves as a wildlife sanctuary and is maintained by the White Memorial Foundation. The land includes water, woodlands, fields, campgrounds, boating facilities, hiking trails and large areas for recreation and educational gatherings. There are several campgrounds including the Pine Grove Group Campgrounds used for non-profit youth groups, the Windmill Hill Family Campground and the Point Holly Family Campground. Visitors can boat in the Bantam Lake and the Bantam River. Both locations offer opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The land is also a popular destination for bird watching and is home to a variety of water and land birds permanently and seasonally. There is more than 35 miles worth of trails at the center that off hiking, skiing, biking, cross-country and horseback riding.